In a truely open source way Ubuntu brings freedom to millions. For years linux has been synonymous with geeks and black screens, too much effort for little return. But things are changing. As I write this Dell now offer computers with an alternative to Microsoft operating system. Ubuntu is a linux opensource operating system that is totally free and provides access to a multitude of additional opensource free software. Businesses and governments alike are switching to ubuntu linux, saving themselves a huge amount of money because they don't have to pay a licence fee to Microsoft. It's free! See why others are making the switch.
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An extremely versatile and easy to use browser. With a huge amount of plugins this browser caters not only for the first time internet user but also the experienced web developers.
Available on: Windows | Linux

A fantastic browser with a nice area showing previews of previously visited sites. For developers the inspect element functions opens up a wide array of tools which aid the inspections and dissecting of code. Plug ins are also available for a wide array of needs, web dev tool bar, validation etc.
Available on: Windows | Linux

There is an alternative to MS Office, it's called open office and is used by businesses and individuals around the globe. Comprehensive, efficient, fast and compatible with existing MS formats so you can send and receive documents, spreadsheets, databases and presentations with others. With an easy to use interface and a wide array of tutorials and help guides on the net and in publication you can't go wrong. Developed by Sun Microsystems this package will provide all the functionality required for any of today's businesses.
Available on: Windows | Linux

A excellent project manager allowing the user to develop gant charts, set mile stones and essentially manage any project from their desk top. Normally project manager software can cost hundreds of pounds, the open proj is also constantly being revised, improved and updated. For time management issues to thesis and dissertations. This is ideal software for businesses and students alike.
Available on: Windows | Linux

GIMP-GNU Image Manipulation Program. Most people have heard of photoshop, well this fantastic application competes with commercial software on all levels. Remove red eye, create amazing effects using filters and retouch those old photos. Available in a variety of formats from MS windows, Linux and Mac OS. Use as a simple paint program or as an expert rendering and photo manipulation program.
Available on: Windows | Linux

Inkscape- scalable vector graphics Program. This Open Source vector graphics editor provides the user with capabilities similar to those used in Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Xara X. It is an extremely powerful application and yet surprisingly easy to grasp the editing concepts. Why pay ridiculous amounts for software when there are alternatives like this available? Use this and you won't be disappointed.
Available on: Windows | Linux

Blender. You may know of Maya, Softimage xs and 3DS Max but have you heard of Blender? This 3D design application truly competes with the best. There are a multitude of tutorials and explanations on the internet and in print. If you don't want to hand out wads of cash (and why should you?) then please consider blender. Take a look at what can be done by visiting their site and view the gallery section. Your jaw will drop!
Available on: Windows | Linux

Mozilla Thunderbird. From Mozilla, the makers of Firefox comes a great email application that enables you download your emails, add contacts, and basically do anything that the old outlook express did. The nice interface makes it an easy application to use for anyone who is familiar with email.
Available on: Windows | Linux

Bluefish. A very powerful editor targeted towards programmers and webdevelopers, with a variety of options to write websites including scripts (front and back end) and programming code. Bluefish supports many programming and markup languages. Possesses great intellisense, colour coding and auto completion. This is a very versatile and robust editor that will put a smile on your face the moment you start using it.
Available on: Windows | Linux

Geany. More than your average text editor, this handy piece of software caters for most developers who like to code by hand. Have a look at the features on the site. With auto completion, syntax highlighting and multiview this truly is a great program. Geany provides a small and fast IDE with support for many file types. Many businesses use this editor because of its versatility. Its easy to use and will have your generating code in no time at all.
Available on: Windows | Linux

Virtual Box. Run windows xp, vista or any operating system inside linux or run linux inside MS windows. This piece of software competes against products like MS virtual PC. Managed by Sun, virtual box does an extremely good job, it's stable and has a good interface . Virtualization software can be resource heavy at times depending on what you are running but essentially this product works well where it matters.
Available on: Windows | Linux

Lower case to camel case. Run inside phpmyadmin and it will convert your lower case row titles to camel case. Don't forget to save a backup of your database before you use this! Just right click the link and select Save As
Download here . . .