I have very little software loaded on my computer that cost anything. Aside from Windows itself, Office is the only thing we've paid for, and that was only because we already had the license when I got this computer. I'd be perfectly fine with one of the open source alternatives to Office, just like I'm perfectly fine with open source alternatives to everything else. So where do I get all this wonderful stuff?
First, let's go back a step and answer the question: what is open source software?
There are two main schools of thought on software development. The traditional way is for a company to create their own application, do their own testing, strictly control it, and sell licenses for profit and to continue development. The poster child for this method is Microsoft, with their monolithic and secretive development, their patches, and their obsessive control over everything.
Open source, on the other hand, is just that - the source code for the application is released to the public, and any software developer who wants to take a look can do so. In fact, open source software depends upon it. Whereas Microsoft utilizes paid employees to create, exercise, and test their applications, open source depends upon a multitude of developers (most working for free) who ply their knowledge and expertise to shore up weaknesses in the code, patch security holes, and add beneficial features. Open source software is generally less prone to security problems because the source code is examined and corrected or improved by legitimate and helpful software developers before the hackers have a chance to take advantage of them.
Why does this system work? Partly because a lot of developers want to support the flexibility and fluidity of open source, something that companies like Microsoft just cannot match. Sometimes open source applications are ad supported, which means you can use the software as long as you can put up with the constant nags to buy other software. Most of the time, though, these open source programs will offer a basic version for free, with a paid version containing more advanced features available for a charge. The idea is that if people find value in the free version, they'll be willing to pay for the more advanced version. They're usually right, and the model works.
The biggest danger here is that you have to be able to trust the supplier of this free software. Downloading a free application from some random place on the Internet is a great way to introduce all kinds of virus, malware, or outright hackery onto your own computer.
So, where do you get this wonderful free software while still being safe? I know of several places.
When I need freebie software, one of my first stops is CNet. They have a gigantic library of software, and you can search on keywords or with categories (i.e. Windows, free or paid, audio/video, most downloads, etc.). Many applications there have been reviewed by CNet editors, and you can also look at the total number of downloads (general rule is that the more downloads, the safer it is), star ratings from users, and other information. It's a site dedicated to technology and current gizmos, so they're a terrific source of information. Best of all, they certify that all of their downloadable applications are free of viruses and malware.
My other best source is PC World. This, too, is a techie website with lots of reviews and excellent information, and you can search on keywords or categories. Anything you get from here is safe, and they really know what they're talking about.
Two other options that I've used a lot in the past are SourceForge and Brothersoft. They're not as easily navigated, nor are they as comprehensive in their reviews and recommendations, but I haven't had any problems with malware or viruses from either of them.
If you're looking for applications specifically to be used on flash drives, you have a couple other options. I've used both PortableApps and PenDriveApps before, and I've seen PortableFreeApps, though I haven't used that one yet, so be careful just in case.
Some of the applications I've used (some for years) or recommend include the following:
- anti-virus: AVG, Avira, Avast
- firewall: ZoneAlarm, OnlineArmor, Comodo
- spyware/malware: Spybot Search & Destroy, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
- browser: Firefox, Chrome
- utilities/tools: Defraggler, Revo Uninstaller, Comodo System Cleaner, CCleaner
- Microsoft Office alternatives: OpenOffice.org
- pictures: Irfanview
- audio/video: jetAudio, Winamp, VLC
- other useful freebies: KeePass (securely store your passwords), ImgBurn (burning CDs and DVDs), Format Factory (convert audio/video files to different formats), doPDF or PDF Creator (print to pdf format), FoxIt Reader (pdf reader), DropBox (online storage and sync'ing with your desktop)
I've obtained all of these at some point or other from one of the download websites I mentioned above, for free. The general rule of thumb that I've learned over the past few years is that, for any given application, there is probably a free version out there somewhere. If you know where to look and if you're willing to do some experimenting, you can probably find it and save yourself some bucks. Have fun, and good luck!
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