75 Popular Open Source Desktop Downloads

June 22, 2008
By

Jeff Vance

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Miscellaneous Tools

61. Synergy

If you’re the kind of developer who has multiple PCs going at once, Synergy is for you. Synergy allows you to share a single mouse and keyboard among multiple computers with different operating systems. Redirecting the mouse and keyboard is as simple as moving the mouse off the edge of the screen. Synergy also merges the clipboards of all the systems into one, allowing for cut-and-paste between systems. Furthermore, it synchronizes screen savers so they all start and stop together. If screen locking is enabled, only one screen requires a password to unlock them all. Operating Systems: UNIX, Linux, BSD, Windows, Mac OS X.

62. CameraShy

This project isn’t terribly useful unless you live in a dictatorship or are involved in criminal activities, but the concept is unique enough to merit mention. What CameraShy does is allow you to hide information within digital images. A group known as Hacktivismo, which describes itself as “hacker activists,” developed CameraShy as a tool that political dissidents could use to view censored information over the Web without being blocked or thrown in jail. Technically, this is a steganography tool, but unlike other tools of this kind, CamerShy is designed for non-technical users. Operating System: Windows.

63. SynCE

SynCE provides a communications bridge between Windows Mobile devices and computers running Linux, BSD or other UNIX-based operating systems. SynCE communicates via either USB or Bluetooth. The project allows users to synch the mobile device with whatever PIM application they prefer. Operating Systems: UNIX, BSD, Linux.

64. Workrave

Do you spend way too much time in front of a computer? Do you have pain in your hands and wrists? If you answer “yes” to either question, get Workrave. Designed to help you recover from or prevent Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), Workrave alerts you to take short pauses and rest breaks. Based on medical guidelines, it will also tell you how long of a break you should take and when you should call it a day. Operating Systems: Windows, UNIX, Linux, BSD.

65. XMLTV

If you watch too much TV, yet don’t have TiVo, XMLTV could make your life easier. It compiles TV listings from the Internet and allows you to organize them by show, date, time and more. The goal is to present listings from “the user’s point of view not the broadcaster’s.” Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, BSD, UNIX.

66. Virtual Magnifying Glass

Virtual Magnifying Glass is a free tool for the visually impaired. It magnifies parts of the screen as you move it around, rather than opening a separate window as most such programs do. Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, BSD, UNIX, OS X.

67. INSERT

INSERT (Inside Security Rescue Toolkit) is a disaster recovery and network analysis system that runs from a CD-ROM or USB drive. Operating Systems: OS independent.

68. JBidwatcher

Do you spend too much time hunting around on eBay? JBidwatcher won’t help you break the addiction, but it will automate it. A Java-based application, JBidwatcher monitors auctions, submit bids, snipes (bids at the last moment), and otherwise tracks various auction sites. Operating Systems: OS independent.

69. Cybera

Have dreams of opening the perfect coffee shop that your neighborhood lacks? You’ll of course offer Wi-Fi, and Cybera will help you run it. A cyber café administration system, Cybera works with prepaid cards, client accounts or post-paid self service. Features include workstation control, user rights lockdown, accounting and stats. If they just had Cybera for baristas, you’d be all set. Operating Systems: Windows.

Games and Entertainment

70. GMOME Games

If you rely on GNOME and envy the many pre-loaded time-wasting options of your PC- and Mac-based colleagues, don’t. GNOME Games gives you a collection of common PC games, such as chess, Minesweeper, Sudoku and FreeCell. Operating Systems: Linux, BSD, UNIX.

71. Tremulous

Tremulous is a team-based first-person shooter (FPS), pitting teams of Aliens vs. Humans. It includes buildable structures. Operating Systems: Linux, Windows.

72. Digital Paint Paintball 2

If you like the idea of paintball, but don’t like actually being pummeled with paintballs, Digital Paint Paintball 2 is the answer. Game modes include capture the flag, elimination, siege and a free-for-all death match. It’s built on the Quake2 engine. Operating Systems: Windows, Linux.

73. Glest

A 3D real-time strategy game, Glest is customizable using XML and development tools. Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, BSD, UNIX.

74. TORCS

TORCS (The Open Racing Car Simulator) is a multi-platform car racing simulation. It can be used as a straight game or a game development platform. Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, BSD, UNIX, OS X.

75. Tux and Barrels

You just watched the King of Kong on G4 and now you’re dying to play some old-school Donkey Kong. Not so fast, you’ll probably like this version better. You are a Linux penguin trying to climb to the top to defeat Bill Gates, who is throwing Windows CDs at you. Operating System: Linux.