There are different kinds of software for almost everything you need to do on your computer. While using specialist software can be very useful, there are even more convenient alternatives to getting things done on your computer.

Instead of consuming your hard drive space and having to switch between different software, there are some great websites to replace your PC software.

You don't have to leave your browser to compress images, edit documents, convert files or even edit your audio. These websites can perform almost any online task you can think of.

1. TinyPNG

Screenshot of the TinyPNG website

If you are looking for a tool to help you reduce the size of your images, TinyPNG does the job. Reducing the size of your images not only helps you save memory, but cuts down on the time it takes to load images online.

All you have to do is upload your images onto the website and download them once your images have been reduced. Once you’ve compressed your images, the website informs you of how much space you have saved from compressing your file.

Conveniently, TinyPNG does not ruin the quality of your images and allows you to upload up to 20 images at a time with a maximum size of 5 MB each.

2. Photopea

Photopea editing web browser screenshot

There are some of the best, easy-to-use photo editing software for beginners. Photopea is a useful alternative to your photo editing software. Many websites offer great editing tools. But, Photopea is one of the few to compare to Adobe Photoshop.

This website offers a selection of editing tools. You can simply open up your browser, upload an image and explore features such as text, filters, cropping, effects, and much more.

If you are familiar with Photoshop, getting accustomed to Photopea will be easy because it has a similar interface and uses the same keyboard shortcuts. Photopea is free to use, but also offers a premium package for $9 per month.

3. PDFescape

Screenshot of PDFescape web browser

PDFescape is a PDF editor that you can use as an alternative to Adobe Acrobat. You can use this website to view PDF documents, fill out forms or create and edit PDF files.

The tool offers great features that aren’t often found on other PDF editor alternatives. You can add text, shapes, images and explore other features on the website.

You can work with files of up to 100 pages and a maximum of 10 MB. PDFescape is free to use, but offers a premium payment plan for advanced features.

4. VirusTotal

VirusTotal introduction web page

There are useful ways to scan for viruses without buying antivirus software. VirusTotal can be used as an additional antivirus tool to protect yourself from harmful URLs and files. VirusTotal is a free platform that uses over 70 scanners to detect malicious content.

VirusTotal is easy to use. All you need to do is upload a file from your computer or a URL link to scan for any type of malware. Even though this website is useful, you shouldn't rely on it as your primary tool for malware security but, it can be used for extra precaution.

5. TwistedWave

TwistedWave audio editor illustration

Audio editing might seem like a process that requires advanced software. But, TwistedWave allows you to edit audio on your web browser. Whilst you might use some of the best free audio editing software, nothing beats the convenience of performing all your tasks on your browser.

All you need to do is signup for a free account, upload your audio file and start editing. The website allows you to try a demo version to see how it works. If you’re editing clips that are less than five minutes long, you can use a free account. To increase the limit, you will need a subscription account.

6. Spotify Web Player

Spotify web player illustration

Instead of using a media player installed on your computer, you can use a web player on your browser.

This is not only a great alternative to cut down your hard drive storage but, you can control your music as you browse, without the need to leave your browser. Spotify is free to use, but also has a premium package for advanced features such as no ads.

There are over 70 million songs that you can listen to on the platform, from a variety of different artists. But, Spotify is not just a music streaming platform.

Spotify is also one of the most popular platforms to listen to podcasts. There are over 2.9 million podcast titles on Spotify. To start, you can learn how to find, follow, and download podcasts on Spotify.

7. Online-Convert

Online convert on web browser

Have you ever tried to upload or access a file only to find that the file is in the wrong format? Whether you want to learn how to convert a Kindle book to a PDF or how to convert an audiobook format, Online-Convert is the site for you.

Online-Convert is a free website where you can easily convert any media file from one format to another. The website supports over 50 formats. All you have to do is select the format you want to convert to, upload your file, and download the converted version once it is complete.

8. Zoom

Screenshot of Zoom on a web browser

You can host or join a Zoom meeting from your web browser. This helps if you do not have enough space on your PC. Perhaps you do not regularly use Zoom and quickly need to join a meeting or a webinar without having to stress about installing the Zoom app.

To access Zoom from your browser, follow these steps:

  1. Go to join.zoom.us.
  2. Enter your meeting ID.
  3. Click Join.
  4. Click Launch Meeting, then click join from your browser.

Avoid Unnecessary Software With Your Browser

All of the online tools we've looked at will help you to reduce the amount of software you need on your computer, while still being able to get stuff done.

Browser tools are often more lightweight and straightforward, and you can avoid installing extra, unnecessary software on your computer. You're even able to listen to the radio on your browser, so what can't you do?