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Free and Open Source Software
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wol - Wake-on-LAN tool
It can be used directly from the command line or run as a small web service. Machines can be given memorable names in a configuration file rather than repeatedly entering their MAC addresses.
The software also supports configurable broadcast targets, device-status monitoring and scheduled wake-ups, making it suitable for tasks such as starting a NAS before a scheduled backup.
This is free and open source software.
Drizzle - adaptive weather app for GNOME
Weather information is obtained from Open-Meteo. The interface changes its colours according to current weather conditions, giving the application a more visual presentation without overwhelming the actual forecast information.
The application supports searching for locations and is designed for keyboard, pointer and touch input. Its adaptive approach makes Drizzle particularly suitable for small windows, tablets and Linux devices where available screen space is limited.
This is free and open source software.
FabexCNC - CAM toolpath generation in Blender
FabexCNC is a CAM extension for Blender that generates CNC machining toolpaths and exports G-code. The project was formerly known as BlenderCAM but was renamed Fabex following changes to the Blender Foundation’s trademark guidance.
It uses Blender as the modelling and visualisation environment, making it particularly attractive for machining complex artistic or free-form geometry as well as more conventional routed parts. Users can create geometry inside Blender or import existing models and images before defining machining operations.
This is free and open source software.
Pulsemeeter - graphical audio routing and mixer application
The software works with PulseAudio and with PipeWire through its PulseAudio compatibility layer. Its virtual-device support makes it particularly useful when applications need to receive or send audio through deliberately constructed paths rather than simply using the desktop’s default input and output devices.
Hardware ports and channel layouts can also be configured, while custom port-to-port mappings provide more control over unusual audio setups.
This is free and open source software.
pcb2gcode - generate CNC G-code from Gerber files
pcb2gcode is a command-line CAM application for manufacturing printed circuit boards with a CNC mill. It reads Gerber and drill data and produces the G-code needed to isolate copper tracks, drill holes and route the finished board.
The program is designed around repeatable, scriptable PCB production rather than interactive CAD editing. That makes it well suited to workflows where board designs are exported from electronic design automation software and then converted automatically into machine-ready files.
This is free and open source software.
6 Best Free and Open Source Command-Line Log Filters, Highlighters and Watchers
Log files record the activity of applications, services and operating systems. They provide clues when something fails, performance deteriorates or unexpected behaviour needs investigating. Unfortunately, raw logs can be difficult to read. Important messages are buried in thousands of entries, inconsistent formats and rapidly scrolling terminal output.
Command-line log filters, highlighters and watchers make this information easier to work with. They can isolate relevant entries, colour-code severity levels, reformat dense messages and follow new events as they arrive. Some help identify recurring patterns or flag activity that deserves attention.
These tools are useful for system administrators, developers, DevOps engineers and anyone troubleshooting Linux systems. They fit naturally into terminal-based workflows, remote SSH sessions and shell pipelines, where graphical log viewers may be unnecessary. The aim is to spend less time searching through noise and more time understanding what is happening.
Mattermost Desktop - desktop client for team collaboration
Built using Electron, the application brings Mattermost’s web interface to the desktop while adding integration with the operating system. It is particularly useful for people who spend much of their working day communicating through Mattermost and want convenient access to their conversations alongside other applications.
The client can connect to multiple Mattermost servers, making it suitable for people who work across different organisations, projects or teams. Multiple workspaces can remain open simultaneously, reducing the need to switch repeatedly between separate browser sessions.
Mattermost Desktop supports the collaboration capabilities provided by the connected server, including messaging, calls and workflow tools. Certain advanced features depend on the server’s configuration and subscription plan.
This is free and open source software.
Bubbles - lightweight Linux working environments
The software uses KVM and crosvm for isolation while integrating graphical applications with the host Wayland compositor. Networking is designed to be transparent, helping applications inside the environment behave naturally without requiring the sort of manual network configuration associated with conventional virtual machines.
Bubbles runs as an unprivileged Flatpak and is particularly interesting on immutable and atomic distributions. Each environment includes Nix for reproducible package management, but Debian’s apt and other package managers can also be used. Containers can be run inside a Bubble, making the software useful for development, testing and keeping unrelated working environments separated.
This is free and open source software.