I just wanted to create a post detailing some software and services that I enjoy. I don’t really enjoy SaaS software, and prefer to purchase outright licenses for software so my biases are going to skew the content a little.

Backups

• rsync.net: provides a plain unix file system for backup which is useful if you’re handy with a terminal
• Carbon Copy Cloner: an application allowing you to create backups of your Mac. It used to create bootable backups, and still does in some circumstances, but the UX is clean and easy to use.
• Syncthing: a pretty useful utility if you want to sync files peer to peer across computers

Design / Creativity

• Sketch: because I am a fan of paying for software licenses versus SaaS where possible, I really enjoy Sketch although I am not a power user
• Balsamiq: is a great wireframing tool for building ideas and prototypes
• Ableton: Ableton is a really brilliant digital audio workstation. Although it is a touch pricier I’m glad that after all these years they are still selling licenses instead of SaaS.

Productivity

• Things3: I used to use things more exhaustively than I do now, but I still think its pretty good software
• Working Hours: this gets a nomination because it is a paid app on the Mac app store and does one thing really well
• Rectangle: a window manager replacement for Spectacle
• Obsidian: a local first markdown note view I like

Finance

• GNUCash: its definitely not for everyone and I could probably just use an excel spreadsheet but I quite like GNUCash once you get it set up.