IT Links.
Useful places to start.

Unbound

Run a validating recursive DNS resolver with DNSSEC support.

• Linux
• macOS

dnsmasq

Provide lightweight DNS caching and DHCP services for small networks and labs.

• Linux

Requires configuration suited to your existing DHCP and DNS setup.

jq

Filter, transform, and inspect JSON from scripts and API responses.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

yq

Query and update YAML, JSON, and XML files from scripts.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

This entry is Mike Farah’s Go-based yq.

ripgrep

Search text quickly across source trees, configuration files, and logs.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

fd

Find files and folders using concise command-line filters.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

bat

Preview text files in the terminal with syntax highlighting and line numbers.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

fzf

Select files, command history, and other lists with an interactive fuzzy finder.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

HTTPie CLI

Send readable HTTP requests and inspect API responses from the terminal.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

The open-source CLI is separate from other HTTPie products.

Bruno

Store API collections locally and test HTTP endpoints from a desktop client.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Use the free open-source edition; paid features and editions are separate.

mitmproxy

Inspect and replay HTTP traffic using an interactive debugging proxy.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

HTTPS inspection requires configuring trust on the test device.

ShellCheck

Find common mistakes and portability issues in shell scripts before execution.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Choose the local executable for offline checks.

Firefox

Use a standards-based browser with developer tools for website troubleshooting.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Thunderbird

Manage mail accounts, calendars, and contacts in a desktop email client.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Mail servers and paid hosted services are separate.

Joplin

Organize IT notes, checklists, and attachments in a Markdown notebook.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

The desktop application is free; Joplin Cloud is an optional paid service.

Logseq

Organize linked notes and outlines for troubleshooting and technical knowledge.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

The local application is free; optional sync services may be paid.

Zotero

Collect technical references, annotate documents, and maintain a research library.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Additional hosted file storage is optional and paid.

QOwnNotes

Keep plain-text Markdown notes and optionally integrate with Nextcloud.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

CherryTree

Maintain structured troubleshooting notes with rich text and code blocks.

• Windows
• Linux

Zettlr

Write and organize Markdown documentation with project-wide search and exports.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Some export formats require additional tools such as Pandoc.

Nextcloud Desktop

Synchronize files between a desktop and your own Nextcloud server.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Requires a Nextcloud server; third-party hosting may cost extra.

Flameshot

Capture screenshots and add arrows, highlights, and annotations for support tickets.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

See the official site for the installer matching your OS.

VLC media player

Play media files and inspect playback problems without separate codec packs.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

OBS Studio

Record troubleshooting sessions, training videos, and technical demonstrations.

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux