Who says that just because something is 100% free that it can’t also be good? In this post, it is my mission to debug myths about open source applications being poor quality. Here are the top 10 (in no particular order) open source applications.
1. Amarok
In my opinion, Amarok is the best (on any platform) media manager and audio player on the planet! The minute you add something new to your collection, it already updates it before you even have the chance to check if it’s there or not. Amarok is a Linux only application that works natively with the KDE environment. If you have a Linux distribution, Ubuntu recommended, you can download it and experience the wonder of this amazing program. Get it!
2. Firefox
Everyone’s favorite web browser, the free and open, Firefox. This browser is lightweight, has tons of great extensions and themes, and is one of the most secure browsers out there now. Firefox is unique because it works on Linux, Windows, and Macintosh. Not many browsers could say that, now could they? Get it!
3. OpenOffice
One of the greatest office suites out there today has to be OpenOffice. Unlike Microsoft Office, OpenOffice is free and open which means anyone can get and edit the source code. It also has features that you need to pay for in Microsoft Office, like foreign language spell checking. OpenOffice is available to everyone using a Windows or Linux operating system, so next time you need to write a document or make a slideshow, think OpenOffice. Get it!
4. VLC Media Player
In my opinion, VLC is the best media player I’ve ever used. Never have i had a codec problem, syncing problems, or compatibility problems. It’s also lightweight, and free and open (like everything on this list). VLC works on both Windows and Linux operating systems with flying colors. Get it!
5. Pidgin
Pidgin is an open and versatile instant messaging program for both Windows and Linux. It combines AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Jabber, ICQ and many others into one application. Pidgin also supports video conferencing, chat rooms(including IRC), voice conferencing and tons of addons. Get it!
6. XChat
What would this list be without an IRC client? If you’re looking for a good one, you’ve found it! XChat supports everything a normal IRC client would except more. More than 100 addons, support for python scripts, the list is endless! XChat currently works on both Windows and Linux operating systems. Get it!
7. Frozen Bubble
As you were reading this, you may have asked your self, “Where are all the games?” Well, heres one! It’s called Frozen Bubble, it is a nice relaxing game you can play any time. Heck, I’m playing it in between writing this article. It is currently available for Linux only but a port for Windows and Macintosh is in the works. Get it!
8. OpenArena
Here’s yet another game, it’s called OpenArena. OpenArena is a fast paced FPS based on Quake III Arena plus it is free and open source. Luckily, OpenArena is available to anyone with Linux, Windows, and Macintosh operating systems. Get it!
9. The Gimp
Can’t leave the computer graphics enthusiist out now can I? The Gimp is a free and open alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It has many of the same features and some people even prefer The Gimp to Photoshop. The Gimp is available to anyone with a Windows, Linux, or Macintosh operating system. Get it!
10. Virtualbox
Virtualbox is THE BEST virtualization software out there today. Unlike VMware, it is 100% free and open and supports more operating system types than VMware. Virtualbox was recently acquired by Sun Microsystems so there’s bound to be even more improvement. It currently runs on all Linux, Unix, Windows, and Macintosh operating systems. Get it!
So far, these are the best open source applications in my opinion. If you disagree, why don’t you comment this article and tell us all which applications you like best?
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