John Fastman
Scientist, blogger, hacktivist and all-round computer whizz-kid. In my spare time I'm a model (mainly for pathology textbooks).
- Level 8
Opinions
Thinks Confluence is an alternative to Quip
Thinks AppImageKit is an alternative to Flatpak
Wrote a negative comment on macOS as an alternative to Arch LinuxArch linux is an extremely versatile, flexible, free (as in beer) operating system for experienced Linux users. It runs on huge varieties of hardware. MacOS is closed, proprietary, inflexible, made especially only for Apple's hugely over-priced hardware, and Apple pursue people who don't follow their philosophy with aggressive lawsuits. MacOS also has key features stripped out (e.g. right click cut? Forget it!) Arch = shaving with razor blade. MacOS = shaving with a bowling pin.
Evernote is proprietary, closed source and stores user data in unencrypted format on web-facing US servers, which is terrible for privacy and security. They have been hacked in the past and are subject to US laws that force them to disclose data with authorities. They also refuse to support Linux operating systems. Their clients on Mac and Windows are very different and both lag significantly after about 500 notes are in the database. Evernote are the past.
Wrote a positive comment on Boost Note as an alternative to InkdropCurrently (2018-05-23), Boostnote is the best markdown-based note-taking app for desktop: allows any file format to be attached and is entirely local, leaving sync options in your hands (use Tresority, Sync.com, Spideroak, or Cryptomator for max privacy). It's open source, free I expect it to overtake Inkdrop in the next 1-2 years.
Wrote a positive comment on Standard Notes as an alternative to InkdropStandard Notes uses markdown and offers multi-platform sync with end-to-end encryption. It's also open source and extensible. Inkdrop is similar, except it has NOT got end-to-end encryption (read their forum; user data touches US-based servers unencrypted) and it's aimed primarily at software developers. Inkdrop is twice the price.
Wrote a positive comment on Kubuntu as an alternative to Linux MintKubuntu = Ubuntu - the Gnome desktop + the KDE Plasma desktop. It's Ubuntu with a different face. Which desktop you like is a matter of preference. There is also KDE Neon, which is like Kubuntu but you get the very latest KDE Plasma updates as soon as they're out.
Thinks Sunsama is an alternative to Sunrise Calendar
Wrote a positive comment on Antergos as an alternative to Arch LinuxIf you want Arch without the laborious installation procedure, Antergos its for you. It's based on Arch, has an excellent installer that lets you choose desktops and apps to install, doesn't come with any bloat, and supports the AUR (Arch User Repository). Even more user-friendly is Manjaro, which is better sorter out-of-the-box for most users, is also Arch based but comes with one installer per desktop and pre-installs much more guff.
Wrote a positive comment on Storj Object Storage as an alternative to SiaStorj follows the same philosophy of data storage: Your data is encrypted and backed up to multiple places. You rent that space from other people or can rent out your own hard disk space for other people to use. This is the future of secure, private and reliable data backup and sync.
Wrote a negative comment on ACS ChemWorx as an alternative to EndNoteChemWorx is specifically designed to do Endnote's job, integrate with the wider ACS ecosystem with chemists in mind. In reality, it's clunky, ill throught-through software with a counterintuitive interface. The support staff haven't got the foggiest for how to offer Linux support, even just for Ubuntu.
Wrote a positive comment on Mozilla Firefox and ungoogled-chromium as an alternative to ChromiumMozilla aren't perfect, but Firefox is, overall, still the best browser out there. Just some of the reasons: it's open source (trustworthy), doesn't spy on you like Chrome, has encrypted bookmarks/tabs/settings sync, lots of extensions and a huge array of options under the about:config menu.
Wrote a negative comment on Microsoft Edge as an alternative to ChromiumWould you like a browser that's 1) closed source, 2) proprietary, 3) tries to lock you in to it's little universe, 3) is an extension of Microsoft's surveillance suite of apps, 4) got fewer plugins, 5) works only on Windows? Great! Then Edge is for you. For sane people, there's Firefox, Brave, Iridium, Vivaldi...
Brave is an open source, privacy-oriented browser made by taking Chromium and removing all the bullsh*t that phones home to Google. It also has a built-in ad blocker and some other privacy-protecting features. Excellent, but you should still tweak the settings a little before you're fully protected.
Wrote a negative comment on SRWare Iron as an alternative to ChromiumSRWare Iron is closed source, offers nothing above tweaking Chrome settings and has other question marks hanging over it. If you want a de-Googled Chrome, see Iridium or Brave; they are open source and therefore more trustworthy.
Thinks Amarok, Clementine, GNOME Music and Lollypop is an alternative to LPlayer
