Which software/apps do you use most?

[paul1149]

We ran a thread like this on the MX Linux forum, and it was both interesting and useful, as many people discovered software that was good for their needs. So what programs do you use the most? Here's my list. I'm on Linux, but most of these have Windows versions.

• Vivaldi browser (stable track). The best browser, IME.
• theWord Bible prog (on WINE when in Linux).
• LibreOffice
• Slimjet browser.
• Thunar file manager (Linux only)
• Geany text editor.
• SMPlayer - audio/video player
• Shutter - screenshots
• gThumb - photo importer (Linux only)
• NoMacs - photo viewer

 

[Mary Meg]

I'm a Mac girl but use Windows things too (I have Parallels). And Linux under the hood.

• iTunes.
• Microsoft Office apps, especially Word and Excel
• Chrome Browser.
• TextMate text editor on Mac OS, Notepad++ on Windows
• VLC media player
• Mac OS Preview is pretty sleek for viewing most files.
• Photos on Mac OS, FreeStone Viewer on Windows.
• The GIMP for working with images.
• Logos Bible Software (yeah it's expensive but my daddy lets me use it)

I'm sure there's a lot I'm not thinking of.

 

[nChrist]

I'm using Linux Ubuntu 18.04.2.

e-Sword under Wine for Bible Study.
Linux Xiphos Bible Guide for quick Bible work.
Linux Opera as a browser.
Linux Thunderbird for an email program.
Linux Kate as a quick text editor.
Linux Libre Office for larger text jobs.
Linux Krusader for a great file manager.

I use most of these every day and can't think of any more right now.

 

[Tomm]

We ran a thread like this on the MX Linux forum, and it was both interesting and useful, as many people discovered software that was good for their needs. So what programs do you use the most? Here's my list. I'm on Linux, but most of these have Windows versions.

• Vivaldi browser (stable track). The best browser, IME.
• theWord Bible prog (on WINE when in Linux).
• LibreOffice
• Slimjet browser.
• Thunar file manager (Linux only)
• Geany text editor.
• SMPlayer - audio/video player
• Shutter - screenshots
• gThumb - photo importer (Linux only)
• NoMacs - photo viewer

I am wondering why are you using Linux instead of Windows?

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Windows OS (newer than 7 )
Microsoft DirectX (graphics)
Browser (other than Internet Explorer )
NVIDIA GeForce Software (graphics acceleration)
Creative Labs Software (audio)
Logitech Software (keyboard/mouse)
Adobe Flash Player (video)
Adobe Shockwave

CCleaner (utility)
Microsoft Word (productivity)
theWord Bible Software
Logos Bible Software
Plex Server App (video streaming over home network)
Spotify App (music)
WinRAR (compression utility)
7Zip (compression utility)
Windows Media Player (for lossless audio CD rips)
EZ CD Audio Converter (to compress lossless audio for compatibility and space on devices)
Cyberlink Power2Go (utility to back up data to BD-R)
Launchbox (A frontend for Emulators)
_____________(insert list of Emulators compatible w/frontend)
Steam (PC games)
Calibre (eBook reader and management)

These account for the most used in approximate order.

 

[elytron]

I have Linux Mint 19.1 on my Laptop...
Firefox is my main browser, also use Chromium
I listen to music with Spotify on Linux
Recently switched from Rhythmbox to Clementine (For to listen to my other music files)
Some of my music are on CDs, recently convert them into FLAC files with Asunder CD ripper.

My most used Linux software: web browser, Password manager, and
Spotify/Clementine.

Do you all use password managers?

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Do you all use password managers?

Only with my browser, no third party extension or plugins, only the browser. I've thought about a third party solution, but software can only be as trustworthy and secure as the company authoring the software. I have trust issues with software in general, even if it's engineered well, like windows security holes may later be identified and exploited. I have a really simple solution to the problem though. Use notepad (or equivalent) for passwords and critical info, compress the file with WinRAR using 128 bit encryption and password protection. Windows stores the copy and pastes into the unseen clipboard, but a utility program like CCleaner, can wipe the stored clipboard information clean. This makes it easy because it requires no memory, and allows for strong passwords. Only need to remember the password for the encrypted WinRAR archive.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

I almost forgot, when using a method like I do, backups are important, at least have one on the primary hard drive, and another on a USB/Micro-SD card, and you might want something like a small fireproof security box to store it in. It's not unreasonable to even have another backup in another location, like a bank security deposit box or a trusted relative's house. I am weary to use a cloud service for password backups, even if they are encrypted with a password. Physical backups suite me just fine.

 

[paul1149]

I'm on Linux, but most of these have Windows versions.

I wanted to add that I listed the titles in order of usage, most to least used, and that all the titles I listed are freeware.

The GIMP for working with images.

Yes, I use GIMP for graphics editing also, but I use it only seldom.

Calibre (eBook reader and management)

Yes, Calibre here also, though I don't use it much.

Do you all use password managers?

I'm glad you brought this up, I think PW managers are important. I used LastPass for years, but found it increasingly complicated and not working on some sites. Then I found BitWarden. It's open source, has been audited, and I find the user experience excellent. And it's totally free (premium version available, but unnecessary). I use only the browser extension, which is all most people would need, though a server is available for self-hosting.

backups are important,

Another excellent subject. On Windows I used AOMEI Backupper and FreeFileSync. That gives me the combination of a system backup and user files backups. On Linux I use FreeFileSync for user files, and periodically I boot to a Clonezilla disk to create a system image.

I am wondering why are you using Linux instead of Windows?

Good question. I didn't trust or like Windows 10 when it first came out, but since then I've learned how to neuter a lot of its intrusiveness, and now I'm pretty fine with it. But my hardware is a Vista-era Dell tower, and I found that Linux runs a lot faster and smoother than Windows on it. It runs extremely smoothly with hardly ever a hiccup. Updates are far easier too.

One of the reasons Linux works faster on older hardware is that most people do not need an anti-malware on it. This saves perhaps 15-20% of working resources over Windows. When I set up a Windows machine, I've found that Panda Dome anti-malware does a good job of both effectiveness and resource frugality. It's got a great user interface, and is also free.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Forgot to mention I use MakeMKV (1:1 backups) and Handbrake (for quality compression) to backup, archive, and convert purchased DVD's and Blu-Ray. I go through periods where I've used the programs frequently, but then I may not use them for months at a time. I stream on-demand the compressed video through PLEX on my PC across home network on all T.V.'s with Rokku or Amazon Fire setups. This is especially useful because I am a parent with a child. No disc swapping, no discs to be scratched and destroyed, no expensive (Rokku is relatively cheap) playback device to be broken. The primary expense is internet service, which is almost a necessity these days anyway.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

One of the reasons Linux works faster on older hardware is that most people do not need an anti-malware on it. This saves perhaps 15-20% of working resources over Windows. When I set up a Windows machine, I've found that Panda Dome anti-malware does a good job of both effectiveness and resource frugality. It's got a great user interface, and is also free.

Security software is an interesting discussion. I've tried and used many different solutions. Norton, McAfee, Avast, Malwarebytes, ZoneAlarm, BlackICE Defender, Webroot, Iobit, and others. I've found most end up being resource hogs. I was satisfied with several of these listed for a time, but my thoughts changed when internet security became highly subcription based along with inconsistencies between yearly versions and the neverending nature of internet security. The John McAfee story is an interesting one btw.

 

[paul1149]

I've tried and used many different solutions.

I've used most of the ones you list over the years, and also Kaspersky. The tendency of most of them has been towards more and more bloat and resource usage. Two that countered that trend, though, were the two worst offenders - Norton and McAfee - and they are halfway decent on resources now. Kaspersky is good, but too complicated an interface, IME. I've worked on some 1000 laptops, most of them low end or even netbooks, where resources are critical, and ended up with Panda as my go-to.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

I've used most of the ones you list over the years, and also Kaspersky. The tendency of most of them has been towards more and more bloat and resource usage. Two that countered that trend, though, were the two worst offenders - Norton and McAfee - and they are halfway decent on resources now. Kaspersky is good, but too complicated an interface, IME. I've worked on some 1000 laptops, most of them low end or even netbooks, where resources are critical, and ended up with Panda as my go-to.

Yeah, I started using McAfee a few years ago and it is as you say, but from what I understand, software firewalls pale in comparison to hardware firewalls. A hacker would be mighty disappointed going through my files, guess I've become a bit less concerned, but then I'm a poor nobody so yeah. Spyware is a bit more concerning, but adblockers help to a great extent, and free services like Web of Trust (WoT). It's a balancing act between security and resources. Long ago I learned to open task manager and manually stop un-necessary services. For awhile I enjoyed IoBit's "booster" automation but for all of it's usefulness the IoBit Advanced SystemCare suite became a major resource hog. I do use their Drive Booster though since Windows update is so dumb about detecting outdated drivers.

 

[paul1149]

software firewalls pale in comparison to hardware firewalls. A hacker would be mighty disappointed going through my files, guess I've become a bit less concerned, but then I'm a poor nobody so yeah. Spyware is a bit more concerning,

Most routers, halfway-decently set up, function as a hardware firewall, right? I'm also usually on a wire rather than wifi (which I don't think is good for us anyway).

Yes, privacy is another big concern. A lot can be done up front, at the browser level. I use Ublock Origin as an adblocker, and I also have Privacy Badger, which stops tracking cookies. Occasionally PB will break a page, but it's easily adjustable.

 

[xtitech]

• LibreOffice on Linux
• Microsoft Office on Windows
• GIMP
• Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari browsers
• Evolution mail client on Linux

 

[elytron]

GIMP
MyPaint
Inkscape

 

[morse86]

Most routers, halfway-decently set up, function as a hardware firewall, right? I'm also usually on a wire rather than wifi (which I don't think is good for us anyway).

Yes, privacy is another big concern. A lot can be done up front, at the browser level. I use Ublock Origin as an adblocker, and I also have Privacy Badger, which stops tracking cookies. Occasionally PB will break a page, but it's easily adjustable.

Hardware firewalls are just separate devices that run some kind of software - they are just as insecure as proprietary software firewalls because they often contain backdoors or vulnerabilities that are unpatched.

It's better to just build your own hardware router using linux OR pfsense - those are audited by millions of security researchers and patched timely.

 

[ObadiahHaidabo]

Do you all use password managers?

I do. 1Password. It's been enormously helpful to me. I can honestly say that every site I visit (hundreds over the last few years) has a different random password. I also turn on 2-factor everywhere I can.

It's better to just build your own hardware router using linux OR pfsense - those are audited by millions of security researchers and patched timely.

I used to do that..."I'll use this old Pentium with OpenBSD"...worked great, but then I got the electricity bill

I prefer to take a consumer-grade router (Netgear, etc.) and reflash it with OpenWRT or similar. This is solely because the idling power consumption is so much less than a full x86 processor and power supply. You get the best of both worlds.

 

[paul1149]

I prefer to take a consumer-grade router (Netgear, etc.) and reflash it with OpenWRT or similar. This is solely because the idling power consumption is so much less than a full x86 processor and power supply. You get the best of both worlds.

This is a great way to go. Of course, nothing can get around the actual hardware being compromised, as it may be.

 

[elytron]

I do. 1Password. It's been enormously helpful to me. I can honestly say that every site I visit (hundreds over the last few years) has a different random password. I also turn on 2-factor everywhere I can.

I also use a unique random password for each site. Have a lot of accounts to keep track of. Many years ago I used to write them down on paper.

I'm glad you brought this up, I think PW managers are important. I used LastPass for years, but found it increasingly complicated and not working on some sites. Then I found BitWarden. It's open source, has been audited, and I find the user experience excellent. And it's totally free (premium version available, but unnecessary). I use only the browser extension, which is all most people would need, though a server is available for self-hosting.

BitWarden is available in Mint's Software Manager/center. Interesting, will check it out someday. Auto sync would make things easy for me. Right now I use KeePassXC and my passwords are kept offline. Added the Ubuntu PPA to keep updated.