I would like to take a moment and elaborate on the world of Open Source Software also referred as OSS. The advantages and why people should want to familiarize themselves with such software. The meaning behind open source software is its release of the source code for revising, and studying how the program works. The program can be tailored into personalized software built for the exact needs of the user (if you know how to do so).
There are common myths that OSS is not as reliable, rich in features, or as attractive as licensed software. These are hardly accurate, and while the latter one might hold truth, it can easily be changed into exactly what your ideal attractiveness of such program should be. The reliability issues are quickly fixed due to the high volume of users that experience the problems and develop a patch to resolve the issue. The features are very similar to their counterparts in their industry, and on several occasions, I have found very interesting and exotic features not offered by the common licensed software.
I have taken two specific OSS straight from my very own laptop to share with you. The three I have chosen VLC and GIMP. These programs are used by myself and millions of others instead of the superstars of their industry.
VLC
VLC is a media player similar to Windows Media Player. VLC was released by VideoLAN in the early 2000s. The features of VLC are off the charts basically coming with every codec you’d need. Here is a chart of the downloads they have had since their release http://www.videolan.org/stats/downloads.html although they are not completely accurate it gives you some idea of the growth of the software.
VLC is by far my favorite OSS I have ever used, and am always recommending it to others. I have downloaded and tried many videos with Windows Media Player and was unable to play due to the supporting that came with Windows Media Player. The Windows Media Player would play or the sound, or just the video, and sometimes it is very frustrating trying to find the correct codec to get the video to work. VLC has played every single file I have tried. The results were amazing compared to Windows Media Player, and I couldn’t believe it was free.
Below is a screenshot of VLC playing a video I took from my HTC Evo 4.
It’s upside down because I’m left handed and do everything upside down with my phone. Pic is from New Years 2011.
GIMP
GIMP is similar to Adobe Photoshop. GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program. The GNU stands for GNU not UNIX. The GNU is the operating system created by GNU Project. A little confusing I know. GIMP is used for photo composition and superior editing. I started using this software shortly after my computer had crashed and I was unable to find my Adobe Photoshop registration code. I quickly fell in love with its features, very similar to Adobe Photoshop and extremely happy with the $O price tag. Below are two features I made using this software. First is a feature called Filmstrip, which is basically taking edited photos and grouping them together to form a film strip with your favorite pictures displaying in the filmstrip. The second is a feature called multi photo sphere.
Below are links to download VLC and GIMP, as well as OSS website for downloading other software. The OSS website also has feedback and a rating system to review the comments from users. The search feature, type of software tool allows quick and easy navigation. This aids in quickly narrowing down and listing the best rated software. It also has “Hot” software that has had recent increases in downloads.
VLC
GIMP
Open Source Software (my favorite)
