~:'' ???????????? wrote:
where are the easy-to-use tools?
Ubuntu and Gnome are hardly mainstream...
the most significant issue is that no open source project outside
possibly wikipedia is truly popular.
NB wikipedia is not an application or tool.
First, there are thousands of open source projects that are popular.
Here are a few that i use:
* Apache web server. Runs the majority of web site.
* MySQL - Database
* PHP - Web site scripting language
* Firefox & Thunderbird
* VLC Media Player - Media player
* Filezilla - FTP program
* Many mail servers are opensource, ie Postfix, Sendmail
* ClamAV - Free antivirus scanner
* Spamassassin - Spam filter used by many ISPs
* Gimp - Popular image editor
* Open Office
* Debian & Ubuntu Linux
* SugarCRM - Customer Relationship Management
* Wordpress - Blogging
* MediaWiki - The application behind wikipedia
* Horde - Webmail application
Currently the majority of open source software is mainly used by
technical users, however with Ubuntu maturing into a great operating
system this is likely to change with people becoming frustrated with
the Microsoft experience and looking for an alternative.
My concern is that because the process does not include users, it is
difficult for their needs to be met.
You can always be involved in the development process of any of these
programs. They are always looking for testers and if you get involved
on the suitable mailing list most developers are open to suggestions
for improvements.
I would argue that open source software easily meets users needs,
sometimes better then equivalent commercial software. This is because
open source software doesn't have to follow the demands of a company
and are usual started as there is no other software then meets the
needs of the developers.
Regards
Adam
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