Last Update: 2025-06-26
I try to use free and open source software (FOSS) whenever it is possible.
Hardware
| Category | Model | Bought | Why | Notes |
|---|
| laptop | lenovo thinkpad t480 | 2023 (used) | work, programming | my main device, 48GB RAM, 256GB SSD |
| smartphone | google pixel 6a | 2024 (used) | messaging, biking | grapheneos, no google services |
| server | zotac zbox pro pi335 pico | 2021 (used) | local services | for ad-blocking and backups |
| router | avm fritzbox 7530 | 2024 (used) | internet / networks | openwrt |
Software
PC
| Software | Why | Notes |
|---|
| nixos | operating system | declarative, one config to rule them all |
| i3 | tiling window manager | tiling for the win, easy to customize |
| zsh | zsh | great defaults, customizable |
| alacritty | terminal | used this before xterm, written in rust |
| lf | file manager | terminal-based, quick, very customizable, ranger in fast |
| neovim | editor | for simple file edits |
| neomutt | email | very fast, great to use with keyboard |
| librewolf | browser | optimized firefox, extensions: ublock origin, libredirect |
| mpv | media player | love the simplicity, migrated from vlc |
| syncthing | sync (files) | to sync between my smartphone and my laptop |
| keepassxc | password manager | simple, just works |
| rsync | backups | to backup my devices onto my server |
| ssh | remote connections | simple |
| gnumeric | spreadsheets | simple spreadsheets |
| sent | presentations | simple presentations |
| codeberg | code hosting | migrating over from github |
| markdown | file format | my favorite text-file format, simple and just works |
Smartphone
| Software | Why | Notes |
|---|
| grapheneos | operating system | security-focused android os without google stuff |
| obtainium | app store | to get apps |
| vanadium | browser | hardened by the grapheneos team |
| signal | messenger | my preferred messenger, not owned by a company |
| whatsapp | messenger | unfortunately: to stay in touch with family |
| mpv | media player | can run in the background and increase speed |
| syncthing | sync (files) | to sync between my smartphone and my laptop |
| fitotrack | fitness tracking | to record my biking routes |
That's it. No banking or social media, just a lean, secure setup for messaging.
Other recommendations
| Software | Why | Notes |
|---|
| qubesos | operating system | compartmentalization (vms), no unintentional browsing |
| arch linux | operating system | keeps it simply and stupid |
| qutebrowser | browser | very customizable, great to use with keyboard |
| libre office | office | when people (very rarely) send me microsoft documents |
| xterm | terminal | fast, customizable, default terminal on most linux distros |
| ranger | file manager | terminal-based, quick, very customizable, great to use without mouse |
| tor browser | browser | for "anonymous" browsing |
| khal | calendar | calendar in the terminal |
| khard | contacts | contacts in the terminal |
| radicale | sync (contacts, calendar) | used for my calendar and my contacts |
| xpra | remote connections (shared) | if ssh can't solve the problem |
| dokku | code deployment | for my backend deployments, selfhost alternative for heroku |
| aurora store | app store | to get apps |
| f-droid | app store | to get apps |
| davx5 | sync (contacts, calendar) | used for my calendar and my contacts |
| vscodium | ide | for bigger projects, visual studio code without microsoft |
| mastodon | micro blogging | to connect to other people |
| jitsi meet | online meetings | very reliable |
| little file manager | file explorer in 137kb | small, fast |
Changelog
- 2025-06-26: major update, remove "not in use anymore" category
- 2023-10-05: replace x230 with t480, add android apps
- 2023-05-27: I use way less software and hardware
- 2023-01-01: move from arch to nix os
- 2022-10-01: changed smartphone