I use a lot of software on Linux, contrary to what many may assume about the free platform. Countless apps are available for most distributions (distros) that work as well as and sometimes surpass their Windows counterparts. The thing is, almost all of the apps I use are available for free. Free and open source (FOSS) is great because it removes the barrier of entry, has all the underlying code published for all to see and check, and is frequently updated, sometimes more so than commercial software.

Although I donate to many projects and app development teams, I don't consider it paying for the app. I'll usually throw some money into the pot when I install the app and it becomes part of my must-have list of apps, as well as when any updates are rolled out. However, there is one app that I do pay for, which is something my family and I continue to rely on for bolstered security, and that's Bitwarden.

You should already use a password manager

No, seriously, start right now

Account security should be your top priority. We must keep our accounts safe as they often contain identifiable information and sometimes even saved banking details. There's a good chance you're reading this and using a password manager with randomly generated credentials and a single app to keep everything safe. If that's you, good job! If not, you should consider using a password manager such as Bitwarden right now. Most are available for free, including the app I use and rely on. I only pay for Bitwarden because I opted for the family plan to force everyone else to protect their accounts.

Randomized passwords ensure you're not using some of the worst passwords to secure your account. Every memorable password is terrible, aside from the one that secures your password manager vault. This password should be strong yet memorable to make it convenient to access your vault regardless of which device you're using. As well as storing passwords, many of these managers even support passkeys, which are the next step in account security over passwords. They're notably more secure and less susceptible to malicious attacks.

The official Linux app is great, and so too are the companion apps for iOS, Android, and all the most popular browsers. Having such features available for not only myself but the rest of the family means I can sleep soundly each night knowing everyone's accounts are secured. A single entry point could result in a compromised network, which is why one must remain vigilant when securing their home, both physically and electronically.

If you don't wish to pay for Bitwarden

Host it yourself at no extra cost

There is a way to use Bitwarden for free, even with multiple accounts and vaults hosted within a single instance, and that's through self-hosting. We're big proponents of self-hosting here at XDA, and doing so will save you a considerable sum each year. Because this is a password manager and you're working with account credentials, you must ensure the local area network (LAN) is secure. If attempting to access your Bitwarden instance from outside your home, you'll want to consider a virtual private network (VPN) or some other secure method of communication.