Set of open-source tools enhancing Windows with features like FancyZones, PowerRename, and Keyboard Manager. Lightweight and ad-free.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Platforms
- Windows
+4
Part 2 of 3 in Series: lists will continually be updated periodically.
This is a continuation of my list, “Recommended Software for the Average Joe and Jane”, but with software I believe needs a bit more technical know-how.
Criteria I look for universally for my lists are as follows: — Open source code: publicly audited — Privacy-focus: minimal data collection, encryption by default — Security-focus: 2FA available, encryption by default — Zero Knowledge end-to-end encryption (E2EE) when appropriate — Cross-platform or progressive web apps (PWAs) + cloud backup/sync — Freemium subscription model, so basic features are always available for free — Oligarchy / Big Tech alternative — Absence of “dark” or deceptive patterns
Criteria specifically for this list: — Small organizations and up-and-coming software are welcome on this list — User experience may require more configuration, less convenience, and more tech literacy — Features available can replace or nearly replace Big Tech’s popular apps
Android Only
Exodus helps you to know which trackers and permissions are embedded in apps installed on your device.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application type
Platforms
- Online
- Android
- Android Tablet
- F-Droid
+12
Websites
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Platforms
- Online
Cover Your Tracks is a research project designed to better uncover the tools and techniques of online trackers and test the efficacy of privacy add-ons.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application type
Platforms
- Online
BrowserLeaks.com is a website that checks how much private information your web browser is leaking about you. This includes your IP address, unique fonts, screen resolution, operating system, battery status, etc. Advice is given on how to fix this.
Cost / License
- Free
- Proprietary
Application type
Platforms
- Online
Some email clients perform operations when reading an email which give away information about the reader, to the sender of the message. If you enter your email address into the form on my home page, this web app will send you a confirmation email to make sure you own the email...
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application type
Platforms
- Online
- Self-Hosted
Web Privacy Check monitors privacy enhancing features on websites, and helps you find out who is letting you exercise control over your privacy. We check to what extent a website monitors your behaviour and how much they gossip about the monitoring to third parties.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application type
Platforms
- Online
- Self-Hosted
Who is peeking over your shoulder while you work, watch videos, learn, explore, and shop on the internet? Enter the address of any website, and Blacklight will scan it and reveal the specific user-tracking technologies on the site—and who’s getting your data.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Platforms
- Online
This is a demonstration of all the data your browser knows about you. All this data can be accessed by any website without asking you for any permission.
Cost / License
- Freemium
- Proprietary
Application type
Platforms
- Online
Think I’m missing something? Maybe it’s on my list: “Software for the average Joe and Jane [1/3]” or “Software for Advanced Administrators [3/3]”.
No comments so far, maybe you want to be first?
Gu