🛠️ FOSS Recommendations

Here are some of the free and open-source tools that I use, love, and recommend. Whether you're privacy-curious, anti-Big Tech, or just want tools that respect your agency, these are a great place to start.

📱 Matrix

What it is: An open, federated network for secure, real-time communication
How I use it: My daily chat platform — for friends, communities, and cross-app bridging. Fully self-hosted via Synapse, with bridges to other networks and my own Maubot automations.
Why I love it: It’s the messaging layer of the open web — decentralised, extensible, and entirely in your control.
🔗 matrix.org ・ GitHub

🐘 Mastodon

What it is: A decentralised, open-source alternative to Twitter
How I use it: My new social home! I post updates, share blog links, and connect with the wider FOSS, localisation, and tech communities — all without algorithms or ads.
Why I love it: It’s what social media should feel like. Human, kind, and in your control. I even self-host my own instance. 💜
🔗 joinmastodon.org ・ GitHub

📬 Proton

What it is: Privacy-first email, calendar, VPN, and cloud storage suite
How I use it: My primary email and calendar platform, and the best VPN I've ever used. I pay for the Unlimited plan, but they offer generous free tiers too.
Why I love it: Based in Switzerland, open source, and fighting the good fight for digital rights.
🔗 proton.me ・ GitHub

☁️ Nextcloud

What it is: A self-hosted alternative to Google Drive, Calendar, Photos, and more
How I use it: Central to my Open Web Hub — I use it for file syncing, calendar, notes, backups, and even whiteboarding!
Why I love it: Private, powerful, endlessly extendable.
🔗 nextcloud.com ・ GitHub

✒️ Ghost

What it is: A clean, modern platform for blogging and newsletters
How I use it: You’re looking at it! I self-host Ghost and write in Markdown.
Why I love it: Fast, distraction-free, and fully open source.
🔗 ghost.org ・ GitHub

🐧 Linux Mint

What it is: A user-friendly Linux operating system
How I use it: My daily OS. If you’re still on Windows and feel even vaguely techy — give this a go. I’ve never looked back.
Why I love it: Clean, stable, privacy-respecting, and a great first Linux distro.
🔗 linuxmint.com ・ GitHub

🐍 Python

What it is: A powerful, readable programming language
How I use it: For scripting, automation, localisation tools, and AI experiments
Why I love it: Open governance, strong community, beautiful syntax. The Python Software Foundation do a great job of stewarding it.
🔗 python.org ・ GitHub