Why a Desktop Cockpit Beats 12 Browser Tabs for Interview Prep
Compare scattered Chrome tabs with PrepOS — one Electron shell for LeetCode, notes, AI, feed reader, and focus mode.
Most candidates prep with LeetCode in one tab, YouTube in another, Notion for patterns, ChatGPT for hints, and Hacker News “for a break” that lasts an hour. PrepOS replaces that stack with a single macOS-style desktop inside Electron.
What you lose with tabs
- Context switching tax — every new tab is a chance to drift.
- No global Capture→AI — screenshots live in Downloads, not your chat.
- Focus timers live in a separate app you forget to start.
- India-specific feeds (GfG, Striver, NeetCode) are bookmark folders, not a reader.
What PrepOS adds
- Dock + resizable windows — LeetCode beside Notes beside AI Chat.
- Cmd+Shift+A Capture→AI from any screen region.
- 7-day sprint widget + study modes (Placement Prep, Frontend Prep, etc.).
- Lockdown mode when you need zero distractions.
- Free, open-source, no account — MIT licensed.
Who should still use a browser?
If you only solve one easy a week, a browser is fine. If you are in placement season, switching companies, or doing a timed sprint, a desktop cockpit reduces friction enough that you actually finish sessions.