Resources
Free, open-source software worth knowing about, and plain-English IT7Q guides to help you set it up.
Every Download button takes you to the project's own official website. IT7Q never hosts installers, so you always get the genuine, up-to-date version.
Recommended software
Bitwarden
What it is: A password manager that remembers every password for you and fills them in on your computer and phone.
Why use it: One strong password unlocks the rest, so you can use a different password everywhere without writing them down.
From the official site, bitwarden.com
LibreOffice
What it is: A full office suite: documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
Why use it: Opens and saves Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, with no subscription to pay.
From the official site, libreoffice.org
OnlyOffice
What it is: Office apps for documents, spreadsheets and presentations, with a look close to Microsoft Office.
Why use it: A good fit if you share a lot of Office files and want them to look the same on both ends.
From the official site, onlyoffice.com
Thunderbird
What it is: An email app for your computer that handles several mail accounts, contacts and calendars.
Why use it: All your email in one place, kept on your own computer rather than in someone else's app.
From the official site, thunderbird.net
GIMP
What it is: A photo editor for retouching, cropping, resizing and touch-ups.
Why use it: Handles most everyday photo jobs without a monthly fee.
From the official site, gimp.org
Krita
What it is: A painting and drawing app, made by artists for artists.
Why use it: Great brushes and drawing-tablet support, free for everyone, including kids learning to draw.
From the official site, krita.org
Inkscape
What it is: A design app for logos, flyers, signs and other artwork that stays sharp at any size.
Why use it: Make your own logo or flyer without paying for design software.
From the official site, inkscape.org
darktable
What it is: A photo workflow app for sorting and developing camera RAW photos.
Why use it: Lets photographers organise and edit big photo collections without a subscription.
From the official site, darktable.org
Joplin
What it is: A note-taking app with notebooks, to-do lists and syncing between your devices.
Why use it: Your notes stay yours, and you can encrypt them before they sync.
From the official site, joplinapp.org
7-Zip
What it is: A small tool for opening and making zip files and other compressed archives.
Why use it: Opens almost any archive you're sent, and can password-protect the ones you send.
From the official site, 7-zip.org
Nextcloud
What it is: Your own private cloud for files, photos, calendars and contacts.
Why use it: Dropbox-style syncing and sharing, with your files kept on a server you control.
From the official site, nextcloud.com
ClamAV
What it is: A free, open-source virus scanner.
Why use it: A handy second opinion: scan downloads, USB sticks and shared folders for known nasties.
From the official site, clamav.net
Pi-hole
What it is: A small network ad blocker that runs on a Raspberry Pi or a spare computer.
Why use it: Blocks ads and known tracking sites for every device on your home network at once.
From the official site, docs.pi-hole.net
WireGuard
What it is: A fast, modern VPN app for connecting safely to your home or office network.
Why use it: Reach your own files and devices securely when you're out, even on public Wi-Fi.
From the official site, wireguard.com
Jitsi
What it is: Video meetings that run in your browser or app, with no account needed.
Why use it: Send a link and talk face to face, without signing anyone up to anything.
From the official site, jitsi.org
Guides
Read each guide in your browser, or download the PDF to keep.
IT7Q Client Education Series
Eleven plain-English chapters on staying safe and saving money with the right software.
Bitwarden
Set up a password manager and stop reusing passwords.
Windows backup & recovery
Back up what matters and get it back when something goes wrong.
LibreOffice vs Microsoft Office
What you gain, what changes and how to switch.
Private cloud storage
Keep your files synced without handing them to a big platform.
ClamAV
Use a free virus scanner as a second opinion.
Pi-hole
Block ads and trackers for the whole home network.
WireGuard
Connect safely to your own network when you're away.
More FOSS tools
Free, open-source apps for mail, photos, design, notes and meetings.
Why FOSS
What free and open-source software is, and why it's worth a look.
Windows 11 editions
Home, Pro and the rest: which one you need.
Windows 11 privacy & security
The settings worth changing on a new Windows 11 computer.
Device hardening & setup manuals
One guide per device type, plus three that apply to every device.
Windows
Set up and lock down a Windows computer.
Chromebook
Set up and lock down a Chromebook.
Android
Set up and lock down an Android phone or tablet.
iPhone/iPad
Set up and lock down an iPhone or iPad.
macOS
Set up and lock down a Mac.
Ubuntu
Set up and lock down an Ubuntu computer.
Family & Multi-User
Separate accounts, parental controls and sharing a device safely.
Security Hardening Checklist
A short checklist for any device.
Ongoing Maintenance
The regular jobs that keep a device safe and running well.
Want a hand setting it up?
We can install and set up any of these for you, at home or at work.
Ask us