Best Free Windows Software 2017

• Best Free Windows Software 2017 2018
• Best Free Windows Software 2017 Free
• Best Free Backup Software For Windows 10 2017
• Free Windows 2017 Download

Here are 5 best free antivirus software for 2017. These free antiviruses are handy to protect your PC from viruses and different types of malware (like adware, rootkits, trojans, etc.) in real-time. All the basic and important features are available under each individual antivirus.

These days, almost everything (e.g. photos, music, videos) has gone digital (and that makes sense, as digital content can be conveniently managed, edited, and shared). So how can textual documents stay behind. Thanks to the advancements in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) techniques, it’s now easier than ever to digitize the textual matter in printed/handwritten documents, thus making it editable by word processing programs.

Now, to do that, you need some really good OCR software applications, and that’s exactly what this article is all about. These software can either acquire the source printed documents as images from scanning devices, or you can input your own document images to be converted into editable text. Intrigued? Well then let’s not beat around the bush, and get to the 5 best OCR software.

• List of top & best free software downloads, open source software, freeware, free utilities & tools for Windows 10/8/7 computer. Available as free download.
• Best Photo Organizing Software For Windows 10, 8, 7. Who thought organizing your pictures can be fun. With this list of the best free photo organizer software for Windows 10,8, 7, you get the best way to organize your digital photos. Pick any picture organizing software and start managing your images smartly.

1. ABBYY FineReader

When it comes to Optical Character Recognition, there’s hardly anything that comes even close to ABBYY FineReader. Loaded to the brim with an insane amount of powerhouse features, ABBYY FineReader makes extracting text from all kinds of images a breeze.

Despite toting and extensive list of features, ABBYY FineReader is super simple to use. It can extract text from almost all kinds of popular image formats, such as PNG, JPG, BMP, and TIFF. And that’s not all. ABBYY FineReader can also extract text from PDF and DJVU files. Once the source file or image (which should preferably have a resolution of at least 300 dpi, for optimal scanning) is loaded up, the program analyzes it and automatically determines different sections of the file having extractable text. You can either have all of the text extracted, or choose only some specific sections. After that, all that you need to do is use the Save option to choose the output format, and ABBYY FIneReader will take care of the rest. There are numerous output format supported, such as TXT, PDF, RTF, and even EPUB.

The output text is perfectly editable, and text from even the most content intensive documents (e.g. those having multiple columns and complex layouts) is extracted flawlessly. Other features include extensive language support, numerous font styles/sizes, and image correction tools for files sourced from scanners and cameras.

In a nutshell, if you want the absolute best OCR software out there, complete with extensive input/output format and processing support, go for ABBYY FineReader.

Platform Availability: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP; Mac OS X 10.6 and later

Price: Paid versions start from $169.99, 30 days free trial available

2. Readiris

Best Free Windows Software 2017 2018

On the hunt for an extremely powerful OCR software that’s heavy on features, but doesn’t really take a whole lot of effort to get started with? Take a look at Readiris, as it just might be what you need.

A professional grade application, Readiris has an extensive feature set that’s largely identical to the previously discussed ABBYY FineReader. From BMP to PNG, and from PCX to TIFF, Readiris supports quite a few image formats. Other than that, PDF and DJVU files can be processed just as well. Images can be sourced from scanner devices, and the application also lets you set custom processing parameters to source files/images, such as smoothening and DPI adjustment, before analyzing them. Although Readiris can process lower resolution images just fine, the optimal resolution should be at least 300 dpi. Once analysis is done, Readiris determines text sections (or zones), and the text can be extracted from either specific zones, or the entire file. The extracted text is editable, and can be saved in numerous formats, such as PDF, DOCX, TXT, CSV, and HTM.

What’s more, Readiris Pro’s cloud saving feature lets you directly save your extracted text to different cloud storage services like Dropbox, OneDrive, GoogleDrive, and then some more. There are also a healthy number of text editing/processing features as well, and even barcodes can be scanned.

All in all, you should use Readiris if you want robust text extraction/editing features in a simple to use package, complete with extensive input/output format support. However, Readiris does falter a little bit when it comes to processing documents with complex layouts like multiple columns, tables, etc.

Platform Availability: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP; Mac OS X 10.7 and later

Price: Paid versions start from $99, 10 days free trial available

Best Free Windows Software 2017 Free

3. FreeOCR

If you’re looking for a simple and no fuss OCR software with decent text recognition capabilities, look no further than FreeOCR. While it may not be overloaded with all kinds of fancy features, it still works extremely well for what it is.

Based on the extremely popular, Google backed Tesseract OCR engine, FreeOCR is extremely easy to use. It can obtain printed documents scanned via scanners, and also lets you upload images having textual content. Not only that, it can also extract text from heavily formatted multi page documents. You can have the application extract either all of the text from the input PDF/image, or define a specific chunk of text. Conversion speeds are pretty good, and the converted text can be either saved in formats like TXT and RTF, or exported directly to Microsoft Word. FreeOCR supports all major image formats, like PNG, JPG, and TIFF.

That being said, FreeOCR does have some shortcomings. It’s a too basic, and doesn’t have any text post-processing functions. Moreover, the layout of the extracted text often gets messed up, with overlapping lines and columns. Use it only if you require some basic OCR functionality for occasional usage.

Platform Availability: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP

Price: Free

4. Microsoft OneNote

OneNote is an impressively feature rich note-taking application that’s easy to get started with as well. However, notetaking isn’t the only thing it’s good at. If you use OneNote as part of your workflow, you can use it to do some basic text extraction, thanks to the OCR goodness built into it.

Using OneNote to extract text from images is ridiculously simple. If you use the desktop application, all you have to do is use the Insert option to insert the image into any of the notebooks or sections. Once that’s done, simply right click on the image, and select the Copy Text from Picture option. The entire textual content from the image would be copied to the clipboard, and can be pasted (and hence, edited) anywhere, as per requirement. Whether it’s PNG, JPG, BMP, or TIFF, OneNote supports almost all major image formats.

However, OneNote’s text extraction capabilities are quite limited, and it can’t deal with images having complex textual content layouts such as tables and sub-sections. So that’s something you should bear in mind.

Platform Availability: Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista; Mac OS X 10.10 and later

Price: Free

5. GOCR

Note: Before getting started, it’s important to know that even though GOCR supports regular image formats such as PNG and JPG, it failed to recognize them during our testing (performed on a Windows 10 running PC). It’s very much possible that it might work with those formats on Linux machines, but if you’re using Windows, you’ll need to convert the source image(s) to the PNM format. This can be done via numerous online file conversion tools, such as this one.

What sets GOCR apart from the lot is that it doesn’t really have a graphical user interface (GUI) front-end. It’s a command line based tool and as such, isn’t really the easiest to use. But once you’re comfortable with the basics, GOCR can prove really helpful in text extraction from images. It’s also worth noting that for GOCR to work properly, the source images should have clearly visible textual content, and preferably white background, as the utility doesn’t really work with complex source files. GOCR extracts the text from images and saves them in the TXT format. While it supports quite a few arguments and functions, only a few need to be known to get started. For example, to extract text from a sample PNM image, you should enter the following at the command prompt.

X:sample foldergocr049 -i file.pnm -o file.txt

Here, X:sample folder is the location where GOCR’s command line tool is located, and file.pnm and file.txt are the input and output files, respectively (both in the same location as GOCR as well; if the location is different, the complete path should be specified). Also if you want to change the greyscale levels for the image, you can specify a numerical value as argument, along with -l. Click here to read about the usage in detail.

To sum it up, GOCR is a fairly good OCR utility, and when it comes to text extraction from simple images, it works exceptionally well. However, it’s severely limited in features, and requires a fair amount of effort to get working.

Play the punisher arcade game free. Featuring buckets of blood, some nasty moves and hordes of enemies, action came thick and fast, and so did the excitement.'

Platform Availability: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP; Linux; OS/2

Price: Free

SEE ALSO: 8 Best LaTeX Editors

All set to convert images to text?

Digitizing printed (and handwritten) textual content is extremely useful, as it makes storing, editing, and sharing text extremely easy. And the above discussed OCR software make quick work of doing just that, no matter how basic or advanced your text extraction needs are. Need professional level text extraction features with the best post processing tools? Go for ABBYY FineReader or Readiris. Would prefer a simpler OCR software that just gets the basics done? Use OneNote or FreeOCR. Try them out, and see how they work out for you. Know of any other OCR software that could’ve been included in the listing above? Shout out in the comments below.

Short Bytes: You might not realize but a good antivirus software is needed for all computers. Even if you can’t afford some high-end security suites, there are many best free antivirus software that you can install. Free antivirus software from Avira, Bitdefender, and AVG are one of the most effective ones you can get. They offer simple interface and high malware detection rate.

Due to an exponential increase in online threats like phishing, ransomware, and other kinds of malware, the need for a solid antivirus solution is something that can’t be ignored. But, what if you’re running low on cash? Well, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a dependable computer protection.

Update: The best free antivirus list of 2018 is now live. Do check it out to know what’s new and who topped the charts.

Here’ we’ve brought along a free antivirus list that features many free computer protection solutions to help you out. We’ve evaluated these best free antivirus software and their most useful and negative features. Just in case you are willing to take a look at our last year’s list, here’s the top antivirus list of 2016.

Let’s take a look at this year’s list —

10 Best Free Antivirus Software 2017 Edition

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Bitdefender is a Romanian internet security software firm that knows how to get antivirus products right. The company has a wide range of impressive anti-virus and anti-spyware products that take care of various threats like trojans, viruses, rootkits, worms, adware, spam, etc. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is the #1 performer on our list of top 10 best free antivirus software of 2017.

Its multidevice license helps one select the preferred platform. You also get a central account to manage all the devices. It comes loaded with features like On-Demand scan, malicious URL blocking, and phishing protection. Thanks to its unobtrusive nature, you won’t even know that some antivirus is running on your computer. It has also scored high scores in the various independent test results. Apart from its free version, Bitdefender also offers even better virus protection with Bitdefender Internet Security which comes with a 30-day free trial, so you can give that a try as well.

Best features of Bitdefender Free Antivirus:

Autopilot, anti-malware and antiphishing, real-time protection, near-perfect malware detection rate

Bitdefender is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android

Download it here.

2. Avira Antivirus

Avira Free Antivirus is another leader in the field of PC protection from viruses and our list of best free antivirus won’t be complete without it. Founded in 1986, Avira has established itself as one of the most popular security solutions with millions of customers worldwide. Avira is one of the few solutions on this list that doesn’t continuously bother you to upgrade to its paid version. The overall look of the Avira home window is clean, with clear buttons for all the settings. You get different options for malware scanning and blocking them.

Using its well-known signature-based malware scanning, Avira Free Antivirus protects the computers by actively operating in the background. Its cloud protection brings an extra security layer by scanning the items shared by the users and pushing the changes in the antivirus definition updates. Moreover, it also gels well with other programs like web browsers and VPN clients.

Avira’s Pro version also brings along the advantage of phishing and ransomware protection. It also brings USB drive and email scanning, and game mode for extra convenience.

Best features of Avira Free Antivirus:

Best Free Backup Software For Windows 10 2017

Strong protection against popular malware and zero-days, great interface, free add-on features

Avira is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android

3. Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus is a popular name in the world of best free antivirus software. If you wish to grab some protection for your computer and are looking for a familiar ally, you can go for Avast Free Antivirus. Its installation is pretty simple but you need to take care of the add-ons like Chrome and Google Toolbar. Apart from regular malware scanning, Avast Free Antivirus software scans all the installed programs and makes sure that everything’s fine.

Unlike many other free antivirus solutions, Avast Free Antivirus remains free forever. It’s available for as many devices as you want. According to your need and convenience, you can choose the easy or advanced setting. With Avast, you also get Home Network Security, Software Updater, smart gaming mode, and Browser Cleanup option.

It’s worth noting that Avast paid version comes with extra features like ransomware shield, firewall, sandboxing, etc. It’s available for download with a 30-day free trial, so there’s no harm giving it a try.

Best features of Avast Free Antivirus

Friendly interface, configurable scans, use on multiple devices, customizable settings, large user community

Avast is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android

4. AVG Free Antivirus

Besides, top free antivirus software like Avast, AVG is also a dependable choice for virus scanning and protection. It’s often regarded as one of the few vendors that ship quality features and protection with the free package. However, during the installation process, make sure to keep a close eye on checkboxes. AVG, one of the best free antivirus software around, doesn’t interfere much with your operating system and has minimal impact on the boot process.

AVG Free Antivirus doesn’t disappoint you and provides you with a solid protection against different kinds of malware. It also protects your online activity by keeping a vigilant eye on emails and websites. Its smart gaming mode makes sure that you enjoy gaming without any disturbance. The other features offered by this free antivirus software for Windows and Mac include spying and data theft protection, web portal for web protection, no need for personal registration, etc.

Best features of AVG Free Antivirus

On-demand malware scan, wide customization features, website rating

AVG is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android

5. Kaspersky Lab Internet Security 2017

If you’ve ever considered an antivirus software suite, Kaspersky must have appeared in front of you, claiming to be one the best antivirus solutions in the market. Well, Kaspersky Lab Internet Security 2017 is here to solve all your security needs by bringing a suite that comprises of antivirus, firewall, parental control, spam filtering, phishing protection, etc.

The look of the latest edition of Kaspersky Lab Internet Security hasn’t changed much. The main window has lets you simply choose the major options of Scan, Update, etc. You also get advanced features like webcam and audio protection, online shopping protection, vulnerability scanner, etc. Unlike other antivirus software, its firewall doesn’t bother you. It doesn’t show many pop-ups and intelligently blocks/allows programs on its own. However, it’s a 30-days free trial version that needs to be upgraded after that period.

Best features of Kaspersky Lab Internet Security

Excellent malware detection rate, firewall, parental control, frequent updates, online protection

Kaspersky is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android, Linux

6. Sophos Home Free Antivirus

Sophos Home is an antivirus package that won’t end creating a burning hole in your pocket. It’s a top free antivirus software that provides enterprise-grade security for your home. To grab the free version, you need to visit Sophos Free Antivirus website and create an account. Now, log into your account on the PC that you want to protect and download the installer file. Install the antivirus and you’re good to go.

Apart from scanning your system for deadly viruses, Sophos Home free antivirus also keeps a close eye on your web activity. Its built-in web protection blocks the unsafe websites. Its app detection feature takes care of the unwanted apps too. With Sophos Home, you also get access to an online dashboard that lets you remotely run scans and keep a close eye on the security status. Another thing, this top free antivirus doesn’t nag you for upgrading to a paid version.

Best features of Sophos Home

Commercial-grade security, 100% free, no frequent nagging, web activity scanner

Sophos is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS

7. Panda Free Antivirus

If you are looking for a good antivirus protection and you don’t wish to sacrifice the resources of your computer, Panda Free Antivirus can turn out to be a great ally. This excellent free antivirus comes with many customization and scanning options. Its real-time protection is able to detect even the latest malware. But, with Panda Free Antivirus, you should remain ready to encounter a few false positives. Also, it keeps showing notifications to upgrade to paid versions.

The major features of Panda Free Antivirus include real-time protection from malware to knock down threats, Panda Cloud Cleaner, URL scanning to safeguard your web browsing, and USB protection for killing different kinds of trojans. You can also use it to create a bootable USB drive for extra cleaning purposes. On the user-friendliness front, Panda Free Antivirus turns out to be a good companion. All the settings are simple and straightforward.

Best Features of Panda Free Antivirus

Great user interface, little impact on system performance, many configuration options

Panda is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS

8. Comodo Antivirus

Comodo Free Antivirus is a feature-rich product whose basic version is completely free. In my personal experience, it’s one of the strictest solutions around. It makes sure that all programs that are being executed pass through its scanner nose. This top free antivirus solution also comes with a cloud scanning option that is always updated with the latest threats. As the new users keep uploading their data, it keeps getting better. This is a feature that benefits all top antivirus solutions enjoy.

The overall look of Comodo Free Antivirus looks clean and soothing to eyes. You also have an option to switch back to the Classic theme. All the basic and important options are shown in the form of big buttons on the home screen. You can also opt for the advanced view in this best free antivirus that features Auto-Sandbox, Viruscope, and Host Intrusion Prevention System.

Best Features of Comodo Antivirus

Clean interface, strict scanning protection, auto-sandbox

Comodo is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, macOS, Android, Linux

9. Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall

Check Point’s ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus is one of great free antivirus solutions that comes loaded with an effective firewall. Just like many other free virus scanning software, you need to keep a close eye on the installation process as it might end us installing its browser toolbar. During the installation, ZoneAlarm downloads the latest virus definitions and antivirus signatures. On the user interface front, ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus looks pretty pleasant.

It should be noted that the antivirus coming along with ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is licensed from Kaspersky. The basic components of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus are enough for a regular computer user who just needs a simple software and firewall. If you’ll go for its paid version, you’ll get some extra features like more frequent updates, technical support, and sandboxing.

Free Windows 2017 Download

Best Features of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus

Effective firewall, antivirus licensed from Kaspersky, pleasant user interface

ZoneAlarm is available for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10

10. Microsoft Windows Defender

Over the time, Microsoft Windows Defender has managed to improve its ratings. This easy to use virus detection software is well integrated into Windows and you don’t need to install any third-party software. Also, it’ll never ask you to upgrade to a paid product and disturb you in the middle of work.

In the recent tests, it had managed to score well by killing the widespread and prevalent malware. Still, on the performance front, Microsoft Windows Defender doesn’t match the paid products. But, as Microsoft is increasingly focusing on the security front in Windows 10, we can expect things to get better.

Best Features of Windows Defender

Absolutely free, zero nagging for paid software, no effect on performance of Windows

Windows Defender is available for Windows 8 and 10

Know more about it here.

Editor’s recommendation — Free Antivirus Software

If you’re looking for a simple and free virus protection, popular solutions like Avira Free Antivirus, and Avast Free Antivirus software are there to help you out. While they might nudge to upgrade for some extra features, you can rely on the free version for basic protection. But, if you are looking for best protection for malware, online security, spam detection, and other advanced features, you need to opt for Bitdefender Internet Security or Kaspersky Antivirus. However, you’ll need to spend some money to get a full-fledged security solution.

So, did you find this list of best free antivirus software helpful? Which security solution do you prefer? Don’t forget to share your views and feedback.