My Top 10 of Free Software

Following is a list of free (open source or freeware) software which I use regularly, more often in fact than commercial software. You may have already come across many of these applications before. If not – you may discover something useful.

1. Graphics – Blender
Windows, Linux, Mac
Blender is 3D modelling software. It was previously a commercial application, however the company went out of business and sold the code to the open source community. Yet the application in its current state is much more powerful than the original commercial product. Some argue that it even rivals 3D Studio Max in some of its features. The main turn-off for Blender is the user interface, which at first appears very confusing. After following a few tutorials, you will find that the interface is actually very efficient.

2. Editor - Notepad++
Windows
Notepad++ is an excellent Notepad replacement. I currently use it for all of my PHP and Python development, as it can be customised to function almost like an IDE. It starts up very fast, and features syntax highlighting, code completion, text zoom, folding, macros, and many other features that you may expect from an IDE.

3. Productivity - AutoHotKey
Windows
AutoHotKey is an essential tool to speed up any type of computer based work. Create hotkeys that do just about anything, and automate almost any task in Windows. There are plenty of existing scripts if you don’t have any programming experience (although the scripting language is very easy to learn), including global hotkeys for iTunes, code completion in any application, window detection, and even pranks.

4. Planning - Freemind
Windows, Linux, Mac
Freemind is a mindmapping tool which is excellent for mapping out ideas, plans, todo listsc, essays – virtually anything. I have also found it to be a great tool for study. Freemind can export to many formats including HTML and png.

5. Media - VLC
Windows, Linux, Mac
The ultimate media player that plays almost any format of audio and video (except RealMedia). Fast, simple and efficient, VLC is an excellent media player. There is no media library feature, however it does have a playlist function and works well as a ‘drag-and-drop’ media player.

6. Programming - SharpDevelop
Windows
SharpDevelop is designed to be a replacement IDE for Microsoft Visual Studio. SharpDevelop 2 is built for the .NET 2 framework, and allows you to write applications with C#, Visual Basic .NET, and Boo.NET. Most of the features of Visual Studio 2005 can be found in SharpDevelop.

7. Music - Winamp
Windows
Most of you have probably already made up your mind on Winamp. It is a music and video player with library, podcast client, iTunes replacement – all pretty standard features. I use it only because it supports all the common music formats (m4a, wma, mp3 etc).

8. Photos - Picasa
Windows, Linux (sort of)
Picasa is another child of Google, which means it follows the ’search and sort’ mantra. It is excellent for organising your photo library – you can tag images, add captions, and it also features many one-click functions such as screensaver, collage, email, slideshow, timeline, and colour adjustments. It even includes an I’m Feeling Lucky button which attempts to adjust brightness/contrast and colour balance automatically.

9. Game - Gate 88
Windows, Linux
Gate 88 is a great game, although it takes a bit of time to learn. The graphics are very simplistic; the objects are composed of basic vector graphics, but this actually gives some interesting effects. Probably the most unique thing about this game is that it plays as both an RTS (Real Time Strategy) and a space shooter. You fly a ship around, but can also build and research. Internet and LAN play can be great fun however as with many freeware games, it can get tired quickly.

10. Internet - Firefox
I’m sure anyone who comes across this knows about Firefox. If you haven’t yet tried Firefox, make the switch.

Hopefully you have found something useful in here – if you have any additions feel free to post a comment.