Free/ open source software?

**Geo** · 02-11-2016

Hi all
What are some of the free / no cost software/utility programs that are being used and for what ?.... I think this would be beneficial to all us poor suffering techs.

Thanks Geo

**mikadonovan** · 02-11-2016

The greatest thing I've done in a while was converting my home PC from a Microsoft OS to UBUNTU. It's a great OS that didn't cost a dime and does everything I need, including printing and scanning. It's loaded with software that very similar to Microsoft Office Suite and many more apps are available from Ubuntu.

**allan** · 02-11-2016

Originally Posted by mikadonovan

The greatest thing I've done in a while was converting my home PC from a Microsoft OS to UBUNTU. It's a great OS that didn't cost a dime and does everything I need, including printing and scanning. It's loaded with software that very similar to Microsoft Office Suite and many more apps are available from Ubuntu.

Started here is RSA.
I am a believer. Great stability.
The forum support and capabilities are awesome.
If you want some windows applications to run use WINE or Vbox.
Openoffice works well. Started here is RSA.

Thanks Mark!

"Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It also means 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers."

**allan** · 02-11-2016

Wordpress!!!!!

**NeoMatrix** · 02-11-2016

Originally Posted by allan

"Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It also means 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers."

It's interesting the meaning of words from different cultures.
The word "Buntu" in Australian is sometimes referred to as Bum or @sshole.

It's use in a derogatory sentence like "Behave yourself lad or I'll give you a kick up the Buntu". I guess a kick up the "Buntu" makes one behave more humane towards others.

I have download the Ubuntu software, I just have to find a spare HDD for a test trail.

**allan** · 02-11-2016

Originally Posted by NeoMatrix

It's interesting the meaning of words from different cultures.
The word "Buntu" in Australian is sometimes referred to as Bum or @sshole.

It's use in a derogatory sentence like "Behave yourself lad all I give you a kick up the Buntu"
I guess a kick up the "Buntu" makes one behave more humane towards others.

I have download the Ubuntu software, I just have to find a spare HDD for a test trail.

It will run off a CD/DVD.

**SargeNZ** · 02-11-2016

You can run ubuntu from a flash drive even.

**Iowatech** · 02-12-2016

Open Office is good software, and so is Libre Office.
That I use Libre Office is merely a personal preference.

The free version of Spybot Search and Destroy has been part of the security on my computers for years, and it has worked well with several antivirus programs during that time. It does block some websites, though.

CCleaner Free will speed up computers, but careful supervision and a full hard drive backup are required the first few times it is used. You do have a backup, don't you?

The Pale Moon browser is a Firefox fork that I think runs faster. While not all Firefox extensions work, enough do that I can maintain revenge mode (stupid flashy blinky stuff that I don't want, BEGONE!).

There is some neat free stuff at Sourceforge, but there is also some stuff there you wouldn't want to touch with your buddy's hand. So take care when checking their listings. (Full disclosure for what it is worth: I do read Slashdot on a regular basis, and they and Sourceforge are owned by the same company.)

**MCC-support** · 02-12-2016

I've been a big fan of the Ricoh app 'Smart device monitor for Admin'

Saves me HEAPS of time looking for machines of the network (for any brand) and pulling address book/User code data (on Ricoh/Laniers).

On top of that, Teamviewer free version can be handy for the occasion need to remote into a customers PC when checking IT related issues like drivers (Save the need to go onsite).