Desktop Life Hacks

Jake Smith4 appsUpdated Feb 4, 2021

Stuff to be ready for university

Google Chrome
Like
Web browser built on an open-source platform featuring multiple account support, integrated password manager, dark mode, real-time translation, and seamless cross-device syncing.
Cost / License
Free
Proprietary
Application type
Web Browser
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Flathub
PortableApps.com
Chocolatey
+12
JS
Jake Smith’s note
Your default internet browser should be Google Chrome. There is no debate that Chrome is among the big browser companies and commonly the most downloaded, if not predownloaded. Not much needs to be said about this.
Contacam
Like
This Free Video Surveillance and Live Webcam software for Windows is extremely easy on system resources, and does not contain unnecessary bloat. It is fast, light, and versatile enough to meet all your security needs while still being very user friendly and able to run on even...
Cost / License
Free
Proprietary
Application type
Video Streaming App
Platforms
Windows
+5
JS
Jake Smith’s note
Use a free webcam surveillance software to monitor your neighbourhood in dodgy dwellings or sketchy student accommodations. There are clear legal ramifications so be sure to read your contracts or your housemate's reaction to surveillance before setting it up in general. Most people don't ask if you have a webcam pointed towards the outside of your bedroom window so make it less obvious and block any LED indicators you might have on your cheap third-party Chinese-built Amazon webcam.
OBS Studio
Like
Comprehensive software providing screen recording and live streaming on Mac, Windows, and Linux with powerful encoding support and unlimited scenes.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Screen Recorder
Screen Casting Tool
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Snapcraft
Flathub
PortableApps.com
Steam
FreeBSD
+8
JS
Jake Smith’s note
Is your connection absolute garbage? Are your lecturers impossible to deal with? With the current direction of faceless Zoom meetings, this is the perfect life hack to countermeasure attendance-monitored classes that are only available online AND doubles as a general time saver by being able to review past lectures. Skip straight to the interesting and useful content just like you would do in a typical YouTube video tutorial and share timestamps with your friends to as important times in the video. Just don't tell your lecturer.
Discord
Like
A versatile platform for text and voice communication, featuring topic-specific channels, customizable moderation, and smooth low latency interactions.
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Epic Games Store
Flathub
Electron
Playstation
Xbox
+8
JS
Jake Smith’s note
Discord lives up to their hype and reputation of being a great tool for communicating with various communities who share their experiences in the field whether it's video games, music or technology. Servers contain wide lists of communities that can help beginners who want to enter an industry or learn about new skills whilst staying in touch with those who care about being present in conversations. Unfortunately, Zoom is still commonplace in this messed up society