Articles about Free Software

When people ask whether Linux can run Photoshop, the answer is usually no. But many users discover that GIMP is not only a capable alternative, it offers features that stand on their own. The latest development release, GIMP 3.1.4, moves closer to the upcoming 3.2 milestone, introducing early versions of two highly requested features, along with a wide range of updates across the full application.

GIMP 3.1.4 marks the second development release leading up to GIMP 3.2 and adds link layers and vector layers, both designed for non-destructive editing.

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Synchredible 9 is the latest version of the popular free Windows backup and synchronization tool that aims to make managing files and folders less of a chore.

The program has long been known for its flexible scheduling and detailed sync options, and this latest release brings a series of updates designed to improve speed, usability, and reliability.

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IObit has announced the launch of Uninstaller 15, the latest version of its popular software removal tool for Windows.

The new release offers an upgraded uninstall engine, expanded database of stubborn programs, and improved automation features for faster, cleaner and easier removal of unwanted software.

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Mountain Duck is a handy desktop tool that lets users mount server and cloud storage accounts as local drives in Finder on macOS and File Explorer on Windows. This allows remote files to be opened, edited, and saved directly in applications as if they were stored on the computer itself.

Iterate GmbH, which also makes one-stop cloud storage client Cyberduck, has released Mountain Duck 5, a major upgrade and the first since version 4 arrived in June 2020. This update introduces new features, faster performance, and improved compatibility across platforms.

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TweakNow AutoDark 1.0 is a new, free Windows 11 tool that automatically switches between light and dark mode based on your schedule, without the need for manual changes. It can even sync your wallpapers with the chosen theme and delay transitions during full-screen apps or games.

The app is very straightforward to use. Once installed, all the options are presented in a single screen, so you can set it up how you'd like in a few mouse clicks.

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Syncthing 2.0 has arrived, promising faster syncing, a new database system, and a number of major fixes and improvements. This open source program lets you sync files directly between computers in real time, keeping them private, encrypted, and fully under your control without the need for a central server.

Syncthing offers a simple promise: your files stay yours. You decide where they are stored, how they are transmitted between devices, and who gets access.

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According to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, API-related breaches have increased nearly 40 percent year-on-year, with broken authorization cited as one of the most exploited flaws.

Now though Intruder, a leader in attack surface management, has launched Autoswagger -- a free, open-source tool that scans OpenAPI-documented APIs for broken authorization vulnerabilities.

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IObit has launched Software Updater 8 to manage software updates and installations in a single place. The latest version of the popular tool aims to reduce security risks and save time by offering faster updates, a larger database of programs, and -- because it’s 2025 -- access to a wide range of AI-powered tools.

Keeping software updated can be a hassle, and skipping updates can leave systems exposed to security threats. IObit Software Updater 8 addresses this by scanning for outdated applications and applying the latest official versions with just one click.

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Whether you're dealing with patchy Wi-Fi at home or overseeing a complex office setup, NetSpot 5.0 gives you the tools you need to analyze and improve your wireless coverage.

Now available for Windows and macOS, the latest version brings new features to one of the most approachable Wi-Fi mapping apps for both personal and professional use.

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Windows Restrictions Fixer is a lightweight tool that can detect disabled Windows features and give you the opportunity to re-enable them in just a few clicks.

While it's possible to manually reverse many restrictions through the registry or Group Policy Editor, this app offers a much simpler route for those who prefer not to dig around in system files, or just don’t know where to begin.

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Thunderbird 140 “Eclipse,” is officially here. Released as the latest Extended Support Release, it offers long-term stability and fewer changes over time, handy for users who prioritize reliability over rapid updates.

The latest build introduces new visual tools, improved usability, and behind-the-scenes improvements to one of the most established open-source email clients available today.

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Developer Igor Pavlov has released a new version of 7-Zip, his long-standing and hugely popular file archiving tool.

The 25th edition of the software introduces improvements in compression speed and support for modern multi-core systems, helping power users handle large archives more efficiently.

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If it feels as though it has been a while since PowerToys received an update, that’s because it has been a number of weeks. But now this changes. Microsoft has launched PowerToys v0.92.0 as part of a release cycle that focuses on new features, stability, optimization improvements, and automation.

Every PowerToys release causes fans of the utility suite to ask whether any new modules have been added. This time around there are no completely new utilities to play with, but there a so many modules that have gained new features and improvements that it’s hard to remain disappointed for long.

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Runtime AI defense platform Operant AI is launching Woodpecker, an open-source, automated red teaming engine, that isn't for the birds but aims to make advanced security testing accessible to organizations of all sizes.

As organizations increasingly adopt complex cloud-native applications and AI technologies, security vulnerabilities have become more sophisticated and challenging to detect. Woodpecker is designed to help organizations proactively detect and address security vulnerabilities across AI systems, Kubernetes environments, and APIs.

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There are a number of great tools you can use to improve Windows 10 and 11, including Winhance and BleachBit, both of which have been recently updated.

Crapfixer, which we’ve covered before, is another tool you can use to remove bloat, ads, creepy data collection, and more. It was originally created seven years ago but has been resurrected and completely rewritten for Windows 11. The modern incarnation appeared two weeks ago, and it has now reached the 1.0 milestone, meaning it’s considered stable and safe to use.

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