I rarely, if ever, respond to a blog post to counter claims. But this one is just too dear to my heart to let it past. First, I think it is admirable that Trent took the time to point out all the free, or nearly free, software that you can use on a Windows computer. But there are some suggestions that just don't make sense to me:
1. Firefox: I agree 100%.
2. Thunderbird: Only if you have need to access pop3 email or loath Outlook as I do. An alternative is to use Gmail. And no installation required.
3. Sunbird: Ok, this is a pretty decent program, but I would still prefer Google Calendar. No installation required.
4. Abiword: Again, nice application, but Google Docs & Spreadsheets fits the bill nicely. No installation required.
5. OpenOffice: If you have the need for office applications, something more than Google Docs & Spreadsheets, then I think OpenOffice is a decent application. But still requires installing software.
6. ClamWin: I'll buy this recommendation. You could also use the freeware version of Grisoft's AVG AntiVirus.
7. Gaim: Well, I don't really like this application. It's clunky. Doesn't have a lot of features. There are other options. This one works though.
8. BitTorrent: Nagware. I don't mind paying for software that's really good. But we're basically talking about a program designed to share stolen software and music.
9. GIMP: I use this, so yeah I agree 100%. You could also try Paint.Net which I am using more of lately.
10. Gnucleus: Perr-to-peer is so over. To much risk and there is so much crap out there. Pay for what you need.
11. VLC Media Player: This isn't a bad application. Not sure what the reason for an alternative is. Windows Media Player will play just about every type of audio file out there. Not all mind you, but most of the main stream types. If your trying to listen to something other than a standard audio or video file, there are plenty of places that have CODECS for you to install which will allow you to listen/view these other media types.
12: Juice: iTunes... ever heard of iTunes? Ever heard of RSS? Either one of these are far superior to a podcast download program.
13. Audacity: Use religiously. I produce my podcast with it. This is my favorite.
14. RSSOwl: With so many web based RSS readers out there, why would you ever want to install an application just to read RSS feeds? Bloglines and Google Reader are superior alternatives. And nothing to install.
15. FileZilla: Again, a program that I use on a constant basis. I've tried dozens of FTP programs, and nothing comes close to the clean simple reliable features FileZilla provides.
16. Keynote: I'm sorry, but an application written in Visual Basic 3.0 just shouldn't be allowed to live. Of course I don't know what language it was written in, and I'm sure at it's most basic level, UI is the least of it's developers worries. But, I've found a cheap note pad makes for a great system. Then, when I'm back at my desk, I can review the notes, enter the important tasks or notes into me electronic system, then trash the paper. I personally think people who bring laptops to meeting ought to be asked to leave or turn it off. Unless you are going to use it for a presentation, it's just plain rude to be constantly typing as others are talking.
17. MusikCube: I had never heard of this application, and so I spent some time looking at it. Nice. I would agree this is a great alternative to iTunes.
18. Handbrake: Yes, I agree here. Get this application. It's awesome.
19. X-Chat 2: Who the hell uses IRC anymore? This is a must have application?
20. KeePass: Most people really don't have the patience to load an application to look up a password. According to most studies, people tend to use the same password everywhere. Even if you don't, you use a select few. These types of applications seem really cool at first, but trying to use them is just a waste of time.
21. TrueCrypt: I tried TrueCrypt a while back. It was ok. Again, it was a lot of hassle for what I perceive to be little value.
22. PDFCreator: This is a great addition. You should also look at pdfonline.com, where you can convert just about any type of file into a PDF, free.
23. FreeMind: As a must have application? Uh, maybe for some academics. Yes, I understand the technology and what it's uses are. The problem is most people don't want to use a computer to create mind maps. I can do it on a notepad about 100 times faster than I can with a software program. If you want, create the mindmap on paper then transfer it to FreeMind.
24. NASA Worldwind: This is an interesting application. Mostly for the "ahh" affect. There isn't any real mainstream use for mapping sites, unless you need specific driving directions. I have found Yahoo! Maps to be somewhat more reliable in my area than Google Maps.
25. Notepad2: Use it everyday. Nice application.
26. HealthMonitor: Hmm, keep it or leave it. These types of applications are typically used by hardware geeks. The average user couldn't care less about CPU performance or drivers loaded. They just don't.
27. Workrave: Again, not a must have.
28. GanttPV: This is a nice alternative to Microsoft Project. There are also many web based project management tools, no installation required.
29. GnuCash: Sorry, but if I'm going to put my personal financial records on my computer, I'm not sure this would be my choice. I admit I haven't used this application, but I'd be real concerned about encryption and security.
30. True Combat: Elite: Get some... have fun.
So, there you have it from my point of view. One thing I've tried to do recently is remove a bunch of software that needs to be installed and use web based applications when possible. You might think that using web based applications is prohibitive, and to some it may be, but most people these days have high speed access to the Internet, and if you don't, then the applications listed above will work great for you.
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