http://gnuwin.epfl.ch

Some people had asked me for some resources on Free Software, and I know
that people are using Windows. So, instead of telling everyone to run
GNU/Linux (which I think would be better, but that's an opinion), I'm
posting some information about some tools and toys. The website is
posted above so the speakers of other languages may get the point, and
explore the site in their own native language.

An excellent resource for those not using GNU/Linux and are using
Windows is the GNU/WinII CD, which you can purchase for redistribution.
However, you don't have to buy the CD. You may enter the website here:

http://gnuwin.epfl.ch

You'll note that it's multilingual.

You can look through the available programs here:
http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/apps/en/bestlist.html
As you'll note, there are a lot of tools and toys for your pleasure.

My personal favourites are:
--------------------------------------
Celestia: http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/apps/celestia/en/index.html

A real-time space simulation. If anyone ever tells me to 'get lost', I
use it as an excuse to travel the solar system. It could be useful for
teaching about the solar system.

I have a few ideas of building on this to create an educational game, if
anyone's interested.
---------------------------------------

Crack Attack: http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/apps/crackattack/en/index.html
A very addictive game. Do not play at work, or when you should be working.
----------------------------------------
The Gimp: http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/apps/gimp/en/index.html

Free Software's answer to Adobe Photoshop. It's good enough for me, a
non-artist. :)
-----------------------------------------
povray: http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/apps/povray/en/index.html

When I think I feel artistic, I play with this. Then I give up for a few
months, because I'm not a very good artist. :)
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Mozilla: http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/apps/mozilla/en/index.html

Mozilla is my web browser of choice, as well as my email client of
choice. When I switch between GNU/Linux and Windows, I can access the
same local folders as well.
-------------------------------------------
OpenOffice.org: http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/apps/openoffice/en/index.html

OpenOffice is what I use, instead of Microsoft Office. In my spare time,
I work on little tweaks on it as well.
I've written a few articles about OpenOffice - but the bottom line is
that combined with Mozilla, many viruses that use Microsoft's software
to propagate are automatically defeated.

OpenOffice.org can open Microsoft proprietary formats (.doc, .xls, etc.)
and has even been able to open 'corrupted' versions of Microsoft
documents so that they can be resaved. The OpenOffice formats tend to be
much smaller than the Microsoft documents.
--------------------------------------------
Maxima: http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/apps/maxima/en/index.html

Maxima allows me to enter formulas and allows me to play with data in
some very interesting ways. Many of you speak of my 'eloquence', but at
heart I like making pretty pictures out of data. Happiness is an
original fractal.

Yes, I admit I'm strange.
---------------------------------------------

There's a lot more available, so please navigate the site and explore.
Plus, if you have a specific solution you're looking for - I want to know :)

Free Software - not 'freeware' - allows you rights.

     * The freedom to run the program
       <http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/glossaire/en/index.html#glossaire134>, for
       any purpose (freedom 0).
     * The freedom to study how the program
       <http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/glossaire/en/index.html#glossaire134>
       works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the
       source code
       <http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/glossaire/en/index.html#glossaire160> is a
       precondition for this.
     * The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor
       (freedom 2).
     * The freedom to improve the program
       <http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/glossaire/en/index.html#glossaire134>, and
       release your improvements to the public, so that the whole
       community benefits. (freedom 3). Access to the source code
       <http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/glossaire/en/index.html#glossaire160> is a
       precondition for this.

If the *license* of the software does not give you these rights, it's
not Free Software.

If you want something changed - you can pay a programmer to do it
(hopefully one in your country, or at least within the region), or do it
yourself. I have a few other essays/articles to finish related to this,
so please be patient with me - and ask questions if you have them.

-- 
Taran Rampersad