Free Alternative Software list

[oracle128]

As discussed at http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/....php?t=104866:

Originally Posted by me

I'm about to make a list of freeware/open source replacements for common (or not so common) commercial software; would anybody be interested in using or contributing to this? I envision it being simply a table with listed 'Commercial Software', the 'Freeware/Open Source Equivalent' (with download link), and a (very brief) 'Comments' field, noting any important information such as limitations or differences with the free alternative. Comments, suggestions? I imagine it could possibly go in the Downloads section of the website, since because of it's simple, ordered structure, a thread would make it too complex, but possibly using a thread to get additional input and discussion of any changes/additions for it. I figure it would be a handy resource, since I've found many sites which list links of free software, even sort them into various categories (like http://osswin.sourceforge.net), but don't actually mention what they are good alternatives for, or list any differences between the commercial software and the free alternative.

Well it's impossible to do tables in vB code, so just imagine this as a regular HTML table:

Commercial Software | Free Equivalent | URL | Comments
Adobe Acrobat Reader | Foxit Reader | http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php | Smaller and faster than Adobe
Internet Explorer | Firefox | http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/ | More secure than IE
Microsoft Office | Open Office | http://www.openoffice.org/

That's basically the layout I'm looking at; either stored as a static HTML file, or in a database. I'm not looking for content suggestions at the moment, but comments and suggestions on the structure; would you like to see screenshots? More detailed comparison/comments (links to reviews perhaps)? Some other field? Suggestions on if/how we can implement this and easily add content to it?

[smurfy]

http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/...d.php?t=105101

[oracle128]

Hmm, yeah, I could see that happening... Couple questions though:
-What do we do about errant or non-conforming posts? Delete?
-Would there be a problem with one user having to constantly update the index page manually? How would this process be affected by multiple Mods altering the index (inconsistencies)?

[smurfy]

I see it working like this:

You start the thread and I'll "Sticky" it.
That way, both you and the members of the mod staff can update the index.

I have run a similar thread before (different website) without the index idea and it became untrackable (and huge - 37 pages at last count!).

This way, as long as the edits to the index post follow the {indent}{list}{/list}{/indent} formatting, it should be easier to follow.

Plus additional posts suitable for this thread that are started as new topics can be moved into the main thread and indexed (with notification to a mod by PM).

And "discussion" posts that aren't reviews would be removed.
The only other "rule" I would place on it is removal of signatures in posts in the thread to keep it uncluttered.

[oracle128]

Fair enough, we could make that work. Also since I obviously can't be on 24/7, would any mods be interested in helping keep the index post up to date? (as they would be the only ones besides me with permission to edit the index post)

[smurfy]

That way, both you and the members of the mod staff can update the index.

I had already volunteered us all

[oracle128]

Ahh, missed that line. Righty-o. Anything specific we should mention about rules? So far I'm basically going with something along the lines of "only 100% free software" and "no posts on questions or problems with the software" (the latter part already being one of the rules of the SD&R forum, but mostly ignored, so it gets a second mention).

[smurfy]

The Thread is now active:
http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/...d.php?t=106139