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. |