Topic: Other

Due to a recent computer failure, I was forced to format and reinstall the Windows operating system. Once reinstalled, I decided to try replace paid software with free (often open-source) alternatives and see how it went. Below are some of my findings.

1. Development Environment

First up, I was going to need an IDE. At work I use Dreamweaver CS3. I find it efficient, easy to use and the file management side very intuitive, though I suspect this is down to using it daily for the past few years. I wanted something almost as powerful, but at no cost.

Based on some recommendations, I'm currently experimenting with Aptana Studio.

Aptana Studio is a complete web development environment that combines powerful authoring tools with a collection of online hosting and collaboration services that help you and your team do more.

Out of the box, Aptana support development for;

• PHP
• Rails
• Python
• Mobile
• and desktop applications (Adobe AIR)

So far, it seems simple enough, however it's always difficult to switch from an environment you are familiar with to something totally different, not to mention frustrating!

2. Firefox

I've not come across any "paid" browser as yet, besides those that are included in the operating system cost (which are mostly available for free download anyways).

You can't go far wrong with this stable, secure and fast web browser. Hundreds of add-ons are available to make your daily life that little bit easier! As far as development add-ons go, be sure to check out Firebug, HTTPFox, and the Web Developer toolbar - three pieces I probably couldn't live without!

3. Gimp

Gimp is a graphics package which offers similar functionality to that of Photoshop, Fireworks etc. It's available on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and more. Again, there is a bit of "pattern shifting" involved if you're used to working with Photoshop or Fireworks. Gimp is a good application, well supported and offers a range of powerful features, but I don't think I'll be using it for much more than resizing or cropping images.

4. Open Office

Open Office is a package similar to that of Microsoft office. It has a word processor, a slideshow/presentation application, a spreadsheet application, even a database management application. It's capable of reading more or less every type of Microsoft office generated file, as well as being able to save down it's own files as Microsoft office readable files.

I've used Open Office for a good few years and not once had any reason to recommend MS Office over this package - it's more or less capable of doing everything MS Office does, and for free.

Open Office is available on Windows, Mac, Linux and more.

5. Thunderbird

Thunderbird is a product of Mozilla (creators of the Firefox browser). Thunderbird is fast, stable and secure. It supports POP3, IMAP & RSS, and if you're a Gmail user, you can have your account set up in seconds. A very useful alternative to Microsoft Outlook. A range of add-ons are available, so you can customize and fine tune until your heart's content, and is available for most operating systems.

6. Media Monkey

Forget iTunes, Media Monkey is what you need! Notoriously fast and simple to use, Media Monkey continues the high standard it's creators (Mozilla) are reknowned for.

Media Monkey can easily syncronise with your iPod or mp3 device, without crashing or tieing up your system like iTunes. Album cover support and lyrics are available at no cost. Podcast subscriptions are a breeze, as is radio. File management is particularly easy - Media Monkey features similarly functionality to that of iTunes where you can browse by album cover.

I can't sing the praises of Media Monkey high enough, so in order to get to bed tonight, I'll cut this short and direct you toward the Media Monkey homepage.