Open Source Licensing does have some sort of restrictions placed on them as well as not accepting all free software. However, the differences in extension of the category are small: nearly all free software is open source, and nearly all open source software is free.

We all want something for free. But many would argue that free or cheap software is of low quality. You get what you pay for. While in many cases this might be true, it is not so of all free software. There are in fact loads of award winning fantastic free software packages out there that you would be willing to pay for.

Some of the more famous ones include:

• Firefox
• MySQL
• Open Office
• PHP
• Linux
• Firebird

You might not know this, but there are literally thousands of free and open source software packages available to you for download on the internet. All you have to do is look.

What I have done is compile a short list of lists or directories of free and open source software. I make no guarantee to the validity of any of these lists or software.

• Free Software Directory
• Snapfiles Freeware
• Gizmo’s Freeware
• Freeware Guide
• Open Source Windows
• PCMag The Best Free Software of 2009
• Winaddons Top 300
• Mohawke’s Free list
• Wikipedia list of open source software
• 121Space
• CNet Best Free Software
• Freeware Home

This is not by any stretch of the imagination an exhaustive list. There are obviously some great lists or sites that I have left out.

A word of caution: There are many gimmicky sites that point you to “free” offers all over the Web, but most are disappointing because they lead you to enter contests that promise free gifts to the winner. Free contests almost always require you to input your name, e-mail address, and other personal data. Steer clear of such sites, since in giving out your e-mail address, you open yourself up to receiving unsolicited marketing materials of all kinds. Your inbox will quickly be flooded and unmanageable on a daily basis.

Do you have a great list of free and open source software you would like to share with us? Leave your list in the comments below

Robert Bravery is one of our www.MyByte.co.za Thought leaders to subscribe to the Thought Leaders RSS feed click here http://snurl.com/md27j. Still not registered on www.MyByte.co.za ? Join the online network that connects the entire ICT industry in one room –virtually. Simply click here http://www.mybyte.co.za/signup.php its simple and it’s free!