One thing is certain - the philosophical underpinnings of the free/open source movement means the arguments won't end any time soon. But despite the differences, there are real, practical benefits in using Free Open Source Software.

There is no shortage of Free Open Source Software available. Some of it is the best available in it's class, some is as good as expensive proprietary software and some of it is just bad.

I have been using Free Open Source Software since the mid 1990s, and have experience with all three categories, and with proprietary alternatives. This section has some of the best applications I have used. I'll be adding more of my favorites and new software.