Best Open Source software for Windows ?

So I have the usual Open Source software installed - VLC and MPC HC for playing media files; Firefox and Chromium and their variants for browsing. What are some of the best Open Source programs for everyday use which are up to date and still being developed? I realize there are "freeware" alternatives to Open Source but most of them are becoming a total pain to use. I don't like the "freeware" spam emails, installed adware and no telling what else. Even many Freeware sites now add a caveat that they recommend programs from known spammers, otherwise they'd have no recommendation at all. Apparently trying to have a recommendation for every possible software category has its price. I'm not looking for the "most" free program recommendations, but the best. And it seems like Open Source is the most appealing free alternative right now. Any recommendations?

 

I understand what you are getting at. You want "open source" software that matches or exceeds "pay" software in quality & performance.

I only use "open source" software that beats pay software. It must be "the best" (by my knowledge)...or else I will use the pay alternative.

So here are some "open source" programs I have currently installed & can vouch for through personal experience:

- System Explorer has replaced default Windows task/services because it presents everything in one place, in a clear manner, with superior control functions.

- CopyHandler has replaced default Windows file transfer because it can pauses/resume jobs, preserve jobs even if computer crashes, and queue multiple jobs. I tested many copy softwares, and this one was the most stable and error-free.

- XBMC has replaced default Windows for media management because it can provide superior GUI with most themes, and scan media databases for covers/info/etc. I have also configured it to use "Media Player Classic HC" as the default player (look online for a tiny code mod to accomplish this)

- CDBurnerXP has replaced Nero when I need to burn data to disc. I am still exploring both pay/free options for encoding media to disc.

- NotePad++ has replaced NotePad because it's light-weight, but feature-rich. The search/replace functionality is incredible and detailed.

 

Thanks for the list. Is CDBurnerXP open Source? I thought it had a freeware option with Open Candy.

 

Yes, you are correct about CDBurnerXP:

Code:

http://cdburnerxp.se/help/kb/4

I apologize if any other software I mentioned does not meet your criteria.
I can only reiterate that I am a relatively experienced user, who has installed all these...without adware complications.
If anything installed something "extra" through deceptive installer (advertising, calling home, or bloatware)...I would uninstall it immediately.

The ones I mentioned were installed easily, with no "side effects".

 

Libreoffice or Apache OpenOffice are the two biggies for documents. Mozilla Thunderbird to replace Outlook/Live Mail if you use a mail client, Claws is very good too but simpler. Pidgin instant messenger does almost everything you could need in an IM program. If you do personal finance tracking on your computer, GNUCash is popular. I've never used it but I read it's a very capable Quicken replacement. There are multiple options for every genre of software you could want. The tough part is figuring out what works best for you.

http://www.libreoffice.org/
http://www.openoffice.org/
http://www.mozilla.org/thunderbird/
http://www.claws-mail.org/
http://www.pidgin.im
http://www.gnucash.org/

And rather than packing Windows full of FOSS 'patches', why not just do a full Mint or Ubuntu install? Any reason you need Windows? Dual boot or Virtualbox to the rescue. If your'e getting spam email and advertisements everywhere for using FOSS programs, you're using the wrong programs.

 

I find gizmo's freeware webpage the best place to start. Do not skip comments, I have got some good recommendations from there. http://www.techsupportalert.com