Here is a curated list of recommended software/operating systems.
Zotero – Zotero is a free, open-source reference management software that helps researchers collect, organize, and cite sources. It allows users to easily save and manage bibliographic information from websites, PDFs, and other sources, streamlining the process of creating and formatting citations in various styles. Homepage
Cryptool – CrypTool is an open-source software for learning and applying cryptography. It provides a graphical interface for experimenting with various cryptographic algorithms and techniques. Designed for educational purposes, CrypTool allows users to explore encryption, decryption, and cryptanalysis to enhance understanding of cryptographic principles in a user-friendly environment. Cryptool Portal Cryptool 2 Homepage
Notepad ++ – Notepad++ is a free, open-source text and source code editor for Windows. It supports various programming languages, features syntax highlighting, and provides a user-friendly interface. With tabbed editing, customizable themes, and a wide range of plugins, Notepad++ is a versatile tool for developers and writers, offering efficient text editing and code formatting capabilities. Homepage
PuTTY – PuTTY is a free and open-source terminal emulator, serial console, and network file transfer application. It supports various network protocols like SSH, Telnet, and raw socket connections, allowing users to access and manage remote systems securely. PuTTY’s lightweight design and simple interface make it a popular choice for connecting to servers and network devices, particularly in the realm of system administration and network management. Homepage
BalenaEtcher – BalenaEtcher is an open-source tool for creating bootable USB drives and SD cards. It simplifies the process of flashing operating system images onto storage media, making it easy for users to install and deploy software on embedded devices or single-board computers. Homepage
ParrotOS – Parrot OS is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed for cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and privacy-focused tasks. It features a variety of pre-installed tools for penetration testing, cryptography, and anonymity. With a user-friendly interface, it offers a secure environment for security professionals and enthusiasts to perform ethical hacking and testing activities. One important note of ParrotOS compared to Kali Linux – Parrot Requires less Ram, and Video Ram (VRAM) to run, since it is more optimized. Homepage
Wireshark – Wireshark is a powerful open-source network protocol analyzer. It captures and inspects data packets on a network, allowing users to analyze, troubleshoot, and debug network issues. With a user-friendly interface, it provides detailed insights into network traffic, helping identify and address security vulnerabilities, performance bottlenecks, and connectivity issues. Homepage