PC software is a wide collection of tools and programs designed to make your computer more useful, productive or entertaining. This includes word processors, music and video game consoles, design and graphics software and online communication tools like Skype or Google Hangouts.
System software is the core that brings everything together; it handles how hardware and request programs work together. It’s also the first program that loads into memory when the computer system turns on.
Speccy
Speccy (free), from the makers of Piriform’s other popular system-information utilities, offers a sleek, visually appealing interface for probing deep into your PC’s hardware. With the click of a button, it digs up information on your motherboard, CPU, GPU and storage devices.
It also saves a snapshot of this information, and allows you to compare it with other computers in the same operating environment. It can even monitor the temperature of your CPU and storage device, displaying it in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. The application supports multiple languages for its interface and can update itself automatically or manually. It even has a built-in help file and can skip the User Account Control prompts.
IObit Advanced SystemCare
IObit Advanced SystemCare has plenty of features and functions but it never feels bloated or resource-hungry. The Pro version adds real-time tuneup, a registry defrag function and more.
It has a clean, modern-looking interface and the scan button is front and center for those who just want to use it. However, the initial installation process includes a number of 3rd party software download recommendations that may go unnoticed by users who do not regularly download applications.
IObit Advanced SystemCare Free provides basic device optimization tools and a handy software updater with a hefty amount of security features. A robust malware scanner, privacy traces sweep and digital fingerprint protection round out the package.
CCleaner
CCleaner is one of the oldest PC cleaners and still a popular choice for many users. It removes temporary files that eat up disk space, invalid Windows Registry entries and eliminates malicious programs from the system.
It has a Startup module that displays programs that run when the computer boots and lets you add, disable or hide entries in this list. It also scans for duplicate files to free up more hard drive space.
The Professional version of CCleaner includes Speccy, which can extend the lifespan of your hardware and reduce IT support costs. It identifies hardware errors that can cause reoccurring problems and recommends updates.
Torrent Clients
Torrent clients facilitate downloads using BitTorrent, a peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol. They enable users to share large files without requiring a central server or website.
Features vary widely, from magnet links and web seeding to scheduling options. It is important to look for a torrent client that doesn’t contain ads or other intrusive elements that can consume system resources.
A good choice is qBittorent, which is open source and works with Macs, Windows, and Linux. It’s fast, easy to use, and has a clean distribution. It also supports encryption and a customizable upload ratio. Choosing the right settings can help maximize download speed and network performance.
Instant Messaging Clients
Instant messaging is a form of pc software that allows users to send near instantaneous text messages. The client software logs into a server to communicate with other IM clients that are logged in at the same time.
Most IM applications also include the ability to exchange electronic files and video. Some offer voice and video calls, conference services, news channels, logging of conversations and group chats.
Some IM applications allow users to play computer games within the application. This is especially popular with younger computer savvy demographics. In the business environment, enterprise messaging applications like Lotus Sametime, Jabber and Microsoft LCS provide centralized server-based network functionality and support for multiple protocols.
Web Browsers
Web browsers are the software that allow us to browse the World Wide Web. They work by retrieving data from a server and interpreting it into HTML code so that we can view the information on our device screen.
The most popular browsers include Chrome, Firefox and Safari. Each has its own set of features and functions. For example, Chrome offers a variety of extensions that enable users to tailor their browsing experience. These extensions range from ad blockers to productivity tools.
Other key features of a web browser include bookmarks (for saving URLs), synchronization across devices, privacy mode and download options. Some browsers also feature a history manager.