Open Source Apps: the Monster List: Page 8

Open Source Apps: Operating Systems and Kernel Modifications

687. aLinux

Formerly known as Peanut Linux, aLinux is designed to be both fast and multimedia-friendly. Its graphic interface provides an easy transition for former Windows users

688. andLinux

A good option for Windows users who would like to try out some Linux applications, andLinux runs Linux applications on Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, or 7 machines

689. ArchBang

This Arch variant uses the Openbox Window Manager. It's fast and lightweight, and offers many of the same customization capabilities as Arch

690. Arch Linux

Arch is definitely not for Linux newbies, but its simple design makes it a favorite among long-time Linux users who are comfortable with the command line. By default, it installs a minimal base system but provides plenty of options for customization

691. Bodhi Linux

Bodhi puts the focus on user choice and minimalism. It uses the Enlightenment desktop environment and a "software store" that makes it easy to find and install the open source applications you want to use

692. CentOS

Short for "Community ENTerprise Operating System," CentOS is based primarily on Red Hat code. It's the most popular version of Linux for Web servers, accounting for about 30 percent of Linux-based Web servers

693. Chakra

Based on ArchLinux, Chakra uses the KDE desktop. It uses a unique "bundles" system to let users access Gtk apps without actually installing them on the system

694. Chrome OS/Chromium OS

Google's operating system goes by two names, which can make things confusing. Officially, "Chromium OS" is the open source version used primarily by developers, and "Chrome OS" is the name for the version of the operating system Google plans to include on netbooks for end users. And just to make things even more confusing, both projects share a name with Google's Web browser. For now, Chromium OS (the only version available for download) is really only suitable for advanced users and developers

695. CrunchBang

Sometimes written #!, CrunchBang is a lightweight distribution based on Debian. It's a popular option for netbooks like the Asus Eee

696.Debian

Debian is the foundation for many other Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. In addition to the core operating system, it includes 29,000 packages of open source software for a wide variety of purposes

697. DreamLinux

This distro can be installed on your desktop or run easily from a USB drive. DreamLinux installs the Xfce desktop environment by default, but it also supports Gnome

698. DSL

At just 50MB, this distro lives up to its name – Damn Small Linux (DSL). As you might expect, it's very fast and runs on older PCs, as well as fitting onto small USB drives and business card CDs

699. Easy Peasy

Designed for use on netbooks, EasyPeasy boasts millions of users in more than 166 countries. It was built to support social networking and cloud computing, and it offers very low power consumption for longer battery life on mobile devices

700. Edubuntu

This version of Ubuntu Linux was specifically designed for use in schools. It includes many of the education-related applications on this list, including the KDE education apps, GCompris and School Tool

701. eyeOS

Built for cloud computing, eyeOS makes an entire desktop, including office productivity applications, accessible from a Web browser. It also serves as a platform for creating new Web apps

702. Fedora

Fedora offers a community-supported (free) version of Linux that's very similar to and managed byRedHat. Critics have called it an "amazingly rock-solid operating system."

703. Frugalware

Like Slackware, Frugalware is best for users who aren't afraid of the command line, although it does have some graphical tools. It's designed with simplicity in mind

704. Fusion

Fusion describes itself as a "pimp my ride" version of Fedora. It offers good multimedia support and an interesting look and feel. It's best for more advanced Linux users who are looking for cutting edge, experimental applications

705. Gentoo

First released in 2002, Gentoo boasts "extreme configurability, performance and a top-notch user and developer community." It uses the Portage package management system, which currently includes more than 10,000 different applications

706. GoboLinux

GoboLinux's claim to fame is that is doesn't use the Unix Filesystem Hierarchy Standard, but instead stores each program in its own sub-directory in the Program directory. That means that it's a little bit easier to use for Linux newbies or experienced Linux users who like to install applications from the original source code

707. gNewSense

Supported by the Free Software Foundation, gNewSense is based on Ubuntu with a few changes, like the removal of non-free firmware. The name started as a pun on "Gnu" and "nuisance" and is pronounced guh-NEW-sense.

708. Illumos

When Oracle discontinued development of OpenSolaris, some of the developers who had been working on the project forked it to the Illumos project, where development and bug fixes continue. If you are looking for a free version of Solaris, this is the option for you. To download the software, visit the OpenIndiana page above.

709. Joli OS

Joli installs in just ten minutes and is optimized for cloud computing applicatons. Use it to breathe new life into an old PC, or you can run it alongside Windows

710. Knoppix

Suitable for beginners, Knoppix is an easy-to-use distribution based on Debian. It runs from a live CD, and if you don't want to go to the trouble to burn your own (or you don't know how), you can buy one for less than two bucks

711. Kubuntu

As the name suggests, Kubuntu is a Ubuntu fork that uses the KDE desktop instead of the Unity desktop. It's an excellent choice for new Linux users

712. Linux Mint

Linux Mint boasts that it is the fourth most popular operating system for home users, behind Windows, OS X, and Ubuntu. It has a reputation for being very easy to use and it includes about 30,000 packages.

713. Lubuntu

Lubuntu is lighter, faster, and uses less energy than its namesake, making it a good choice for mobile devices, including netbooks. It uses the LXDE desktop instead of the Unity desktop

714. Mageia

In 2010, a group of Mandriva developers began this community-driven fork following some ownership changes at the company that owns the Mandriva project. It's currently in beta, but the first official release is due in a few weeks

715. Mandriva

Owned by a publicly traded French company, Mandriva claims more than 3 million users worldwide. It's available in several editions, desktop and server, paid and unpaid, including a unique Instant On version that boots up with minimal functionality in less than 10 seconds

716. MeeGo

Based on Intel's Moblin and Nokia's Maemo, MeeGo is known as a smartphone OS, but it can also be used on netbooks and other mobile devices. With Nokia moving to Windows Phone 7 for future headsets, MeeGo's future is uncertain

717. MEPIS

Debian-based MEPIS (also known as simplyMEPIS) is particularly popular with those new to Linux. It's available in free downloadable versions, or you can purchase a CD which makes trying or installing the software easy.

718. MoonOS

Developed in Cambodia (English is supported), MoonOS is based on Ubuntu, but has a different file hierarchy system and appshell framework. It's designed for speed, great looks and low memory use

719. Musix GNU+Linux

As its name implies, Musix is geared for multi-media enthusiasts, particularly those involved in audio editing. It can boot from a live disk or be installed on a system

720. openSUSE.

This is the free version of Novell's SUSE. It comes in both desktop and server versions, and you can find a great deal of documentation and support online

721. PCLinuxOS

Designed to be easy to use, PCLinuxOS can be run on a Live CD or installed on a desktop or laptop. It supports seven different desktops, including KDE, Gnome, Enlightenment, XFCE, LXDE, and others

722. Peppermint

A good choice for netbooks or older PCs, Peppermint is designed to work with cloud and Web apps. The name might make you think it's based on Mint, but it's not. It's actually based on Lubuntu, which of course, is based on Ubuntu

723. Pinguy OS

Built for new Linux users who need something that's even easier to use than Ubuntu, Pinguy OS makes it easy to find and use the programs average users need most often. It's also available in a DVD version for $5.99

724. Puppy Linux

Small and fast, Puppy is designed to be installed on a USB thumb drive that users can take with them and boot from any PC. It takes up about 100 MB, boots in less than a minute, and runs from RAM for maximum speed

725. quantOS

This variation of Linux Mint has been hardened for greater security. It includes integration with the Tor network and leverages several other security- and privacy-related open source projects.

726. Red Hat Enterprise Linux

The Red Hat company calls itself "the world's open source leader," and its server version of Linux is a particular favorite with enterprises. It's available only with a paid subscription, but does have a community version--Fedora.

727. Sabayon

Named after an Italian dessert, Sabayon aims to be the "cutest" Linux distribution — "as easy as an abacus, as fast as a Segway." It's based on Gentoo, and it supports the KDE, Gnome, LXDE and Xfce desktop environments

728. Salix OS

Salix compares itself to a bonsai tree in that it is "small, light and the product of infinite care." It comes in four different versions for the Xfce, LXDE, Fluxbox and KDE desktop environments

729. Scientific Linux

Created by the folks at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), as well as various scientists and universities, Scientific Linux (SL) aims to prevent scientists at each of these different institutions from having to recreate a Linux distribution that meets their needs. It's basically the same as Red Hat Enterprise Linux with a few slight modifications

730. Slackware

First released in 1993, Slackware is one of the oldest Linux distributions. Popular with the geekiest of geeks, it relies heavily on command-line tools and is very similar to UNIX

731. SUSE

Novell's version of Linux for enterprises is available only with a paid subscription (although you can download the very similar openSUSE for free). It claims to be "the most interoperable platform for mission-critical computing–across physical, virtual and cloud environments."

732. Tiny Core Linux

One of the smallest Linux distros available, Tiny Core weighs in at just 10MB in its GUI version. The command line version, Micro Core, is even smaller – just 6MB

733.Ubuntu

Canonical's Ubuntu has become one of the most popular Linux distributions. It's very easy for Linux newbies to learn, and it comes in desktop, server and cloud versions

734. Unity

Instead of being built for end users, Unity is built to give developers or advanced Linux users some modular pieces they can use to create a customized distribution. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with the Unity desktop used by Ubuntu; instead, the Unity OS uses the OpenBox graphical environment

735. Vector Linux

VectorLinux's credo is "keep it simple, keep it small and let the end user decide what their operating system is going to be." In addition to the free download, it's also available in a supported "deluxe" edition

736. Xubuntu

And this is the version of Ubuntu that uses the Xfce desktop environment. It's available in both desktop and server versions

737. Ylmf OS

Like Zorin, Ylmf's interface looks a lot like Windows, in this case the Windows XP classic look. Created by Chinese developers, it's available in either Chinese or English, and it's based on Ubuntu

738. ZenWalk

Originally based on Slackware and called "Minislack," ZenWalk has evolved to become a modern, fast, lightweight distribution that's easy to use. It's available in five versions: standard, core, live, Gnome and Openbox

739. Zorin OS

Unlike most Linux distributions, Zorin was designed to look and feel as much like Windows as possible – only faster and without as many bugs. It's available in both free and paid verions

 

Open Source Apps: Organization Management

740. ATHENA

Designed for cultural and arts organizations, ATHENA offers business management software with modules for ticket sales, accounting, donor and sponsor information, fundraising and marketing and more. The same software is available online with a subscription through Artful.ly. Operating System: Linux

 

Open Source Apps: Password Crackers

741. Ophcrack

For those occasions when passwords can't be recovered any other way, Ophcrack can help systems administrators figure out lost passwords. It uses the rainbow tables method to crack passwords, and it can run directly from a CD. Operating System: Windows

742. Figaro's Password Manager

This Linux-only password safe encrypts passwords with the blowfish algorithm. It also features a password generator and can act as a bookmark manager as well. Operating System: Linux

744. KeePass

Using the same password all the time is dangerous, but remembering multiple passwords can be difficult. KeePass offers a solution—an encrypted database that stores all of your passwords. All you have to remember is one master password. Operating System: Windows

745. KeePassDroid, 7Pas, iKeePass, KeePass for BlackBerry

The open source password safe KeePass has been ported to all of the major mobile operating systems. It saves all of your passwords in an encrypted database so that you only have to remember one master password. Operating System: Android, iOS, Windows Phone 7, BlackBerry

746. KeePassX

Originally, this project ported KeePass so that it could be used with Linux. Now, it supports multiple operating systems and adds a few features not in the original KeePass. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

747. PasswordMaker

Instead of re-using the same password over and over, use PasswordMaker to generate completely secure passwords using a one-way hash algorithm. All you need to remember is the name of the site you're visiting and your master password. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

748. Password Safe

With a very simple interface, Password Safe offers a bare-bones password management system. It also offers the option of storing different sets of passwords—for example, your work and home passwords—in different databases with different master passwords. Operating System: Windows

749. PWGen

If your password is easy to remember, it's probably also easy to guess. This app randomly generates strong passwords for better protection. (But because these passwords are hard to remember, it's best to use PWGen with a password safe.) Operating System: Windows

750. Secrets for Android

Like KeePass, Secrets saves your passwords in a master database. However, this app also gives you the option of saving other secret information in the same secure database so that it can't be accessed if your phone is lost or stolen. Operating System: Android

751. WebKeePass

Have your own Web server? This version of KeePass lets multiple users access a KeePass database from any Web-connected system. It's ideal for small businesses. Operating System: OS Independent

 

Open Source Apps: PDF Tools

752. jPDF Tweak

This Java-based program lets you merge, split, reorder, sign, and encrypt previously existing PDF files. Operating System: OS Independent

753.PDFCreator

This helpful app lets you create a PDF file from virtually any Windows program. It also creates PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP, PCX, PS and EPS files as well. Operating System: Windows

754. PDFedit

You don't have to purchase expensive Adobe software in order to make modifications to existing PDF files. PDFedit lets you edit text, delete and renumber pages, add markup and more. Operating System: Windows, Linux

755. Skim

If you need to read a lot of pdf files, for example technical or scientific papers, Skim makes it easier to read and take notes digitally instead of printing out pages and making notes by hand. You can also use it to give presentations using a pdf file instead of a traditional presentation program. Operating System: OS X

756. Sumatra

This alternative to Adobe Reader boots up fast and offers a very simple interface. In addition to PDF files, it also reads XPS, DjVu, CBZ and CBR files. Operating System: Windows

 

Open Source Apps: Personal Financial Management

757. Buddi

Calling itself “personal budget software for the rest of us,” Buddi offers very simple installation and operation for users with little financial background. It's won multiple awards, but does not offer the same type of advanced features as Quicken. Operating System: OS Independent

758. Chartsy

This stock charting and screening platform features a modular architecture that lets you install only the capabilities you need. The project owners plan to add trading capabilities in the future, but they aren't operational yet. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

759. Grisbi

While it doesn't offer double-entry accounting, Grisbi offers some business accounting features in addition to all the features you would expect in a personal finance manager. It's available in multiple languages and can handle multiple currencies, Operating System: Windows, Linux

760. HomeBank

Under development since 1995, HomeBank offers an intuitive interface and easy-to-use reporting capabilities. Like many of the other apps on our list, it can import financial data from other sources, autocompletes entries whenever possible and provides budgeting capabilities. Operating System: Linux

761. iFreeBudget

This budgeting, accounting and expense tracking app also comes in an Android version. Its best for small businesses or home users. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Android

762. JGnash

Java-based JGnash supports double-entry or single-entry bookkeeping, account reconciliation, PDF report generation, multiple currencies, check printing and more. It can also import data from commercial financial software or online banking systems. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

763. JStock

For active investors, this app offers a stock watchlist, portfolio management, alerts, filters, charts, chat and more. It can track 26 stock markets around the world, and it can save your data in the cloud if you like. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

764. KMyMoney

KDE's personal finance software is particularly user-friendly, with an interface that's easy for anyone who's used Quicken or similar software to understand. Previous versions of the software only worked on Linux, but the latest version also supports Windows (though it isn't completely stable). Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

765. LightWallet

If you have trouble remembering to save receipts or enter transactions in your budgeting software, LightWallet is for you. This Java-based personal finance package installs on your mobile phone, so you can enter transactions while you're on the go instead of having to remember what you bought when you get back home. Operating System: OS Independent

766. Market Analysis System

Ready to get really serious about investing? This app tracks a huge number of metrics and analyzes market data, flagging you when certain criteria are met. You can run it on a single PC or in a client/server setup. Operating System: Windows, Linux

767. Money Manager Ex

This app claims to offer "all the basic features that 90% of users would want to see in a personal finance application." Notable features include AES encryption, the ability to run from a thumb drive without an install, depreciation tracking, international support and import from CSV and Quicken file formats. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

768. StockManiac

Manage your own investments? StockManiac incorporates a feed reader/comment system with a stock tracker so that you can track your thoughts about your stocks while you track your stocks. It's not suitable for day trading, but works well for average personal investors. Operating System: OS Independent

769. UnkleBill

This newer financial software offers double-entry accounting to track your personal or small business accounts. It offers multiuser functionality and creates PDF reports. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

770. Yapbam

Java-based Yapbam (short for "yet another bank account manager") is cross-platform, portable and extensible. It can import data from other software and online banking, automatically generates reports and includes a currency converter. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

 

Open Source Apps: Photography Tools

771. Coppermine Photo Gallery

Based on PHP and MySQL, Coppermine Web photo gallery script offers a huge lineup of features including multiple languages, e-card creation, thumbnails, and many more. In order to use it, you need a Web server running Apache, PHP, MySQL, and either GD or ImageMagick. Operating System: OS Independent

772. Gallery

This Web-based photo album organizer makes it easy to organize and share your digital photos. To use it, you'll need your own Web server, or the site recommends a number of hosts that are confirmed to be compatible with Gallery. Operating System: Windows, Linux

773. Hugin

Sometimes a single photo can’t capture the grandeur of a particular scene—that’s where Hugin comes in. Hugin makes it easy to combine multiple, overlapping photos of a single location into one huge panorama. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Unix, OS X

 

Open Source Apps: Physics

774. Step

KDE's physics program provides demonstrations of classical mechanics, particles, springs with dumping, gravitational and coulomb forces, rigid bodies, molecular dynamics and more. It can also do unit conversion and error calculation and propagation. (Note that in order to use Step on Windows, you'll have to download KDE for Windows.) Operating System: Windows, Linux

 

Open Source Apps: Point-of-Sale (POS)

775. Floreant POS

Used by the Denny's chain in New York, this restaurant-specific POS application offers a full set of capabilities to support fine dining, carry out, tax, discounts, food grouping, drawer pull, kitchen ticket, ESC/POS receipt, combined payment system and sales reports. Tow levels of commercial support are available, with prices varying based on response time and availability. Operating System: OS Independent

776. Lemon POS

Designed for small or micro businesses, Lemon POS offers an easy-to-use interface, a price checker, search capabilities, and more. It can run multiple terminals from a single server and it includes role-based permissions and other security features. Operating System: Linux

777. Openbravo POS

Openbravo's POS offering integrates with its ERP software. It's designed to work with touchscreens and includes master data management, warehouse management, reporting and restaurant management capabilities. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

778. POSper

This app was designed for small retail stores and restaurants. It supports multiple touchscreens, scanners, card readers and ticket printers, and it integrates with all databases supported by Hibernate. Operating System: OS Independent

779. SymmetricDS

SymmetricDS is a data synchronization and replication tool designed to transmit data from POS databases to back office systems. Key features include guaranteed delivery, data filtering and rerouting, primary key updates, database versioning, and more. Operating System: OS Independent.

 

Open Source Apps: Portable Applications

780. Democrakey

For privacy on the go, Democrakey bundles together apps for anonymous browsing, anonymous e-mail and IM, encryption, file shredding and anti-virus into a suite that runs from a thumb drive. You can also purchase a USB drive with Democrakey installed from Democrakey.com. Operating System: Windows

781. PortableApps.com

You don't have to be on your own PC to use your favorite open-source software—PortableApps.com packages many of the most popular apps so that you can take them with you on a thumb drive. The standard suite includes Firefox, OpenOffice.org, Pidgin and nine other apps, but dozens of other portable open source apps are also available on the site. Operating System: Windows

782. Tor Browser Bundle

The Tor project also makes a portable suite that you can take with you on a thumb drive. You can also download an IM version. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

783. winPenPack

While its not as well-known as PortableApps.com, winPenPack also offers dozens of open source apps in portable versions. You can download the apps individually or you can get the Full or the Essential suite. Operating System: Windows.

 

Open Source Apps: Presentations

784. Impressive

If you want to make your presentations more, well, impressive, give this app a try. It takes presentations you create with PowerPoint or other apps and lets you add more interesting transitions, use a handy overview screen, and spotlight or highlight text on the screen as you give your talk. Operating System: OS Independent.