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Open Source Software Applications

Open Source is a term used to describe a method of developing and distributing software for public use for little or no cost. The table below describes which Open Source application is an alternative to a commercial product. This list adapted from Eddie Varga's Open Source List.

If you are working with students who do not have commercial software, Open Source may be an alternative. Open Source files can often be saved in formats compatible with commercial products.

Download Open Source software from: Sourceforge or visit the specific links below.

*Be aware that there are restrictions on downloading and installing software to campus computers.*

For more information and a detailed definition of Open Source, visit: What is Open Source?

Disclaimer: The TRC does not vouch for the user-friendliness and usability of any Open Source software (but we can't vouch for any commercial software either!) The TRC has not tested all the software listed here - this list is for informational purposes only. Be aware that the campus has restrictions on downloading and installing software. Open Source may work well for your home use and is often compatible with commercial applications.

Type of Software Application Name Alternative To... Website Link (other than Sourceforge)
Assistive Technology Text2Speech Dragon NaturallySpeaking T2S
Assistive Technology Virtual Magnifying Glass ? VMGlass
Business OpenOffice Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access); WordPerfect Suite OO
Desktop Publishing Scribus MS Publisher; Adobe Pagemaker; QuarkXPress Scribus
Drawing/
Illustration
Inkscape Adobe Illustrator; MS Paint Inkscape
Education -
Math
Maxima (algebra system) Mathematica; Maple Maxima
Education -
Chemistry
JMOL (chemical structures in 3-D) ChemDraw JMOL
Education -
Geography
QuantumGIS ArcGIS QGIS
Education - Astronomy OpenUniverse (space simulation) ? OpenUniverse
Email Mozilla Thunderbird Microsoft Outlook, MS Outlook Express (or other email programs) Mozilla
Graphics UltimatePaint Adobe Photoshop; CorelDraw UltimatePaint
Online Tutorials CamStudio Camtasia CamStudio
Security (anti- virus; anti-spyware; anti-spam) Avast (anti-virus)

Adaware (anti-spyware)
Norton Anti-Virus, etc.

McAfee Anti-Virus, etc.

Avast

Adaware

Web Authoring Nvu
(pronounced "N"-view)
MS FrontPage; Adobe Dreamweaver Nvu
Web Browser Mozilla FireFox MS Internet Explorer; Mac Safari Mozilla
If you don't see a type of software listed here that you are wondering about, use the search feature at Sourceforge.
 
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