From http://www.opensource.org/, the definition of open source is:
Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost, and an end to predatory vendor lock-in.
The advantages to open source software are obvious to developers, though my seem transparent to those that aren’t familiar with the open source mentality.
In this day ‘n age, when you are purchasing software you, your money really goes to a warranty from the software creator and technical support for it. Open source applications come without any warranty of any kind (either explicit or implied) and though support help is usually readily available online if you know what you are looking for, direct tech support from the software’s creator is almost non existent. Essentially, the two application may function the same. The retail version is guarantied to work, and if they can’t help you to get it to work they’ll give you your money back. You’re on your own with the open source version.
I wouldn’t recommend open source software to the general user, if you’re not willing to put the time in to rise about some of the learning curves of the software you’re better off going with the retail package.
Most open source software programmers claim that in the very near and very real future all computer software will be open source. I don’t know how true that is, but there is very little software on my system these days that isn’t open source. (Windows aside.) Here are my 5 favorites:
5. Gimp / Artweaver
I used to use: Adobe Photoshop
For a small time I worked for a company that provided Photoshop for me. For the two years I worked there I really grew comfortable with it and would even started to enjoy touching up and changing my personal photos. Even though I free admit that I’m not the best at it, but I have fun doing it so I don’t care what you think. My favorite image I’ve modified would have to be my tribute to Disney World image:
But alas, I ended up leaving that job for a job that required about 85% pure coding, so my Photoshop license was no longer needed and thus taken away. Not too worry though I found that between the open source application GIMP and Artweaver, there is really little that I was doing with Photoshop that couldn’t be done between these two OS applications. Sure, I had to learn them all over again, but I found the time a worth while investment.
But wait, there is a downside.
Granted, these two applications can’t even touch tools that a full time employed graphic designer would need to get their work done. But for the rest of use who try and find ways to make Adobe Photoshop Elements scale images for our website, touch up photos we’ve taken, or even adding some basic artistic effects to those photos, these two apps can save you a bunch of money.
4. Notepad++
I used to use: Microsoft Word
The closest analogy I can think of about using Microsoft word to write basic plain documents would be removing your entire foot because you need to take out a splinter. (Yeah?… yeah.) It’s overkill for me. I just want to type, count my words, and check my spelling. I don’t need to lay anything out in a grid. I’m not writing a news letter, and I’m certainly not reference external documents.
Notepad++ takes care of all my personal word processing and coding needs. After a stickier install that word (You do have to download set up the spell checking reference files yourself.) you have a few compact lightweight text and code editor. Yes code editor. Not only do you have simple but powerful text editor, you also have a simple and powerful code editor. The application even provides syntax highlighting for a slue of programming languages.
Now Notepad++ is by no means a word substitute for a corporate setting. The afore mentioned referencing and linking of documents as well as other office document integration and a more other advanced features still keep Word kill of the hill in the work place. But when I get home, I don’t want to have to deal with overkill. I just want something simple that gets my thoughts down, and doesn’t cost be hundred of dollars to keep upgrading to the new version.
3. Handbrake
I used to use Sothink Video Converter
As a person who watches most of his TV on his iPod video, I needed a reliable application that would convert my DVDs and DVR’d programs to my iPod quickly and with a decent quality. I had burned through a couple applications that claimed they could convert video for the iPod but the quality of output on just about all of them was horrible. Maybe I’m just too picky, but I think that my HD-DVR-ed show should look better than a YouTube video. About the time I was getting way to frustrated with the free apps out there and I bought myself a licence to Sothink’s Video converter.
As far as costs goes, Sothink’s Video Coveter is not expensive. When it first came out, I paid $75 for a license and I used the software for a good 2 years before I found Handbrake, so it was money well spent. However, the OS Handbrake supports more video files, more screen resolutions and I have yet to get a ‘bad’ encoding, something I was getting more often that I would have liked with Sothink’s app.
There is a draw back. Handbrake only supports the importing of one file at a time, whereas Sothink Video Converter gives you the ability to grab multiple file and import during one import. But I’m not really going to critique this too much because I often found that encoding more that one video at a time in somehow through the audio and video sync off by about a second. Just enough to ruin whatever it was I was watching. Eventually I was importing one file at a time anyway, so I don’t consider this too much of a drawback.
2. Tube Master
I used to use WM Recorder 12
WM Recorder, though a retail application, was a tricky little program to use. It was glitch-y, it was frustrating to use at times, and it was $50. Once I spent an afternoon with it I was comfortable enough where I could fumble my way around, but I still found it aggravating to use. Enter Tube Master. Within 1 minute after installing (and after literally two clicks), I was using it. Both applications make use of the same engine to grab media, but I am still scratching my head as to why the free application works so much easier than it’s retail counter-part? Viva Open Source!
1. Wordpress
Wordpress 2.8
I used to markup all my content for my website by hand.
Wordpress, I feel, is the pinnacle of what can be done when talented developers get together to achieve a common goal. Though Wordpress isn’t a typical application in the sense that it runs on your computer, it has none-the less completely invigorated the blogging community as a whole. It does this simply by freeing up websites owners time by creating code, themes, widgets and plugins for them, allowing them to focus on what really matters, their site’s content.
This website make heavy user of Wordpress OS plugins and themes written by somebody else. I love having a website, and I love working with code, but I’m not so talented when it comes down to the artistic portion of the web. Wordpress’ theme management handles that beautifully for me. Likewise I’m sure there are graphic designers out there who have an awesome idea how their website should look, but have no idea how to get code to do what they want it too… well Wordpress plugins and widgets are perfect for that.
It’s the perfect blogging platform built on the idea that nobody should be reinventing the wheel. And I’m in love it it.
.jpg "Fun at the park")
.jpg "Hanging out with Dad in the shed.")
.jpg "This is his new way of sleeping.")
.jpg "Smiles")
.jpg "Logan and Caleb")
.jpg "Playing in the dirt.")
.jpg "First time holding his own sandwich.")
.jpg "He can get himself in the chair now.")
