You have heard of Microsoft Office but have you heard about Open Office?

You have heard about Photoshop but have you heard about Gimp?

This post is dedicated to open source or free alternative software for programs that many of us want or need but cant afford to buy.

You can pretty much count on the fact that any program you want can be found in an open source or free version. The open source or free version may not be as good as the commercial item but it may do what you need it to. Open source means that the programming code is open for all to see and edit.

One of the things that I like to do is to check for an open source or free alternative to all software titles that I want or need. Once I find the best open source or free option, I try out the software and if it works, I just saved some money.  If not I guess I have to break out my wallet.

To get you started on your open source and free adventures I have compiled a small list of open source and free alternatives to some very expensive commercial software.

• Dia is like Microsoft Visio. It is used for charting and diagrams.
• Open Office is very similar Microsoft Office but its free.
• Gimp is a powerfull image editor the likes of Photoshop.
• CdBurnerXP is a great Cd burning software like nero.
• Audacity is a really good audio editing tool and can replace Avid for some people
• Firefox is an open source web browser to replace your free but very closed source Internet Explorer.
• Thunderbird is an open source email program that is just as good as Outlook for most people.
• TightVNC is an open source remote desktop tool that can replace Go To My PC.

This should get you started, as I come across more items I will add them to the list.

If you really want to go Open Source, don’t forget about Linux. I have found Ubuntu to be very easy to install and use and is a very viable Windows replacement.

Post your favorite open source and free programs  in the comments.