Ripper
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- Joined
- November 8, 2014
- Messages
- 12,085
I thought I might start a thread to mention the open source software I find useful, and would recommend. Sometimes these aren't very widely known, but I think a few people might be interested, if they're aware.
GrapheneOS
First off, I got a new phone, and I chose one that's supported by GrapheneOS. That's a special de-Googled and security hardened version of Android. It may be surprising that they only support the Google Pixel phones. But, the irony is that although Google's software is obviously intrusive, their security hardware is excellent, and far better than most phones. So, with Google's framework stripped out, and a few things tightened up, it's an extremely secure device. We're obviously giving up Google's apps and services, but some of us gladly forgo those, to maintain our privacy.
Freetube
All of Google's services, including Youtube, are becoming more of a pest in terms of trying to force you to create an identifiable account and sign in, so that they can track you better. Freetube is a desktop client for browsing Youtube and viewing videos, by downloading the information and media outside of the usual web interface. It lets you setup favourites, subscriptions, notifications, etc - but this data is held privately on your PC, and doesn't use a Google account. It's also possible to route all traffic through Tor, for stronger privacy.
It's in beta, and still a bit clunky, but I find it very usable. If it plays up, a restart usually fixes it.
Searx
This one is a bit more technical, since it requires you to set up your own server. Searx is designed to be your private web search engine, searching whatever selection of search providers you wish, and aggregating the results. When it communicates with the search providers, it uses a different browser fingerprint each time to prevent tracking, and never exposes the user to their tracking scripts. It can also be routed through TOR, to make sure there's no tracking going on.
I hope some might find these of use. If they are of interest, there's a quite a few more.
GrapheneOS
First off, I got a new phone, and I chose one that's supported by GrapheneOS. That's a special de-Googled and security hardened version of Android. It may be surprising that they only support the Google Pixel phones. But, the irony is that although Google's software is obviously intrusive, their security hardware is excellent, and far better than most phones. So, with Google's framework stripped out, and a few things tightened up, it's an extremely secure device. We're obviously giving up Google's apps and services, but some of us gladly forgo those, to maintain our privacy.
Freetube
All of Google's services, including Youtube, are becoming more of a pest in terms of trying to force you to create an identifiable account and sign in, so that they can track you better. Freetube is a desktop client for browsing Youtube and viewing videos, by downloading the information and media outside of the usual web interface. It lets you setup favourites, subscriptions, notifications, etc - but this data is held privately on your PC, and doesn't use a Google account. It's also possible to route all traffic through Tor, for stronger privacy.
It's in beta, and still a bit clunky, but I find it very usable. If it plays up, a restart usually fixes it.
Searx
This one is a bit more technical, since it requires you to set up your own server. Searx is designed to be your private web search engine, searching whatever selection of search providers you wish, and aggregating the results. When it communicates with the search providers, it uses a different browser fingerprint each time to prevent tracking, and never exposes the user to their tracking scripts. It can also be routed through TOR, to make sure there's no tracking going on.
I hope some might find these of use. If they are of interest, there's a quite a few more.
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2014
- Messages
- 12,085