Running a business using free software

Introduction

• What my business does
• Some of these tools are for personal use as well, e.g. calendar sync

Why?

• Control over core business tools
• Rapid development
• Ability to fix bugs directly in some cases
• Self hosting
• Data protection, security and backups

Limitations

• Only discussing software used in my business, not clients
• Can't control what others use

Requirements

Most businesses need:

• Core operating system - Xubuntu
• Invoicing and credit control
• Customer and supplier database (CRM)
• Website - WordPress
• Word processing - LibreOffice
• Spreadsheets - LibreOffice
• Calendar/diary - Nextcloud + DAVx
• Email - Thunderbird or Mutt, Dovecot and Postfix/Exim, SpamAssassin for self-hosting or use Mythic Beasts

Outstanding issues

• Still need Microsoft Office to open some documents
• Scanner - Linux driver but not open source
• Label printer - Linux driver but not open source