Happy 2026! As we kick off the new year, I’m starting a new series here on the Totten Computers blog. Every week, I’ll be highlighting a tool from our Free & Open Source Software (FOSS) guide—tools that I personally use and trust to make technology better, safer, and more affordable.
First up is the browser I have personally used for over a year: Brave.
Brave is built on the same foundation as Google Chrome (Chromium), which means all your favorite extensions work perfectly, and the layout feels instantly familiar. But Brave has one “superpower” built-in by default: Brave Shields.
You don’t need a high-end PC or a tech degree to switch. You can download it for free at Brave.com.
If you want to see what other professional-grade free software we recommend, head over to our Free & Open Source Software page. We’ve curated a list of the best alternatives to expensive subscription software, helping our South Bend neighbors get more out of their tech without the monthly fees.
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