Buying Guides
Posts in the Buying Guides category from the LionScripts team.
How to Buy Software Online Safely: A Practical Guide
Counterfeit license keys, fake "free" versions, sketchy resellers — the software market has more scams than people realize. Here's how to spot them.
The Best Cross-Platform Software for Windows, macOS, and Linux in 2026
A practical roundup of the most useful software for power users across Windows, macOS, and Linux — clipboard managers, file utilities, security tools and more.
Essential Windows Software in 2026
After a fresh Windows install, what do you actually need? A short, opinionated list — disk space management, security, productivity.
How Software Licensing Actually Works in 2026
Lifetime, perpetual, subscription, OEM, BYOL — what each license type really means, and which is right for your situation.
Best Mobile Apps for Productivity, Security, and Daily Use in 2026
A short list of mobile apps worth keeping on your home screen — calculators that respect your time, encrypted vaults for sensitive data, and offline games for when there's no signal.
Essential macOS Software in 2026
Apple ships a lot for free. Here's the small list of third-party Mac software that earns its place anyway — clipboard, calculator, vault, and the macOS settings worth changing on day one.
Free vs Paid Software: When It's Worth Paying
Free software has gotten very good. So has paid. Here's a rule of thumb for when to spend, when to save, and when "free" actually costs more.
Self-Hosted vs SaaS in 2026: A Practical Buyer's Guide
When does paying a monthly fee make sense, and when should you run software you own? A clear-eyed look at the real costs of both approaches.
Essential Linux Software for Desktops and Servers in 2026
A pragmatic Linux software guide — what to install on a desktop, what to install on a server, and what most online lists get wrong.
Browser Productivity in 2026: Extensions and Companions That Earn Their Keep
Privacy, productivity, and developer tools that genuinely improve your browsing — and the categories where browser-adjacent native apps beat extensions.
Essential Android Apps in 2026
A short, no-bloat list of Android apps worth installing — calculator that actually helps, encrypted vault, and offline games.
Office Productivity Tools That Save Hours Every Week
The clipboard managers, calculators, and small utilities that quietly save 30+ minutes a day. Picks that are free or nearly free.