Why I Stopped Paying for Software: 6 Open Source Tools That Changed How I Work

📝 This is a translated and adapted version of the original article published in Bulgarian at itpraktika.com.

As a tech enthusiast, I spent years searching for the perfect toolset. I used to believe that a high price tag guaranteed quality — paying for expensive subscriptions, convinced it was the only way to stay professional.

Over time, I discovered something remarkable: the world of open source software has evolved beyond recognition. Today, these solutions don't just compete with paid alternatives — they often surpass them.

In this article, I'm sharing 6 tools that are at the core of my workflow. They save me hundreds of dollars a year and give me complete freedom.

1. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) — My Digital Home 💻

If I had to pick just one tool, it would be VS Code. Before it, I used paid IDEs — they were bloated and slow. VS Code changed everything.

Why it's indispensable:

• Lightweight, fast, and completely free
• Supports almost every programming language through extensions
• IntelliSense predicts your next step as you write code
• Integrated terminal and Git built right into the interface

Why I stopped paying: Paid IDEs offer features I rarely use. With VS Code, I only add what I actually need — which keeps it lightning fast.

2. Docker — Containerization Without the Headaches 🐳

Before Docker, I constantly heard: "But it works on my machine!" That was a nightmare for team collaboration. Docker solved that problem once and for all.

What it does:

• Packages your software and its dependencies into a "container" so code runs the same everywhere
• Spin up databases and servers in seconds with a single command:

docker-compose up

• Test different technologies without "polluting" your operating system

The result: I save hours on environment configuration. Docker is the industry standard — and it's free for my use case.

3. LibreOffice — A Full Office Suite, Zero Fees 📝

For a long time I felt trapped by Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Paying a monthly fee just to write documents seemed unnecessary. LibreOffice was my salvation.

Why it works:

• Opens and saves .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files without issues
• Writer and Calc cover 100% of my needs for reports and spreadsheets
• Files stay local — not locked in someone else's cloud

Why it's better: LibreOffice is stable, powerful, and doesn't interrupt you with upsell prompts. It's a clean tool built for work.

4. Obsidian — My "Second Brain" 🧠

Knowledge management is critical. I used to use Notion, but the slow loading and constant need for an internet connection frustrated me. Obsidian changed the way I think.

What makes it special:

• All notes are stored as Markdown files on your own computer
• Link ideas together the way your brain actually works
• Graph view gives you a visual map of all your knowledge and projects

Why I chose it: My data is permanent. Even if Obsidian ceases to exist, my notes remain as plain text files I can open anywhere.

5. Brave Browser — Speed and Privacy by Default 🦁

The browser is the most-used tool in any workflow. Chrome is decent, but it consumes too many resources and tracks your activity. Brave is the better version.

Key features:

• Built-in ad blocker stops annoying ads automatically
• Blocks trackers that try to profile you
• Pages load significantly faster without the ad overhead

What I save: I no longer pay for premium services just to browse without ads. Brave gives me a clean experience for free.

6. GIMP — Professional Design Without a Subscription 🎨

Photoshop is the industry standard, but its price is steep for smaller projects. For image editing, I use GIMP.

Capabilities:

• Layers, masks, filters — everything you need is here
• Hundreds of free plugins that extend its functionality
• Works perfectly on Windows, Linux, and macOS

My experience: It took me about a week to get used to the interface. Now I handle everything — from banners to photo retouching — without spending a cent.

Quick Comparison Table

Conclusion: Why Open Source Wins 🏆

Switching to these tools isn't just about saving money. It's about sustainability. Open source software is built by the community, for the community.

It's:

1. Transparent — you know what it does with your data
2. Flexible — you can tailor it exactly to your needs
3. Free — you'll never get an email about a "price increase"

The open source world is ready for you. Are you ready for it?

Originally published in Bulgarian at itpraktika.com by Fedya Serafiev — a platform dedicated to practical IT solutions and automation.