My Opinion On Some Open Source Programs
For those of you that don’t know what open source is, it is basically where any programmer can have access to the program and as a community the program is developed and improved. These programs are also FREE which ads to their appeal. Again, in some situations I think you’re much better going with the proprietary program.
For the last couple days I’ve been having discussions with various people about different open source programs that are available to use for web design. My feeling on open source programs is that some of them are really good, but there are other ones that the proprietary version of the program is so much better (like DreamWeaver vs. Nvu). But when you’re just bootstrapping your online business, investing $300 in a good photo editor may not be an option. In situations like this you may just have to go with an open source program.
So here is a short list of some open source programs you can get for free that can help you improve your online business endeavor and my opinion on each.
FireFox is a web browser, like Internet Explorer, but in my opinion it is way better. FireFox is rapidly gaining more and more users, so if you haven’t used it you should. It’s also a good idea to make sure you website looks essentially the same in both FireFox and Internet Explorer. You can also customize a lot of things on it which makes it extra fun!
I stand by my belief that the best HTML editor out there is DreamWeaver. But if you need a program that can at least do the job, check out Nvu. You could very easily build a whole site using Nvu, and if you’re using some builder programs you can use it to spice up your site a little bit by learning HTML code.
Admittedly I’m not a big fan of GIMP, I find it a little clumsy to use. But if you don’t have a photo editor, you need to get something. So spend some time learning to use GIMP and you can get the hang of it. But once you have the funds I’d recommend you upgrade to Adobe FireWorks or Photoshop. I feel they give a much better atmosphere and usability.
I love FileZilla! This one is only for those of you that can upload and download from your site using FTP. FileZilla is a great free FTP client.
If you don’t have an office suite, you need to get one. OpenOffice.org is a good alternative to the proprietary programs which include Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.) and WordPerfect. And it’s free too!
You can also get open source programs that would be your whole shopping cart program, blogging software, etc. But those are out of the scope of this article.
There are many more open source programs that you can check out, but I hope this list is enough to help you out. Check these tools out and make use of them as you need to. Who knows, maybe you’ll like them just fine and never have to get the proprietary programs! Some people like these programs better than others, it’s really a matter of personal preference.
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I’m a big supporter of open source software. My computer runs Ubuntu Linux, which is an open source operating system. I primarily use Mozilla Firefox for web browsing and Open Office for office documents. I would recommend all of these to others that are interested in trying out new software. However, there is a lot of good proprietary software out there. There is nothing close to Dreamweaver or Photoshop, that is open source.
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I’m used to all sorts of software and it has been a while since price was a big factor when it comes the software I use. On top of the ones you mentioned like Filezilla (which I use over any commercial ftp), some others open source projects are paramount pieces of software that have shaped the web as we know it, such as Apache, PHP and MySql.
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I’m also using the open source software, and so far I’ve never experience problems using it. And for those who haven’t tried yet, check out for those software.
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I agree, the open source software is not always great option. For instance, there’s no way to create screencast video elegantly with open source software.
But with that said, there are opensource software that even proprietary software can’t compare to, such as the Apache web server software or Linux distribution which many web hosting server are based on.
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Filezilla is probably the best out there and it’s not bloated like the two big commercial products. I switched over last year - it took a bit to get used to the different interface but I love it now. I wish there were a better non-bloated PDF reader that was reliable.
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[...] Pagan Centered Podcast wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt [...]
Open source software always keep an advantage to modify.This is the extra thing.But I like this type.
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If you don’t have an office suite, you need to get one. SO how its possible on easy way.
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I used Open Source for how many months already and I don’t have any problems with it. Well. it depends on what you preferred to use.
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I’m a big fan of open source, and of development based on open communities.
On servers I prefer the RedHat Enterprise Linux clone CentOS. It is an enterprise class GNU/Linux distribution. Our business switched to Ubuntu Linux on our desktops half a year ago, and we are very happy with it. I use Mozilla Firefox for browsing and Open Office for office documents.
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Filezilla is the absolute best.
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Firefox leaves IE at the gate.
More power to open source
Rich
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Personally, I love Firefox as do most users of it, I’m also a fan of Fillzilla.
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WinSCP is a better FTP client. Try it.
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Open source software is the wave of the future. That is, of course, if people want to continue paying for inferior products. Thanks for the post.
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The open source programs are really showing great effect. they are beating the professional programs.
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I use 3 of the 5. Firefox absolutely rocks. The more I use it the more I love it. I’ve used WSftp for years and when I upgraded PC’s I decided to try Filezilla. It’s proven to be a solid program. I also started using open office when I got my new PC. This was more for security purposes than anything else.
Don’t forget the best open source of all… WordPress!
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Thanks for the list of programs. I love Firefox and Openoffice. Haven’t tried any of the others ones but I will now.
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I agree, the open source software is not always great option. For instance, there’s no way to create screencast video elegantly with open source software.
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Firefox is open source??? I never knew that.. You should also add open source operating systems to your list such as Linux and Ubuntu
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I’m a big fan of open source software, obviously it’s not always better, sometimes you do get what you pay for (Antivirus software in my opinion), but more often than not the open source option is really great, plus it saves some cash!
I’m a big fan of Firefox, Filezilla and Open Office.
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Firefox is definitely much superior to the internet explorer. I use it all the time.
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Some OS prog like Firefox is definitely the greatest creation. But then things like OpenOffice is not practical =/ It’s not 100% compatible with MS Office thus reducing it’s usability. That’s why I stick to MS Office until now
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It figures that Firefox is open source. It’s so much more better than slow old IE. Thanks for the article.
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These types of advancement were only possible through the increase in the technology of the IT sector. This has made a lot many things easier and has given a lot of help to a lot many people. We are now trying to have a good use of these resources.
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Hehe, I’m using all of those except Filezilla. They are all great.
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I am a huge supporter of open source. I used to just use the apps but I have been learning some programming and enjoy participating as well.
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My personal experience:-
1) Yes! Firefox is way better
2) NVU - the only problem is it is not maintained anymore. Now replaced by Kompozer. I stick with MS Frontpage.
3) GIMP - yes it is free, but extremely difficult to master. I keep using Paintshop Pro 5 (not free and not open source).
4) Filezilla - Good for casual users. I need to upload hundreds of file in one go and need a feature that can compare the file dates. Only files with newer update dates will be uploaded and the program does this automatically for me. Hence I use CuteFTP (free but not open source)
5) Openoffice - yes it is free but after several years of trying I gave up. I stick with M$ Office. However now I have been trying/testing IBM Lotus Symphony (also open source and free)
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I use Firefox, Filezilla and have experimented with OpenOffice yet I have not come across GIMP or NVU.
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Wow, didn’t taught there were so much of these. I had some problem with firefox, will try others later.
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I use filezilla , it is good but isn’t perfect .
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I use firefox sometimes , i don’t escape ie’s curse
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IE is the worst. I stop using it long time ago. Now im using Firefox. Thanks for the list. Will check it out.
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As much as I’d like to advocate open-source software, there are few places where it’s still playing catchup. Take Open Office for instance. I can understand a business of institution using it to avoid massive licensing fees, but for an individual at home or at work, you probably want MS Office for all it’s useful features.
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I have only tried before firefox and still using it. Will check out other links. I don’t think firefox have any problems with that.
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I switched from IE to Firefox several years ago and I never looked back, not even when IE implemented (read “copied) tabbed browsing.
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I’m an open source guy myself, but i get work to buy the apps i need. they are usually a little better than the open source mirror images. Unless the originals have gotten complacent for to long. Explorer vs Firefox as an example.
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I’m the big fan of Firefox….also I like using openoffice..
Good service from them as well…..
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I can vouch for 3. I use firefox, NVU and filezilla and they are all excellent programs, free and better than some paid versions, (including IE!)
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i will check it out i like firefox
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yer i like free stuff doesent everyone!
not the same thou is it?!?!
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Do you think Gimp is better than paint.net? That’s all I’ve used on my computer but I’d like to try something different. As far as firefox goes, its my favorite! I didn’t like it at first but it sure grows on you, now I have a hard time going back to IE.
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I am a big fan of opensource, i have used all of the above software, my favourite has to be firefox, i use it everyday, but i must also say that software like wordpress which are also covered byt creative commons licencse are great and I use this to power my blog. I also have used nvu for webdesign a great opensoruce, alternative to frontpage
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FireFox the best… they do realy good browser
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For an open source text editor I would recommend jEdit. It’s handing of XML documents is outstanding.
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Open source software is indeed the face of the future. It’s about time that they took over inferior costly products.!
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Firefox and filezilla still is ok but other are compromising with the works
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The open source programs are really showing great effect. they are beating the professional programs.
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I have to agree with you about Filezilla. It’s the best for ftp transfers.
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I made the switch to Firefox recently, havent looked back!! I think i will have to give filezilla a try now.
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Agreed with all of these, they are all good open sourcers
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i installed firefox 3.0.1 yesterday and i saw the differance between İE and firefox… i like fire fox;)
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Being a big fan of opensource, i have used all of the above software, my favourite has to be firefox, i use it everyday, but i must also say that software like nvu is nothing in comparison with dreamweaver and I use this to power my website designs.
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Open office rocks. I really like the export to PDF function.
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I am fully support opensource software. I like Firefox and Filezilla very much! Stable & Free.
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I very much like Firefox and always use it. It is very power full and easy to handle. It helps me great.
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baby girl Reply:
April 10th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I gotta agree with this. I’ve only recently discovered FF and all the plugins which help if you’re trying to get a website off the ground.
It’s an absolute must and it’s far far user friendly than IE - not that theres much wrong with IE, just FF has more to it.
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Its nice experience using Firefox compared with others. Add-ons support is amazing here. Ya sure, FileZilla is best for http://FTP.
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Yes! I used Firefox and FileZilla. When I use internet it is always Firefox for me. I agree with you for FileZilla as I have used others and this one both. Great FTP client
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Yep, with so many Open Source programs out there, it’s a wonder you have to buy anything at all. I have all the programs you recommended but don’t forget the virus checkers and firewalls… I use Avast for virus and Comodo for firewall.
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Is Nvu definately the best open source html editor for me? I like to write the code myself to help me learn it and dreamweaver was nice because it suggested what the code I was writing should be. Also good cause it had a WYSIWYG area which was handy when you couldn’t get your head around the code
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Firefox rocks though it lags some times on my 2×2.66ghz system. Also lack a mime type editor and some times opens files as text (for example RAR)
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i am using firefox, gimp and open office from a long time but never knew a about nvu html editor, and now i dont know why open office has started giving me a lot of problems and i somehow started thinking ms office is still better. i know its paid but what can i say i also commit firefox has years of victory over IE.
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Thank you,
I think it’s a wonderful post.
I was just searching for information about this on the web and I am glad I run into your post, and so fast too (I taught it will take for ever since I didn’t know where to start searching).
I have a friend that would like to read it too and I will definitely send him a link now (since I can’t find the “tell a friend” button – I think it should be more obvious were it is).
I have also bookmarked this site and surly will come to read some more of your other posts.
Can you add some resources where I can find additional information?
Thank you again for this great post.
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great post.
will come again to visit this site
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im a big fan of firefox and a browser called flock, i lick flock betta though… Great post !
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gift from ireland Reply:
November 18th, 2008 at 11:56 am
I’d have to agree with you there. flock beta does rock. Been using it for about 3 weeks now and very impressed.
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Dan Reply:
November 24th, 2008 at 7:16 am
I’m not familiar with Flock…what can you tell me about it?
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GIMP the image software has been really useful for me and something that has been part of my day to day life.
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Dan Reply:
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:50 am
It works for some people just fine, but after using Fireworks I just couldn’t stand it! But I know that some people love it.
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Firefox is definately that is the best that is there and the main reason for this is that it has amazing add ons.
They are kept on their toes by Chrome and IE 8 but I think there will be no issues and that Firefox will cruise through.
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Dan Reply:
October 6th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I didn’t think Chrome was all that great, but then again I didn’t use it for very long either.
I agree that Firefox is great due to the plugins. There are plenty of extra things that I can do with it that I haven’t been able to do with any other browser.
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Not heard of FileZilla which looks very useful but have tried the other software and especially like firefox. Not sure if you have heard of it but Blender is also a neat piece of open source software for 3d modelling I also like and use PDFcreator its another open source piece of software for creating, merging and managing your PDF documents.
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Dan Reply:
October 14th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Honestly I haven’t used those other two programs you mention, but thanks for bringing them up!
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Open source software is great. I used to use smartftp but ended up moving over to filezilla. I have to agree on Gimp, but mostly because I have had a lot more time in photoshop so find it a bit tricky to use.
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Dan Reply:
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:57 am
After using Fireworks I can’t stand GIMP personally. Sure it has a nice price point, but it’s a pain to use!
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Open source programs are essential one or the other way for all computer users one or the other way. It just helps you to cut your work load simplifying your work much more in a easier way.
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Wow, I never knew that Some Open Source Programs. That’s pretty interesting…
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Firefox’s winning points are the ability to use third party extensions quite easily.. this feature has not really been as developed on IE.
Nathan Hallford
Blue Web Development
Blue Web Development - Cost Effective Small Business Web Development. 5+ years in business, prices starting at $1000 per application
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Open source program are useful to all of us in numerous ways. May be it would be tough to manage without such open source programs.
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I really love Open Source software especially Open Office 3.0, but this software could not make a great linear integration like Ms Office.
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very nice blog, supplying intresting and informative information.
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I agree, the open source software is not always great option. For instance, there’s no way to create screencast video elegantly with open source software.I agree, the open source software is not always great option. For instance, there’s no way to create screencast video elegantly with open source software.
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You’re right on! Firefox is also noticeably faster than Internet Explorer. And Open Office.org is surprisingly compatible with MS Office software.
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I agree with you there. Firefox is much, much faster compared to that of Internet Explorer. I have been using Firefox for some time now. And I have not been disappointed so far.
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Yes, Internet Explorer blows. Everyone here uses Firefox. Our IT team here at price per head betting service does like open source but acknowledges that it does have its drawbacks.
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I am so happy you made this blog. As far as free resources i agree (with the stated above). I always tell friends to use firefox over ie..for countless and OBVIOUS reasons..
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yes, filezilla is my favorite ftp client ^_^
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