I have recently started using quite a bit of open source software and I wanted to take the time to dedicate an entire post towards it.  Often times, open source solutions are often better than their pay based/commercial alternatives.

One thing that I absolutely *HATE* in either freeware or pay-based software is attempts to subtly corrupt your browser or computer.  This is typically done by having default installation options include sending you spam, manipulating your browser to add unwanted tool bars, changing your home page, or using your computer resources.  These options by default should be turned off, not on.

Currently, a list of programs (both freeware and open-source) I am using is listed as follows…

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Recently, Smartftp has decided that they will no longer offer the use of their product for free and now wish to charge $37.  Smartftp is a file transfer protocal (FTP) program.  I have been using it for quite some time to upload and download various content to FTP servers.  In the past, the use of their product has always been free save the various warning that you need to either upgrade the product to a later version or simply pay for a professional version…

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