gnu license

Octave

Need something to help you understand all those complicated math equations in a breeze? Octave can help you out in that department. If you think that MatLab is awesome and want a similar type of software minus the dent in your pocket, Octave is your man. The program is the open source version of the commercial math program, MatLab. Despite being offered absolutely free, Octave still manages to stand up to its expensive counterpart. It provides an easy way for you to solve linear and non-linear mathematical problems. The program also works together with its paid counterpart so using it is a breeze if you are already familiar with the former. Solving math problems has just become so much easier with this cool new program. Check it out.

Skencil

Sketching in front of your computer has become much easier and cheaper thanks to programs like Skencil. Skencil is a vector drawing software that helps artists and enthusiasts create beautiful sketches on their computers. In spite of the name change (it was formerly known as "Sketch") all of the features and GUI remain intact. The program is very helpful for creating illustrations, diagrams as well as other types of drawings. The entire application is created almost entirely from Python which is makes it highly specialized yet still easy to use.

XMind – brainstorm and map your ideas the open-source way

We all have a lot of things going on in your mind. We try to remember the best ideas, but without a good way to scribble them down, they often flee away. If you think you need to take that mind-mapping to a digital level, then XMind is just what you need. It helps you note your ideas in an easily understandable fashion and share those ideas with your friends and co-workers. In addition, as an open-source software, you'd be sharing your mind-blowing thoughts to your team free, without the need to buy anything. This is also very useful for teams who telecommute and who often teleconference or meet on the web. XMind lets them draw their minds and ideas, create lines and associations, put pictures and make idea sharing more fun than drawing on a white board in a conference room.

Sweet Home 3D – decorate your home using Windows, Mac or Linux

Redecorating your room or your home can be a headache, especially if you don't know which goes with what, or if this furniture would fit in a small space. But here's a software that home interior designers, decorating enthusiasts and home/apartment owners would definitely like: Sweet Home 3D. Sweet Home 3D helps you visualize whatever floor plan you may have. Available for all platforms, it allows you to add and modify furniture, make rooms, configure size adjustments and preview them all in 3D as if you are a professional interior decorator or a seasoned architect.

Secret Maryo Chronicles – a fun and free open-source 2D game

Are you itching to play those 2D games that were once your favorites when you were a child? Here's something that you'd feel nostalgic about - the Secret Maryo Chronicles. Although it might sound like a rip-off from Super Mario Brothers, you'd find it very entertaining. All the similarities to Mario make the game a pleasant journey to your childhood, but the differences and additional features (like uploading your own backgrounds) make it a fresh experience. From collecting mushrooms to stepping on top of enemies' heads, you're sure to enjoy this game whether you are 13 or 30.

Avidemux – free and open-source video editing software

Do you need to edit some of your videos but you don't have the proper software? Don't worry - here comes Avidemux to the rescue. Avidemux is an open-source video editor software which allows you to digitize/capture video files using FireWire, cut clips, add filters & effects, fix colors and do so much more. With Avidemux, making your own home movies or editing your simple movie and video projects is as easy as 1-2-3. And best of all? You get it for free.

VLC

VLC is a free and open sourced very versatile video player. I've used it ever since I can remember and I've never came across an audio or video file it hasn't been able to open and play (see the full list of supported files below). Aside from it's amazing playback capabilities, VLC can also be used as an encoder and a server to stream many codecs, file formats, as well as DVDs, VCDs and various streaming protocols. VLC, written by the VideoLAN project, is open source software licensed under a GNU General Public License, which means it is entirely free to download, use and share - even for commercial purposes. VLC is also one of the most platform-independent multimedia players - it is available for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, BeOS, Syllable, BSD, MorphOS, Solaris and Sharp Zaurus - and it has been translated to many different languages.