I used Open Source apps for 365 days - These are my favorites

Summary

The presenter reports on a year-long trial of open-source software, replacing proprietary apps wherever a suitable alternative existed. They value the open-source approach and its potential to challenge big tech, while emphasizing that open-source status alone does not guarantee quality, privacy, security, ethics, or good design.

Linux setup and development tools

• CachyOS, Niri, and Noctalia make up the presenter’s Linux desktop. CachyOS is an Arch-based distribution, Niri is a tiling window manager that arranges windows in horizontally scrolling columns, and Noctalia provides the desktop shell and related interface features.
• Niri mod offers a graphical way to configure Niri instead of editing configuration files.
• Ghostty is the presenter’s terminal emulator, customized with a theme and set to open in a floating window.
• Zed replaced VSCodium for editing configuration files. The presenter still uses VSCodium to view man pages, which they have not figured out how to do in Zed.

Browsers and everyday apps

• Helium, used on Linux, is described as a lightweight, privacy-focused Chromium-based browser. The presenter cites community filters and uBlock Origin for blocking ads and trackers, as well as protections against third-party cookies and fingerprinting. Helium supports Chrome extensions.
• Zen (identified in the subtitles as “Sen”), used on macOS, is praised for separate workspaces that keep browsing sessions and logins apart.
• Blanket plays ambient background sounds. Users can mix sounds, adjust volume, and add their own.
• Tuta is used for personal email, and Proton Mail for work. The presenter notes that Proton’s desktop email client requires a paid plan, while Tuta is free.
• Handy provides speech-to-text using local models. It supports keyboard shortcuts or push-to-talk, model selection, clipboard copying, recording-history limits, and saved audio waveforms.
• LocalSend transfers files, folders, text, or links between devices on the same Wi-Fi network, without an account or cloud storage.
• Excalidraw is a browser-based virtual whiteboard for drawing, diagrams, and images. The presenter highlights its Mermaid support, an Obsidian plugin, and the option to self-host it.
• Stirling PDF is a free-for-personal-use PDF editor that can be downloaded or self-hosted without an account. The presenter uses it to merge and split PDFs, sign documents, and handle other PDF tasks.
• OpenLogi is presented as a local alternative to Logitech’s configuration software that does not require an account. Its supported-device range is limited; the presenter’s G502 mouse is not supported.

Gaming, installation, and office software

• Lutris helps run games on Linux, including Windows games. For World of Warcraft, it sets up a Windows-like environment and Battle.net launcher through a “prefix.”
• ProtonUp-Qt is used to install Proton GE for Steam games.
• WoWUp manages World of Warcraft add-ons. The presenter prefers it over CurseForge because it is open source and does not require a login.
• Ventoy makes a USB drive bootable and lets users place multiple ISO files on it, then select which one to boot. Medicat, built on Ventoy, is mentioned as a promising toolset the presenter has not yet tried.
• OnlyOffice and LibreOffice are presented as full office-suite alternatives compatible with Microsoft Office file formats. The presenter prefers OnlyOffice for its familiar interface and ability to keep multiple documents in tabs.

Sponsor segment

The presenter describes Obscura VPN as using a two-tier architecture intended to separate a user’s identity from their browsing activity. They also mention that it is open source, does not require an email to register, includes ad and tracker blocking, and is available on several platforms. This portion is sponsored.

Guides and other videos mentioned

• The presenter has a separate video about their Linux setup and plans to make a full customization guide.
• They refer viewers to other videos covering more than 30 FOSS apps and apps for students and researchers.
• A planned Windows-focused video was to cover Rufus, CrystalDiskMark, and WinHog, alongside a “clean” Windows installation.

Main speaker and sources

• Main speaker: The video’s presenter, sharing personal experiences and app recommendations.
• Additional source: Obscura VPN, featured as the video’s sponsor.