Your Complete Guide to Living a 100% Free and Open Source Life
Windows and macOS are commercial, proprietary, closed source operating systems. Linux, and its many applications, are free and open source. Want to use only free and open source software? Here's how.
Pop!_OS: Should a Linux Hardware Company Make Its Own Operating System?
Linux hardware company System76 has launched its own Linux operating system. This distro, known as Pop!_OS, will be preinstalled on all new System76 computers. But is it any good?
How Contributing to Open Source Projects Can Teach You Life Skills
We've looked at the benefits of using open source software, but what about the other way around: contributing to them? Can getting involved in an open source project aid your personal development?
10 Reasons Why You Should Store Your Data on a FreeNAS Box
Which company should you entrust your sensitive data to? Want to access your media across all your devices anywhere in the world? Here's why FreeNAS might be the right pick for you.
The Desktop Player All Google Play Music Users Need
While the Spotify desktop player is fantastic, Google Play Music doesn't have a desktop player at all. Luckily, there's a fantastic third-party solution you can fall back on.
The Short MakeUseOf Guide to VPN Terminology
The need for a secure internet connection has never been more vital. A VPN is a great way to stop unwanted snooping in your internet traffic. We're here to cut through the VPN jargon.
8 Practical Steps to Fight Planned Obsolescence
Expensive gadgets seem to break faster than ever, forcing us to spend more to replace them. It wasn't always like this. Here are some practical steps to fight back against easily breakable gadgets.
Is Security Through Obscurity Safer Than Open Source Software?
Open source software comes with clear security benefits. The opposite approach is security through obscurity. Is one approach actually safer than the other or is it possible that there's truth to both?
8 Free Open Source Windows Apps That Used to Be Proprietary
The open software movement is still going strong. When companies released source code for once-proprietary projects, they usually benefited from it. Here are eight notable examples you'll probably recognize.
Open Source vs. Free Software: What's the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
Many assume "open source" and "free software" mean the same thing but that's not true. It's in your best interest to know what the differences are.
App.net Shuts Down But Its Code Lives On
App.net, the social network that promised to beat Twitter at its own game, is shutting down. App.net will cease to exist on March 15th, 2017.
6 Awesome VLC Features You May Not Know About
There's a reason VLC is called the Swiss Army Knife of media players. This article identifies six awesome VLC features and explains how to use them.
10 Free Open Source Windows Tools Hosted on GitHub
Microsoft is the organization with the most open source contributors on GitHub. To celebrate this achievement, we have compiled a list of the best free Windows tools you can download from GitHub.
Affected by the Yahoo! Breach? Why Not Try ProtonMail?
ProtonMail is a free, open source email service that focuses on security and privacy by allowing users to easily send and receive encrypted emails. But can ProtonMail be a secure replacement for Yahoo! Mail?
Why We Never Had "The Year of the Linux Desktop"
Linux users have been praying for the "Year of the Linux desktop". But if we're ever going to see Linux gain serious traction, there is much that Linux developers need to improve.
How You Can Explain Linux to Anyone (So They'll Get It)
How do you evangelize Linux to someone who doesn't share your enthusiasm? How can you persuade your mom to switch from Windows? These tips will help you build an army of Linux newbies.
Firefox OS Is Not Dead: Here's Why You Should Try It
Firefox OS is still alive, existing now as a mobile OS called B2G. So does Mozilla's abandoned mobile operating system have a future? And why would anyone pick it over Android or iOS?
6 Reasons to Start Your Kids Off With Linux
Computers, and their operating systems, are not created equal. The OS they use matters, and Linux might be the best one to start them off with. Let's talk about why.
10 Great Games Hiding in Your Linux App Store
Linux gamers have some real gems available - if you know where to look! These 10 games aren't new, but if you're a Linux newcomer, they'll offer some great, free gaming experiences.
5 Reasons Why Software Should Be Free and Open Source
Free software doesn't just mean you get to use the app or game without paying. It's about longevity, privacy, ownership, and much more!