Tools I like
These are tools I actually use and recommend to friends and family. Most are free. I’m not paid to mention any of them. If you’d like help setting one up, just ask.
Staying safe online
Bitwarden
A password manager that remembers strong, unique passwords for every site, on your computer and phone. Free for most people.
Ente Auth
An app for the six-digit login codes (two-step login). Your codes are backed up, so a lost phone doesn’t lock you out.
uBlock Origin
Blocks ads, pop-ups, and many scam sites in your web browser. Works best in Firefox. On Chrome, use uBlock Origin Lite.
Microsoft Defender
The antivirus already built into Windows. For most home users, it’s all you need, so you can skip the paid antivirus subscriptions. Look for “Windows Security” in the Start menu.
Windows helpers
WinDirStat
Shows what’s filling up your hard drive, as a colorful map, so you know what to clean up.
Everything
Finds any file on your computer instantly as you type. Much faster than the built-in Windows search.
Phones, maps, and the outdoors
COTREX
Colorado’s official, free trail map app, with offline maps and fire alerts. Great for our local trails.
CoMaps
Free offline maps and directions for anywhere in the world, with no ads or tracking.
F-Droid
An app store for Android with free, open-source apps and no ads or tracking. A little more for the tinkerers.
Reading and watching
Kanopy
Free movies and shows with your library card, on your TV, phone, or computer. Check whether your library participates.
RSS readers
Follow your favorite news sites and blogs in one place, without algorithms or social media. Feedly and Inoreader are easy places to start. I use FreshRSS with the FeedMe app.