Most of us have been using Windows since we began to use computers. I am not sure about others but it is true for me. This lead to the fact that I became used to most of the proprietary softwares available on Windows.
But in the last couple of years I came across Open Source Softwares. They are great because of the associated freedom with these softwares. I started using Fedora 7. It was a great experience to work on a non-Windows environment. I also tried few application softwares.
I have been using OpenSolaris for quite some time now. I like it a lot and think of wiping Windows off my hard disk but then a thought comes to my mind – “What if I want to use Photoshop?”. Similarly, there are other applications. This is the only reason why Windows exists on my system.
So, here is my strategy to gain complete freedom and dive into Open Source world. Initially, use Open Source software on Windows and after few months when you are comfortable with these alternatives, say Good Bye to Windows.
For the same reason I am presenting here a small list of Open Source alternatives for Windows.
1. Microsoft Office
Alternative: Open Office latest realease is Open Office 3.0
2. Photoshop
Alternative: GIMP latest version is 2.6.4
3. Notepad
Alternative: Notepad++ latest version is 5.1.4
4. Internet Explorer
Alternative: Mozilla Firefox latest version is 3.0.6
5. Windows Media Player
Alternative: Mplayer, VLC, Media Player Classic
6. 3Ds Max , Maya
Alternative: Blender latest release Blender 2.48a
7. Winrar
Alternative: 7-Zip latest version 4.65
These are not just alternatives but also most of them are much more better than their proprietary counterparts. There are many more other such alternatives.
Now the best alternative for- Windows Operating System
Alternative: OpenSolaris 2008.11
It is secure, powerful, advanced and user friendly.
February 9, 2009 at 12:01 am |
Nice one.. Informative