Part 3 of 3 in Series: lists will continually be updated periodically.
This is a continuation of my lists, “Recommended Software for the Average Joe and Jane” and “Software for the Tech-Savvy Power User” but with software I believe requires technical knowledge, not just literacy.
I also want to iterate that these are recommendations for personal use, not for an IT department.
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: — If open source software isn’t available for a feature then proprietary software is tolerated for this list —
On-premises file sync, universal access, integrated collaboration, real-time communication with privacy and data control focus.
Peergos is a secure and private online space where you can store, share and view your photos, videos, music and documents.
Free and open source
HopToDesk is a Remote Desktop Software that focuses on privacy and security. Allowing users to connect and control any device from anywhere. HopToDesk with its frictionless application is perfect for enterprises with work-from-home employees or the personal user who wants to...
DWService is a half (only the client/agent) open source project which offers a service that allows access to remote systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry...) using a standard web browser - without any component required on the client side.
A user-friendly, open-source, cross-platform solution, that allows controlling of remote computers. It can be used as an alternative to various commercial remote desktop and assistance products.
Formats USB drives to various file systems and creates bootable USBs from ISOs. Supports MS-DOS/FreeDOS bootable sticks and offers BIOS or UEFI options.
SuperDuper makes recovery painless, because it makes creating a fully bootable backup painless. Its incredibly clear, friendly interface is understandable, easy to use, and its built-in scheduler makes it trivial to back up automatically.
DiskGenius is full-featured partition manager. It also lets you edit UEFI entries with ease, so if you want to install a different bootloader like Clover, DiskGenius can help set it up quickly.
Open source virtualization tool supporting x86/AMD64, runs on Windows, Linux, Mac, Solaris. Offers portable, lightweight, ad-free use.
Qubes is an open source operating system designed to provide strong security for desktop computing.
Free and open-source tool for batch uninstalling multiple apps with minimal input, removing portable, protected, and damaged software, and cleaning up leftovers.
Open-source tool to enforce privacy & security best-practices on Windows and macOS, because privacy is sexy 🍑🍆.
The Sysinternals Troubleshooting Utilities have been rolled up into a single Suite of tools. This file contains the individual troubleshooting tools and help files. It does not contain non-troubleshooting tools like the BSOD Screen Saver or NotMyFault.
Sandboxie Plus creates a sandbox-like isolated operating environment in which applications can be run or installed without permanently modifying the local or mapped drive.
Enhance privacy with a secure, portable browser that hides your IP and encrypts connections on multiple platforms, maintaining anonymity.
Packet Tracer is an essential learning tool used in these Cisco Networking Academy courses: IT Essentials, CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA Security, Intro to Internet of Things (IoT), and Mobility Fundamentals.
