55 Open Source Replacements for Popular Multimedia Software: Page 2

14. InfraRecorder Replaces: Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator

This Windows-only CD and DVD burner creates both audio and data CDs. Notable capabilities include support for dual layer DVDs, four different methods for erasing rewriteable media and fast creation of disc copies. Operating System: Windows.

15. Cdrtools Replaces: Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator

If you're comfortable working from the command line, this set of tools will let you record audio, burn CDs/DVDs, and perform a variety of other tasks. It also now supports Blu-Ray. Operating System: Linux.

Audio Ripping and Conversion

This tool rips CDs and converts audio files to MP3, MP4/M4A, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, AAC, WAV and Bonk formats. It's also optimized for multi-core systems for fast performance. Operating System: Windows.

17. CDex Exact Audio Copy, Audio Convertor Studio

Tremendously popular, CDex has been downloaded more than 38 million times. In addition to creating WAV files, it also supports Lame MP3 encoder, APE lossles audio format, Ogg Vorbis encoder, Windows WMA8 encoder, and many others. Operating System: Windows.

18. MMConvert Exact Audio Copy, Audio Convertor Studio

In addition to converting audio files, this app also handles many video files types, including asf, wmv, wma, avi, mp3, wav, mkv, mka, and ogg. Note that you may also need to download some codecs in order to convert some files. Operating System: Windows.

Audio Mixing/DJ Tools

While not as advanced as the professional tools above, Mixere lets you mix sound during a live performance with an easy-to-understand spreadsheet-like interface. Key features include dynamic looping, auto-triggering of audio, fully automated sliders, gradual muting, and crossfading. Operating System: Windows.

20. Mixxx Replaces: Traktor Scratch, Scratch Live

Much more robust than Mixere, Mixxx offers a real alternative to the commercial tools. Even if you're new to DJing, Mixx makes it easy to beatmatch songs, add effects, and scratch. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

File Sharing Clients

The self-proclaimed "global standard for accessing rich media over the Internet," the BitTorrent client provides access to the P2P network that shares its name. It's both fast and easy to use. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

22. Ares Galaxy Replaces: BearShare, Kazaa, Warez

In addition to connecting you to the Ares P2P network, this client also connects to BitTorrent and Shoutcast radio stations. It includes a file organizer, multi-media player and filesharing chat rooms. Operating System: Windows.

23. Shareaza P2P Replaces: BearShare, Kazaa, Warez Calling itself the "most luxurious and sophisticated file sharing system you'll find," Shareaza supports multiple networks, including Gnutella2, Gnutella1, eDonkey2000, and BitTorrent. Key features include movie previews and ratings, a media player, multiple results tabs and sophisticated file hashing. Operating System: Windows.

24. BitTornado Replaces: BearShare, Kazaa, Warez

This alternative BitTorrent client gives users additional options that the original client doesn't. The latest version also offers encryption capabilities. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

25. ABC (Yet Another BitTorrent Client) Replaces: BearShare, Kazaa, Warez

This app for connecting to the BitTorrent network offers multiple downloads from a single window. Other features include a prioritized queuing system, super-seed mode, and a customizable interface. Operating System: Windows.

26. ANts P2P Replaces: BearShare, Kazaa, Warez

Inspired by the behavior of ants, this P2P clients puts a premium on privacy and security. It encrypts all traffic and utilizes unique technology that makes users difficult to track. Operating System: OS Independent.

27. DC++ Replaces: BearShare, Kazaa, Warez

Downloaded more than 50 million times, DC++ is an extremely popular client for connecting to the Direct Connect and Advanced Direct Connect Networks. It's ad-free and comes with some helpful tutorials for new users. Operating System: Windows.

28. eMule/eMule Plus Replaces: BearShare, Kazaa, Warez

This app boasts that its "one of the biggest and most reliable peer-to-peer file sharing clients around the world." The GUI is very user-friendly and the latest versions support Windows 7. Operating System: Windows.

29. Mute Replaces: BearShare, Kazaa, Warez

Using similar routing technology as Ants, Mute also works to protect users' privacy. The Web site includes excellent articles that explain some of the technical details in P2P networks and P2P security in terms that non-geeks can understand. Operating System: OS Independent.