In an era where digital privacy is increasingly compromised, telemetry has become a silent companion in most software. Often enabled by default and rarely explained, telemetry collects user data without explicit consent. While it can help developers improve their products, it also raises serious concerns about transparency and user control.
This blog post explores my privacy-first development setup using GhostBSD, a FreeBSD-based operating system. I also include a few macOS tools that complement my workflow without compromising my values.
Why Privacy Matters in Software Development
Telemetry is not inherently harmful. When implemented transparently and offered as an opt-in feature, it can enhance software quality and user experience. However, telemetry becomes problematic when it is:
- Automatically enabled
- Difficult to disable
- Unclear about what data is collected and how it is used
As a developer, I choose tools that prioritize user privacy and give me full control over my environment.
My Privacy-Respecting Development Tools on GhostBSD
GhostBSD provides a clean and stable desktop experience. Here are the core tools I use for coding, design, and web development, each selected for its functionality and respect for user privacy.
Geany: Lightweight Code Editor Without Telemetry
Geany is a fast and efficient code editor that supports multiple programming languages including PHP, HTML, CSS, Python, and JavaScript. It does not collect telemetry, making it ideal for privacy-conscious developers. I use Geany for everything from WordPress plugin development to static site creation.
GIMP: Open-Source Image Editing on BSD
GIMP is my go-to image editor for preparing graphics, banners, and screenshots. It runs smoothly on BSD and Linux and does not transmit any user data. All editing happens locally, ensuring complete control over your creative assets.
Firefox with Privacy Enhancements
Firefox can be configured to offer strong privacy protections. My recommended settings:
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security
- Set Enhanced Tracking Protection to “Strict”
- Disable telemetry under Firefox Data Collection and Use
These adjustments make Firefox a reliable browser for secure web development and testing.
Nano: Simple Text Editing Without Distractions
Although GhostBSD includes the ee editor, I prefer nano for quick edits to system configuration files. It is fast, minimal, and free from telemetry or network features. Whether working locally or via SSH, nano keeps things simple.
Programming Languages: PHP, Python, JavaScript
These languages form the backbone of my development work:
- PHP for WordPress and custom web applications
- Python for scripting and Django projects
- JavaScript for interactive dashboards
None of these languages include telemetry by default. They empower developers to decide what data to collect and how to handle it.
Does GhostBSD Include Telemetry?
Based on my experience, GhostBSD does not include any telemetry. It is built on FreeBSD and emphasizes simplicity, usability, and user control. This makes it an excellent choice for developers who value privacy.
VS Code vs Geany: Choosing a Privacy-Friendly Editor
VS Code is available on GhostBSD via the Software Station. While it offers powerful features, it includes built-in telemetry that can only be partially disabled. For this reason, I prefer Geany on GhostBSD and VSCodium on macOS and Linux, both of which offer similar functionality without the tracking.
Complementary macOS Tools for Privacy-Conscious Developers
Although GhostBSD is my primary development platform, I use macOS for specific tasks where proprietary tools offer unique advantages:
- Pixelmator Pro:
Ideal for image editing with features like one-click background removal that GIMP lacks - Apple Mail:
Seamless integration with macOS and convenient features like automatic 2FA code fill-in and email cleanup
I use closed-source software when it clearly saves time or offers features worth the tradeoff. These decisions are made consciously, with full awareness of the privacy implications.
How to Provide Feedback Without Sacrificing Privacy
I support developers collecting feedback to improve their software. Sometimes, I submit bug reports or feature suggestions. However, I believe feedback should be voluntary and transparent, not silently gathered through background telemetry.
Final Thoughts: Building a No-Telemetry Development Environment
Choosing a no-telemetry setup does not mean sacrificing performance or innovation. It means selecting tools that respect your time, your data, and your creative work.
GhostBSD offers a fast and stable foundation for development. Combined with carefully chosen applications, it allows me to build websites, write code, and design graphics, all without hidden data collection or background tracking.
This setup works for me. If you value privacy in your development workflow, it might work for you too.