Looking to upgrade your home office? Here are some of the best apps for Windows 10 that you can get for free.
Having a home office comes with benefits. There is no commuting, formal dress code, or fixed hours. And things could get better if you have the right tools with you. So, here’s a list of apps that can help you improve your job performance and productivity.
1. PeaZip
PeaZip is a free open-source program to compress, manage, and encrypt files. Currently, the app supports more than 180 formats.
This is a great app to include in your home office tools as it has an impressive number of features. Use it to convert multiple archives in one go, split files, create self-extracting archives, find duplicate files, or send archives via email.
If you haven’t used it before, the site has online tutorials and PDFs available for download to get you accustomed to PeaZip. A Help tab appears when you open the app. You might not need the tutorials as the interface is well-designed and the default settings are suitable for most users.
When you want to archive a file, all you have to do is drag the file over PeaZip’s icon and you can unpack an archive using the same method. Create a two-step verification process with a key file and a password to make your archive more secure. Also, PeaZip comes with a file shredder that permanently deletes any information that is no longer necessary.
Download: PeaZip (Free)
2. Bitwarden
If you have the same password for multiple accounts or a lot of stick-it notes with written down passwords, you should use a password manager.
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that keeps your data in an encrypted vault, protected by a single master password. The vault is secured with military-grade AES-256 cipher and your master password is stored on Bitwarden’s servers as a hashed form.
Setting up Bitwarden is quite simple. If you choose to use the desktop app, all you need is your email address and the master password. The web app might be a better choice because it has two-factor authentication and provides access to reports.
If you are working within a team and have to share a large number of accounts, Bitwarden helps you share the credentials carefully. For complex passwords, you can use Bitwarden’s auto-fill features when logging in so you don’t waste time trying to figure out if the password contains the letter O or the number 0.
Download: Bitwarden (Free, subscription available)
3. Dual Monitor Tools
Having a dual monitor setup is well suited for your productivity as you don’t have to constantly switch program windows or struggle to fit multiple windows on a single monitor. What makes it unique is that DMT is a package of individual tools that you can mix according to your preferences.
For example, DMT Swap Screen helps you handle windows in a multiple monitor setup. You can move the current window to the next or previous screen, minimize or maximize the active window, and more.
DMT Cursor controls the behavior of the cursor. You can lock the cursor onto a single screen, add resistance to moving it between screens, or allow it to move freely. The DMT site provides detailed support for each of the tools so you will have no problem learning how to use them.
Download: Dual Monitor Tools (Free)
4. Toggl Track
Toggl keeps time tracking simple. All you have to do is click Start to begin tracking your time for a project and click Stop when you finish working. There is also the option to set keyboard shortcuts.
Toggl allows you to remove unwanted entries so you don’t report time when you are not actually working. Also, you can add time manually for tasks that don’t require using your computer.
This app provides you with an in-depth look at your working habits and how you spend your time. If you don’t want Toggl to record how much time you spend browsing the web with unrelated job tasks, you can set it that way. All you have to do is select the triggers. Once you activate the trigger, Toggl will start tracking your activity.
Using Toggl, you can break down a project into smaller tasks and see how much time each takes. This will show you how to manage future projects and if you have enough time to complete them by yourself.
Another useful feature is the Pomodoro timer. When you are doing a challenging task, you might lose yourself in work and forget to take a break. While this is good for your job, it might not be good for your health. Toggl will remind you to take a break at a set interval of time. It also gives you the chance for a breather if you have been stuck on a problem for some time.
Download: Toggl Track (Free, subscription available)
5. One Calendar
One Calendar is a stylishly designed tool for Windows 10 that helps you keep track of meetings, appointments, or social events by combining all your calendars into a single one. It supports Office 365, Google, Webcal, Live, Hotmail, Outlook, and Facebook calendars.
When you add a new event, One Calendar will display a new window so you can add the event’s name, location, and if it’s a recurring event among other details. You can set multiple criteria to filter the events and even set the most important ones at the top so you will not forget about them.
Also, you can send invites to that event, synchronize it between multiple devices, and use the calendar while being offline. Don’t forget. Time is money and how you spend your time is crucial for your home office success.
Download: One Calendar (Free, in-app purchases available)
6. Invoice Ninja
Invoice Ninja is an open-source platform that facilitates payments to individual workers or smaller businesses for their products and services. This tool helps you create polished and professional-looking invoices. You can include the client’s name, project details, and branding elements such as your company’s logo.
Clients can view the invoice online or download and print it for their records. Clients don’t have to leave the system to complete the payment so it can be done instantly. Also, Invoice Ninja integrates with more than 40 payment gateways so you shouldn’t have any problem processing payments.
There’s no need to worry if you haven’t used an invoice app before. The site offers a user guide, videos and tutorials, and more. Also, other useful resources such as business book reviews or a freelancer guide are available.
Download: Invoice Ninja (Free, subscription available)
Upgrade Your Home Office
The apps listed within this article make your life easier as you work from the comfort of your home. From having the right tool for file formats to tracking your working habits, these apps will help you face the challenges of a home office.