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Open-source software (OSS) is an increasingly popular way of finding versatile programs that cost nothing to use. OSS programs differ from "Freeware" programs in that the source code is openly available to programmers and can be modified by anyone with the necessary technical knowledge. (This doesn't mean that you need any special knowledge to use the programs - the interfaces of the most popular applications resemble normal commercial software.) OSS projects are often communal, with dedicated teams of programmers working to perfect the software. The leading OSS programs now offer real alternatives to major commercial software titles - and cost the end user nothing to license.
The principles of open-source software are listed in detail at: www.opensource.org/docs/definition.php
OSS has mainly been associated with the Linux operating system, but many of the most popular programs are now becoming available to Mac and Windows users (see below).
OSS programs are available from many Freeware portals, but the most comprehensive and reliable place to find them is the Sourceforge website. Most of the larger projects have their own dedicated websites.
A major advantage of open-source software is that it is largely free from the security risks associated with Microsoft programs - though this may change as OSS becomes more popular and widely used. In theory, it is relatively easy for a hacker to modify an open-source program, so you should only download OSS from trusted sources - preferably from the project's official website.
Downloads from P2P (peer-to-peer) networks are not recommended because of the danger of maliciously hacked versions being circulated.
A selection of the best-known OSS programs is given below, but thousands more programs are listed at Sourceforge, covering almost every kind of software application.
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is probably the most successful OSS project to date, with over 25 million downloads registered in the period from November 2004 to February 2005. Firefox offers an alternative web browser to Microsoft's Internet Explorer, with much better security features. The basic package can be configured to the user's requirements through optional plug-ins, themes and add-on features.
Mozilla Thunderbird
Thunderbird is the companion e-mail client and newsreader to the Firefox web browser. It is becoming increasingly popular as a more secure alternative to Microsoft's Outlook and Outlook Express. An import facility for messages and address books makes the change from Outlook to Thunderbird relatively painless.
Open Office
Open Office is a fully-featured alternative to Microsoft's expensive Office suite. Suitable for home or business use, it features the full range of word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation modules. It is fully compatible with Microsoft Office files and includes a built-in PDF writer to convert your documents to .pdf format.
AbiWord
If you don't need a full suite of office programs, AbiWord is an open source word processor that makes an excellent alternative to WordPad that comes as part of the Windows operating system. Its features rival Microsoft Word.
Gaim
Gaim is a multi-protocol messaging system that allows you to log in to multiple accounts across a wide range of messaging services and networks (Aim, ICQ, MSN, IRC, etc). It supports many features of the various services and includes unique features of its own.
WX Musik
WX Musik is a Jukebox program to manage and play back a database of your music files through the integrated player. A comprehensive list of sound file formats is supported, as well as internet audio streams and web radio. Your sounds can be organised into various catagories, with full support for documentation, album cover scans, etc.
The Gimp
The Gimp is a graphics and image editor that stands comparison with major commercial titles like Paint Shop Pro and even Adobe Photoshop. Various filters, scripts and plug-ins can be integrated.
NVU (N-View)
NVU is the open-source alternative to web authoring programs like Macromedia Dreamweaver and Microsoft Front Page. Web authors can work in a WYSIWYG design environment
to create web pages in minutes, without any HTML experience,
or switch to direct source-code editing as required. The program conforms to W3C standards
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