Here are a few things you need to be aware of before we proceed with the top five free software download sources.

Why isn’t all software free of charge?

Hardware performance also asks for improvements in software development. A computer would be practically useless without the necessary software and visual interface to facilitate the communication between users and processors (even if you spoke binary, you still wouldn’t be able to read your mail or watch movies!). But software involves writing thousands of code lines, which takes time, effort and, obviously, human resources. Economically speaking, it is still an investment. Something you can sell. This is why users usually have to pay for software.

Shareware is something in between free and paid software. Shareware will offer you a free, limited license you can take advantage of to test the product. After the trial period expires, you will be prompted to buy the software if you are satisfied with it.

How about open source?

Some companies and software developers have other ways of obtaining the financial support they need to continue their software development activity. They might have sponsors or other sources of income besides selling their own work, or they can simply afford to release free versions from time to time. Besides, the program can be too simple to require an extraordinary effort or intricate coding, so it would be a little exaggerated to ask money for it. Therefore, the web is packed with software that end users can obtain without paying.

Most software developers usually release two versions of the same program:

• - The “lite” version, which includes basic features and is free of charge
• - The “pro” or “full” version, which comes with extra features and functionality. These extra features are a bit harder to implement, and this is why the user will have to pay in order to benefit from them.

How to tell the difference between open source and piracy?

When we talk about free downloads, we can’t keep ourselves from thinking about the pirate software temptation. Writing code for an original piece of software is just like writing a book. It was your idea, so you are the only one who has the right to decide what to do with it. You are also the only one to decide if others will have to pay in order to make use of your work. Since it really is a mad world out there, let’s talk about the way developers protect their work from unauthorized use.

Developers include security measures (such as unique codes, certificates, seals, holograms etc.) to prove the user has made a payment to receive the software. These codes activate the software copy after purchase. However, hackers always find ways to crack executable files and delete the sequences responsible for security checks. They are also able to find the pattern used to generate unique codes and trick the security algorithms.

Open source software (freeware) will never ask you for a CD key or any other proof of purchase. You will be able to install the software as is. However, if your software comes in a package and there is no sign of seals, holograms or certificates, then you have a reason to suspect it is not genuine. Contacting the vendor is the best way to set things straight.

Also, if you download software and you find any folders named “Crack” or files containing CD keys you know you didn’t pay for, then you can rest assured that you are breaking the law by installing and using the package – assuming it is virus free…

Get free software – Legally!

Not all software downloads are illegal. “Open source” literally means the software code (source) can be used by anyone (open) free of charge. However, this doesn’t mean it can be also reproduced! For your own safety, take note of these five trusted websites you can use to download free software legally:

CNET is one of the largest software databases out there – it has even outgrown Softpedia! Their software is scanned regularly using a powerful antivirus, so you shouldn’t worry about security. Their database includes about 100,000 free applications for all operating systems. Moreover, if you are in doubt, users’ ratings and reviews will help you make a decision!

Unlike CNET, ZDNet Downloads doesn’t have any user feedback options, but it is 101% safe and has a wide range of both free and paid software to choose from. And it’s been around for about twenty years!

Tucow’s Butterscotch proposes a completely different approach to free software downloading. It has a very warm and friendly interface. Butterscotch is the perfect place to be if you wish to safely and legally download the most popular applications (unlike CNET and ZDNet, popularity seems to be a priority over performance). Delicious downloads!

Brothersoft is very similar to CNET and ZDNet. If you wish to be up to date with the latest software news, feel free to check out the Editor’s Blog. They also have a large software library, either paid, shareware or freeware.

The Freeware Files library contains free software only. If you are looking for freeware, you won’t have to waste your time sorting or refining your search results.

In conclusion

Here they are! Your top five trusted download sources. Hopefully, you are now aware of the dark side of piracy. Besides breaking the law, you also risk damaging your computer, as you might get into viruses, spyware and all sorts of nasty things! So keep an eye on your downloads!

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The cheapest and most reliable web hosting plans usually have Linux as their operating system because it is a free open source software that is easy to service and install. However, Linux wasn’t always so convenient or popular, and at one point it was only used by corporations with IT departments and in-house residents. Over the years, Linux developed into many flavors that are friendly to even the most novice user. The following are some of the most cited reasons for using Linux hosting instead of Windows.

Open Source Compatibility

As an open source software, Linux is compatible with virtually any programming platform other than those that are native to Windows or Microsoft technology. Some of the programming languages that Linux is compatible with that are incredibly popular are the three Ps -  PHP, Perl and Python. Since the operating system is open source, new programming languages can be developed around the Linux base to ensure future compatibility, and existing languages can be amended to accommodate the Linux software. This allows hosting companies to provide instant support and continue expanding their technological capabilities within an open source platform. With a Windows server, hosting companies have to wait on updates from Microsoft, and they cannot add custom developments to the operating system.

Stability and Security

Surprisingly, even though the operating system is free, it is generally much more reliable than the Windows operating system because anyone can perform maintenance on the software without waiting for the operating systems manufacturer. This makes Linux a stable solution that can be maintained by anyone with the knowledge and willpower to do so. Linux is also one of the most secure operating systems, which is another reason why so many people use it for web hosting in an industry which security is of the utmost concern. The Linux operating system effectively keeps your web site free from worms, intrusion and third party viruses that can compromise the safety of your online business. This reliable protection minimizes downtime and keeps your site up and running without any problems more than 99.9 percent of the time.

Limited Limitations

The Linux operating system is not without its limitations however, as it is not compatible with some Microsoft based software that are commonly used by bigger businesses. For example, Microsoft Sharepoint could not be installed on a Linux server without virtualization software. Fortunately, if you’re experienced enough, you can install a visualization software and urn Windows within the Linux operating system, completely eliminating such limitations. Thus, there are very few limitations within the Linux operating system, and it is easy to see why it has progressed from a private to a public solution in the past two decades.

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There are many reasons to choose open source CMS software over competing business systems. These advantages include:

• Cost
• Stability/performance
• Safety
• Support

The main reason user’s switch to open-source software of any kind is cost. Open-source is a free version of code created by a community of programmers and developers. In these difficult times, the most economical type of software is those that are free. To cut costs, many businesses are transferring to open source solutions while continuing to maintain the same quality and consistency offered by commercial systems.

The second advantage is the stability and performance provided by this type of software. Since open source CMS solutions tend to have a broader installation, they are more extensively tested and improved through those experiences in a professional environment. There are no target ship dates for open source CMS software because it is constantly being updated and expanded to ensure consistency and robustness.

The third benefit is safety in the code. Commercial software systems are all closed source meaning the code is hidden. Therefore, gaps, bugs and harmful code cannot be identified in advance, thus it cannot be corrected upstream. Finally, support is always a major factor in all software systems. With open source CMS solutions, there are extensive forums and emailing lists to contact experts for support, all of which is free.

When searching for a CMS, it is important to find one that is right for the needs of your business, be it commercial or open source. Each offer their own advantages and disadvantages, however, if it comes down to cost, open source may turn out to be the most efficient solution.

Although commercial systems will never replace open-source alternatives, they do provide excellent competition will their many appealing advantages, especially cost. The software industry as a whole is turning more toward extensively supported software compared to commercial options. Companies continue to switch to open source CMS solutions each day because it fits their business model best and improves their online presence.

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A CMS (Content Management System) is essentially a web based application included with most hosting plans that let you design, organize, and manage your web sites with ease. In essence, webmasters that use CMS to create their sites are considered new school, while those that still utilize static HTML pages are considered to be old school. In this articles we’ll discuss some of the differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision for your own web sites.

Simplicity

As a developer, using static HTML pages gives you limited functionality unless you’re highly proficient with various programming languages that can be utilized within certain frameworks. Basically, it is much more difficult to express yourself as a developer using static HTML pages because it requires a great amount of skill to match the quality of a CMS generated page. With a CMS you can utilize templates that give you a head start in the development process, and you can also add, delete, or edit content on your pages through the convenient user interface. Creating a web site consisting of HTML pages requires you to create each page individually, whereas CMS templates apply to the entire web site.

Functionality

Content management systems can be improved and expanded upon infinitely because they are open source software. As a result, there are hundreds of plugins available for popular CMS like WordPress, all of which enhance the functionality of the software allowing you to perform tasks that were previously impossible, or simplifying tasks that are currently mundane. Some content management systems even have SEO plugins that will improve your search engine ranking. Instead of designing a page from scratch you use predesigned templates, and then simply edit the CSS/Style sheet of the template to change colors, font, borders, and various other aspects of the site’s formatting.

Conclusion

If you want to continuously maintain your page without having to edit HTML coding repeatedly then you should strongly considered the superior functionality of a good content management system. On the other hand, if you want to improve your skills as a developer and create completely original pages from scratch then it may be advantageous to learn some HTML. Learning HTML is certainly beneficial for most web developers, as it enhances their ability to edit or even create new CMS themes. However, if you decide to use content management system templates then the only programming language that you really need to understand is CSS.

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Preparing For The Creation of a New Website

Although Joomla will help you create your site, you’ll need to have a game plan to begin with. It is a good idea to brainstorm and determine exactly what you want from your site. Consider not only your own needs, but also the wants and needs of your targeted audience. Once you know what your goals are, it will be a lot easier to develop a website that is specifically designed around your business. You can use this information to ascertain what web applications would be beneficial to your content management systems. For example, if you know that the majority of your visitors are looking for multimedia content, then it would be wise to install a multimedia application that could aid in the process of uploading, editing and organizing gall of your site’s media.

Populating Your Site With Useful Content

Once you’ve finished the site’s design and you have a game plan, you’ll need to add content to the site, or transfer the content from your old site. If you are just using Joomla to redesign your site then you do not have to worry about this step, as the design process in Joomla will not affect the content that is currently on your site. If you do not have any content to work with then you have several options. You can write the content or you may have the content written for you.

If you are considering re-spun content, such as using web applications to collect, add and revise content may be beneficial for autobloggers, it generally is not a good idea if you’re trying to build long term success with your site. If you want to win in the long run then you’ll need to have original content on your site. If you are not a great writer, then you can hire writers on one of the many freelancing forums found online. Most of these writers have feedback that will let you make the right decision when buying content for your site. Once you have possession of the content you can upload it directly into the Joomla CMS, and the content management system will upload the articles for you depending on your preferences. You can choose to upload content on a scheduled basis, to give your visitors something new everyday, or you can upload the content all at once. Joomla users also have the ability to assign passwords to their writer’s so they can log in and upload the work themselves upon completion.

Maintaining Your Site With Joomla

Since Joomla is an open source software, there are new developments for it being created on a daily basis. In fact, anyone with interest has the ability to create an application that is compatible with Joomla. Due to it;s ever expanding nature, the operation and functionality of Joomla is something that you will be learning and improving upon throughout your time as a webmaster. While you’ll be able to learn the basic functions within a matter of days, it may take months before you truly realize the power  this CMS can give you. Joomla is more than a software that brings convenience, it also brings profit, as it improves the overall quality of your website.

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InterWorx control panel is known as a cluster control panel, in other words it is capable of administrating several servers at once, although it can also be used to manage a single server as well.  InterWorx is also optimal for a dedicated server environment, and its multi-leveled user interface is simple to learn, yet very powerful. The software was originally designed to accommodate the administration needs of users with multiple servers, however over time the developers included simpler features for novice users. Both resellers and end-users can benefit equally from this software, as the server space allotted is not restricted on either end.  There are two main interfaces within the InterWorx software: the  SiteWorx (domain/reseller administration module),  and NodeWorx (server administration module)

Ease of Use

Although InterWorx is capable of handling complex administration tasks, it’s learning curve is relatively simple, even for novice users. It’s simplicity is compounded by the easy to use tool guide located in plain view on the main navigational page. In comparison to other control panels, InterWorx  is very easy to learn, and all of the features can be figured out by simply experimenting with the software.

Multiple Domains

Increasing web presence by owning multiple domains has become very popular in recent years, and InterWorxs realizes the demand for a control panel that can handle unlimited domains. In fact, InterWorks gives users the ability to build multiple websites from a single interface with the use of FTP, SSH and secure databases.  All of your domains receive email account administration and HTML directories. The only thing you need to worry about is the amount of disk space your web hosting provider offers.

Installation Application – ScriptWorx

InterWorx also includes an application called ScriptWorx, which allows you to install virtually any third party application with ease. These applications can greatly enhance the quality and functionality of your website by offering shopping carts, content, blogs, media galleries and more. Some of the applications will also greatly boost your marketing efforts, thereby increasing your business productivity. Since InterWorx is an open source software, developers can also use the integrated ScriptWorx tool to write their own scripts which can then be integrated into th software. This make InterWorx a very appealing control panel to programmers and developers.  Included in the software is an update utility which gives programmers regular updates on new programming languages and scripts.

Compact Yet Powerful

Since InterWorx is scripted in PHP and powered by MySQL, it is a very compact yet powerful program. In fact, the control panel uses less resources than a single Apache server.  InterWorx also includes a load balancing utility that allows the software to run quietly and efficiently in the background without disrupting any other functions on your operating system.

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What is nopCommerce?

nopCommerce is a stable, fully customizable, highly usable e-commerce system.  What makes this open-source application stand out from all the rest is the underlying technologies.  Unlike most similar carts scripted in open-source languages such as PHP or Perl, this one is written in Microsoft’s proprietary ASP.NET 3.5 and thrives off a MS SQL back-end database.  This gives nopCommerce the best of both worlds has it is extremely powerful and very cost effective.  In fact, the shopping cart is totally free to use.

nopCommerce Features and Capabilities

The nopCommerce software is easy to use and perfectly suited for online shop owners who have outgrown their existing systems.  How easy to use is it?  nopCommerce can be installed, setup and maintained by virtually anyone possessing the basic computing and website administration skills.  A secure and scalable e-commerce platform, it offers a user-friendly interface and administration tools that allow you to effectively manage your online storefront and customers.  You have control over features such as discounts, coupons, wish lists, tax options, shipping methods and much more.  nonCommerce is capable of handling multiple languages and supports most of the popular gateways including Authorize.net, 2Checkout, Google Checkout and PayPal among others.

nopCommerce provides a catalog frontend and allows complete administration on the back-end, delivering everything you need to quickly set up a fully functioning professional storefront.

This e-commerce solution comes integrated with a variety of great features that are easy to use for the new and inexperienced user, yet powerful enough to suite the needs of seasoned merchants with the most demanding operations.  Offering a built-in shopping cart, easy catalog management, shipping calculation, credit card processing, template customization and a wealth of other powerful tools, there isn’t much you can’t do with this amazing e-commerce system.  The nopCommerce package comes with access to a well organized base of resources, technical support and valuable information provided by a fast growing community.

A Solid Choice for Open-source

The fact that you will not find too many open-source programs boasting the ASP.NET tag makes nopCommerce something truly special.  This flexible e-commerce system is growing rapidly in popularity, making it easier to land a web hosting provides that offers support for the application.  Because the software is relatively new, it remains to be seen whether or not nopCommerce can hold a candle to well known open-source shopping carts such as osCommerce, Agora and Cube Cart.  However, the software has generated a lot of buzz in a very short time and as of now, industry reviews are indicating that this e-commerce platform is all good.

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