Software, Free Alternatives to Popular Apps and Programs

I've come to realize that this site isn't as well known as I thought it would be. I am a computer science major and I bring it up in conversation from time to time. Often people don't know of this site. It is extremely useful. I've always been about open source programming. I just believe that the model Microsoft has laid down is not the only way to make money with programming. I'm more of a Linux supporter in the fact they take donations, and advertise. Plus they allow people to make changes and submit them, which is super keeno. Allowing their work to progress at a more optimal rate. Another way to make money with such software is by making premium versions with added features. You may be familiar with certain anti-virus companies such as AVG that take this approach. The idea that you are required to use Microsoft word to make word documents is silly. Or the only way to use your Ipod to the full effect is to install Itunes. I hope I can deter from such believes. I'm actually going to show you two links that I use to find alternative software to mainstream programming. I use these sites to find software that suites my needs as well. You can search by type and easily identify if the program in question will require you to pay for it.

The sites I use are:
http://alternativeto.net/ and http://sourceforge.net/

I do prefer alternativeto to sourceforge, but both have their strengths and weaknesses. With alternativeto I really enjoy punching in a program to find software that is similar to what I searched for. Hope this helps you all. Keep up the blogs guys. I really enjoy them. I've found a lot of good information from you guys.

I suggest any strong supporters visit this IRC,

If you're familiar with IRC clients here is the info:
irc.rizon.net
channel: #miscmoney

If you are not familiar go here:
http://www.rizon.net/index.php?do=chat
channel: MiscMoney

I've recently become acquainted with this IRC. There are some active bloggers that visit it. I suggest it and support it. If you have any questions about blogging this may help you. God speed gentlemen!