Import substitution is now in vogue – the state is actively engaged in it, and commercial structures are not far behind. We also decided not to stay away from current trends and compiled a selection of domestic software products that can be used to replace foreign software on a personal computer. Why is this necessary, you ask? Yes, at least in order to find out what the Russian software market can currently offer to the average consumer, and to figure out whether the game is worth the candle when it comes to a complete rejection of the decisions of foreign developers.

Image source: saratov.gov.ru

⇡ # Operating systems

The first thing to start moving to domestic software is, of course, the search for a suitable software platform. There are many alternatives, but they are all based on Linux and distributed according to the Open Source model. We will not philosophize about whether this is good or bad, we will only say that the binding to the Linux kernel significantly narrows the range of available Russian developments for solving applied problems.

There are a huge number of Linux distributions with the Made in Russia label on the Internet. Of the time-tested and proven on the market, we note the operating systemsAstra Linux Common Edition (developer RusBITech-Astra), Alt Workstation and Simply Linux (both supported by Basalt SPO), ROSA Fresh Desktop 12 (NTC IT ROSA”) and “Red OS Workstation” (“Red Soft”). All listed platforms are regularly updated and maintained by developers up to date. For personal non-commercial purposes, they can be used free of charge.

Astra Linux Common Edition Desktop

Deploying any of the Linux distributions on a computer is quite simple. You need to download the installation ISO image of the operating system from the website of the developer company and create a bootable USB drive from it using the free utility Rufus or any other similar program. Then all that remains is to connect the media to the PC, reboot the machine and follow the prompts of the installer. As a rule, all modern versions of Linux automatically detect computer hardware and install the necessary drivers – this should not be a problem. To avoid data loss when deploying and configuring the OS, it is strongly recommended to make a backup copy of important files stored on the PC disk.

⇡ # Office packages

To work with documents in a Linux environment, we recommend taking a closer look at two products – MyOffice Standard Home Edition (developed by New Cloud Technologies) and P7-Office (P7). The first is distributed free of charge and is available for download to everyone. Downloading the second software solution is possible only after filling out the web form. At the same time, a 30-day limit for using the office suite is set, and in order to receive a free activation key for a period of one year, it is proposed to contact the developers by e-mail.

Both products are compatible with Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats, contain the necessary set of office tools and are suitable for solving everyday tasks on a home computer. Those who value convenience when working with documents should take a closer look at the MyOffice package, which implements an adaptive toolbar and other technological things like an extended clipboard and a quick action menu. For those who need maximum features, we advise you to opt for P7-Office – only it has tools for working with presentations, plug-in support, document review tools and many other functions that the free version of MyOffice lacks.

MyOffice Standard Home Edition (left) and P7-Office

⇡ # Browsers

The choice of Russian web browsers is also small and is currently limited to two products: Yandex.Browser (developed by Yandex) and Sputnik (SputnikLab). Both are based on the source codes of the open Chromium project, support domestic cryptography and can connect to sites using GOST encryption.

Being tailored according to the same patterns, “Sputnik” and “Yandex.Browser” differ significantly from each other in terms of the set of functionality provided to the user. If the development of the SputnikLab team, in fact, is a copy of Chrome with Google services cut out (recall, we are talking about the version of the browser for individuals), then the creation of Yandex is much more perfect. Strengths of Yandex.Browser: advanced security tools, smart search bar, Alice voice assistant, ad blocker, integration with Yandex services, web page translator, highly customizable interface, means of synchronizing user data between different devices and other tools that simplify work in the global network. Not surprisingly, Yandex.Browser enjoys well-deserved popularity on the Runet: according to LiveInternet.ru, it controls 27.7% of the Russian Internet browser market, second only to Google Chrome with a 55.8% share.

“Yandex.Browser” (left) and “Sputnik”

⇡ # Antivirus software

When it comes to protecting your personal computer from digital threats, you can trust the Dr.Web Security Space software package from Doctor Web. The product protects the system from malware, provides real-time web page scanning, blocks phishing Internet resources, and recognizes spam regardless of the language of the message. It is possible to connect to the Dr.Web Cloud cloud platform for monitoring and quickly responding to threats. You can use Dr.Web Security Space for free for 30 days, after this period you will need to purchase the product. The cost of an annual license for one device is 1,290 rubles.

⇡ # Communication software

There aren’t many options here either, but they do exist. First of all, you should pay attention to the products of the Russian developer of video conferencing systems Truconf . The company’s assets include the TrueConf Online cloud service, client applications for Linux, and a free plan suitable for communicating with colleagues, relatives or friends. Within the framework of this tariff, 1 to 1 video calls, 6 to 6 group video conferences and conference calls (up to 2 speakers and up to 40 participants, the maximum duration of the conference is 40 minutes) are available. It also provides text chat (personal and group), video conference recording and some other features that allow you to communicate comfortably and without additional financial investments. All that is required is to install the TrueConf client application on your PC or laptop and register an account in the cloud service.

Anyone who cannot imagine their life without the Telegram messenger will need an alternative multi-platform client Kotatogram with Russian roots and open source codes. “Kotatogram” is in no way inferior to a proprietary application and organically fits into the concept of import substitution of software on a home PC. The program supports working with messages, stickers and media files, managing groups and channels, includes mechanisms to speed up data transfer to the server, and other functions.

And finally, one cannot fail to mention VK Messenger – an application for exchanging messages on the VKontakte social network. It is also available for various platforms and can be run on any domestic Linux-based OS.

⇡ # Applications for working with PDF files

For those who often have to interact with PDF documents, we advise you to take note of the software solutions Eyepiece GOST (developer Lab 50) and Master PDF Editor for Linux (Code Industry). The first product is based on the free Okular software and is a PDF viewer with printing, reviewing, filling out forms and electronically signing documents. The second belongs to the class of full-fledged editors and provides complete freedom of action when working with files of the mentioned format – from making edits to text and images to optimizing and encrypting PDF documents. The full set of functions is available in the commercial version of Master PDF Editor at a cost of 3600 rubles, the possibilities of the free edition are significantly reduced. As for the Eyepiece GOST program, the functions it provides in the free version are enough for home users and there is no need to overpay.

Master PDF Editor for Linux

Other software

WINE@Etersoft . A development by Etersoft based on the code base of the free Wine project and allowing you to run Windows programs in a Linux environment. This is possible thanks to the proprietary Win32 API used to handle system calls from Windows applications and to function correctly in a Linux environment. WINE@Etersoft is focused on the operation of such popular Russian business programs as 1C:Enterprise, ConsultantPlus, Garant and others. The cost of the commercial edition of the product is 2,400 rubles (license for 1 workplace). For private use by the developer, the WINE@Etersoft Local version is distributed free of charge.

Double Commander . A file manager developed by a development team led by Russian programmer Alexander Koblov. The product is similar in functionality to Total Commander, is compatible with its plug-ins and is distributed freely with open source codes. Double Commander features a two-pane tabbed interface with a customizable toolbar, Unicode support, a built-in text editor with syntax highlighting, tools for working with archives of various formats, advanced search tools, and a logging function for file operations.

QuiteRSS . A free open source RSS/Atom newsfeed aggregator, the development of which is also supervised by domestic programmers. The application is equipped with its own WebKit-based web engine, supports tabbed browsing, has developed mechanisms for sorting and filtering materials downloaded from the Web, allows you to assign various tags to news, can cut ad blocks and other distracting content from the pages you are viewing, and automatically free memory when minimizing to tray. Additionally, QuiteRSS provides a notification system for updating news feeds.

Liberica J.D.K. An environment for developing and running Java programs that fully complies with the principles of import substitution. The product was created by the Russian company BellSoft based on the OpenJDK open source project, complies with Java SE specifications and is a full replacement for Oracle Java. The Liberica JDK distribution is available for various platforms and is distributed free of charge. A great option for those who need to work with Java applications.

⇡ # Summing up

So is it possible to replace software on a home computer with domestic products? Unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely solve this problem in the current realities – only partially. And the reason for this is the meager range of Russian-developed application software, which is not able to cover all the needs of an ordinary consumer in the Linux environment. Browsers, office suites, antiviruses and instant messengers alone won’t get you far. You also need tools for working with e-mail and media files, graphics packages, audio and video editing programs, file backup tools and other products, but they either do not exist, or they are presented exclusively for the corporate sector of the market and cost prohibitive money. This situation is sad, and judging by the lack of interest among developers in the home Linux segment, it will not be resolved soon.