Who doesn’t like the word free? They say nothing in life is free, but they’re wrong (for the most part).

What is open source? Open source means that the program is not owned by any one certain company. This is great, that’s one of the reasons why the software is free. Programmers give their time and help develop the program, and they’re paid by donations made to the project (please donate to the developers, they’re good people) and ads they sell on their sites for the program (click on their ads too).

I felt compelled to make a list of the open source applications that I use daily because these are truly great programs, sometimes even better than the program upon which they’re based.

Firefox

Probably the most widely known open source application. Firefox is an amazing internet browser. It has a built in pop up blocker, tabbed browsing, and (my favorite part) add ons! Listing all the add ons I have (not to mention how many there are). Firefox is faster than internet explorer and seems much easier to use. I recommend it highly. It’s one of my favorite applications on this list.

Thunderbird

Goodbye Outlook! From the same developers as Firefox comes the best email program on the market. Just like Firefox in it’s ease of use, speed, and add-ons, Thunderbird is my favorite email program out there.

Skype

How would you like to be able to communicate with those you know by typing, talking, or seeing them face to face all on your computer screen? If so, Skype is for you. You can call Skype to Skype for free or pay a low monthly fee to call landline phones in the US or abroad (SkypeOut). You can also have a number in your area code where people can call you just like a landline phone (SkypeIn). I use Skype for my business phone. It’s awesome (and if you want the added features, they’re cheap)!

CCleaner

Computers get clogged up when a lot of unnecessary files stick around in their temporary storage. There are also lots of other parts of a PC that need some upkeep as well. CCleaner does it all. It will help keep your temporary storage space on your hard drive sparkling clean.

GIMP

Everyone’s heard of Photoshop, but hardly anyone I meet has heard of GIMP. I think GIMP is FAR easier to use and has some pretty awesome features that you won’t find in it’s more expensive and much more complicated sibling, Photoshop CS3 or CS4. If you’re an aspiring graphics person (like me) or you just like fiddling with photos, you’ll love GIMP’s features and price tag!

Well, that’s it for part one. Next time, five more EXTREMELY handy and free applications that will be useful to you as well as your clients!

Related posts:

1. The World of Open Source pt. 2