Open-Source Software Guide: Features, Capabilities, and Usage

Comprehensive Software Guide

This guide is designed to help users better understand and efficiently use various software tools. It provides short descriptions and detailed usage instructions so you can take full advantage of each program’s capabilities.

Contents

File management and archiving tools

7 Zip

Description: 7 Zip is a powerful file archiving tool that lets you create and open ZIP, RAR, TAR, ISO and other archives. It supports password-protected archives to ensure data security.

Detailed features:

  • Archive management (compression, extraction, batch processing of multiple files)
  • Security features (AES-256 encryption, password protection, archive integrity checks)
  • System integration (Windows Explorer context menu, drag-and-drop, command line interface)

Usage instructions:

  • File compression:
    • Launch 7 Zip or use its integration via Windows Explorer (right-click on a file or folder).
    • Select the files or folders you want to compress, choose the desired format (for example, 7z or ZIP) and click “Add”.
    • If needed, set a password and enable AES-256 encryption.
    • Specify the archive name and location, then confirm the action.
  • Archive extraction:
    • Launch 7 Zip or right-click the archive and choose “Extract here”.
    • If the archive is password-protected, enter the correct password.
    • Use the integrity check feature to make sure the archive is not corrupted.
  • Command line usage:
    • Open Command Prompt and use 7z.exe with the appropriate parameters (for example, 7z a archive.7z file.txt).
    • Refer to the 7 Zip documentation for more commands and options.

WinDirStat

Description: WinDirStat is a visual disk analysis tool that shows directory disk usage and helps identify which files and folders take up the most space.

Detailed features:

  • Graphical treemap visualization and hierarchical folder structure
  • Statistics and color-coding by file type
  • Direct file deletion and search functions

Usage instructions:

  • Open WinDirStat, select a drive or folder and click “Scan”.
  • Review the treemap visualization and folder tree to see how space is used.
  • Select unnecessary files and choose “Delete”.

Internet browsing and downloading tools

Google Chrome

Description: A modern, fast and secure browser with extensive personalization options and built-in ad-blocking capabilities (via extensions).

Usage instructions:

  • Enter a URL or search query in the address bar.
  • Sign in with your Google account to sync bookmarks and browsing history.
  • Use Incognito mode (Ctrl+Shift+N) when you do not want to save your browsing history.

Mozilla Firefox

Description: A browser focused on privacy, with built-in tracking protection and DNS over HTTPS support.

Usage instructions:

  • Open Firefox and start browsing using the address bar.
  • Enable Enhanced Tracking Protection and use Private Window (Ctrl+Shift+P) when needed.

Microsoft Edge

Description: A modern browser based on the Chromium engine, offering fast page loading, built-in protection against phishing and close integration with Windows.

Usage instructions:

  • Open Edge from the Start menu or desktop shortcut and enter a URL or search query.
  • Sign in with your Microsoft account to sync bookmarks and browsing history.
  • Use InPrivate mode (Ctrl+Shift+N) and review security settings as needed.

WinX YouTube Downloader

Description: A specialized tool for downloading YouTube videos in various formats and saving them in HD quality.

Usage instructions:

  • Copy the video URL and paste it into the program’s URL field.
  • Select the desired video quality and format, then click “Download”.
  • If needed, use the built-in converter to adjust audio and video parameters.

Graphics creation and editing tools

GIMP

Description: A free, professional-grade image editing program often considered an alternative to Photoshop.

Detailed features:

  • Core editing tools:
    • Layer-based editing
    • Masking tools
    • Color correction
    • Filters and visual effects
  • Advanced features:
    • Scripting support
    • Freehand drawing
    • Vector tools
    • Basic animation creation
  • File support:
    • Many formats (PSD, XCF, TIFF, PNG, JPEG)
    • RAW file processing (with add-ons)
    • Rich export options

Usage instructions:

  • Getting started:
    • Open GIMP and choose “File → Open” to load an image.
    • Use the Layers panel to add or edit layers.
    • Select drawing, masking and transform tools to make changes.
  • Editing:
    • Apply color corrections and filters from the “Colors” and “Filters” menus and preview results.
    • Save your work via “File → Export As”, choosing format and quality settings.
  • Advanced use:
    • Experiment with scripts and vector tools for more complex illustrations or animations.

Inkscape

Description: A professional vector graphics tool used to create logos, icons and illustrations.

Detailed features:

  • Vector tools:
    • Bézier curve drawing
    • Shape transformations
    • Path editing
    • Object grouping and alignment
  • Text features:
    • Text on a path
    • Font and typography control
    • Vector text objects
    • Text effects
  • Effects and filters:
    • Depth and shadow effects
    • Gradients
    • Various filters for stylized looks

Usage instructions:

  • Creating a document:
    • Open Inkscape and choose “File → New”.
    • Use the Bézier tool to draw basic shapes and outlines.
    • Add text and adjust fonts and typography settings.
  • Editing:
    • Use transform tools (rotate, scale, move) to adjust objects.
    • Apply filters from the “Filters” menu for additional effects.
  • Saving and export:
    • Save your work as SVG, and export to PNG or another image format when needed.

Drawio

Description: A versatile diagram creation tool suitable for business flowcharts, technical diagrams and data visualization.

Detailed features:

  • Diagram elements:
    • Business process models
    • UML diagrams
    • Organizational charts
    • Network topologies
  • Collaboration features:
    • Real-time co-editing (in web version)
    • Version history
    • Commenting system
    • Export to multiple formats

Usage instructions:

  • Getting started:
    • Open Drawio (web or desktop) and choose a suitable template.
    • Use the left-hand toolbar to drag elements onto the canvas.
  • Building diagrams:
    • Add and connect elements according to your model (for example, UML, organizational chart).
    • Use collaboration features if you are working in a team.
  • Export:
    • Save the diagram in Drawio format and export to PDF or PNG if needed.

Freeplane Mind Manager

Description: A mind mapping tool for structuring ideas and planning projects.

Detailed features:

  • Mind map creation:
    • Hierarchical structure of branches
    • Automatic formatting
    • Branch styles and icons
    • Notes and links attached to nodes
  • Organization tools:
    • Task management
    • Priority settings
    • Deadlines and scheduling
    • Powerful filtering options

Usage instructions:

  • Creating a mind map:
    • Launch Freeplane and create a new mind map.
    • Start with a central idea and add related branches.
    • Edit node text and apply visual styles.
  • Organizing information:
    • Add tasks, due dates and priorities directly to nodes.
    • Use filters to quickly find the most important information.
  • Export:
    • Save the map in the original format and export to PDF or an image if needed.

IrfanView

Description: A lightweight and fast image viewer and basic editor.

Detailed features:

  • Image viewing:
    • Fast image preview
    • Slideshow mode
    • Thumbnail browser
    • Metadata display
  • Editing functions:
    • Resize
    • Crop
    • Color correction
    • Format conversion

Usage instructions:

  • Viewing and navigation:
    • Launch IrfanView and open the desired image.
    • Use the arrow keys or mouse wheel to navigate between images.
  • Editing:
    • Use “Image → Resize/Resample” to change the image size.
    • Select “Edit → Crop” to crop an area.
    • Apply color corrections and save via “File → Save As…”.

DWG TrueView

Description: A drawing viewer compatible with AutoCAD files (DWG, DXF), allowing you to view 2D and 3D drawings and perform measurements.

Detailed features:

  • Drawing viewing:
    • 2D and 3D views
    • Measurement tools
    • Layer management
    • Print preview and plotting
  • File management:
    • DWG and DXF support
    • Compatibility with different AutoCAD versions
    • Plotting to PDF
    • Export to other formats

Usage instructions:

  • Viewing and navigation:
    • Open DWG TrueView and load the required DWG/DXF file.
    • Use zoom, pan and rotate tools to inspect 2D/3D views.
    • Control layers by toggling them on or off.
  • Measurements and printing:
    • Use measurement tools for accurate dimensions.
    • Use “Print Setup” and “Plot to PDF” if you need to export the drawing to PDF.

Document management tools

LibreOffice LT

Description: LibreOffice LT is an open-source office suite, an alternative to Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, plus a PDF editor. It is compatible with DOCX, XLSX, PPTX and other formats and includes several applications for different office tasks.

Detailed features:

  • Writer (word processing): styles and templates, automatic table of contents, document review, PDF export
  • Calc (spreadsheets): formula system, data analysis, charting, macro programming
  • Impress (presentations): slide templates, animation effects, multimedia integration, export of presentations
  • Draw (PDF editing and vector graphics): LibreOffice Draw is used for vector graphics and PDF editing – it imports PDF, allows editing of text, images and graphic elements, and then exports your changes as a new PDF.

Usage instructions:

Writer

  • Getting started:
    • Create a new document via “File → New”.
    • Use templates, insert images, tables and hyperlinks.
    • Add a table of contents via “Insert → Table of Contents” and export to PDF when finished.

Calc

  • Creating a spreadsheet:
    • Create a new spreadsheet, enter your data and use formulas and charts for analysis.

Impress

  • Creating presentations:
    • Create a new presentation, choose a template, add slides and animations.
    • Save and export the presentation to PDF or another format if needed.

Draw (PDF editing and vector graphics)

  • PDF editing:
    • Open LibreOffice Draw via “File → Open” and select the PDF file.
    • Edit text, replace images, add graphic elements or comments.
    • Export the edited document via “File → Export As → Export as PDF”.
  • Vector graphics:
    • Use drawing and transform tools to create vector diagrams, schematics or logos.
    • Save your work as SVG or export to another image format.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Description: A professional PDF viewer with support for digital signatures and additional security features.

Detailed features:

  • PDF viewing:
    • Document search
    • Annotation tools
    • Commenting system
    • Form filling
  • Security features:
    • Digital signatures
    • Document encryption
    • Permission management
    • Password protection

Usage instructions:

  • Document viewing:
    • Open a PDF via “File → Open”.
    • Use the search tool (Ctrl+F) to find text or comments.
  • Security features:
    • Enter the document password when required and use the digital signature tools if necessary.
    • Explore encryption and permission settings for sensitive documents.

Accounting application

Description: A mobile accounting system for issuing invoices, cash orders, VAT invoices and waybills – can run directly from a USB flash drive.

Detailed features:

  • Document issuing:
    • Standard invoices
    • Cash orders
    • VAT invoices
    • Goods waybills

Usage instructions:

  • Launching and login:
    • Run the program directly from Windows or
    • Insert the USB drive with the program, start it and enter login details if required.
  • Creating a document:
    • Select the document type, enter all required information (client data, items, prices, VAT) and click “Save” or “Print”.
  • Backups:
    • Create backups regularly and use the built-in search tools when needed.

Audio and video editing tools

Audacity

Description: An excellent tool for podcast creation, audio editing and basic music production.

Detailed features:

  • Audio recording:
    • Multi-track recording
    • Recording quality settings
    • Scheduled recording
    • Input level monitoring
  • Editing tools:
    • Track editing
    • Effect library
    • Normalization
    • Noise reduction

Usage instructions:

  • Recording:
    • Select your microphone via “Edit → Preferences”.
    • Set recording level and number of channels (mono/stereo).
    • Press “Record” and use Pause when needed.
  • Editing:
    • Select audio regions to cut, copy or paste.
    • Add effects from the “Effects” menu and preview them.
  • Saving:
    • Save your project in Audacity format and export to MP3, WAV or another audio format.

OBS Studio

Description: A professional application for live streaming and screen recording.

Detailed features:

  • Streaming features:
    • Mixing multiple audio and video sources
    • Scene management
    • Live streaming
    • Flexible recording settings
  • Video effects:
    • Scene transitions
    • Filters
    • Text overlays
    • Chroma key (green screen)

Usage instructions:

  • Scene setup:
    • Open OBS Studio, create a new scene and add video sources by clicking “+”.
    • Arrange your scenes according to your streaming plan.
  • Streaming settings:
    • Go to “Settings → Stream”, enter your stream key and server address, and configure video and audio settings.
  • Visual effects:
    • Add transitions between scenes via “Scene Transitions”.
    • Apply filters to individual sources if needed.

Iriun Webcam

Description: An application that turns your smartphone into a PC webcam over Wi-Fi or USB.

Detailed features:

  • Camera features:
    • HD video quality
    • Auto-focus
    • Exposure control
    • Basic video stabilization
  • Connection options:
    • Wi-Fi connection
    • USB connection
    • Automatic device detection
    • Support for multiple devices (depending on setup)

Usage instructions:

  • Setup:
    • Install Iriun Webcam on both your computer and smartphone.
    • Connect over Wi-Fi or USB according to the instructions (usually, both devices must be on the same network or connected via cable).
  • Usage:
    • Launch the app on your phone and make sure the camera feed is active.
    • On your computer, select Iriun Webcam as the video input device (for example, in video conferencing software).
    • Adjust quality, focus and exposure using the app’s menu.

System helper and utility tools

DS Clock

Description: A desktop clock utility with an “Always on top” mode that keeps the time visible on your screen.

Detailed features:

  • Persistent time display
  • Multiple time zones
  • Alarm function
  • Stopwatch

Usage instructions:

  • Configuration:
    • Launch DS Clock and review the main window.
    • Set the desired time zone and enable “Always on top”.
    • Configure alarms and the stopwatch as needed.
  • Daily use:
    • Use DS Clock as a desktop widget to keep track of time and support your daily planning.

SharpKeys

Description: A utility that lets you remap keyboard keys to more convenient functions.

Detailed features:

  • Key remapping
  • Custom function assignments
  • Changing system-level keyboard behavior
  • Saving and loading configurations

Usage instructions:

  • Remapping keys:
    • Open SharpKeys and click “Add” to create a new mapping.
    • Select the key you want to change and assign the new key or function.
    • Click “Write to Registry” and restart your computer.
  • Resetting settings:
    • To restore defaults, remove all mappings and restart the system.

DeskPins

Description: A tool for pinning windows on top of others using an “Always on top” function.

Detailed features:

  • Window pinning
  • Transparency control
  • Hotkey support
  • Exception handling

Usage instructions:

  • Pinning windows:
    • Launch DeskPins.
    • Click the DeskPins icon or use a hotkey, then click on the window you want to pin.
  • Additional settings:
    • Adjust transparency if necessary.
    • To unpin, click the same window again or use the hotkey.

Keyboard Locker

Description: A utility for temporarily disabling the keyboard to prevent accidental key presses.

Detailed features:

  • Fast lock/unlock
  • Automatic lock options
  • Exclusion settings
  • Status indicator

Usage instructions:

  • Usage:
    • Launch Keyboard Locker.
    • Use the hotkey combination to lock the keyboard.
    • To unlock, press the same hotkey combination or enter a password if configured.

AutoHotKey

Description: A powerful automation language for creating scripts to automate Windows tasks.

Detailed features:

  • Creation of macros and hotkeys
  • Automation of repetitive tasks
  • Window and process control
  • Interaction with files and applications

Usage instructions:

  • Creating a script:
    • Create a new text file with the .ahk extension.
    • Write your script using AutoHotKey syntax.
    • Double-click the file to run the script.
  • Examples:
    • Simple hotkey: ^j::MsgBox Hello, world!
    • Automation: scripts for text typing or window management.

Revo Uninstaller

Description: A program for fully removing applications, including leftover files and registry entries.

Detailed features:

  • Application removal
  • Cleanup of leftover files and folders
  • Registry scanning and cleaning
  • Startup (autostart) management tools

Usage instructions:

  • Uninstalling programs:
    • Launch Revo Uninstaller and choose the program you want to remove.
    • Follow the uninstall wizard steps.
    • After the built-in uninstaller finishes, run the leftover scan and remove any remaining items.

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