*Last updated: Jun 2nd 2024* I've been using digital tools, softwares, and apps since late 90s and early 2000s. Back then, the only way to access computer programs was to get one of those discs with hundreds of softwares loaded in them from your uncle’s friend that you didn’t know very well. Some of these softwares were fun, like the [Dancing Baby screensaver](https://www.reddit.com/r/nostalgia/comments/ssno94/remember_when_everyone_you_knew_had_the_dancing/), while others were more technical, like disk partitioning softwares that could wreck havoc and delete all your data (speaking from experience). But tinkering around with those software is how I understood the first principles of computers. The tools have evolved, but the needs are the same: Efficient way of getting things done using technology. This is an ever-growing list of those apps. Some are free, and some are paid. (The days of pirated discs are gone.) You can still find their *’cracked versions’* in odd corners of the internet, but I think they're worth the money if you can afford it. ## MacOS 1. **[Raycast](https://www.raycast.com/) (Freemium, 9$/month):** A spotlight replacement (⌘+space). If you’ve used Alfred before, this is a more modern version of that. I’m using the paid version with the AI integration into my workflow. It helps me avoid context-switching. ## Saving/hoarding 1. **[Raindrop.io](https://raindrop.io/) (Freemium, 3.4€/month):** One of the easiest and best bookmarking tools so that you never lose any links you save. Ever. 2. **[Readwise](https://readwise.io/) (Paid, 9$/month):** All my highlights of articles, books, and tweets go in here. They also have a Reader app that is pretty good. ## Notes and Writing 1. **[Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/) (Free):** I’ve tried many note-taking apps but keep returning to Obsidian. I love customising my apps to make them more efficient and look beautiful. No other app offers the flexibility that Obsidian does. I use additional add-ons, Publish and Sync, which I find pretty convenient (I’m running this page on Obsidian). 2. **[Remnote](https://www.remnote.com/) (Freemium, 10$/month):** Remnote is a note-taking app focussed on spaced repetition and active recall using the flashcard technique. I’ve been using Remnote to learn JavaScript for the last few weeks, and I already like it. I’m using the Free version, which provides unlimited notes and flashcards. ## Calendars 1. **[Rise Calendar](https://www.risecalendar.com/) (Free, for now):** This is my go-to calendar. I prefer this over others as it offers me all the features as an individual user, and it doesn’t get in my way. Other alternatives: Notion Calendar (Free), Amie (Freemium). > [!Tip] Feedback > See an error or have something to say? Let me know at [email protected] or on [Twitter](https://x.com/sokratus)