Get it from the official source
We don't host files. These links take you straight to the genuine, safe installer on the developer's website.
Australians don't need to spend a single dollar to put together a fully capable computer. Whether you're on the NBN in a capital city or stuck on slower fixed wireless or Starlink out in the regions, there's a free, well-maintained app for nearly every task: writing documents, editing photos, browsing the web and protecting your machine. The catch is the same here as anywhere, you have to download from the right place.
Connection speed is a real consideration locally. A lot of these apps host their files on overseas servers, so a 300 MB installer that flies down on a fibre connection in Melbourne can crawl on a metered satellite plan in the bush. Where a project offers an Australian or regional mirror (universities like AARNet host several open-source mirrors), use it to save both time and data. If you're on a plan with a monthly data allowance, it's also worth scheduling big downloads for any off-peak "data-free" window your ISP offers.
tooldownload.net is an informational directory, not the publisher of these programs. For every app we point you to the official project or vendor so you always get the genuine, unmodified installer, never a repackaged one from a random portal.
Top picks & alternatives
What "free" actually means before you download
It helps to know the licence before you click. The main types you'll meet are:
- Open source (LibreOffice, VLC, GIMP): free to use, study and share, with public source code.
- Freeware: free but closed source, sometimes only for home or non-commercial use.
- Freemium: a free tier exists, with paid upgrades, and any AUD pricing usually appears once you reach the paywall.
- Ad-supported: free but shows ads or bundles optional offers during setup.
None of these are bad, but reading the licence tells you whether you'll hit a charge later. Genuinely free and open-source tools stay free in Australia, with no GST surprises.
Download from the official source, not a portal
The biggest mistake people make is grabbing free software from a random "download portal" stuffed with fake buttons and bundled adware. Go straight to the project's official website instead, usually a .org domain or a GitHub releases page. Where a project lists an AARNet or other Australian mirror, that's both faster and just as legitimate.
When a project offers a checksum (SHA-256) or a digital signature, take a moment to verify it. It confirms the file matches what the developer published and wasn't tampered with in transit, which matters more on long international hops.
Free software worth installing first
Setting up a fresh machine? A handful of free apps cover most needs: a browser like Firefox, an office suite like LibreOffice, a media player like VLC, an archive tool like 7-Zip and an image editor like GIMP. Add OBS Studio for screen recording and you have a capable workstation that cost nothing. All of these run happily on Windows 11, macOS and Linux machines sold through JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks or any Aussie retailer.
The items list below links to each project's official home so you can download the current, genuine version.
Watch your data and pick the right mirror
If you're on a capped or shaped plan, large installers add up. Many ISPs once offered "unmetered" content, and a few still zero-rate certain mirrors, so check your provider's list. AARNet mirrors several Linux distributions and open-source projects from within Australia, which keeps the bytes local and the download fast. For mobile-tethered installs, grab the smaller offline installer rather than a web-stub downloader where you can.
Keeping free software updated and safe
Free doesn't mean fire-and-forget. Outdated software is one of the most common ways malware gets in. Many apps update themselves, but check periodically, especially browsers, media players and anything that opens files from the internet. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) repeatedly lists prompt patching as one of its top recommendations for home users. A quick scan of any new installer with your antivirus or VirusTotal adds another layer of confidence.
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