People often ask me about apps and services I am using on all kinds of devices. Here are my recommendations. Also, there are a bunch of alternative apps as well. The list is organized into different platforms: cross platform Linux, macOS, iPad, and phones.
| Purpose |
Software |
My description |
Available platforms |
Remarks |
| Office |
LibreOffice |
|
|
|
| Academic paper management |
Zotero |
For referencing and paper management, an alternative to EndNote. |
All including Linux and Google Chrome web plugin |
N/A |
| Password manager |
LastPass |
An alternative to 1Password (which should be as good). It provides supports for all platforms. The free version cover all necessary security functions. |
All |
My friends are using 1Password and it’s also fine. |
| IDE |
PyCharm |
It just works for me. |
Current students are eligible for free professional license. |
May be considered bloated, slowing down your system. |
| Text editor |
Visual Studio Code |
|
|
|
| |
Atom |
|
|
|
Linux
| Purpose |
Software |
My description |
Remarks |
| Document scanning |
XSane |
|
|
| Taking screenshots |
Shutter |
It’s simple and it works! |
Shortcuts requires some setting up |
macOS
- Apple’s Mail: This one is a built-in app. Nevertheless, it works just fine.
iPad OS
| Purpose |
Software |
My description |
Remarks |
| Note taking |
Notability |
Taking notes using Apple Pencil, nothing less that I can do on papers and a little more. While it is not free, one-time purchase worth the value. |
N/A |
| Paper reading and ideas consolidation |
LiquidText |
This is for reading and organizing ideas. Not for long-term storage. |
N/A |
| SSH client |
Terminus |
Working SSH client for iOS I have see so far. |
GH-SDP* |
| Git client |
Working copy |
Best git client so far. Works with all major git repo manager and 3rd party hosts. |
GH-SDP* |
* GH-SDP = Bundled with GitHub Student Developer Pack
iOS and Android
| Purpose |
Software |
My description |
Remarks |
| Chinese language references |
Train Chinese |
Include all necessary functions: pronunciation, stroke ordering, (good) sample sentences |
|
| |
Pleco |
|
|
| Translator |
Baidu Translate |
N/A |
for Chinese language |
| |
Google Translate |
N/A |
N/A |
| |
Microsoft Translate |
This app offer Safari plugin which can be used to translate websites on Safari so that it works in similar ways with Google Chrome |
N/A |
| SSH client (iOS) |
Terminus |
Working SSH client for iOS I have see so far. |
Bundled with GitHub Student Developer Pack |