Windows RT: the essential apps

If you haven’t heard it by now, let us make it extra clear - Windows RT isnot the full Windows 8. No, it won’t run Photoshop, Dreamweaver, or whatever traditional Windows program you throw at it. Except for Microsoft’s Office package that comes pre-loaded.

Knowing this alone will save you plenty of confusion. But still this won’t answer the burning question: what apps does Windows RT have then, and which ones should I install right after getting it?

There is no universal recipe, but we’ve narrowed down 10 apps that should come handy for pretty much everyone out there. You might still feel like you are in a ghost town in the Windows Store after you download them, but at least one thing is clear - this time around, unlike with Windows Phone, developers will just have to start cranking up apps soon. We just see no way all those tablets, laptops and desktops would be left without their attention. So just give it some time.

Windows RT: the essential apps

1. Metro Commander

Windows 8/RT comes with no pre-installed file manager, and that seems like a glaring omission for those who like simple easy drag and drop action. Metro Commander delivers just that, in the Modern UI design style.

2. Firefox

It’s not that we are saying Internet Explorer isn’t good (it’s actually gotten a lot better), but if you prefer an alternative Firefox, in its non-final version, is here to help.

3. Skype

Skype functionality is built in all across the operating system, and that’s why there is no good excuse for not having the application running on Windows RT.

4. Minesweeper

If you are feeling nostalgic and have a couple of spare minutes, you can always fire up Minesweeper, and check your skills with this app.

5. Cut the Rope

And while it’s true that Windows RT doesn’t have the app and most particularly game selection, to get us excited, Cut the Rope is one of the exceptions that are actually on the Windows store.

6. TuneIn Radio

If you want Internet radio from all across the globe and not just music, TuneIn radio, the app that has already become very popular on other platforms, is there to fit your needs on the Windows store.

7. Evernote

Cloud-synced app Evernote is probably the best way to stay organized, jot down notes and quickly take a look at what you shouldn’t forget, and it’s on Windows RT as well.

8. Netflix

Netflix is what you’d expect it to be - streaming your movies on your Windows RT device instantly. Sweet.

9. Wordpress

Probably the most popular blog platform has got its dedicated app for Windows RT.

10. SketchBook Express

That plethora of tablets and laptops with touch screens make tons of things possible for artists. The SketchBook app is a perfect tool for them, with plenty of options to fine tune your drawings.