This is the largest set of group tests available, and it is constantly being updated and new articles added. Almost all of the software featured in the group tests below is free to download (and open source).
This is the second of a five part article. The other parts cover:
Part 1: Gaming, Internet & Networking, Office
Part 3: Programming, Text Editors, Education, System Administration, Religion, Family History, Humor
Part 4: Graphics & Multimedia, Utilities, Web Applications
Part 5: Big Data, Cloud Computing, Documentation, Other Articles, Programming Languages Books, Free Proprietary Software, Android Devices
| Desktop & Productivity |
| Desktop environments consist of icons, windows, toolbars, folders, wallpapers, and desktop widgets. |
| Lean Desktops - The finest candidates for older hardware |
| File Managers - Orthodox, navigational and spatial file managers |
| Orthodox File Managers - One of the older families of file managers |
| Alternative File Managers - Useful file managers that receive little coverage in Linux publications |
| Console File Managers - For anyone who wishes to revel in the power of the command-line |
| Window Managers - Compositing, stacking and tiling window managers |
| Docks - Switch quickly between applications |
| Desktop Search Engines - Locate information with the minimum of fuss |
| Productivity Tools - Utilities to make your life a little bit easier |
| Essential Utilities to Boost Productivity - Very small utilities |
| Note-taking Apps - Keep track of information |
| OneNote Alternatives - Free-form information gathering and multi-user collaboration |
| Collection Managers - To keep track of stamps, multimedia, posters, comics and more |
| Task Managers - Help organise your day |
| Time Tracking - Type of computer software that records time spent on tasks |
| Task Management Tools - Create a list of tasks to be completed |
| Personal Information Managers - Help manage your life by offering personal organising functionality |
| Calculators - Compute difficult mathematical functions, plot 2D and 3D graphs |
| Clocks - Includes alarm clocks and timezone clocks |
| Diary - Flexible and useful diary tools |
| Terminal Emulators - Access a console and console based software |
| Screen Capture - Versatile open source screenshot programs |
| Plain Text Screencasting Tools - Explain and perform commands at the same time, providing a tutorial and showcase |
| e-book Tools - Best open source e-book tools available to download |
| Small Console Menu Utilities - Four tiny utilities that offer menu facilities |
| Scientific Software |
| Science really prospers and advances when individuals share the results of their experiments with others in the scientific community. There is a certain logic that scientific software should therefore be released in a freely distributable environment. |
| Scientific - Maths, biology, chemistry, physcis, electronics & engineering and more |
| Physics - The study of matter and energy applying laws that govern natural phenomena |
| Chemistry - The study of matter and the changes it undergoes |
| Biology - Concerned with the study of living things |
| Bioinformatics - The application of mathematics, computing and statistics to the analysis of biological information |
| Graphical User Interfaces for R - For statistical computing and graphics |
| Robotics Software - Branch of artificial intelligence concerned with the study of robots |
| Plotting Tools - Helps to analyze and visualize data |
| Statistical Analysis - Helps scientists understand a concept or representation and make possible predictions |
| Geometry - Combines three branches of mathematics: geometry, calculus and algebra |
| Earth Science - Wide range of fields such as geology, geography, geophysics, meteorology and oceanography |
| Astronomy - Deals with the study of celestial objects |
| Astronomical Data Analysis- Capable astronomical analysis systems |
| Electronic Design Automation - Design electronic systems such as printed circuit boards and integrated circuits |
| Laboratory Information Management System (new) - Streamlined workflow automation and management |
| Natural Language Processing - Field of computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational linguistics |
| GPS - The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation satellite system |
| Reference Management Tools - Software for academics and authors to use to record and use bibliographic citations |
| Backup Software |
| Backup software is used to perform a complete back up of a file, data, database, system or server. It enables users to make a duplicate of everything contained on the original source. This type of software is also used to perform a recovery of the data or system in the event of a disaster. |
| Backup Tools (new) - Intuitive graphical interfaces, snapshot software, and command-line tools |
| Simple Backup - Keep data safe with the minimum of fuss |
| DeDuplicating Encryption Tools - Deduplicating encrypting backup software |
| Financial Software |
| Financial software covers a wide spectrum including personal finance, stock trading, investment analysis, accounting, business solutions and microfinance. |
| Financial - Keep track of stock market movements, analyse the markets, and more |
| More Financial Software - Picks of our favorite personal finance and stock market tools |
| Bitcoin Clients - Decentralized peer-to-peer payment system and digital currency |
| Econometrics - Statistical software that is specialised for econometric analysis |
Go to Part 1, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5.