“What Free Software Is So Good You Can’t Believe It’s Actually Available For Free” (34 Responses)

Some of the programs presented here work exclusively on a freeware basis, some provide only part of their functionality for free (but quite enough for convenient and effective work). But they all have one thing in common - these are truly decent tools, and people in the original thread are really surprised. What is the reason for such selflessness and altruism?

In a nutshell, why do you have to fork out some hefty money for sometimes less functional and ergonomic programs, when these are available completely for free?

Well, in fact, there are many nuances that explain how developers have the opportunity to release free software. Some programs come with built-in advertising, some during installation additionally offer to install 'affiliate' software, and for the opportunity to use others for free, we actually pay by providing our own personal data. As the saying goes, 'if you don't pay for the product, you may be the product yourself...'

However, many people honestly believe that software should be free - simply based on philanthropy and strong principles. For example, back in 1983, the GNU Project was launched, the goal of which is “to give computer users freedom and control in their use of their computers and computing devices by collaboratively developing and publishing software that gives everyone the rights to freely run the software, copy and distribute it, study it, and modify it." And some of the programs and apps presented in this list are distributed under the free GNU license.

Be that as it may, there is always strength in variety and diversity, and as long as there are free options for performing this or that task, this will also encourage commercial developers to release more effective solutions and not raise the prices of their products to the skies. At least that's what we believe. And we also believe that this collection may come in handy to you - after all who knows, maybe one of the programs listed here will be a real useful find for you?

By the way, if you know of an application that is also useful, convenient and free, but is not listed in this selection, why not share your wholesome find in the comments below? Because as long as we cooperate, we are almost invincible.