It would be great to see Microsoft release a Windows version which allows users to password-protect specific folders that contain sensitive data. However, until that happens, if you want to protect your folders, you must use software created by other companies. A password like '123456' may be easy to remember, but it's also equally easy to guess or hack. These are the best free password managers that can help you keep track of strong, unique passwords. Free Password Protect USB Flash Drive is an easy-to-use file encryption tool. Protect your USB flash drive from unwanted access using password now. How to Password-Protect USB Flash Drive on Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP. Some of the best free password manager apps for year 2019 are LastPass, KeePass, DashLane, Norton Identity Safe, LogMeOnce, Roboform, Sticky Password, etc. A password manager is a software that.
Updated: June 5, 2019 Home » Computer and Internet Security » Encryption, Password & Recovery
Have something to hide? When you save your secret files onto your computer, they are retrievable even if you delete them and empty the recycling bin. Not all door locks performs the same, this can be said about software. Not all folder lockers are designed to perform same, most folder lockers are just basic password locker. A cleaver investigator such as the FBI knows how to retrieve the files with a few clicks, by passing the password lock. It is like locking a grill door but allowing someone to stick their hands into the house.
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With a powerful computer that can compute trillions of key combination in less than a few hours, that password can be hacked via brute force. However, the same can’t be said when the password together with the content – files and folders are encrypted. A good file and folder locker must come with a good encryption. If you intend to hide some unimportant stuff, the free version without encryption is good enough.
↓ 01 – Lock & Hide Folder[ USD29 | 256-bit Blowfish Encryption ]
Lock and Hide Folder provides a quick and easy way to protect sensitive information on your computer from children, employers, and anyone else might access to use your computer including law enforcement and hackers.
This software will hide your sensitive files so that they can’t be seen or accessed. Even links in your recent documents menu won’t be able to find your hidden files! For extra security, use a password to prevent anyone from accessing your files. You can run this software in stealth mode so that no one knows it’s there, and hide or show your sensitive files using hotkeys.
↓ 02 – Lock & Hide Folder[ USD40 | No Encrypting ]
With Hide Folders you can easily protect any number of folders and files on your computer. You can select any file or folder to protect from the program, drag-and-drop the desired files and folders from Windows Explorer into the Hide Folders window or protect the file or folder using Windows Explorer context menu. Works great on Microsoft Windows 10.
↓ 03 – Folder Guard[ USD40 | No Encrypting ]
Folder Guard® is a powerful computer security program that you can use to control access to files, folders, and other Windows resources. You can use Folder Guard to lock your personal files and folders with passwords, to stop other users from peeking into your records. You can even completely hide your private folders from virtually all applications, and such folders would remain invisible until you enter a valid password. You can also protect sensitive system files from modification or destruction, disable access to the removable drives, restrict access to Control Panel, and more.
↓ 04 – Folder Lock[ USD40 | AES-256 bit File & Folder Encryption ]
Folder Lock lets you password-protect files, folders and drives; encrypt your important files on-the-fly; backup them in real-time; protect portable drives; shred files & drives and clean history. Folder Lock is the most downloaded file-security application with more than 25 million users. It works on 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP.
↓ 05 – NEO- Easy Folder LOCKER[ Free | No Encrypting ]
A very simply lock and unlock files and folders freeware.
↓ 06 – Folder Locker Pro[ Free | Basic Encrypting ]
Lock Folder’s with a password and prevent others from accessing them 99%, it is hacker proof because unlike other freeware, it uses an encrypt technology, thus making it hard to brute force their way into your secret folder.
↓ 07 – Folder Lock[ Free | Encrypted Password ]
Folder Lock 8.5 is a small program that allows you to lock and hide any folder. Whether the folder is on your computer or USB, Folder Lock will take care of it. Small, and simple, just about anyone can use Folder Lock.
Folder Lock now has a working built in updater, so any updates that are released will be available for you to download at your choosing.
↓ 08 – IObit Protected Folder[ USD20 | No Encrypting ]
Secure your privacy by Protected Folder to protect your important and personal files from anyone else who might use your computer or when your computer is shared at work.
Protected Folder keeps locking your important data. Even if your PC is threatened by malicious attack, without unlocking it by entering the password you set, your files can not be stolen and are kept safely.
↓ 09 – EMCO UnLock IT[ Free | No Encrypting ]
A neat free utility that helps you to unlock files and folders. It allows you to take a control on resources locked by a system, applications and services. For a locked resource the application detects a list of locking processes and allows to unlock the resource by closing file and library handles or terminating locking processes. The application offers Windows Explorer integration that makes possible folders and files unlocking by just a single click in the context menu.
↓ 10 – Quick File Locker[ Free | Basic Encrypting ]
Do you want to protect private pictures, hide sensitive videos or lockdown documents? Do you want to ensure your privacy by locking, hiding and encrypting sensitive data? Then this free application is for you. Quick File Locker will quickly lock, hide and encrypt files, folders or USB drives to ensure your privacy.
It is very easy to use.Lock files with a simple drag and drop or with a right click on them in Windows Explorer. Also, Quick File Locker has Stealth-mode operation and protects locked data even in safe-mode. You can set a master password and that will be required to lock and unlock files or folders. Also hot keys can be set for locking, unlocking and to show or hide the application in stealth-mode operation.
- Protect private pictures
- Hide sensitive videos
- Lockdown documents
- Encrypt sensitive data
- Supports also USB and external disk drives
- Lock, hide and encrypt files or folders with a simple drag and drop
- Lock or unlock files or folders with a right-click on them in Windows Explorer
- Stealth-mode operation
- Hot Keys can be set for locking, unlocking and showing or hiding the application in stealth-mode operation
- Protect the use of the application with a master password
↓ 11 – SecretFolder[ Free | No Encrypting ]
SecretFolder is powerful solution for protect your private data from others including crackers. You can hide your data from outside virus and malware. Also you can avoid ransom-ware which generates a lot of damage to PC user. Information security will be started protecting local data. so you need to manage your private data by yourself. SecretFolder will be let you provide powerful function for your management to protect you private data.
- Free to use at both home and in the office
- Support for 64-bit Windows.
- Immediate data protection (protect and unprotect commands are execited in no time).
- NTFS, FAT32, exFAT and FAT volumes are supported.
- CMD command will not be able to access the folders.
↓ 12 – Hide Folders for macOS[ Free | No Encrypting ]
If you are interested in protecting your documents and folders, Hide Folders is just what you are searching for. With a click you will conceal files and folders with all their contents. The program is simple and natural to use because it works just as you are used to do things everyday with your Mac. With this program you will protect your files avoiding them to be being modified, seen or erased by other users.
Hide Folders is a freeware app for Mac OS X dedicated to protect documents and folders. With a click, conceals files and folders with all their contents. The application is simple and natural to use because it works just as you are used to do things everyday with your Mac. With this app you will protect your files avoiding them to be being modified, seen or erased by other users.
↓ 13 – Wise Folder Hider[ Free/USD20 | No Encrypting for Free Version ]
Wise Folder Hider is designed to password-protect your folders and files from being seen, read or modified by the priers. It provides enhanced security for files and folders on your Windows PC, blocking the unauthorized access of your private files or folders. It is an ideal utility for those who are concerned about the security of their personal data.
↓ 14 – Free Hide Folder[ Free | No Encrypting ]
Free Hide Folder is a free computer security software to hide your private folders. It is very useful to keep your personal data away from others. Others will not know where your personal files exist and they will not be able to accidentally view them. You can hide folders simply with a few mouse clicks. Free Hide Folder is protected by a password that you can change or remove at any time.
↓ 15 – Easy File Locker[ Free | No Encrypting ]
Easy File Locker is a light-weight and easy-to-use file lock software product for Windows. It can protect your private files and folders. With its great protection, users will not be able to open, read, modify, delete, move, copy the locked files/folders, or even not be able to see it. The hidden files/folders will be totally invisible to all users and to any program. Easy File Locker is designed for protecting files/folders on your local computer. it doesn’t change the protected files and folders, it will not slow down the system speeds and it will never have the chance to destroy your data.
- Lock files, Lock folders: The locked files/folders are protected from accessing, users can not open, read, modify, move, delete, copy, rename the protected files/folders. Files and sub-folders in a locked folder are also protected.
- Hide files, Hide folders: You can hide your private files and folders, to make them completely invisible to users and programs.
- Password protected GUI and uninstaller: Once you set a password, no one can launch the application or uninstall the software without the correct password.
↓ 16 – File Protect System[ USD20 | Strong Encryption ]
File Protect System (FPS) is a professional solution for the personal data protection that encrypt files and directories using a password. The application can be used alone to encrypt files and folders, or as a component of a complete cyber defense system. FPS allows you to build a reliable confidential information exchange system using embedded e-mail client. The application provides the user the option of choosing an encryption algorithm.
Encryption can be done using a password or a digital objects (images or arbitrarily chosen file). Encrypted files can be stored on the local disk, on a server, on external storage or in the cloud. With FPS you can create packages of protected files. This feature is extremely important when creating archives or backups of critical information. If necessary, all processes can be documented in real time, allowing for subsequent analysis and optimization.
The application complies with the requirements of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) The standard encryption algorithms used in the application are validated within NIST’s Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP). FPS was developed in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9797 and ISO 9798-2. The development process complies with the requirements set out in ISO / IEC 15408-1, which guarantees high reliability.
The application includes the following standard encryption algorithms: Advanced Encryption Standard (block size of 128 bits, key lengths: 128, 192 and 256 bits) Blowfish Haval (256 bit, 5 passes) CAST-128 (CAST-5) CAST-256 (CAST-6) Information Concealment Engine (ICE) Information Concealment Engine 2 (ICE-2) ICE Encrypt MISTY-1 (Mitsubishi Improved Security Technology) Ron’s Code 2 or Rivest’s Cipher 2 (RC-2) Ron’s Code 4 or Rivest’s Cipher 4 (RC-4) Ron’s Code 5 or Rivest’s Cipher 5 (RC-5) Ron’s Code 6 or Rivest’s Cipher 6 (RC-6) Serpent Tiny Encryption Algorithm (TEA) Twofish Affordable hash functions: Secure Hash Algorithm 1 [SHA-1] RIPEMD-160 Haval [256 Bit, 5 passes] Message Digest 5 [MD-5] Message Digest 4 [MD-4] Tiger RIPEMD-128 SHA-256 (SHA-2 family) SHA-384 (SHA-2 family) SHA-512 (SHA-2 family)
↓ 17 – Encrypt Care[ Free | Files & Text Encryption Only ]
Encrypt Care is an easy to use and feature-rich encryption software which allows user to encrypt or decrypt text and files in batch mode, generate, verify and export file checksums. Encrypt Care allows you to protect your data using the most powerful encryption algorithms, as well as protect your messages. With Encrypt Care you can do a lot of tasks with checksums – generate checksum of any text or file, generate hash for multiple files, verify checksums.
- Encrypt and decrypt text and messages
- Encrypt and decrypt files – photos, documents, programs etc.
- Generate and verify checksum of text and file
- Generate and export checksums for multiple files
- Supports various algorithms (AES, Blowfish, CAST, DES, IDEA, RC2, RC4, TEA)
- Supports various hashes (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512)
- Support Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (32 and 64)
↓ 18 – AES Crypt | Free | Files & Folder Encryption
AES Crypt is a file encryption software available on several operating systems that uses the industry standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to easily and securely encrypt files. Using a powerful 256-bit encryption algorithm, AES Crypt can safely secure your most sensitive files. Once a file is encrypted, you do not have to worry about a person reading your sensitive information, as an encrypted file is completely useless without the password. It simply cannot be read.
AES Crypt is the perfect tool for anyone who carries sensitive information with them while traveling, uploads sensitive files to servers on the Internet, or wishes to protect sensitive information from being stolen from the home or office. AES Crypt is also the perfect solution for those who wish to backup information and store that data at a bank, in a cloud-based storage service, and any place where sensitive files might be accessible by someone else.
↓ 19 – File Lock PEA[ Free | No Encrypting ]
File Lock PEA (PEA = Password Encrypting Archive) encrypts data at the filesystem level and offers the possibility to decrypt single files or whole directories temporarily. The program is small and consists of a single archive file. Installation is not required. The program is written in Java and therefore platform-independent and runs on nearly every system without installation, but requires a Java Runtime Environment – that is already installed in most cases.
File PEA encrypts files and folders with authenticated encryption to protect confidentiality and integrity of the data and uses memory-hard key derivation functions to prevent custom hardware attacks. File Lock PEA is not intended to replace disk encryption, but to complement it. File Lock PEA is designed to handle several files or folders – for large amounts of data, it is not suitable.
↓ 20 – Encrypto[ Free | File Encryption ]
Encrypto lets you encrypt files before sending them to friends or coworkers. Drop a file into Encrypto, set a password, and then send it with added security. Encrypto takes any file or folder and adds AES-256 encryption to it. With encryption, you know your file is incredibly secure and that only the right person can access it. Rather than relay a password to the recipient, include a unique, embedded password hint that only they would be able to decipher.
Why stop at encryption? Encrypto’s got seamless integration with Hider 2, which lets you hide your files and make them invisible to everyone — but you, of course. With Encrypto, not only can you encrypt and share files, but you can also save them to your own disk. Select your files, put them through Encrypto, and voilà — they’re protected.
↓ 21 – Anvi Folder Locker [ Discontinued | Free | No Encrypting ]
Anvi Folder Locker is a new and free security tool developed to help computer users manage or protect their important files. With Anvi Folder Locker, you can lock your personal files for protecting your privacy, set password to files so other users will have no access to visit. You can also add permissions to your files to stop them from being modified, destructed or removed. So just add a file or a folder, Anvi Folder Locker can Hide, Lock, Read Only, Hide and Lock, Password-Protect it.
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Are you also searching for some best free password manager apps and software in 2019? Keeping a strong and hard to crack password is a necessary thing to protect yourself online, but one has to take enough pain to remember strong passwords. That’s because there are tons of important apps and web services for which you need to set passwords. Like your social media accounts, email, internet banking accounts, online shopping, etc. There is one thing, you can do away with remembering all the passwords because not all the accounts are crucial. This is where the password managers come into the picture.
What is the use of a password manager or password vault?
A password manager (aka password vault, password keeper) can remember your credentials by storing them in an encrypted form and provide the details whenever required. This is way better than writing down your credentials in a notebook or some text file, only to be read by someone or compromised by a hacker.
Types Of Password Managers
Mostly, you’ll find three types of password manager apps: one that installs on your system and stores data locally, then come the web-based password managers that store data on cloud servers, and specially designed hardware that stores passwords (like the TPM chip). It is a hardware-based option which is primarily used to store biometrics such as fingerprints, retina, etc.
Nowadays, many password managers offer cross-platform support. So, we access their data locally, as well as over the internet.
In your free time, don’t forget to check out the best Android password manager apps.
Note: This list isn’t arranged in any order of preference. You’re advised to choose one as per your need.
Best Free Password Manager Apps 2019
1. LastPass
LastPass is a well-known name as one of the top-rated password manager apps for Windows out there. It offers cross-platform support while storing password details on its cloud servers.
LastPass can also import data from other web browsers installed on your computer or some other password manager in case you’re switching. What makes LastPass stand in the line for the best free password manager software for Windows and other platforms is its existence in the digital world for almost a decade.
LastPass extensions are available for various web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari, Opera, etc. Also, the users can download the LastPass Windows app from Microsoft Store to manage their account outside the browsers.
Special Features Of LastPass
- Two-factor authentication
- Automatic password capture
- Auto form filling
- Secure Notes for storing bank account numbers, social security numbers, etc
2. KeePass
Mainly, KeePass is a well-known Windows desktop password manager but it’s also available for macOS and Linux. Further, there are unofficial ports available as it’s a free and open-source software, first developed in 2004.
KeePass stores the usernames and passwords on the user’s device in an encrypted file. The password manager supports import and export of credentials in the form of XML, CSV, HTML, etc. files.
Its feature set is slightly limited when compared with other best free password managers included in this list. However, KeePass supports common password manager features such as form autofill, two factors authentication, etc. It also includes a built-in password generator tool.
Other than the features, the fact that KeePass is a completely free password manager has made us include it in the list of 2019’s best free password manager software.
Special Features Of KeePass
- Combination of key file and master password
- No installation required
- Option to create password groups
- Plugins to extend functionalities
3. Sticky Password
Another name in the list of the best free password manager is Sticky Password. The password manager is available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It provides support for all the popular web browsers.
The list of Sticky Password’s features includes autofill, form filling, password management, two-factor authentication, and support for biometrics such as fingerprints. Just like many other free password vault apps, Sticky Password also comes in a paid version that adds an extra set of features including cloud backup, cross-device sync, priority support, etc.
Sticky Password can also store user’s payment details in addition to credentials. One feature that the creators of Sticky Password promote with enthusiasm is that the password manager app can sync data across WiFi locally, in case, some user doesn’t want to do it over the cloud.
Special Features Of Sticky Password
- Excellent password generator tool
- Encrypted vault for storing credit card numbers to facilitate one-click payments
- Option to share passwords securely
- Support for 16 browsers
Also Read: 10 Best Password Managers For Linux Operating Systems
4. Roboform
The free password manager Roboform is also the one blessed with a neat and clean interface and great looks. As a part of its multi-platform support, Roboform is available for Windows, iOS, Android, and MacOS. Other than being one of the best password manager apps, Roboform is also one of the oldest. It was first released in 1999.
The free version of this password vault allows users to store unlimited passwords, automatically fill web forms, single-click logins for website and apps, etc. There is a paid version available which like other password managers provides some extra benefits such as cloud sync.
Roboform also lets users share their login credentials safely. The password management software has a tool to intelligently calculate the strength of your passwords. The user interface experience is as if you’re using a traditional Windows software and it easily blends with the overall theme of the operating system.
Special Features Of Roboform
- Auto capturing of password
- Folders for managing passwords easily
- Offline access to passwords
- Strong search functionality to search passwords
5. Dashlane
Dashlane is a beautifully designed password manager app that protects user credentials using AES-256 bit encryption and stores them locally. It supports features that can help users when filling forms and provides automatic logins, two-factor authentication, import/export of credentials, etc.
The Dashlane app also doubles up as a digital wallet to store credit cards, debit cards, and other payment details. It has a dedicated interface to change multiple passwords with ease.
DashLane’s free password vault can store unlimited passwords for you, but it’s only limited to one device. You can go for the Premium option which extends the device limit to unlimited and also enables cross-device syncing and cloud backup among other extra features.
Dashlane is also a known name like LastPass. It ranks among the best password manager apps and is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android operating systems.
Special Features Of Dashlane
- Strong password generator tool
- Secure Notes to store notes, bank information and credit card details
- Share passwords with friends and family without revealing
- Emergency contact option to evade forgetting the master password
6. TrueKey
TrueKey is a famous password manager for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It supports web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
TrueKey can be a great password vault app because of its simplicity and various sign-in methods including facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, Windows Hello, two-step verification, etc.
These multi-factor authentication options are a bonus when security is concerned. Mostly, the master password is used by password managers to protect login credentials, but with TrueKey, you can easily get away with having the master key and use one of your devices for authentication.
But a little downside is that TrueKey’s free version only allows you to save up to 15 passwords which might make some users unhappy.
This free password keeper app also comes with a password generator and a digital wallet to store personal information. The data related to your login credentials are encrypted and stored locally but synced across devices on which the password manager is used.
Special Features Of TrueKey
- Owned and operated by McAfee
- Multiple authentication options
- Feature to import passwords from other password manager software
7. LogMeOnce
Even with its free version, LogMeOnce gives more benefits than many other password manager apps.
LogMeOnce’s feature list includes a number of two-factor authentication options, password strength report, cross-device sync, biometrics support, secure password sharing, digital wallet, etc.
It also includes one-click functionality to automatically change your weak passwords analyzing in the password strength reports. Users have a choice, either to create a passwordless account or add a master password. Further, the free version of this password vault also allows the addition of a beneficiary which will receive the control of the account if something happens to the user.
Special Features Of LogMeOnce
- Password-less access using PhotoLogin and Fingerprint
- Option to convert a USB into a 2FA token
- Secure Wallet for storing credit card information
- Emergency access with photos
- Kill pill for instantly wiping off LogMeOnce data stored on a stolen device
- Automatic password changer
8. Symantec Norton Identity Safe
Password Protection Software For Mac
Norton Identify Safe has all the quality of a basic password manager app. But what makes Norton Identity Safe a good free password manager is that there is no paid version of this password manager tool. So, there is no cutting of benefits.
The password vault from the house of the security company Symantec can easily store password credentials to provide one-click logins. It provides an easy and quick way to fill web forms.
The free password manager software helps users with a password generator tool, but it’s available separately. Some users may deviate from using this due to a lack of timely feature update where other password managers take the lead. Norton Identity Safe supports import/export of login credentials, but the import from other password manager apps are limited to the .csv file format.
In a nutshell, Norton Identity Safe provides an easy to use password management software with synchronization between desktop, smartphone, and web browser.
Special Features Of Norton Identity Safe
- Safe Web feature to alert about malicious web pages
- Complex password generator
- Automatic password changer
9. Enpass Password Manager
The second last name in our list of the best free password manager tools is Enpass Password Manager. This software also supports a number of platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, etc.
The free version of Enpass delights its users with a number of features including cloud backup, fingerprint support, family support, password generator, AES-256 bit encryption, web form autofill, data import, etc.
If you’re planning to use Enpass on your desktop computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux, you don’t have to pay a penny. But for Android devices, Enapss is limited to storing 20 passwords only.
Special Features Of Enpass Password Manager
- Uses SQLCipher 256-bit AES encryption engine
- Time-based one-time passwords
- Passwords are not stored on Enpass servers
- Segregation of password vaults for storing personal, work and family passwords
10. Keeper
Finally, to end this list of the best free password managers, we have got Keeper. The first thing I like about this popular password vault is the user interface which I guess is one of the best in this list.
All options are neatly arranged in a pane on the left, and clicking any one of them reveals the settings. However, one thing which needs improvement is it should label what features are paid. You only realize this when you try to use a feature and it wants your money.
Both the web and desktop versions of Keeper look almost the same. You can easily add login credentials to a record which can also include photos. Just like other password managers, Keeper apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS, as well as, it also has extensions for different web browsers.
Special Features Of Keeper
- Add an unlimited number of passwords and payment details
- Built-in password audit tool.
- Neat and clean UI that looks premium
- It’s easy to use password management software
Use Password Managers Cautiously
So, these were some of the best password manager apps for 2019 you can find on the internet. All of such software have their pros and cons. An advantage of using free password manager apps is that you can switch them anytime as there is no money to be paid to get a new one.
However, there is an important thing you should remember when switching password managers. Don’t forget to delete all your data before abandoning a password manager app. You should do it even if it is paid.
What About Chrome’s Built-in Password Manager?
Chrome is the most used web browser on the planet and its users are familiar with the constant popups asking users to save their password in Google Smart Lock. Given the fact that Google is behind it, the password vault looks promising. But it also includes a dumb feature that can expose all of your saved passwords without doing much.
If you’re signed in to Chrome, you can view the user credentials in Settings > Manage Passwords. Although it seems a bit strange, it asks for your Windows password or PIN before displaying the details.
Your friend with the knowledge of your PCs password can easily view your login details. So, use Chrome’s password manager only if you don’t share your PC with anyone.
Do You Need a Password Manager?
The answer is, Yes. If you are among the people who often forget their passwords and end up creating multiple accounts on the same website, a password vault is made for you. In fact, there is no harm in using a password manager even if you have great memory recalling. There are many free password manager apps available.
A paid or free password keeper could be very helpful in today’s time. Its need won’t go away anytime soon, at least, not until we enter into a password-less future aided by Web Authentication – a new standard that lets people use their fingerprint, face, eyes, etc. to authenticate online services.
This list is intended to compile some of the best free password manager software for Windows 10 you can find in the year 2019.
That was all folks. If there is something you want to add, drop your thoughts in the comments.
Also Read: Best And Free Data Recovery Software