I will start off by saying that I can’t spell and the word “Source” is one of those that I never seem to get right. (ADHD & Dyslexia) So expect an error to 10 in this post.
What is Open Source software?
Open source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance.
opensource.com
“Source code” is the part of software that most computer users don’t ever see; it’s the code computer programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of software—a “program” or “application”—works. Programmers who have access to a computer program’s source code can improve that program by adding features to it or fixing parts that don’t always work correctly.
opensource.com
For most of you that does not seem like much but 90% of the time the software is free to use. This means that someone like me who is broke half the time can get the software to compete with the larger companies.
But is Open Source Software any Good after all it is free?
The short answer is YES!
The long answer is that every major tech company uses Open source software. Every website or device that has ever been hacked was cracked open by Open source software! This website … guess what … Open Source
While I do have some high-end Mac software Like Final Cut Pro, Motion and Logic I also have some software that I use every day in my business that is open source!
Open Source Software I use on My Mac Every Day
Gimp (GNU Image Manipulation Program )
The Free & Open Source Image Editor. Basically, it’s like Photoshop without the price tag. This is very powerful software. I have been using GIMP so much that the only reason why I have an Adobe creative cloud subscription is so I can teach how to use it.
I think the best part of this software is that there is a version that will run on any computer. Even the really old computers that should have been recycled years ago.
Digital Painting with Krita
Want to paint without the mess? Krita is the software you want. While some open source software seems to be “Free variations” of some other software. Krita is one of the software that can stand on its own.
Krita simulates brushstrokes and is perfect for the artist who wants to do digital painting. You can even download new brushes and filters. All the images below were created with Krita. See the brush strokes… That is all Krita.
Office Software
The only reason why I have an Office 365 subscription is that my clients ask questions about it and I need to have answers. But honestly I never really use it beyond tech support and teaching classes. (I prefer Numbers, Keynote and Pages honestly)
Libre Office
If you need office software but do not want to pay Microsoft Lebre Office is the way to go. Cross-platform and will “Run on a rusty spoon” (Geek talk for can run on any old computer)
This will allow you to open, edit and share Word, and Excel documents. The only thing you need to remember is to “Export” the files to .doc or .xls.
Get your email with Thunderbird
I never understand why people who pay for a Office 365 account every year because they think it is required to get their email. Thunderbird is free software that does the same thing.
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