This is actually a topic that I think about often because I LOVE several of the software tools I use daily, and the majority of my favorites are made by either

This is actually a topic that I think about often because I LOVE several of the software tools I use daily, and the majority of my favorites are made by either individuals or smaller companies (except a few). I've purchased licenses of the following and have used them all for years. These are all wonderfully simple in my opinion, and the most reliable pieces of software I have ever used and I have been very happy with my purchases: EditPlus Probably the best money I've ever spent. I use it for almost all of my coding. No other code editor seems to be arranged the same way with Folders and Files on the left with a tab to quickly switch to a function view, and simple color coded syntax highlighting. It's SO fast too. ScanWiz 2 Converts scans to PDFs. For me, it has been flawless and perfect in every way. I once had to email because my computer crashed and I needed my license key again. I was literally lost without it. I've never used anything so beautifully simple for the single function it performs for me. XnView and IrfanView I purchased a license for each at one point. XnView for batch processing and IrfanView for almost all other simple image functions. I know I can batch in IrfanView, but I like how I can select filters and such in XnView. Adobe Fireworks I cannot believe this one is supposedly being shut down. I have never used such a simple vector based editing tool in my life. I literally do everything in it, and when I try to use something else, I can't stand it. I pray they leave it available through my Cloud subscription for forever. Bvckup I actually only got Bvckup about a year ago, but it has already saved me - and allows me to run my backups super fast and more regularly. Again, it's all about the simplicity.