Open Source Softwares.

Open Source Software : softwares code is public and can be inspected, modified, and audited by anyone. It replaces closed-system’s blind trust with transparency and user control. 

If you’ve ever taken an interest into video editing, photo editing, 3D modelling, sound editing, etc. you come to realise that a lot of software, as professional and incredible as they are, cost an insane amount of money to use. 
Or you may, on a certain day, look into Microsoft’s plan for future Windows Operating Systems (spoilers for whats ahead). 

I use adobe products and will probably be sunk into their eco-system for a while longer, they cost a monthly subscription and have a package of their softwares that I’ve become reliant upon for document writing, photo editing, video editing, etc. But with the information I layout ahead right now, I am able to offer alternative softwares for creative freedom, low / no cost softwares that prioritise beginner friendly circumstances and take less ‘corporate’ tactics to involve you into their quaterly reports. 
Here’s a little list of the good software that I just think are neat. 

Blender - One of my hands down favourite softwares I’ve ever used. Current 3D software markets are incredibly uninviting and preys on offers to lure you into their specific softwares’ workflow. Its a shady area and many well-made articles & youtube videos have broken down the corporate greed in this area of creation. Market softwares can range between thousands of pounds for monthly subscriptions, to token based usage (paying for each time you open). Blender does none of this, and is completely free. 

Not only can you model designs for a reasonably small storage size, but if you were so inclined, you could.. COULD, use this software as a video editor. 

Its an incredibly friendly and reliable software that I could not recommend highly enough. Love it. 

Linux Operating System - Forewarning : not all softwares you may use will be compatible with linux. However, once you look into it and find the compatible softwares or alternative versions you can use; you’ll probably enjoy the less handholding style of Apple’s OS, or even the current wave of problems with Windows, considering it’s ‘AI Innovations’, or the circulating rumours that their next OS (windows 12) could even be subscription based. 

Zen Browser - built on the Firefox Gecho engine. minimal. organises well. With Google’s demand for everyone to be invovled with their softwares and services, you still have the freedom to pick and choose alternatives. 

OBS - A screen recorder. It may have a slight first day speed-bump to integrate the softwares settings to your preferred / available computer settings, but once over that, its a free recording software. 

GIMP Photo Editor - An image editor. A less sophisticated version of Photoshop, but you won’t be paying a monthly subscription, and in fact, no payment at all. If you want to take the time to learn this and have the time to begin or subvert from paid softwares, this can be a net positive to your wallet and corporations greed. 

Audacity - one of the most famous free softwares to use. Everyone knows what this is. A reliable audio recording station. Its basic and straightforward. 

Onlyoffice -  A fantastic alternative to the microsoft suite.