65 Open Source Downloads That Could Change Your Life: Page 4

1. RSS Owl

You have no excuse for not keeping up with the news when you have a tool like RSS Owl. One of the most popular feed readers available, RSS Owl aggregates headlines from all of your favorite media sites and makes them easy to browse. It has a ton of advanced features, like saved searches, news filters, labels, and news bins that set it apart from other similar apps. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

2. Skim

If you need to read a lot of pdf files, for example technical or scientific papers, Skim makes it easier to read and take notes digitally instead of printing out pages and making notes by hand. You can also use it to give presentations using a pdf file instead of a traditional presentation program. Operating System: OS X.

Improve Your Mind

3. Brain Workshop

Give "Dual N-Back" memory exercises a try with Brain Workshop. These simple tasks have been shown to improve short-term memory and fluid intelligence, and it may help reduce the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

4. Genius Genius can help you memorize almost anything—foreign language phrases, vocabulary words, historical events, legal definitions, even formal speeches. It uses a "spaced repetition" method that takes your previous answers into account when quizzing you on the material to be learned. Operating System: OS X.

5. The Mnemosyne Project

Like Genius, The Mnemosyne Project can help you learn almost anything using a flashcard-type interface. It uses a complicated algorithm to determine which card should come next in order to maximize the effectiveness of your study time. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

6. Parley

This program from the KDE Education Project can be used to learn any material, but many pre-made card sets are available. Unlike some of the other "flashcard" programs, it offers several different types of testing: multiple choice, fill in the blank, etc. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

7. Pauker

Pauker aims to strengthen your ultra-short-term, short-term, and long-term memory as you learn facts in a flashcard-like fashion. It's Java-based and available in a mobile version, so you can use it on almost any device. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

8. OpenCourseWare

Many universities have "open-sourced" the content of their classes. The link above isn't exactly an app, but it will connect you with free courses that you can take from dozens of leading institutions around the world. Operating System: OS Independent.

Become More Spiritual

9. Zekr Qu'ran

Available in several different languages, Zekr aims to make it easy to read and study the Qu'ran. It also includes a number of supported audio files, so you can hear the Qu'ran read aloud. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

10. BibleTime

This Bible study software offers access to more than 200 books, including different versions of the Bible, commentaries, dictionaries, and other Christian books. The Web site also offers a guide on how to study the Bible on your own. Operating System: Windows, Linux, BSD

11. Xiphos

Xiphons, formerly known as GnomeSword, offers many of the same features as BibleTime, as well as prayer list and journaling capabilities. Operating System: Windows, Linux

Give Open Source a Try

OK, we'll admit it—trying open-source software isn't at the top of the list of most popular New Year's Resolutions. But just in case your resolution is to try open source for the first time, these are some of the best apps for open-source newbies.

12. Firefox

Quickly becoming one of the most popular browsers available, Firefox attracts many new users with its speed and advanced security features. As an added bonus, it also offers a lot of personalization features and add-ons, so you can have a browser that's customized specifically for you. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

13. OpenOffice.org

You don't have to purchase Microsoft Office in order to open or save files in Microsoft formats. OpenOffice gives you word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and other office productivity software with many of the same features as their Microsoft counterparts. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X

14. OpenDisc

OpenDisc combines a lot of the most popular open-source apps for Windows in a single download. It includes apps like Dia, The Gimp, Inkscape, Scribus, Enigma, Firefox, Pidgin, RSSOwl, OpenOffice.org, and many others. If you'd rather not download such a big file, you can also pay a fee for a disk-based version. Operating System: Windows

15. PortableApps.com

Like OpenDisc, PortableApps.com combines many, many open-source apps in a single package. In this case, the selected apps are lightweight enough that you can take them with you on a thumb drive. That means you'll always have access to your favorite apps and settings no matter what system you're using. Operating System: Windows.

16. Ubuntu

If you're ready to make the big switch from Windows or Mac to Linux, consider Ubuntu. This version of Linux offers a particularly user-friendly look and feel, and it gives you instant access to all of the apps you're likely to need on a daily basis.

ALSO SEE: Open Source Downloads: the Monster List

AND: The Great Open Source Netbook Interface Race