Author: Administrator (Page 3 of 9)

In order to qualify as an open source program, a project must include the source code. This offers the user several benefits, but one of the most important features it the ability to customize a program to fit your exact needs.

With prepackaged software, you can encounter a few pitfalls.

-The program may not meet your exact needs, which means you have to modify your business model to work with the program.

-The software package may lock you in to one type of manufacturer. For example, Windows usually designs its products to work on Windows operating systems.

-The program may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Open source software, such as KMPlayer or VLC media player, helps you avoid these pitfalls. You can customize the code to modify everything from the user interface to the way the media player works. Many open source programs actually have versions available for various operating systems. If you prefer Linux to Mac, you can find the right version without having to pay any additional costs for the specific version.

Customizing your software programs can provide you with a competitive edge that will allow you to surpass the competition. Modifying the source code lets you create a program designed to boost your productivity. Additionally, you can use part of the source code to create a new program without having to pay a royalty or fee to the open source developer. For example, KMPlayer is a front-end program that relies on MPlayer for its back-end support.

You don’t have to rely only on open source programs for a customized software package, but it can be a starting point for you. Even if you have no experience modifying code, you can usually hire a programmer to make the modifications for you for less than it would cost to buy a package that won’t fit your needs perfectly.

If you enjoying playing online games, you probably know how your operating system can affect play. Older systems often run slower, which can be the difference between getting a top score and barely keeping up. See how your computer works with basic media player software, like VLC player and Xvid. If these programs run slow you might consider looking into buying a new systems with better graphics capabilities. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

1. Consider what games you’ll be playing.

Games like Assault Cube work well on any system. If this is your favorite game, you might not need to upgrade at all because the game only needs 40 MB for its package and 20 KB for each additional map. It even works with 56 Kbps connection speeds. However, if you’re planning to play World of Warcraft, you want a computer designed to handle RAM-hogging applications.

2. Determine what systems you run simultaneously.

Most online games provide you with the amount of RAM you need to run the program if you have no additional programs running on your computer during play. However, people rarely only have one program open. Your operating system may have an anti-virus program running, an Internet browser connecting you to the gaming interface, and email notifications running at the same time. If you don’t have enough RAM for all the programs, your system will begin to freeze, negatively affecting your game.

3. Look at things that will affect graphics.

The quality of your online gaming experience can boil down to your computer’s ability to handle graphics. Having an advanced processor, such as a quad; a graphics card that can handle the game you prefer; and a monitor capable of displaying high-quality graphics will ensure you have the best system in place for gaming.

Upgrading your computer can be the difference between liking online games and loving them. When it’s time to upgrade, keep the games you’ll be playing and your operating system in mind.

When it comes to free software, not all kinds are created equally. You may not even realize the difference between freeware, shareware, and trialware, but the difference can be significant. First, consider the definition for each type of program:

-Freeware, like TightVNC, is actually free. It is not a trial version, and a company didn’t design it as a marketing ploy.

-Trialware provides free access to a program for a set length of time. When the trial expires, you must purchase the program to continue using it.

-Shareware encourages consumers to use other products from the company. For example, Adobe Flash is a free product that the company shares with users to gain loyal customers who will purchase Adobe software packages.

The Benefits of Using Freeware

Of the three options, freeware is the only category designed with true freedom in mind. Many freeware programs fall under the Open Source Initiative, which means they are free of malicious coding like viruses or spyware. Examples of Open Source software are Openoffice, Ares, and Xvid, these programs are similar to their well-known competitios, except they offer the convenience of free software without the risk of corruptions.

Additionally, websites that offer freeware downloads usually screen the download options to ensure closed-source programs are also from reputable developers who aren’t out to steal your personal financial information. Usually, these sites will pull a download from the site should a user discover a problem with the program.

Finally, freeware can compete with commercial products. In some cases, the freeware program provides a competitive set of features and a large support network that can rival the offerings from a commercial company. Consider programs that offer remote computer access. You could use the trialware GoToMyPC and buy it if you like it, or you could start with the freeware program TightVNC and continue to use it as long as you like.

As you can see, freeware is different — and better — than trialware and shareware. When you want to expand your computer’s functions, consider freeware applications.

Have you ever opened your video player on your computer, popped it into the ROM and kicked back, only to see an error message appear that told you that you didn’t have the right codec to play it? Actually, if you even get the error message you should consider yourself lucky, often you will only get a blank picture or no sound. This probably has happened to most all of us.

VLC may have your answer. Even though VLC is capable of playing a wide spectrum of sound files and windows media, where it really makes its mark is as a video player. Although VLC is a lightweight audio and video player, it would seem it could show some of the same issues as other players. However, after using VLC for quite some time, you will find that VLC has no problem locating the correct codecs for your movies. It won’t have to order you to go find a file and then do something completely confusing to get it up and running.

Users will be hard put to find a codec that VLC will not play. You may not find a wonderfully aesthetic video player frame, filled with silly buttons and odd looking gadgets, but what you will find is a player that will quickly and smoothly play any video you set it to.

While many video players will provide you with an install wizard to help you get things up and running, VLC will make sure that for novice users, access to that wizard is permanent. VLC allows users to change the control interface to alter functionality.

Since VLC player rarely has trouble recognizing codecs, this may be the perfect player for you and your family. With little to no experience, you can manage your video player like an expert.

While no one would ever suggest infringing on a copyright, so many programs are available for free in this day and age that it makes you wonder why anyone would even need to even consider breaking this law. The growth of the open source movement has made purchasing software virtually obsolete for those who know about it. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular downloads:

Operating Systems

Whether you’re building a machine from scratch or simply upgrading, there’s no need to purchase an expensive OS from Microsoft or Apple when you can simply install a version of Linux on your computer. With the wide variety to choose from, you can even find one that looks and functions just like your favorite commercial product.

File Sharing Programs

While you can always find a file sharing program to purchase, why would you want to? With robust peer-to-peer file sharing applications like Ares and Cabos available for free, you couldn’t possibly purchase a better option.

Media Players

Tired of finding that perfect movie or music file only to discover Windows Media Player and Quicktime won’t play it? This can be a problem of the past when you upgrade to an open source media player like VLC Player or BS Player. Shh – don’t tell anyone, but you can even download the Xvid Codec for free to go along with your new player. This little bit of code allows users to easily watch or make videos using the MPEG-4 standard.

Business Software

If your computer didn’t come with Microsoft Office, there’s no need to decide between chunking out some cash for this preferred software package or making do with Microsoft Works. Simply switch over to the fully compatible OpenOffice.org suite of programs.

The best part about using free downloads is the freedom of commitment. If you don’t like what you originally chose, simply try something new!