This is the largest collection of recommended software. The collection includes hundreds of articles, with comprehensive sections on internet, graphics, games, programming, science, office, utilities, and more. Almost all of the software is free and open source.
 Documents |  Internet |  Education |
 Graphics |  Video |  Audio |
 System Admin |  Desktop |  Productivity |
 Science |  Games |  Security |
 Utilities |  Development |  Finance |
 Web Apps |  Other |  Books |
Click the icons above to view each section.
The compilation is being frequently updated and new articles added on a regular basis. For each article, we have commissioned an expert in the field. Most of the articles include a legendary rating chart. In time, we’ll update all articles to include a chart.
Here’s the latest updates to our compilation of recommended software.
| January 2021 Updates (Free and Open Source Software) | Category |
|---|---|
| Batch Image Processors | Graphics |
| Flash OS Images | Utilities |
| Point-of-Sale | Web Apps |
| Git Tools | Development |
| Pandora Radio | Audio |
| Search the Filesystem | Utilities |
| UPnP Media Servers | Internet |
The original objective in starting the compilation was to dispel the FUD that Linux does not have the necessary software to compete with Windows. Over time, the aim of the compilation was to enable Linux users, whatever their level of computing experience, to identify software of all types that is worth exploring. With the huge range of open source software available, there is simply not enough time for users to evaluate every application even within a single category of software.
There are many advantages in using free and open source software. For example, software licensed in this way lets you use, copy, study, and change the software. The source code is openly shared so that people are encouraged to voluntarily improve the design of the software. Whenever software has an open source license, it means anyone in the world can download, modify and distribute it without paying fees to its original creator(s).
Open source software is often confused with freeware, but the two are very different. Freeware refers to software that users can download and use entirely for free, at no cost. However, they don’t have the right to change the source code.
The opposite of open source software is proprietary software, where only the individual creator/s, or the business who created it, has the right to control or modify the source code.