APPS - BEGIN curated by colin the catalyst

This is a list curated for the purpose of helping to choose the software/ applications (apps) that should be considered at the initial phase i.e. a new or restored device (Mobile Phone, Tablet, Computer/ Laptop, VR/ MR Headset).

The list is based on continuous research, testing and feedback that is intended to help you create an experience that aligns with the goals of your life/ workflow. The research began in 1992 and has included scenario's that consider living conditions guided by the exploration of the three-world model. (The range of countries is currently limited as it requires continued research while factoring in limited time to test, implement and ongoing refinement.)

The list has been curated using a custom time saving processes designed by colin the catalyst that considers a range of life/ work styles.

The sub-categories for this list include the following:

• OPERATING SYSTEM • INTERNET BROWSER • APP BROWSER • FILES • REMOTE ACCESS • END

Colin the Catalyst
Colin the CatalystList by Colin the Catalyst, last updated 
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  1. • OPERATING SYSTEM

  2. -- INTERNET BROWSER OS --

  3. Sava OS icon
     Like

    Experience a desktop-like interface for managing online data, bookmarks, and tabs. Create feeds, organize links, and ensure privacy with advanced encryption.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Sava OS screenshot 1
    Sava OS screenshot 1
    Sava OS screenshot 2
    +5
    Sava OS screenshot 3
  4. -- GOOGLE ANDROID --

  5. Android icon
     Like

    Open-source mobile operating system, seamlessly integrating with Google services, enabling extensive app support and hardware compatibility across brands.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Android Auto
    • Android SDK
    • Android Wear
    • Android TV
    Android screenshot 1
    Android screenshot 1
    Android screenshot 2
    +1
    Android screenshot 3
  6. AirDroid icon
     Like

    A device management platform for seamless remote control, file transfers, notifications, and screen mirroring across devices without network limits.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    File transfer & management
    Remote control
    Easy connection
    +4
    Notification management
  7. Facilitates device communication, enabling notifications, SMS replies, file sharing, and remote control across multiple operating systems.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • KDE Plasma
    • F-Droid
    • Sailfish OS
    • Plasma Mobile
    • Chocolatey
    KDE Connect screenshot 1
    System Settings Module
    KDE Connect screenshot 2
    +4
    KDE Connect screenshot 3
  8. Runs Android apps on both Windows and macOS, switching environments without reboot. Supports enterprise IT in delivering apps securely.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Main application
    Browser based app store
    BlueStacks screenshot 2
    +9
    BlueStacks screenshot 3
  9. Genymotion is an Android emulator for building and testing great Android apps. It’s fast, simple and powerful.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android Studio
    • Eclipse
    Genymotion screenshot 1
    Genymotion screenshot 1
  10. -- APPLE OS --

  11. iOS icon
     Like

    iOS is a mobile operating system designed by Apple for its iPhone and iPad devices. It offers a user-friendly interface, intuitive features, and seamless integration with other Apple products. With iOS, you can access a wide range of apps, games, and multimedia content, as well...

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    iOS screenshot 1
  12. macOS icon
     Like

    Unix-based operating system for Macs, excels with an intuitive UI, robust built-in apps like Safari, and strong security via FileVault, Gatekeeper, and SIP.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    macOS screenshot 1
    macOS screenshot 1
    macOS screenshot 2
    +4
    macOS screenshot 3
  13. Loop is a macOS app that simplifies window management for you! You can effortlessly choose your window direction using a radial menu triggered by a simple key press, and customize it according to your preferences with personalized colors and settings.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Loop - Window Management screenshot 1
    Loop - Window Management screenshot 1
    Loop - Window Management screenshot 2
    +10
    Loop - Window Management screenshot 3
  14. visionOS icon
     Like

    All-new platform. Familiar frameworks and tools. Get ready to design and build an entirely new universe of apps and games for Apple Vision Pro.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • visionOS
    • iPhone
    visionOS screenshot 1
    visionOS screenshot 1
  15. -- LINUX --

  16. Puppy Linux is a unique family of Linux distributions meant for the home-user computers. It was originally created by Barry Kauler in 2003.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Puppy Linux screenshot 1
    Puppy Linux screenshot 1
  17. Ubuntu icon
     Like

    Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
    Ubuntu screenshot 1
    Ubuntu screenshot 2
    +1
    Ubuntu screenshot 3
  18. -- MICROSOFT WINDOWS --

  19. The latest Windows update with a redesigned Start menu, Widgets integration, Xbox gaming features, and tighter security requirements, built with modern hardware in mind.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 11 screenshot 1
    Windows 11 screenshot 1
    Windows 11 screenshot 2
    +2
    Windows 11 screenshot 3
  20. -- PORTABLE APPS --

  21. PortableApps.com is a website offering many free, commonly used Windows applications that have been specially packaged for portability. These portable applications can be used from removable media such as USB flash drives.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • BSD
    • PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)
    • Wine
    PortableApps.com screenshot 1
    Portable Apps on Windows 7
    PortableApps.com screenshot 2
  22. -- META HORIZON --

  23. This new hardware ecosystem will run on Meta Horizon OS, the mixed reality operating system that powers our Meta Quest headsets. We chose this name to reflect our vision of a computing platform built around people and connection—and the shared social fabric that makes this...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Meta Quest
    Meta Horizon OS screenshot 1
    Meta Horizon OS screenshot 1
    Meta Horizon OS screenshot 2
    +2
    Meta Horizon OS screenshot 3
  24. -- NEVER INSTALL --

  25. Use desktop apps via a browser without installation, offering 10x faster performance using cloud power and freeing local resources.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    neverinstall screenshot 1
    neverinstall screenshot 1
    neverinstall screenshot 2
    +3
    neverinstall screenshot 3
  26. -- BACKUP & RESTORE OS --

  27. Free, user-friendly disk cloning and imaging software, boots from USB for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Supports Clonezilla backups and virtual machine images.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Rescuezilla screenshot 1
    Rescuezilla screenshot 1
    Rescuezilla screenshot 2
    +6
    Rescuezilla screenshot 3
  28. -------

  29. --------------

  30. • INTERNET BROWSER

  31. Chromium-based browser for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, offering extension support, privacy features, smart security, and cloud sync across devices.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    Microsoft Edge screenshot 1
    Microsoft Edge screenshot 1
    Microsoft Edge screenshot 2
    +4
    Microsoft Edge screenshot 3
  32. 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

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • PortableApps.com
    Main Window
    Settings
    Incognito Mode
    +8
    Main View (Android)
  33. Safari icon
     Like

    The best browser for your Mac is the one that comes with your Mac. Safari is faster and more energy efficient than other browsers. Handy tools help you save, find, and share your favorite sites. Built-in privacy features help keep your browsing your business.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Safari on Mac, iOS, and iPadOS
    Safari on Mac
    Safari Light Theme on Mac
    +4
    Safari Dark Theme on Mac
  34. AI-powered browser with contextual assistant features, real-time content summaries, agent-style automations, privacy-first design, and Chrome extension compatibility.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    Perplexity Comet screenshot 1
    Perplexity Comet screenshot 1
    Perplexity Comet screenshot 2
    +1
    Perplexity Comet screenshot 3
  35. Opera icon
     Like

    An advanced browser with a built-in VPN for privacy, ad blocker, Speed Dial, AI, cloud sync, and rich extensions, tailored for various devices.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Kindle Fire
    • Flatpak
    Opera screenshot 1
    Opera screenshot 1
    Opera screenshot 2
    +16
    Opera screenshot 3
  36. Opera GX icon
     Like

    Browser designed for gaming with CPU, RAM, network limiters, Twitch and Discord sidebar integrations, GX Corner for news and game deals, and custom themes.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Opera GX screenshot 1
    Opera GX screenshot 1
    Opera GX screenshot 2
    +6
    Opera GX screenshot 3
  37. Brave icon
     Like

    Fast, secure browser with built-in ad block, privacy controls, and global tracking protections. Optimizes data, speed, and battery life.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    Brave screenshot 1
    Brave screenshot 1
    Brave screenshot 2
    +4
    Brave screenshot 3
  38. Open-source browser with Gecko engine, supporting HTML add-ons and providing privacy features like Enhanced Tracking Protection and third-party cookie blocking.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Flatpak
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Gecko
    Firefox Desktop (Light Theme)
    Firefox Desktop (Dark Theme)
    Firefox iOS (Light Theme)
    +7
    Firefox iOS (Dark Theme)
  39. • APP BROWSER

  40. Speed dial 2 is ultimate replacement of new tab page for Google Chrome icon Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox icon Mozilla Firefox with quick access to your most visited pages, bookmarks and browsing history.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Google Chrome
    • Firefox
    Speed Dial 2 screenshot 1
    Speed Dial 2 screenshot 1
    Speed Dial 2 screenshot 2
    +7
    Speed Dial 2 screenshot 3
  41. Microsoft Launcher provides a new home screen experience that empowers you to be more productive on your Android device. Microsoft Launcher is highly customizable, allowing you to organize everything on your phone.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    Microsoft Launcher screenshot 1
    Microsoft Launcher screenshot 2
    Microsoft Launcher screenshot 3
  42. Animated dock for Windows offering fast access to applications, shortcuts and files, with customizable appearance, auto-hide feature, drag and drop launching, and support for multiple docks.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    ObjectDock screenshot 1
    ObjectDock screenshot 1
    ObjectDock screenshot 2
    +1
    ObjectDock screenshot 3
  43. The Windows 11 version of the Startisback replacement shell. This software allows you to make Windows 11 look like previous versions of Windows or a modified version of itself.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Desktop showcase
    Consistent design language
  44. Start11 icon
     Like

    Personalizes Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows, with styles, color changes, tabs, and icon modifications. Adds functionalities and restores features.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Start11 screenshot 1
    Start11 screenshot 1
    Start11 screenshot 2
    +9
    Start11 screenshot 3
  45. uBar icon
     Like

    uBar is the task bar for the Mac. Whether you've never really liked the Dock, always wanted the one thing that Windows does right, or are switching from Windows to OS X, uBar is the perfect solution.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    uBar screenshot 1
    No more window-hunting

Find the window you're looking for at a glance. If an application has more than one window, you'll know right away. Click that application to open the window menu, which allows you to bring any window or even just the application itself to focus. You can turn window grouping off, and all your individual windows will be shown right in uBar.
    If you've never really liked the Dock, or have a soft-spot for the Windows Taskbar, uBar is here to save the day. uBar can be configured as a dock or task bar for OS X.
    +5
    uBar is first and foremost an OS X App, which means that every detail is thoughtfully executed and beautifully rendered.
  46. ViBox icon
     Like

    Make your desktop truly yours with the power of wide-ranging personalization options offered by ViBox. We believe that your desktop should reflect your style, needs, and preferences, and that's why we've crafted a widget experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    ViBox screenshot 1
    ViBox screenshot 1
    ViBox screenshot 2
    +1
    ViBox screenshot 3
  47. • FILES

  48. File Commander is a feature-rich file explorer allowing you to access both local and remote files stored in the cloud including: Google Drive, DropBox, Amazon Cloud Drive, and more.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Chromecast
    File Commander (MobiSystems) screenshot 1
    File Commander (MobiSystems) screenshot 1
    File Commander (MobiSystems) screenshot 2
    +15
    File Commander (MobiSystems) screenshot 3
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