In the past, minority has recommended some great macOS free apps on GitHub. This time, we’ve rounded up some Windows free apps on GitHub. This issue will recommend four categories: text related, document management, efficiency improvement, system beautification.
(Note: Before downloading, it is recommended to visit the Github page for updates and compatibility. If other systems are supported, they are indicated below.)
Text-related classes 📝
Programmer’s favorite lightweight editor: NotePad++
NotePad++ is a lightweight code editor. Win32 API and STL written in C++. The editing module is a powerful Scintilla, with many enhanced functions and algorithms. Good editing efficiency can be achieved at lower CPU power.
NotePad++ is more programmer-friendly than notepad that comes with Windows. With support for various codings (Notepad default is ANSI, poor Compatibility with Linux), simple and clean code coloring, high execution efficiency. I think NotePad++ is the perfect replacement for notepad.
- Making the address
- NotePad++ official website address
- NotePad++
Lightweight PDF reader: Sumatra PDF
Sumatra PDF is a lightweight PDF reader. In addition to PDF reading, Sumatra PDF also supports EPUB, MOBI, XPS, DjVu, CHM and other formats. Powerful, compact and portable, and extremely fast to start.
Sumatra PDF’s developer stated that “a cleaner user interface is a priority”, which is a good indication of where it is heading. If you don’t need a lot of complicated features and just want to watch a PDF document in peace, Sumatra PDF is for you.
- Making the address
- Sumatra PDF official website
- Download Sumatra PDF from the official website
Clean UWP style note-taking app: Knowte
Knowte is a clean, local note-taking app with few features but enough for daily use. The editor is also a simple text editor, made more pure by the few Settings and shortcuts.
The overall design adopts the UWP style, the UI is simple and clear, the hierarchy is clear, but also can automatically correspond to the system theme color, looks very comfortable. If you lack a little note-taking for ideas, try Knowte.
- Making the address
- Knowte official website address
- Knowte’s official website download
File management 📁
Multi-function media Management Center: MediaPortal 2
If you don’t want to buy any TV boxes, you just want to watch video on your PC on your TV. Is there an alternative to using the TV as a giant monitor?
Yes, MediaPortal 2 can turn a PC into a multifunctional media management center. When it is connected to the TV, files such as videos, photos and music from the computer can be displayed directly on the TV. If you have an old PC that you don’t use anymore, you might as well give it MediaPortal 2 and give it a second lease of life on your TV.
Unfortunately, this software is very poor support for Chinese, the first open will show garbled, there is no way to set the language, there seems to be no solution in the domestic and foreign forums. So I switched the system language and recorded a GIF. If MediaPortal 2 is good and you want to use it for the long term, you can set the language in the order shown in the diagram.
- Making the address
- MediaPortal 2 official website
- MediaPortal 2
E-book manager: Calibre
Calibre, the e-book manager that Kindle users are familiar with, is also high-quality open source software. Calibre can manage almost any e-book format, and all ebook-related operations can be done within Calibre’s software. Library management, format conversion, news access, e-book editing… Almost anything.
I can’t think of any reason not to use the new version, which has improved so much since it was a bit backward in appearance. If you’re an e-book lover, you can’t miss this gadget.
- Making the address
- Calibre’s official website address
- Calibre official website download
- Calibre supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Video lead manager: Zogvm
Zogvm is a homegrown software that developers define as a “local audio and video management system: Zogvm” and can index audio and video files at a speed comparable to Everything. You can also download subtitles in batches, view detailed media information, and clean up duplicate files. The interface is simple, but incredibly powerful.
- Making the address
- Developer: “A lot of people think it’s ugly, if you’re an artist, come help me… or don’t.”
Efficiency improvement 🔑
Premium open source launcher: Wox
Wox is a quick launcher similar to Alfred for macOS and Listary for Windows. It can launch programs, execute command lines, search web pages, and customize various functions.
The software is being optimized and many of the previous problems have been solved. It’s now an efficiency starter in its own right.
- Making the address
- Wox website address
- Wox download address
Related reading:
- Alfred for Windows, free open source productivity starter: Wox
- To the Windows advanced users advanced, 10 efficiency tools to help you open this | newbie question mark
Global mouse gesture: WGestures
WGestures makes mouse gestures easier by reducing trivial gestures to a lot of gestures. For example, after selecting the text, the next slide can enter Baidu search. Also added trigger Angle, friction edge and other interesting functions.
Pure mouse operation may also be a good alternative to the pure keyboard operation advocated by Wox and Listary.
- Making the address
- WGestures website
Local password management software KeePassX
KeePassX is a local password management software, it is a port of KeePass, now is a full platform password management software.
The overall is very simple, password function is sufficient, using AES256 and Twofish algorithm to encrypt the password. Supports automatic sorting and quick backup.
- Making the address
- KeePassX official website address
- KeePassX official website download
- KeePassX supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
System beautification class 💻
Font rendering enhancement: MacType
Poor font rendering has always been a big problem with Windows, and MacType was born for this. It can change the font display of the system through registry loading, service loading, tray loading and other safe forms. Bring us better visual effects.
- Making the address
- MacType official website address
- MacType Download address
- The MacType of an earlier version is incompatible with the latest version of Windows. If a character error occurs after the OS is updated, update the MacType in a timely manner.
Taskbar transparency: TranslucentTB
This is a small plug-in that makes the menu bar at the bottom of Windows blurry and completely transparent.
- Making the address
- TranslucentTB download
Powerful desktop beautification software: Rainmeter
Rainmeter is an extremely powerful desktop animation software that has built a strong community with the help of many users, allowing for a high degree of desktop customization.
In addition to adding unique ICONS to the desktop, it also supports dynamic desktop, display time, display CPU status. Just like this desktop, the overall pixel style is given priority to, functional ICONS are displayed on the right side, and CPU status can be displayed in the lower right corner. If you want to make your desktop more special, you’ll love Rainmeter.
- Making the address
- Rainmeter’s official website
- Rainmeter download address