TheLifehacker Packis an annual snapshot of our favorite, essential applications for each of our favorite platforms.
For a new, no-frills, open-source alternative, you’ve got the option to also giveBeeftexta try.
That said, the app will set you back $35.
Well stick withPhraseExpress, first.
You now, officially, have no reason to put off your tasks any longer.
Microsoft To-Dobuilt by the team that developedWunderlistis worth keeping your eye on.
you’re free to track tasks, drop in reminders, and color-code your various task lists.
Also, if youre tempted to check out Wunderlist, dont get too attached.
If you need an offline (and free) solution, consider the open-source office suiteLibreOffice.
For the basics, LibreOffice is a great alternative.
LibreOffice can bea little fussywhen youre bouncing between the two platforms.
Which UI do you enjoy?
Which surfing app has the extensions you use most (or are most familiar with).
Which feels like less of a performance hog when you have 30 tabs open at once?
Is that enough to tip the scales in Chromes favor?
Operais also a great alternative to both Chrome and Firefox.
If youre chatty, this might be worth checking out as well.
Your smartphone undoubtedly has a video-chat service built in as well.
Microsoft recently updated the app to make it more user-friendly and pack it full of even more useful features.
(Too bad it cant synchronize with Facebook and import your existing contacts.)
The email appeM Clientlooks a lot simpler, but packs plenty of features into its free offering.
Mailbirdis a great alternative.
Microsofts News app is better for getting a quick sense of everything you oughta know right now.
Its not a miracle worker, but its hardware decoding capabilities are formidable.
Thats a lot of work, though.
Instead, consider the freeAdobe Bridge CCapp.
Its not a great photoeditor, but its an excellent photo organizer (for its price).
), because you shouldnt just keep all of your shots collecting digital dust on your hard drive.
Speaking of, be sure to check outGoogle Backup and Sync.
you’re able to edit RAW photos (!
And even then, Spotifys curated playlists and social integrations are much more interesting.
That said, you only get 2GB of free space with the service unless youget creative.
If you need even more than that, considerMega.
The only downside is that Mega has an annoying transfer quota ofaround 1GB or soin a 24-hour time span.
qBittorrent(free)
The free BitTorrent appqBittorrentis a dream.
Its user interface isnt the prettiest, but that wont matter to most people.
Its a great way to keep your code organized, and thats just one of the apps basic features.
Youll sleep easier knowing you didnt accidentally delete a machine-critical software.
Delete these errant items and reclaim your hard drives precious space.
