GhostBSD is my preferred operating system for web design and programming. This page lists the apps and utilities I use after personally testing them to ensure they run as expected. What sets GhostBSD apart from other BSD distributions is its inclusion of custom tools that simplify system management without sacrificing control. Two standout features, Backup Station and Software Station, are exclusive to GhostBSD and contribute to its user-friendly experience.
Apache & PHP
For local PHP development, I use Apache as my web server. Since GhostBSD doesn’t include Apache or PHP by default, I installed both to set up a lightweight development environment. Apache serves static files and handles HTTP requests, while PHP executes the server-side logic. Together, they provide a reliable stack for building and testing web applications locally.
Backup Station
I was genuinely impressed when I discovered Backup Station, and even more so when I realized it’s preconfigured to take automatic system snapshots before every update. This built-in safety net means that I can roll back changes effortlessly if something goes wrong. It’s one of those tools that quietly does its job, but makes a big difference when we need it most.
Firefox
GhostBSD comes with Firefox preinstalled, which I use for developing WordPress sites and running custom JavaScript apps. I streamline the browser by disabling unnecessary features and rely on just one extension: uBlock Origin. It’s a simple, fast, and effective setup that lets me stay focused on development.
Geany
On macOS, I prefer VSCodium for coding, but since it’s not available on GhostBSD, I use Geany, a lightweight, versatile editor I’ve used in the past and trust. With a few configuration tweaks and a dark theme applied, Geany gives me everything I need to work efficiently with Python, PHP, HTML, and CSS. It’s fast, responsive, and free of unnecessary distractions. An ideal setup for focused development on GhostBSD.
Nano
Nano is a lightweight, terminal-based text editor ideal for quick edits and system tweaks. Since it’s not included by default on GhostBSD, the first thing I do is install Nano to easily edit configuration files. Its simple keyboard shortcuts and straightforward interface make it a fast, reliable choice for anyone who prefers a no-fuss editing experience.
If you’ve never worked with a console-based editor before, I recommend starting with my quick-start tutorial on Nano for beginners.
SimpleScreenRecorder
Because GhostBSD uses X11, I was excited to revisit an app I genuinely missed: SimpleScreenRecorder. It’s a lightweight yet powerful screen recording tool, perfect for creating tutorials and demo videos. What impressed me most is its ability to capture desktop audio, including from YouTube videos, without any extra setup. For anyone creating content on GhostBSD, this is an essential tool.
Software Station
Software Station is a graphical package manager designed for users who prefer to avoid the terminal. It provides a clean, searchable interface to browse all available software in the GhostBSD repositories. I often use it to look up package names and check availability, but I still prefer installing software via the terminal since it lets me review dependencies and monitor download and install sizes.
Whether you’re new to BSD or just want a visual way to explore your options, Software Station makes the process approachable and efficient.