Open Source Software is software that is written and left open so others can add to it or rewrite it. It’s free to download and it’s open for anyone who wants it. Users can download and use the programs all they want. These are not trial versions of programs. They come ready to operate, but if a user wants to add features or functions, they can.
There’s a myriad of programs to choose from; a lot of programmers write these things and offer them free, and a website that offers Open Source Software has many, many programs in their inventory. They range from graphics-makers to accounting programs. Here’s a few to get started.
Open Source Freeware List
Spamato
First offered as an Outlook add-on as a Thunderbird extension, Spamato uses multiple filters to separate junk mail from the good mail. It tells us why a message was sent to the spam filter and allows the user to adjust settings to fit. Operating system required: Windows, Linux, OS X.
Ares
A P2P file sharing network that is free of malware and spyware. Ares allows its users to get connected with a large community to get access to a large number of digital media and other types of files. Operating System: Windows
TurboCASH
A bookkeeping program that boasts a user list of 80,000 strong. It dares the user to try it and compare it to QuickBooks and Sage, and be sure to look at the extensive features list. It’s UK originated and available now in the US, and many other countries are getting translations, too. Operating System: Windows.
VLC Media Player:
An open source, media player that enables you to play music and videos from DVDS, VCDS, web streams and TV cards. The VLC media player supports a number of video codecs including DivX, Xvid, etc. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Mac
Open Office:
A complete office suite that allows its users to handle tasks related to word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, presentations, etc. If you are new to Open Office, you can find a large number of tutorials and online support to help you become an expert user. Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, Mac
Lazy8Ledger
Still doing the accounting with a pencil and eraser? This handy app looks just like a paper-based spreadsheet so everyone can easily familiarize with it. No time spent learning a new program before the user can get anything done with it. It also has an online version that can be used by multiple users. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
Filezilla
A cross platform FTP client that is available in Filezilla client and filezilla forms. The software enables its users to share files using FTP, SFTP and FTPS protocols. Operating System: Windows, Linux
Go see for yourself, free software is cool and the price is just right! Take advantage of all the programs that can help manage businesses, bank accounts, household budgets and drawing graphics.