DEV Community: Joe Wuest The latest articles on DEV Community by Joe Wuest (@joewuest). https://dev.to/joewuest https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F4179828%2Ff8409a4d-9e38-4742-a321-bd4a8b135db5.jpg DEV Community: Joe Wuest https://dev.to/joewuest en Free Windows and Linux apps I ship: monitor, folder sync, and a review-first scanner Joe Wuest Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:11:22 +0000 https://dev.to/joewuest/free-windows-and-linux-apps-i-ship-monitor-folder-sync-and-a-review-first-scanner-37cd https://dev.to/joewuest/free-windows-and-linux-apps-i-ship-monitor-folder-sync-and-a-review-first-scanner-37cd <p>I build small desktop apps and publish them as proprietary freeware under the name Ironwood Apps. The source is not open.</p> <h2> IronPulse </h2> <p>IronPulse shows live CPU, RAM, network, and disk on a slim widget that sits with the taskbar or panel. It runs on Windows and on Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and Debian.</p> <p><a href="https://ironwoodapps.com/apps/ironpulse" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ironwoodapps.com/apps/ironpulse</a></p> <h2> IronSync </h2> <p>IronSync synchronizes folders one way or both ways across local paths, mounted drives, and network shares. You can review the file differences before anything is copied. It also runs on Windows and Linux.</p> <p><a href="https://ironwoodapps.com/apps/ironsync" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ironwoodapps.com/apps/ironsync</a></p> <h2> IronShield </h2> <p>IronShield scans for malware with local ClamAV and leaves detections for you to review before anything is removed. Cloud checks are optional. The VPN side uses a Tailscale or WireGuard setup you configure yourself, and no network is preinstalled. It does not replace Microsoft Defender. Windows only.</p> <p><a href="https://ironwoodapps.com/apps/ironshield" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ironwoodapps.com/apps/ironshield</a></p> <p>The Windows builds are on the Microsoft Store. Direct downloads and the privacy policies are on <a href="https://ironwoodapps.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ironwoodapps.com</a>.</p> windows