Top five open-source programs
By John Pospisil
When writing my book Hacking MySpace I faced a dilemma. I wanted to show readers how to do some neat tricks with graphics software by providing step-by-step instructions, but I didn’t want them to have to buy a particular program.
That’s when I came across a great open source program (that I’ll talk about shortly), which is not only a great graphics editing program, but is completely free and runs on both Mac and PC.
Since than I’ve become a fan of open source software. Much of it is more powerful than you would expect, and even if it’s a little bit behind the commercial equivalent, when you consider the cost for benefit you’re still well ahead.
Here are what I think are the top five open source programs:
Linux – this is the greatest open source initiative of all time. Think about it – with Linux you can build a fully working computer without spending a cent on software. Now that Mircosoft is really cracking down on pirates, I suspect that much of the second and third world will really start moving over to Linux.
OpenOffice – a project being coordinated by Sun Microsystems, OpenOffice includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, and drawing software. Yes, the Microsoft equivalent is slicker, but let’s face it, how many people really use all the advanced features of Microsoft Office? OpenOffice would satisfy the needs of at least 90% of all users.
GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) – despite the dreadful acroynm, GIMP is a great graphics program that would meet the needs of almost all entry-level and medium-level users (and even some advanced users). It’s quite amazing that such a great piece of software is available free of charge. It’s easy to use, and there are a lot of online resources available if you need help.
Audacity – do you need to record or edit audio? Before you go out an buy a commercial program, check out Audacity. Again you’ll be surprised at how powerful an open source program can be. One nice feature is the ability to record anything that you’re listening to on your PC; I’ve found this handy when recording colleagues being intereviewed on the radio.
FileZilla – OK, it’s only an FTP program, but it works so well. Once you’ve set it up by entering the details for your FTP sites, it’s so easy to log into your sites.
I have no doubt that there are many other great open source programs out there, so please leave feedback if you’ve come across something.
John Pospisil
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November 4th, 2006
Yes, I agree. Audacity is one great program. It replaced Sound Forge and Cool Edit Pro for me. You introduced me to The Gimp, and I’ll have to say I didn’t like it at first. I’m very picky when it comes to software, and I had an attachment to Micrographix Picture Publisher due to the fact that I know the program inside and out and can do virtually anything in it, but The Gimp has been slowly closing in as my number one image editor. There is a slight learning curve when you go from an old image editor like PP7 to something more advanced like The Gimp. Looks like my 8 year relationship with Picture Publisher is slowly coming to an end. Thanks for the tip John.