Here is a small list of open source/free product I am using today.  In some cases, a purchased product was replaced:

• FileZilla FTP Client -- This open source product replaced CuteFTP Pro
• 7-Zip Archive/Compression -- This open source product replaced PKZIP/WinZip.
• KeePass Password Safe The open source, encrypted, password manager.
• TrueCrypt Open Source Disc Encryption -- for me, it replaces PGP Desktop (though it does not offer Whole Disk Encryption).

ImgBurn is a product I have come to enjoy... Not just for DVD Video.  Does a superb job of data.  Because I still use Golden Hawk CDRWIN for audio, Nero is getting shoved off to the side.

Of course, I still use Firefox, and Thunderbird... I too discovered MediaMonkey and love it as well.  As an iPod owner, YamiPod is nice...  I use OpenOffice.org and it just gets better with each release... GOM Player is pretty cool for playing back AVI's and media files (though most of the stuff I get is jokes via e-mail)... Picasa2 and The GIMP are great photo editors.

The only thing I now use over Quicken is MoneyDance... it's not free, but can pretty much run on any platform.  I have been fiddling with Linux for years and that was one of the Windows hold backs.

As a note, I make it a habit to donate to the authors of free and opensource software when it becomes useful compared to a commercial product.

(in reply to PatM)

Alot of program mentioned here are not freeware, the last time I looked WinRar and some of these others cost money.

(in reply to PatM)

True, some folks posted shareware/"pay for features" products... but it is interesting to get someones perspecitve on what they use.

7-Zip handles the RAR format as far as opening the data, but it cannot create RAR files... But I like the 7z format anyway for my needs.

(in reply to Slyfox 1)

Does anyone know if free/shareware that will capture analog video?  I have an AV/DV card and software to edit a video file once I get it into my computer, but the only files that I can get into the box are through the IEEE port - nothing to accept the stuff from the composite video inputs.  AVI format would be best, but MPEG or other formats will work for me also.

Thanks

(in reply to SithTracy)

Take a look at VirtualDub.

(in reply to lbeck)

someone tell me of a freeware that will convert my windows movie maker too dvd format so i can play on my tv.for my pics and such?

(in reply to SithTracy)

Not sure about a freeware product, but if you have the Nero package, Vision should handle it.  You should take a look at VirtualDub as an alterntive for importing your video.

(in reply to cl34)

I've got nero 6 but it wont work found one called  video dvd maker free works for what i want pretty good.thanks for the help

(in reply to SithTracy)

Post a link... others might be interested.

EDIT - Found the link:  VideoDVDMaker

Post your thoughts on this product when you can.  Thanks!

(in reply to cl34)

managed too get it too burn one video i created out of my pics.now not cooperating will report more as soon as i figure it all out . iam still looking for a converter WMM too DVD that would really help.

EDIT: Ok I think I got it figured out.Its all in how you save the wmm file.Have too save too computer not just save  changes.
also doesent seem too support adding more than one track,seperate vids ,or i could just be a dumb a** and not figuered it out yet

(in reply to SithTracy)

I like visiting "Giveaway of the Day"  => LINK

It has different software and a different game everyday.

So far after about 2 months, I have added about 20 new programs and about 40 games.

But you have to check back daily to see what is given away for the 24 hours.

I find the comments useful because sometimes I base a decision on whether to take that software or not.  People will post if they get warnings from anti-virus software, etc.

I get a lot of my free software from File Hippo => LINK

(in reply to cl34)

Is dBpowerAMP Music Converter compatible with linux?

(in reply to Deleted User)

quote:

ORIGINAL: greyfox_27

Is dBpowerAMP Music Converter compatible with linux?

Not natively, perhaps under WINE... No idea for sure... did you post in their forums?

(in reply to greyfox_27)

best free software at http://www.freeware.com/

(in reply to SithTracy)

GIMP Free image editor
IconFX Free icon maker
Poster Forge Free poster generator

(in reply to gun)

quote:

ORIGINAL: CrampFish
Poster Forge Free poster generator

There is a difference between free software and free trial software... I think you need to be more clear to our readers.

GIMP is good stuff and got better w/ 2.4x... Never tried the IconFX thing.

(in reply to CrampFish)