TL;DR
You can replace paid apps on aging macOS or Windows PCs with free and open-source alternatives without installing Linux. The piece recommends cautious sourcing, highlights Ninite for Windows, and lists cross-platform FOSS choices from browsers to editors.
What happened
The article surveys a range of free and open-source software (FOSS) that works on recent and older macOS and Windows installations, arguing you don't have to switch to Linux to escape subscription software. It advises skepticism toward modern, flashy aggregator sites and suggests preferring simple, low-friction lists and sources. For Windows users, Ninite is recommended as a convenient way to batch-install and update vetted apps while avoiding toolbars and adware; the macOS counterpart, MacApps.link, is described as unmaintained. The author treats macOS as a ‘prettier Linux’ in practice, installing many apps directly from developers’ .dmg files and relying on cross-platform tools for syncing between devices. Specific recommendations include Mozilla Firefox (with uBlock Origin and built-in sync), Thunderbird for mail and messaging integration, VLC for media, LibreOffice for documents, GIMP and alternatives for image editing, 7-Zip for compression, and various chat aggregators and text editors.
Why it matters
- Lets users keep older macOS or Windows machines useful without switching OSes.
- Reduces dependence on paid subscriptions by using maintained free alternatives.
- Cross-platform FOSS choices simplify syncing and switching between different computers.
- Cleaner installation approaches (eg. Ninite) help avoid adware and unwanted extras.
Key facts
- Ninite provides a custom installer for Windows that bundles many FOSS and freeware apps, skips optional extras, and can be rerun to update apps.
- MacApps.link is described as unmaintained and dated; the article advises against relying on it except for pointers.
- The author recommends treating macOS like a ‘prettier Linux’ by installing apps from .dmg files and using non-Apple bundled apps wherever possible.
- Mozilla Firefox is recommended with uBlock Origin as a priority add-on; Firefox 136 added built-in vertical tabs and browser sync, and users can disable integrated LLM features via about:config (browser.ml settings).
- Thunderbird is highlighted as a free, open-source, cross-platform email client that can also interface with XMPP and Matrix and accept extensions for other messaging services.
- Waterfox is suggested as an alternative for users who dislike Mozilla's telemetry or integrated LLM features; a copy of Chrome is kept on hand for compatibility.
- VLC remains a go-to media player; Foobar2000 is praised for audio playback though it is not open source.
- LibreOffice is recommended to retain for document work and emergency file recovery; OnlyOffice and WPS Office are offered as more modern-looking alternatives.
- For image work the article lists GIMP (and PhotoGIMP), Paint.net, Krita, Inkscape, Darktable, and digiKam as notable options.
- For compression, 7-Zip or PeaZip are preferred over legacy unregistered WinRar; macOS users may keep The Unarchiver and StuffIt Expander for compatibility.
What to watch next
- How Mozilla's integrated LLM features evolve and how widely users adopt the about:config workarounds to disable them.
- Ongoing maintenance and compatibility of cross-platform FOSS apps with older macOS and Windows releases.
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- FOSS: Free and open-source software — programs whose source code is available for inspection, modification, and redistribution under open licenses.
- Ninite: A Windows service that generates a single installer to download and install a selection of apps while skipping optional extras and adware.
- DMG: A disk image file format commonly used to distribute macOS software for direct download and installation.
- LLM: Large language model — a type of machine learning model used to generate or analyze text; sometimes integrated into apps as chat or assistant features.
- App Store: A centralized marketplace provided by an operating system vendor for installing and updating applications, often integrated into the OS.
Reader FAQ
Do I need to install Linux to use free and open-source software?
No. The article argues many FOSS apps run well on macOS and Windows, so switching to Linux isn't required.
Is Ninite safe and recommended?
The author recommends Ninite for fresh Windows installs as a convenient way to batch-install and update apps while avoiding adware.
Should I use the macOS App Store to get free apps?
The article advises treating app stores with caution and notes many native macOS apps update themselves without the App Store.
Is MacApps.link a good macOS installer alternative?
No—the piece describes MacApps.link as unmaintained and dated and recommends not relying on it except for pointers.
OSES You don't need Linux to run free and open source software Alternative apps to empower older versions of macOS or Windows Liam Proven Thu 25 Dec 2025 // 09:37 UTC PART 2 There's…
Sources
- You don't need Linux to run free and open source software
- You don't need Linux to run mostly FOSS
- Open Source on macOS: Exploring Free Software on My …
- Are there any free software options available for people …
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