Open Source

As software has been a sizable investment for many companies it is quite important that we address the open source software programs and their capabilities. Imagine being able to do all things required to run your home or business. Well you don’t have to imagine  for long as the software is here and available now. The savings per PC are nice however, when you multiply the savings throughout an office the savings are huge.

Open Source Programs and Open License Software

Recommended Open Source Software

• WordPress – for creating websites
• Open Office – for word processing – spreadsheets – presentations – data bases
• Gimp – for photo manipulation
• Filezilla – for FTP (File transfer Protocol)
• Android – for cell phones and tablets
• Audacity – for audio manipulation
• CutePDF – for creation of PDF documents
• VLC – for playing movies and media

This list is always under update and is part of our support for Open Source which delivers wonderful function software for all applications without the cost of licensing.

As Always, Charley

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GIMP – Graphic Image Manipulation Program is the open source equivalent of Photoshop for Free. For most people GIMP can do everything, and I mean everything you need. From photo re-sizing, re-sampling, changing colors, removing red eye, cropping, layering, making collages, converting from one type to another, and so much more. With all those options available it can be a bit overwhelming, however driving the space shuttle would also be overwhelming. So, target whatever you want to do and learn a few controls and features at a time. As with any good software, a bit of training can go a long way. The people who say “I will play with it and figure it out” will have varied degrees of success. For best results I recommend training, with someone who knows GIMP, with the GIMP site and GIMP Quickies, or YOUTUBE training videos.

So what are the cons you ask? Continue reading “GIMP – Photoshop for FREE! Even Better!”

OpenOffice.org Writer is a full-featured word processor. It features unique tools such as the Navigator and Stylist. These make changing the formatting throughout a large document easy as 1-2-3.

OpenOffice.org Calc is a full-featured  spreadsheet. It has a vast number of statistical and scientific functions. It can
create pivot tables, charts and more.

OpenOffice.org Impress is a full-featured presentation tool that allows the user to create and modify diagrams and pictures right within the application.

OpenOffice.org has support for various databases, including open source databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL. This combination allows users to do tasks that used to be done with Microsoft Access.

OpenOffice.org Draw is a powerful drawing tool. It has support for both vector and bitmap images. With the Connectors tool you can create complex diagrams and
charts.

OpenOffice.org has a one-click PDF export feature that lets you create PDF files. This feature 

makes exchanging documents in a standard read-only file format a simple task. The creation of PDF files normally requires third party add-on tools. With OpenOffice.org this feature comes built-in.

OpenOffice.org can export presentations and drawings to the Macromedia Flash format (.swf). You can view your presentations in any web browser with the Flash plug-in. Now recipients do not have to install any special viewer in order to view your presentation.

All these features coupled with a zero price tag make Open Office a very intelligent choice for the future.

Thanks, Charley [sv slug=”cc-author”]