Open Source Tools

[SmootRK]

So we know BFRPG utilizes OpenSource whenever possible. I too utilize such tools whenever I can make the choice. I will be using this thread to create a list of those tools we use around here, and also to allow others to discuss various options as well. I will update this first post occasionally to add in new ideas presented here.

LibreOffice (alt - OpenOffice) - documents, spreadsheets, presentation, basic graphics, etc.

Linux (various flavors) - alternate operating system. Have an older system, and don't want to spend for upgraded Windows that likely won't even work well (or at all), then some variant of free Linux is a great alternative.

[SmootRK]

I will add more as we go. However this morning I have to get moving.

The other reason I thought to create this thread is that I wanted to ask those around here what PDF Reader software everyone uses? I am frankly a little sick of Adobe constantly needing updates, and now they try to sneak in other software when installing (such as McAffee)... which I believe is all just scam to try to trick people into installing these "partner" software (and of course these virus scanner outfits use the worst scare tactic marketing techniques that I just hate).

So, what does our community prefer in the PDF Reader area? I would prefer one that does not utilize these secondary installation scams to further subject me to additional marketing.

[merias]

On windows I recommend Sumatra PDF - it is an excellent, free GPL'd PDF (and other file formats) reader.

http://blog.kowalczyk.info/software/sum ... eader.html

On linux evince is the standard, but that would normally be installed by default with whatever distro you were using (although KDE has their own PDF viewer, kpdf.)

[lars_alexander]

Favourite open source software

Operating System
Ubuntu Linux; http://www.ubuntu.com/
Ubuntu Studio Linux; Linux for creative people http://ubuntustudio.org/

Writing and Publishing
LyX (LaTeX) - Linux, Win, OSX; Writing and Publishing with a supportive LaTeX frontend http://www.lyx.org/
Kile (LaTeX) - Linux; Writing and Publishing http://kile.sourceforge.net/
Scribus - Linux, Win, OSX; Desktop Publishing http://scribus.net

Distraction-Free Writing
PyRoom - Linux; http://pyroom.org/
FocusWriter - Linux, Win, OSX; http://gottcode.org/focuswriter/

Graphics
Krita - Linux, Win, OSX; Digital Painting https://krita.org/
GIMP - Linux, Win, OSX; Digital Image Manipulation http://www.gimp.org
Inkscape - Linux, Win, OSX; Digital Vector Drawing http://inkscape.org
These work great with a graphic tablet (e.g. Wacom Bamboo or Intuos)

Music Notation
Frescobaldi - Linux, Win, OSX; http://frescobaldi.org/
LilyPond - Linux, Win, OSX; http://lilypond.org/

Other Knowledge
Stellarium - Linux, Win, OSX; Follow the stars http://www.stellarium.org/

Finance
GNUCash - Linux, Win, OSX; Free Accounting Software http://gnucash.org

[dymondy2k]

HUGE Foxit PDF reader fan here...

[SmootRK]

Nice suggestions. I will update the first post when I have a little more time.

[mTeasdale]

HUGE Foxit PDF reader fan here...

I'm pretty sure that Foxit is not open source though. Also, its what I use for pdf, but last time I installed it (on my mom's computer), it installed a toolbar in the web browser without asking and the anti-virus was detecting security problems in it. After a quick web search, it looks like I wasn't the first to experience that. I wouldn't suggest Foxit anymore and was a big fan before.

[dymondy2k]

I'm not sure where you downloaded the .exe from but I've been using Foxit for years and its never installed a toolbar.. And it might not be open source but its a free and lightweight alternative to Adobe..

[artikid]

I would add:
Graphic design:
MyPaint (painter program) http://mypaint.intilinux.com/

Any of the following programs if you need to manipulate pdfs and do not own adobe's acrobat:
pdfsam (http://www.pdfsam.org)
pdfchain (http://pdfchain.sourceforge.net/)
pdf shuffler (http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfshuffler/files/)
Pdfsam is probably the best one.

[Solomoriah]

When it comes to doing covers, Gimp is all I use.