DJB Guide: DJB Open Source Initiative

To be a part of the Dark Jedi brotherhood, all one need do is answer e-mail and participate in a few web-based activities. Any basic internet connection will allow anyone to join. To extend their involvement, members seek the use of programs other than their e-mail client and web browser. Included with their operating system are a basic word processing program and perhaps a rudimentary graphics program. They get the job done, though the results from such programs are usually undesirable. Striving for a better product, members turn to third-party software.

Commercial software is far too expensive for the casual member looking to improve their output in an online hobby. Though it has the capability to produce amazing results, commercial software is not a practical solution. Some members may seek to obtain this software illegally. Although there is not a direct rule against doing so, it is heavily discouraged within the club.

This is where Open Source software comes in. The DJB encourages its members to seek Open Source applications. They are a free, powerful alternative to their commercial counterparts. There is a great catalog of programs on the Open Source Alternative website.

DJB Approved

Below is a list of such programs that have been tested by the DJB Community and are deemed worthy, by category.

Graphics Software

Paint.Net

Excellent alternative to Adobe Photoshop.

GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program

A free program for photo editing and composition. Released under the GNU Greater Public License.

Internet Related Software

Thunderbird

If you're fed up with MS Outlook, Reclaim Your Inbox with Thunderbird.

Firefox

A popular web browser.

FileZilla

FileZilla is a fast and reliable FTP client and server with lots of useful features and an intuitive interface.

Office Software

Open Office Suite

This suite includes an alternative to Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access and others.