Kevin’s Must Have Apps

Whether you’re setting up a new PC, cleaning up an old one, or simply looking for better software, this book offers practical recommendations of what I consider to be the best apps.

After more than twenty years helping regular Windows users fix frustrating computers, Kevin Lloyd has learned something simple: the best software quietly gets out of the way.

This practical guide cuts through marketing hype, AI buzzwords, subscription fatigue, and bloated software ecosystems to focus on programs that genuinely improve the Windows experience. Instead of endless feature lists and technical jargon, Kevin explains what each application actually does, who it is useful for, what settings to avoid, and whether it truly earns a place on your computer.

Inside, you’ll find grounded, real-world discussions about password managers, privacy tools, Windows customization utilities, file transfer software, screenshot tools, backup utilities, media players, productivity apps, and lightweight alternatives to increasingly frustrating built-in Windows software.

This book covers practical software including:

• 0Patch

• Advanced SystemCare

• Brave Browser

• CLCL

• Deck.Blue

• ExpressVPN

• Greenshot

• HandBrake

• ImageGlass

• KeePass

• LibreOffice

• PatchMyPC

• PeaZip

• Proton Authenticator

• Revo Uninstaller

• TeraCopy

• VLC

• WinAero Tweaker

• Windows Toolbox
  …and many more.

This is not a book for software engineers or hobbyists who enjoy endlessly tweaking systems for fun. It is written for regular people who are tired of fighting with Windows, tired of unnecessary complexity, and simply want their computers to feel quieter, more stable, more predictable, and easier to use.

Whether you’re setting up a new PC, cleaning up an old one, improving your privacy, organizing your workflow, or simply looking for software that respects your time, this book offers practical recommendations from someone who has spent decades helping real people solve real computer problems.