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There aren't many names that are immediately synonymous with photo editing tools. Photoshop is likely the first that'll spring to mind and is obviously the head honcho having dominated the market for decades despite its high price. GIMP might not be associated with the same sense of quality, but it's still extremely popular. The software is jam-packed with features and can go toe-to-toe with Adobe's equivalent in many ways, particularly when it comes to functionality. But what really makes this comprehensive suite of tools stand out is the fact that, as open-source software, it is available completely free – and that's a hard value proposition to beat considering the sheer number of features stuffed in here. But is GIMP really a worthy Photoshop alternative as it is so commonly pitched as, and who exactly will get use out of this editing software?

When you're a beginner, everything can be intimidating. Starting out for the first time as you try to learn a new skill is likely to fill you with dread as you encounter new, unfamiliar terms or struggle to learn the best techniques for success. Photo editing is no different: it does take some time to become a genuine expert and yet takes no time at all to figure out the basics. PicMonkey understands this initial apprehension and has built a tool suited to amateurs with a robust set of features that could even appeal to a broader audience. This is perhaps best realized in the seven-day free trial, which provides a risk-free opportunity to take those tentative first steps into photo editing. And at the low price of $5.99, it's not even a high cost to pay for a service that could really help your photography editing skills grow.

There's an unspoken truth about photo editing software. Most will think of Adobe's suite of tools for tweaking photography to perfection, but when it comes to cloud-based software alternatives... well, opinions aren't always in the best light. Ribbet is a champion for the cause, then, offering a selection of features that many online tools simply don't, balancing high-level, complex functions with the same ease-of-use that is expected of browser-based photo editing. A lot of thought has gone into making this a definitive package and for the average user it's one of the few online editing services that can actually compete with the likes of Photoshop and Lightroom. It's all powered by ads, too, meaning that the majority of this robust feature set is available completely free, while the worthwhile benefits of a premium subscription cost as little as $2.50. Ribbet could well be Prince Charming in disguise.

Such is Adobe's total dominance over the creative software market that there are few products out there that could feasibly call themselves a competitor to Photoshop. Xara and its parent company MAGIX have built up quite a list of creative tools over the years, the former providing programs to assist with web, image or document design; this incredible experience has resulted in a complete package that could be a true alternative to Photoshop. Xara Photo & Graphic Designer might have some extras that make it more suitable for advanced users, but it doesn't overcomplicate its tools, provides a boatload of tutorials for beginners and offers a seven-day trial to test it before handing over $49.99 for a license. Mercifully, if the only reason you're looking for image editing software is to tweak holiday snaps or photos from wedding guests to perfection, then Xara Photo & Graphic Designer has all the clout you need.

CPI is a security company aiming to protect their customer's property and additionally make their life easier. To do so, they provide a wide array of security alarm and home automation equipment that give users full control over the house. CPI Security has over a dozen security devices homeowners can choose from, including detectors, motion sensors, and cameras. The competent monitoring center has earned many certifications, and the special inTouch smartphone application is a good way to keep everything control even far away from the home.

CPI Security Systems has no constant package deals, and instead allows customers to freely tailor their deal to fit their needs. Sadly, the company doesn't showcase any prices upfront; you're only getting to see the prices for your ideal setup after contacting them.

Many people refrain from using data recovery software out of fear that they won't be able to handle the delicate process on their own. Fortunately, EaseUS has created Data Recovery Wizard Professional for Windows, an exceptionally simple tool that helps users retrieve unlimited data from various devices.

It comes with all the usual data recovery features, as well as a few extras like crashed PC recovery, NAS recovery, and corrupted media repair. The software has a whopping recovery rate of over 99% and is also available for Mac.

This all may be enough to attract customers looking for nothing more than just quick file recovery, but if not, they'll likely be won over by EaseUS's budget-friendly plans. When paying annually, users can rescue unlimited amounts of lost data for as little as $8.33 per month. There's also a Lifetime option, meaning you only pay once. Although the Pro plan also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it's best to check out the free and trial versions first before reaching for that precious credit card.

When it comes to antivirus software, the only basic requirement is the need for protection against viruses and yet these days the wealth of options available are typically overwhelming. That's why Panda Security, the Spanish software developer, created its Panda Free Antivirus to be one of the most basic antivirus programs available, a simple version of the company's premium equivalent, Panda Dome Antivirus. Just because it's simple, however, doesn't mean it is limited. Not only does it feature protection against malware, spyware and dangerous automatic executions from USB drivers, but it includes a free PC recovery system, too. The added multimedia or game mode means it doesn't even interfere with your entertainment, either, and the software will start scanning your computer as soon as it is set up. Panda Free Antivirus represents the latest, most basic protection software the company has launched, and is available in five different versions, available either free or starting from $4.99 per month with a free first month for the Essentials package.

Over the years, password managers have evolved significantly, providing various security features and storage options for virtually any kind of credential. Still, there are many people who want nothing more from a password manager than what the built-in solutions of internet browsers do, namely keeping logins safe by your side whenever they are needed. This is exactly what Avira Password Manager offers, it undoubtedly being one of the simplest password management solutions on the market. Despite only being capable of storing and recalling passwords, this password manager still has many features that showcase just why Avira has been considered one of the top internet security companies since 1986. In fact, the software's security features are so strong that hacking the encrypted vault is virtually impossible. And to make the app an even more worthy choice, Avira has made cloud syncing between devices, usually a pay-only feature, free of charge.

Chosen by more than a million users, Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms and powers 600,000 businesses worldwide. You're probably left pondering precisely how one company can gain so much traction, what exactly is it that has made it such a well-known and common name in the industry? Likely it's to do with its well-designed, easy-to-use, and versatile platform that comes packed with a long list of essential features that merchants looking to grab their slice of the online retail business can make the most of.

But since this impressive package is available for as low as $9 per month, there aren't many reasons to overlook Shopify, least of all because of the 14 day free trial period where it's possible to see for yourself what is on offer.