Free Must-Have Netbook Apps
Expand your desktop space, secure your system, edit photos, and more with these powerful but lightweight programs.
Expand your desktop space, secure your system, edit photos, and more with these powerful but lightweight programs.
by Joanna Stern on Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Finding software for netbooks can present challenges due to limited hard drive space, processor power, RAM, and screen real-estate. That doesn't mean you have to do without essential programs. The apps below cover all the bases -- entertainment, productivity, security, and communication -- without compromising on performance or usability. Best of all, they're free!
Free Must-Have Netbook Apps
360 Desktop
Price: Free
This small piece of software widens your desktop and lets you scroll in 360 degrees.
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AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0
Price: Free
AVG Free 8.0 will protect your Windows system against adware, identity theft, spyware and, of course, viruses—all without disrupting performance.
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Digsby
Price: Free
Digsby lets you log in and chat via AOL Instant Messenger, Facebook Chat, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, Windows Live Messenger, and Yahoo Messenger in one centralized window.
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Dropbox
Price: Free
The answer to your netbook’s limited onboard storage, Dropbox also prevents the tedious task of transferring files from your primary computer to your mini-notebook.
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Gmail Offline
Price: Free
Now Gmail users can access their messages and attachments, even without a Wi-Fi connection, through Gmail Offline.
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Launchy
Price: Free
Forget digging through the Start menu to find programs with your netbook’s tiny touchpad.
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OpenOffice 3.0
Price: Free
When your 60-day trial of Microsoft Office expires, turn to this open-source productivity suite.
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Paint.Net
Price: Free
A high-end photo-editing program like Adobe Photoshop simply won’t run smoothly on today’s netbook. But Paint.Net can get the job done—for free.
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VLC Media Player
Price: Free
Skip Microsoft Media Player’s video codec problems. VLC Media Player is a one-stop shop for playing back videos on your netbook.
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