Technology is constantly evolving, and with that evolution comes the need to upgrade our hardware and software. But what happens to the old devices we leave behind? Many of us have old Microsoft Windows computers collecting dust in a corner or closet, but before you consider tossing it out or recycling it, consider giving it a second life. With the right applications, you can turn that old computer into a useful tool once again.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best applications you can install on your old Microsoft Windows computer to make it useful again.
- Linux Operating System
One of the most common reasons people upgrade their computers is to improve performance. But if your old computer is slow, it may be due to the operating system. Windows operating systems can be resource-heavy, so consider switching to a lightweight Linux-based operating system. Linux operating systems are free and open-source, and they require fewer resources than Windows. Some popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora.
- LibreOffice
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Microsoft Office, LibreOffice is an excellent choice. LibreOffice includes applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. It’s compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, so you can easily open and edit your existing documents. LibreOffice is also available on Windows, Linux, and macOS, so you can use it on any computer.
- GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editing program. It’s an excellent alternative to Adobe Photoshop, and it’s available on Windows, Linux, and macOS. GIMP has a steep learning curve, but it’s a powerful tool once you master it. With GIMP, you can edit photos, create graphics, and more.
- VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player that can play almost any audio or video file format. It’s available on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and it’s lightweight and easy to use. VLC Media Player also includes features like subtitle support, audio and video effects, and playlist creation.
- Audacity
If you’re looking to do some audio editing, Audacity is a great choice. Audacity is a free and open-source audio editing program that’s available on Windows, Linux, and macOS. With Audacity, you can record and edit audio, remove noise, and apply effects.
- VirtualBox
If you want to run multiple operating systems on your old computer, VirtualBox is a great tool. VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization program that allows you to run multiple operating systems on one computer. With VirtualBox, you can run Windows, Linux, macOS, and other operating systems simultaneously.
- Bitwarden
If you’re concerned about your online security, Bitwarden is a great password manager to consider. Bitwarden is a free and open-source password manager that can store and generate strong passwords. It’s available on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and it can sync your passwords across multiple devices.
Conclusion
There are many applications you can install on your old Microsoft Windows computer to make it useful again. Whether you’re looking to improve performance, edit photos or audio, or improve your online security, there’s an application that can help. By giving your old computer a second life, you’re not only saving money, but you’re also reducing electronic waste. So, before you toss out that old computer, consider installing some of these applications and see how you can make it useful again.
