Top 10 Open-source software for Windows

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We have heard about all the great open-source software out there like Apache, JBoss, etc. What about us Windows guys? You don’t have to feel left out anymore. I’ve put together a list of 10 open-source software packages for Windows.

1. Mozilla Firefox (Web browser)

My favorite web browser. Tabbed browsing, plenty of plug-ins, and well it doesn’t crash like the other browser. I have used Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, and Safari (Mac) and I still highly recommend Firefox.

2. Mozilla Thunderbird (Email client)

Firefox’s less famous companion is a great email client. It has excellent customizable message filters, adaptive junk mail filter and the ability to install useful add-ons.

3. Open Office (Office suite)

Open Office is a free alternative to MS Office for people just wanting to save their spreadsheet as an .xls. Incidentally Google Hosted Apps also offers some online spreadsheet ability for free if you are so inclined.
4. Gaim (Instant messenger)

Chat on any service you’d like - AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN, Jabber (Google’s Gtalk uses Jabber), ICQ - with this multi-platform, tabbed IM client.

5. ClamWin (Antivirus)

ClamWin is free anti-virus software with automatic updates and scheduled scans.

6. VLC Media Player (Audio/video player)

Got a video or audio file Windows Media Player can’t? VLC Media Player plays everything ever created (well I haven’t found anything I had that it couldn’t play).

7. KeePass (Password manager)

If you have a lot of passwords to track, this is the tool for you.

8. Cygwin (Unix command line emulator)

When DOS won’t cut it, you Unix guys will want to install this so you can port over all your shell scripts to the ugggh windows platform.

9. Eraser (Data deletion utility)

Eraser uses the same algorithm the government uses to wipe your hard drive clean. Don’t worry about your info showing up in a dumpster-diving data thief’s computer.

10. TrueCrypt (File encryption utility)

Encrypt a file, folder, or entire flashdrive with this handy utility.

If you have any open-source software you’d like to recommend please comment