For partition management, GParted is a gold-standard, free, and open-source tool. For data recovery, TestDisk and PhotoRec are incredibly powerful command-line tools that cost nothing.

: Included with TestDisk; focuses on recovering files (photos, videos, documents) from hard disks, CD-ROMs, and digital camera memory.

Official versions receive patches for new vulnerabilities. A repack is "frozen" in time, leaving your system exposed to exploits. 4. Legal and Ethical Concerns