Extra tips – Bits of Freedom
https://www.bitsoffreedom.nl/2026/02/06/bye-bye-big-tech-extra-tips/
Publish Date: 2026-02-06 06:38:00
Source Domain: www.bitsoffreedom.nl
1. PC Operating Systems
Windows (by Microsoft) is by far the most widely used operating system for computers worldwide, followed by macOS for Apple computers. For smartphones, Android (Google) and iOS (Apple) are the most common. There are alternatives for these as well. Switching simply requires a bit more effort than just replacing an app. Moreover, a new operating system can feel a bit unfamiliar at first.
Our recommendation? Linux. This is a group of open-source operating systems that has many variations. Each version is developed with a specific goal. One version of that is Ubuntu, a free and very user-friendly operating system. At Bits of Freedom, we work with Ubuntu ourselves, and it is one of the most popular Linux versions. Another recommended alternative is Linux Mint, which is based on Ubuntu and looks very similar to Windows. This is handy if you are used to the Windows interface.
You can install Linux operating systems on any computer that also runs Windows or macOS. They often still run well on older hardware. So, if you have an old computer lying around that you no longer use: install Linux and give it a second life.
Not all software that runs on Windows or macOS is available for Linux, so before switching, check which apps are necessary for you and available. However, there are almost always open-source alternatives. For example, GIMP is an alternative to Adobe Photoshop (which does not work on Linux). If you want to check for yourself if there are open-source alternatives for a specific program, consult: https://alternativeto.net/.
Do you want to switch to Linux? We recommend looking up a guide for the specific version, such as the one for Ubuntu. It is quite a project, so you could also ask around to see if someone can help you.
Already running on Linux? Maybe you can help others in your network with their Linux installation.
