Free Software?

silversmurfer_2

I was hoping to see some info. on free software today, but it didn't appear.
I then went into the It Pays To Watch website, and found a few old references to free software, also an ad for Microsoft Office, for students, very cheap for a while.
Surprisingly, no mention of the excellent OpenOffice suite, very powerful, MSoffice compatible, all platforms and nice and free (as in -beer). I heard that Novell switched to it and saved a fortune in licence fees. (Not verified, though)

jo_b_2

Hi silversmurfer and welcome to MSE. :wave:

You're right. The description of the show's content on Sky listed free computer software as a topic but that wasn't featured on this week's show.

There is an article on Free Software on the main site HERE which is updated quarterly so should hopefully be up to date and give you some suggestions. There is also an article about Free Anti-Virus Software HERE which might be useful to you as well.

siwelnitram_2

Martin - I am amazed. Nobody visiting your site or watching your programme should still be using any software from Micro$oft. Apart from being a criminal organisation (oh yes, according to the Americans' own Department of Justice), they have been milking the public for a couple of decades. They will try to tell people that using Linux is difficult, that you need an IT degree, it isn't supported, it isn't secure and a whole plethora of misleading if not deliberate lies about this wonderful operating system. And everything is free!
If you need advice, a patch, even a new application - the forums operated by the incredible range of different distributions will help - usually within 24hrs.
It is infintiely more secure, won't crash and needs little maintenance.
It is incredibly easy to use, although don't expect it to look or work like Mr Gates' monstrosity.
It is faster.
It even runs on old computers.
There was a mention of Novell - they provide SuSE Linux: free.
But I would recommend Mandriva, in preference ( I don't like Ubuntu, personally).
If you want something easier to get started, try PCLinuxOS.
Easier? Puppy Linux.
For older PCs? DamnSmallLinux.
There are hundreds of other options - all free to download, along with choices of browsers, email clients, word processors and everything your heart desires.
You will be amazed and delighted. But switch off your M$ mindset first!
Get smart - get Linux!

moonrakerz

siwelnitram wrote: »

Apart from being a criminal organisation (oh yes, according to the Americans' own Department of Justice), they have been milking the public for a couple of decades.

Welcome to MSE - - but please don't start by accusing anyone of being "criminal" - if you have proof of this, take it to the police and get them arrested.

"Milking" the public isn't a criminal offence, and if you were running Microsoft I daresay you would being doing exactly the same as the present and past managements.
I don't agree with some of the things they do; if I can and there is a better product I will use other software: Open Office, Firefox, Thunderbird, etc, etc.

Please don't become another ranter on this site about "criminals" !

siwelnitram_2

Where have you been this last few years, moonrakerz?!
Of course I'm not accusing anyone of anything that isn't proven in proper Courts of Law. It's all been through the US Courts and very well reported worldwide. They got away with the destruction of Digital, though, somewhat earlier. More recently they also suffered massive fines for illegal commerical practices in Europe. Their behaviour is clearly criminal in the technical legal sense. They have been convicted! What more do you want?
Don't accuse me of 'ranting' - I am here to help fellow travellers avoid suffering from these CRIMINALS just as Martin does.

moonrakerz

siwelnitram wrote: »

Where have you been this last few years, moonrakerz?!
Of course I'm not accusing anyone of anything that isn't proven in proper Courts of Law. It's all been through the US Courts and very well reported worldwide. They got away with the destruction of Digital, though, somewhat earlier. More recently they also suffered massive fines for illegal commerical practices in Europe. Their behaviour is clearly criminal in the technical legal sense. They have been convicted! What more do you want?
Don't accuse me of 'ranting' - I am here to help fellow travellers avoid suffering from these CRIMINALS just as Martin does.

Where have I been ? I have been reading this site and I am getting heartily sick and tired of posters who have nothing better to do than fill threads with inane and spurious rantings about "criminal" cartels etc.

Secondly, could I also suggest you read what I actually wrote ? I did not "accuse" you of "ranting" - I asked you, very politely, with a "please", not to become one ! This was after I had said "welcome".

If you have a sensible comment to make which will enable people to buy software, gas, electricity, petrol, banking at a better price - please make it. If all you can do is make unsubstantiated claims about criminal activities and then try and link it to Martin's activities - presumably to make your outpourings appear to have a grain of respectability, could I suggest you write to the Daily Wail instead.