This article will not discuss the advantages of switching to open-source software in detail. However, briefly put, open-source respects users’ privacy, genuinely serving as an assistant in everyday life rather than extracting maximum personal information from them. With very few exceptions, open-source software offers a user experience at least as good as proprietary alternatives - and quite often, even better.

Personally, I’ve relied almost exclusively on open-source software for many years - both professionally and in my private life. In this article, I’ll share practical tips designed to help new users transition comfortably and painlessly to open-source alternatives.

Operating System Link to heading

Computer Link to heading

Linux has reached a stage where it’s accessible for anyone. It offers easy installation, remarkable stability, an attractive user interface, a supportive community, and fully open-source code.

I’ve personally tested various distributions: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, ElementaryOS, EndeavourOS, Arch, Mint, MX Linux, and finally returned to EndeavourOS.

For a smooth transition, follow these steps:

  1. Replace current software with open-source alternatives:
    Begin by switching all the software on your current OS to open-source alternatives available on Linux. Use alternativeto.net and apply the “open-source” filter. Spend 3-4 months getting comfortable using these alternatives for your daily tasks.

  2. Download and create a live USB with EndeavourOS:
    Download the latest EndeavourOS image and create a bootable USB stick.

  3. Test hardware compatibility:
    Boot from the live USB and thoroughly test your hardware. Browse the web, install commonly used software, and test essential functionalities such as video calls, multimedia editing, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, keyboard inputs, and thermal management over several days.

  4. Install EndeavourOS:
    Install EndeavourOS with the Btrfs file system and KDE desktop environment. Immediately enable additional software repositories: AUR, Flatpak, and Snap. Install Bauh as your software management tool.

  5. Install your software:
    Prioritize sources for installing software in this order:

    • Check the official developer packaging (AppImage, Arch repositories, Flatpak, Snap).
    • If unavailable, use Bauh, following this priority: Arch repo > AUR > AppImage > Flatpak > Snap.

  6. Use the terminal regularly:
    Familiarize yourself with the terminal. If you encounter errors, copy and paste them into ChatGPT for quick assistance. Since EndeavourOS is Arch-based, you’ll greatly benefit from the comprehensive Arch Wiki.

  7. Regularly update and backup:
    Perform updates biweekly, always creating a system snapshot with Timeshift beforehand. This practice can save you from system-breaking dependency conflicts at least twice per year.

Follow these steps, and you’ll confidently leave your previous OS behind.

Phone Link to heading

Today, we frequently use smartphones even more often than computers. A robust open-source alternative for mobile devices is GrapheneOS. However, to use GrapheneOS, you’ll need a Google Pixel phone. This shouldn’t be an issue, as Google Pixel devices represent solid mid-range choices - neither excessively cheap nor prohibitively expensive.

To smoothly transition to GrapheneOS, follow these steps:

  1. Switch to open-source alternatives first:
    Replace all proprietary apps on your current phone with open-source equivalents planned for GrapheneOS. Use alternativeto.net with the “open-source” filter and become fully comfortable with these apps over 3-4 months.

  2. Acquire a Google Pixel:
    Purchase a new or used Google Pixel phone according to your budget.

  3. Install GrapheneOS:
    Download and install GrapheneOS on your Pixel device. After installation, set up Google services via GrapheneOS Apps, and install Droid-ify and Aurora Store as your primary app managers.

  4. Install your preferred software:
    Prioritize installation sources as follows:

    • Official developer packages (GitHub, GitLab).
    • If unavailable, use Droid-ify. If the app isn’t found there, use Aurora Store in anonymous mode.

By carefully following these steps, you will achieve a seamless transition to GrapheneOS.

Software Link to heading

Now let’s discuss software. As mentioned earlier, transitioning to open-source becomes much easier and ultimately more successful if you first switch to open-source software on your current operating system. Use these alternatives until you’re completely comfortable, and only then proceed with changing your operating system.

Browser Link to heading

The browser is typically the most frequently used application on our computers, essential for both professional and personal tasks. Thus, it should be the first application you attempt to replace.

There are numerous open-source browsers available, generally based on two platforms: Chromium and Firefox.

Currently, I use the following setup:

  • Firefox-based browsers for personal tasks: LibreWolf (Linux) and IronFox (Android).
  • Chromium-based browsers for professional tasks: Chromium (Linux) and Vanadium (Android).
  • Tor Browser: Specifically used for tasks that I prefer not to associate with my real online profile.

Office Link to heading

  • LibreOffice: A powerful alternative to Microsoft Office. Tip: After installation, go to Preferences > LibreOffice > View and change the icon style for better appearance.
  • VSCodium: An open-source version of Visual Studio Code without telemetry.
  • NextCloud (self-hosted): A comprehensive private cloud solution.
  • Draw.io Desktop / Excalidraw: Diagramming tools ideal for creating flowcharts, mind maps, and more. Excellent replacements for MS Visio.
  • Joplin: Markdown-based notes application with end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and synchronization. An excellent replacement for Evernote.
  • MarkText: A distraction-free markdown editor. An excellent replacement for Notepad.
  • LanguageTool: Grammar and style checking tool available as browser and LibreOffice plugins. An excellent replacement for Grammarly.
  • Flameshot: Screenshot tool with annotation and blur capabilities.

Messengers Link to heading

Messengers can be a challenging category because replacing them often depends on the preferences of the people you communicate with. You cannot simply choose a new messenger on your own - you must consider the preferences and availability of your contacts.

Here’s a recommended strategy:

  1. Check if your contacts can communicate via Element (Matrix-based, E2EE protocol): Ideal for close family and friends.
  2. If Element is not an option, choose messengers in the following order: Signal > WhatsApp > Telegram > all other messengers.

Common messengers you will likely use include:

  • Element: The most secure messenger, perfect for private conversations with family and close friends. However, convincing casual acquaintances to use Element may be challenging.
  • Signal: Has a good reputation but does not openly publish its server-side code and requires phone number registration.
  • WhatsApp: Widely used and has no publicly documented major data leaks, although it’s unclear precisely how user data is managed.
  • Telegram: Similar to WhatsApp, its data management practices are unclear, but there is no significant evidence of major data breaches.
  • Viber: Least secure of these options. It has changed ownership multiple times, and there are many documented instances of personal data leaks. Use only if no better alternative is available.

Email Link to heading

It’s important to note that regular, unencrypted emails, much like SMS, are considered outdated communication methods due to their insufficient data protection.

Therefore, when you’re confident that your recipient also uses encrypted email, consider these providers:

For regular, unencrypted emails, I recommend using Thunderbird as your email client.

Social Media Link to heading

Social media platforms present a unique challenge since their effectiveness relies heavily on network effects and the preferences of your existing contacts. Therefore, transitioning individually can be complicated, as you must consider the communication choices of others in your network.

If you rely on social media professionally, it’s currently difficult to avoid using platforms provided by large corporations.

However, if your primary use of social media is for personal interactions and connecting with like-minded individuals, I recommend considering these open-source alternatives:

  • PeerTube: Intended as a YouTube replacement but currently offers limited value due to the low number of active content creators. My recommended practical solution is using FreeTube (Linux) or Tubular (Android) to watch YouTube videos ad-free, combined with direct support to creators via platforms like Patreon or their premium services.
  • Mastodon: A reliable and growing alternative to Twitter (now known as X).
  • Pixelfed: A privacy-friendly replacement for Instagram.
  • Diaspora: An alternative platform to Facebook, emphasizing user privacy and data protection.

News Link to heading

To efficiently stay updated on the latest news, RSS technology proves extremely useful. Nearly all reputable news websites offer RSS feeds, and even YouTube channels provide them.

I personally manage my RSS subscriptions for news updates and new videos using Thunderbird on Linux and Feeder on Android.

Content Creation Link to heading

  • Kdenlive: An excellent video editor that surpasses most proprietary alternatives, with the exceptions being DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere.
  • OBS Studio (with Virtual Camera): Ideal for screen recording, live streaming, and using a virtual webcam.
  • Hugo: A static site generator perfect for creating personal or project websites.
  • GIMP: A comprehensive and feature-rich image editing tool.
  • Krita: Outstanding digital painting software, particularly suited for artists.

Study Link to heading

  • GoldenDict: An excellent multilingual dictionary tool.
  • Anki: A powerful spaced repetition flashcard system to enhance learning and memorization.
  • Gnome Boxes: An intuitive application to create and manage virtual machines effortlessly.

Entertainment Link to heading

  • mpv: An advanced, command-line-driven media player offering exceptional playback quality.
  • Celluloid: A stylish, lightweight, and easy-to-use media player.
  • Audacious: A straightforward and quick music player.
  • qBittorrent: A reliable, ad-free torrent client.

Protection Link to heading

  • Timeshift: A system restore utility that creates snapshots before system updates, ensuring easy recovery in case of issues.
  • ProtonVPN / IVPN: Open-source VPN services with a robust emphasis on user privacy and security.
  • Bitwarden: A secure password manager featuring convenient browser integration.

Final Thoughts Link to heading

Transitioning to open-source software doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With careful planning, gradual adoption, and the guidance provided here, you’ll find yourself confidently navigating an ecosystem that respects your privacy, enhances your productivity, and aligns more closely with your personal values.