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Finding Freeware Listing Sites?

A not-so Anonymous Coward asks: "CNET's download.com has become a 'pay to list' service, so it doesn't make sense to list freeware there, anymore. What are the best alternatives? Also, you cannot post linux software there anymore for any price: 'Note: We are no longer accepting any new submissions for Linux, and we will be discontinuing all coverage of Linux on our download sites shortly.' What is the hard working but generous coder supposed to do?"

97 comments

  1. The answer: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    What is the hard working but generous coder supposed to do?

    Start writing Windows shareware obviously.

    1. Re:The answer: by leifm · · Score: 4, Funny

      When I was taking VB6, which was unfortunately required for my degree, my teacher was sitting in class one day 'coding' something, and someone asks him what he's doing. And he says with a straight face "I'm writing a screensaver that will display pictures from a directory and after 5 pictures it locks up and they have to pay me $30 to continue using it"

      --

      "Windows Me offers tremendous reliability and stability improvements..." -- Paul Thurott
    2. Re:The answer: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You should have done the exact same project as a final project, except without the lockup and $30 part. Then you know you will get an A if it doesn't work !

    3. Re:The answer: by leifm · · Score: 1

      I just thought it was weird that dude was writing a screensaver that's part of Windows already. Who the hell does he think is going to buy it?

      --

      "Windows Me offers tremendous reliability and stability improvements..." -- Paul Thurott
    4. Re:The answer: by sydb · · Score: 0, Redundant

      Isn't the idea that no-one buys it, they just try it out randomly and then have to pay $30 to get back into their PC? You know, he wasn't being altogetber serious?

      --
      Yours Sincerely, Michael.
    5. Re:The answer: by SpaceLifeForm · · Score: 1

      Actually, that is the message from Microsoft.
      You *did* know that CNET is in Microsoft's back pocket didn't you?
      Just another attack on Linux from Microsoft.

      --
      You are being MICROattacked, from various angles, in a SOFT manner.
    6. Re:The answer: by Craig+Lockwood · · Score: 1

      File sharing (Kazaa, Morpheus etc) can be an excellent resource for such a program, the only problem would be filtering through all of the porn and warez.

  2. Sourceforge and Freshmeat might help by GrosTuba · · Score: 0

    What is the problem (pros and cons) with hosting your project on Sourceforge and having it listed in Freshmeat ? I have no project there myself, but it looks like it does the job right fine for a whole lot of projects, doesn't it ?

    It seems to me that Freshmeat is The Right Place to have your freeware linux-based project listed, but I may be wrong...

    --
    Who needs a .sig anyway ?
    1. Re:Sourceforge and Freshmeat might help by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting
      Read the TOS for sourceforge sometime. Any code you submit via CVS may be used by sourceforge and affiliates (ie all of VA Linux incuding slashdot) under any license they desire.


      So while you may use their cvs for a GPL project, va linux can make a proprietary fork of it at anytime, or sell the rights to use the code to a commercial company.


      That's the reason that mysql uses p4 for versioning, and only uses sf.net for binary downloads.


      Savannah.gnu.org is a GPL fork of sourceforge used primarily for GNU projects, but will host any GPL project. BSD/other licenses don't care about proprietary forks, so sf.net is still useable for cvs.


      Mods - before you kneejerk me down to -1, I suggest you do give the sf.net TOS a very thorough reading.

    2. Re:Sourceforge and Freshmeat might help by rmohr02 · · Score: 3, Interesting
      From the sf.net TOS (emphasis mine):
      6. LICENSING AND OTHER TERMS APPLYING TO CODE AND OTHER CONTENT POSTED ON SOURCEFORGE.NET: ...
      With respect to text or data entered into and stored by publicly-accessible site features such as message boards and bug trackers ("SourceForge.net Public Content"), the submitting user retains ownership of such SourceForge.net Public Content; with respect to publicly-available statistical content which is generated by the site to monitor and display project activity, such content is owned by SourceForge.net. In each such case, the submitting user grants SourceForge.net the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive and fully sublicensable right and license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform and display such Content (in whole or part) worldwide and/or to incorporate it in other works in any form, media, or technology now known or later developed, all subject to the terms of any applicable approved license.
      So they still have to stick with an OSI-approved license, but there's a world of difference between licenses such as MIT and BSD compared to the GPL.
    3. Re:Sourceforge and Freshmeat might help by toast0 · · Score: 1

      You neglected to include the first paragraph of section 6...

      Use, reproduction, modification, and other intellectual property rights to data stored in CVS or as a file release and posted by any user on SourceForge.net ("Source Code") shall be subject to the OSI-approved license applicable to such Source Code, or to such other licensing arrangements that may be approved by SourceForge.net as applicable to such Source Code.

      This paragraph says that the use of the code is subject to the license chosen to apply to the code .

      The paragraph you quoted says stuff that people write in message boards and bug reports is subject to whatever SourceForge wants to do with it. I would argue that putting files into cvs is not part of the 'publicly accessible site features' since the public can't put whatever into my project.

    4. Re:Sourceforge and Freshmeat might help by rmohr02 · · Score: 1
      I would argue that putting files into cvs is not part of the 'publicly accessible site features' since the public can't put whatever into my project.
      But they can use CVS anonymously. Either way, I'd like to see it tested in court.
    5. Re:Sourceforge and Freshmeat might help by PMcGovern · · Score: 3, Informative

      This paragraph (#6) is intended for text entered in tracker items, mailng lists archives and other posts you, the user, might enter onto SourceForge.net.

      (Most sites have similar paragraphs to protect themselves from liability issues)

      A project's code on SourceForge.net is different. The OSI license you use to release the code is the license that stands. If we, OSDN, ever decided to fork a project, we would have to follow the same rules and regulations that are governed in the project's OSI license. (no different then anyone else wishing to fork the code)

      I hope this clears things up a bit.

      Patrick McGovern
      Director, SourceForge.net
      pat@sf.net

  3. What programs have you paid for ? by RGRistroph · · Score: 2, Insightful

    What trialware or shareware programs were good enough that you "registered" or paid for them ?

    Were you coerced into it by nag screens and lack of functionality, or was it primarily good will and the desire to do the right thing ?

    1. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      TextPad (Windows text editor)
      HanDBase (Palm DB app)
      VCDeasy (at the time free, but paid anyway)

      --

      I use TextPad for hours each day. I used to use HanDBase a lot, but them my Palm died, so that one doesn't get used anymore.

      Neither TextPad nor HanDBase had bad nags. It was just worth it to pay for something I got so much use out of to ensure that it would get further development.

      For VCDeasy, it was worth money because it does what I need it to do, and the alternatives would all be about $50.

    2. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by Godeke · · Score: 1

      I haven't found anything lately, but I still use the following:

      UltraEdit - a great lightweight text/hex/programmers editor. Even throw in the upgrade fee every couple years.

      WinZip - a looooong time ago, but my code still works in new version.

      GetRight - similar functionalty is now everywhere, but at the time was better than dropping a file 90% of the way to completion.

      SecondCopy - simple way to back files off of desktops onto a server share where they can then be put on tape.

      I have registered others, but some are obsolete these days. This doesn't include a couple of little games I keep on my desktop to kill 10 minutes here and there... (and that don't throw my machine into fullscreen mode).

      --
      Sig under construction since 1998.
    3. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by Otter · · Score: 1
      The free demo of Prism from GraphPad Software just completely saved my ass, so I've put in a request to purchase it. Partly because the demo is time-limited and I want to make sure it's available when I need it again, but also just to thank them.

      But most shareware I buy after nag screens. They're probably your best bet for maximizing registrations.

    4. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by Hollinger · · Score: 1

      WinRar - http://www.rarsoft.com

      Compare It! - http://www.grigsoft.com

      LimeWire - http://www.limewire.com

      Object Desktop / WindowBlinds - http://www.stardock.net

      For me, it was the fact that the above applications performed flawlessly, and fit my needs perfectly.

    5. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by Eagle7 · · Score: 1

      Codetek Virtual Desktop for OS X.

      It performed better than I had hoped, and the price was resonable.

      --
      _sig_ is away
    6. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Windows 3.1. After that I got an internet-connection. ;-)

    7. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by zeugma-amp · · Score: 1

      I'll second you on TextPad. It rocks. I don't have windows anymore though, so I don't use it anymore. I really did like the "Brief" compatability mode. Until about a year ago, I kept a DOS partition available for hardcore Brief editing. Nothing like using a 10 year old copy of a program to do serious text editing. I've still not found anything to replace the ease with which it worked on columns of text as well as lines.

      --
      This is an ex-parrot!
    8. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by Eneff · · Score: 1

      1. Textpad. It's a great little editor, though I use vi these days.

      2. BRE - back from my SysOp days. :) ...poor authors... I was too poor to buy anything when I needed to use shareware. Now there's so much libre and gratis software hanging around that I don't need to buy much...

      Though shareware has become much more subtle... if you think about it, Oracle is shareware now. Anyone can download it off Oracle's website...

    9. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by stef0x77 · · Score: 1

      EditPlus. A great little text editor with almost everything you'd need.

    10. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by funkhauser · · Score: 1
      LimeWire - http://www.limewire.com

      Let me see if I follow you: You paid for Limewire... so you could steal music and movies? Umm... You lost me there... why not just pirate LimeWire too?

    11. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by BeneDux · · Score: 0

      Two shareware apps that come to mind immediately are UltraEdit (text editor) and BeyondCompare (file comparison tool). Both are full featured professionally designed applications with good support and updates that contain true enhancements and bug fixes.
      It is hard to find shareware that isn't a one-off program that the developer tires of supporting after realizing that he isn't going to make a millions dollars in license sales.

      --
      In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king.
    12. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by Jah-Wren+Ryel · · Score: 1

      Powerstrip - but the nag screen is so unintrusive and the software is otherwise 100% functional, so whenever I reinstall, I never bother to even enter my registration code. It is a useful tool that I wanted to support, so I did.

      --
      When information is power, privacy is freedom.
    13. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by R2.0 · · Score: 1

      Password Tracker - works like a champ. This was before Mozilla came out with password remembering and form filling. For that matter, it still does it better than Mozilla does.

      --
      "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." A. Carlson
    14. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by Jucius+Maximus · · Score: 1
      " What trialware or shareware programs were good enough that you "registered" or paid for them ? Were you coerced into it by nag screens and lack of functionality, or was it primarily good will and the desire to do the right thing ?"

      Here is a list of the ones I have paid for:

      UltimateZIP - a winzip cline
      Trillian - a mult-IM program
      QueryWEB - automate the publishing of MS Access databases to the web
      VNC - lovely OSS remote desktop program
      Turbo Navigator - Norton Commander-esque dual paned file manager

      Interestingly, NONE of these had nag screens and there was no benefit of getting more functionality functionality at the time I paid (i.e. trillian pro was not accounced, UltimateZIP has not added the sponsor screen.) All of those could be just used for FREE forever . But they were useful so I paid.

      In contrast, stuff with annoying nag screens was promptly deleted because the nag screens made it useless. The only shareware games I ever bought to get the extra functionality were RedHook's Revenge and One Must Fall 2097. And those only had gentle shareware reminders and you could play the shareware forever if you wanted.

    15. Re:What programs have you paid for ? by tacmakr · · Score: 1

      I bought ViewCompanion - Converts HPGLII to just about anything.

  4. Not just software.... images? by AtariAmarok · · Score: 1

    I hope this is not off-topic, but I've wondered for some time if there is a repository for images which are not copyrighted or otherwise IP-controlled: material made available for sharing. This would include artwork, photos, and scanned historic documents and images.

    Does such a thing exist?

    --
    Don't blame Durga. I voted for Centauri.
    1. Re:Not just software.... images? by keesh · · Score: 1

      deviantart.com

    2. Re:Not just software.... images? by Sul3n3t · · Score: 1

      Actually Deviant Art is really good. They are huge, and I think they are free.

    3. Re:Not just software.... images? by johnraphone · · Score: 1

      gimp-savvy.com's public domain images: here

    4. Re:Not just software.... images? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You might want to check out photo.net, originally created by Phillip Greenspun of Arsdigita fame. I can't guarantee that the images there are royalty-free - in fact, I'm quite sure that they are copyrighted but they do appear to be published for exposure to the general populace. I presume that each source has it's own rules for re-use of the images.

    5. Re:Not just software.... images? by mkartha · · Score: 1

      Just came across this today: http://www.freeimages.co.uk/
      From their site:
      About Free Images
      Free images is a high quality resource of digital stock photographic images for use by all.
      All images are free to use on websites and printed materials, Terms Apply

      I mentioned that you should check Phillip Greenspun's creation http://www.photo.net a few days ago but was not logged in (like a newbie) so it posted anonymously.

  5. It just occured to me by leifm · · Score: 2, Informative

    yesterday that I have entirely stopped going to download.com for anything. I used to hit that site several times a day. Now I either search for what I am looking for (either app name or what I want it to do) on google or check versiontracker/sourceforge/apple. But I definately use google to find free apps more than anything else.

    --

    "Windows Me offers tremendous reliability and stability improvements..." -- Paul Thurott
    1. Re:It just occured to me by paganizer · · Score: 1

      I haven't darkened cnets doorstep since they killed winfiles.com, probably the greatest site ever created for win compatible shareware and drivers.

      Not only could you find anything on the site, but it actually had a decent automatic payment system for shareware registration.

      Tucows is probably the closest thing these days.

      --
      Why, yes, I AM a Pagan Libertarian.
    2. Re:It just occured to me by Angry+Pixie · · Score: 1

      Windows95.com my friend... Windows95.com...

      And before that, Sunsite and just about every public FTP. I remember when wuarchive.wustl.edu used to carry a bunch of pictures as well. Anyone remember why?? None of them were royalty-free (if that was a concern back in those days).

      I use Google nowadays too. I used to frequent CNET for software/hardware reviews, but that was back when CNET had a show on Sci-Fi channel. Since then, software reviews have been stupid and irrelevent to say the least. :(

  6. Sourceforge by Gothmolly · · Score: 1

    Will list your product, and even help you organize the support for it with mailing lists.

    --
    I want to delete my account but Slashdot doesn't allow it.
    1. Re:Sourceforge by nocomment · · Score: 1

      I'd recommend sourceforge, unless you are not releasing the source, in whioh case www.linussoftware.org might be a good place to list your software.

      --
      /* oops I accidentally made a comment, sorry */
      /* http://allyourbasearebelongto.us */
  7. Well...if it is open source.... by ERJ · · Score: 1

    Well, for open source stuff there is always SourceForge and Freshmeat.

  8. A few for the newbie... by singularity · · Score: 5, Informative

    A few that some newbies may not have thought about:

    FreshMeat, which will do a lot for your Linux software needs.

    SourceForge for GPL software hosting (CVS and bug tracking, even)

    For a more general software needs, VersionTracker, which started with Mac software, now lists Mac, OS X, Windows, and Palm software. For anything other than Macintosh listings, though, it tends to be somewhat limited.

    Tocows also lists a lot of software. I have not looked through their Linux listings, but the Mac listings are pretty decent.

    --
    - (c) 2018 Hank Zimmerman
    1. Re:A few for the newbie... by henrik · · Score: 1

      SourceForge is evil nowadays. Use Savannah instead at http://savannah.gnu.org/. Remeber SourceForge no longer is free software, so do not support their evil empire actions.

    2. Re:A few for the newbie... by mtoley · · Score: 1

      How the heck do I find the Windows and Linux sections of versiontracker.com? I can't find any links to these sections.

  9. Tucows by leifm · · Score: 1

    That is still around isn't it? I never really liked Tucows much, but I believe that whole deal continues to exist, although they might charge for all I know.

    --

    "Windows Me offers tremendous reliability and stability improvements..." -- Paul Thurott
    1. Re:Tucows by Horny+Smurf · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Tucows charges for reviews, but they don't charge for listings (although a donation makes a listing appear faster.)

  10. No Linux? What the...... by Asprin · · Score: 3, Interesting


    Discontinuing all Linux support? Did I miss something or did sombody BUY Cnet this week?

    Oh, I see the problem now. Take a look at this snippet from the new upload.com web page:

    Welcome to the new Upload.com! Submitting your software product through Upload.com gets you listed in CNET Networks' download library, which delivers 2.5 million downloads per day. The basic processing fee is $79 to list your product in Download.com, ZDNet Downloads, and MSN Downloads.

    Does anyone know who owns Cnet?



    (Yeah, probably a troll, but not really. I'm genuine about the "who owns them" question because it just seems like an odd choice to make, you know, like Netscape announcing they're laying off 50 Netscape developers a couple of weeks after signing the MS agreement that gives them IE for seven years. It's just odd, you know?)

    --
    "Lawyers are for sucks."
    - Doug McKenzie
    1. Re:No Linux? What the...... by morcheeba · · Score: 1

      the company is CNET Networks, "CNET" on the NASDAQ. The own a bunch of other services.

    2. Re:No Linux? What the...... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Does anyone know who owns Cnet?

      I did, until last week. They were 60 cents per share in October 2002, so I figured I might give them a try and invested about $2,000 my father gave me for graduation. Even though everyone said it was a stupid thing to do, sold them two weeks ago for about $8 per share, pocketed $25K, minus about $6K that will have to go to Uncle Sam, $19K total.

      But to answer your question - no, I don't know who ows them. Probably some shareholder.

    3. Re:No Linux? What the...... by SN74S181 · · Score: 1

      like Netscape announcing they're laying off 50 Netscape developers a couple of weeks after signing the MS agreement that gives them IE for seven years.

      That's not a coincidence at all. It's like a farmer deciding to grow corn, instead of tomatoes, so he lays off the tomato pickers.

      Why do you pose it like it's some big mystery?

  11. how hard can it be? by reaper20 · · Score: 2, Offtopic

    apt-cache search foo :)

  12. Well.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    *BSD is Dead. God rest *BSD's soul.

    1. Re:Well.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, no, no! May Satan rest *BSD's soul. Well... after he's done fucking Saddam Hussein.

  13. Versiontracker by pv2b · · Score: 2, Informative

    There is Versiontracker, which is very popular in the Macintosh community.

    I'm not sure if it's free to list there, but with the amount of low-quality software on there I can image it is.

    Oh, and there's Freshmeat too.

  14. Tinyapps by zhiwenchong · · Score: 3, Informative

    Tinyapps has some nice gems for Win32. The collection is not very big though.

  15. Are you f*ing serious? by Outland+Traveller · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Who the heck uses CNET for finding free linux software? Who still calls open source software "freeware"?

    Someone just fell off the turnip truck, I expect.

    HINT: The answer you are looking for is a lot easier to find on slashdot than the "submit a story" link.

    1. Re:Are you f*ing serious? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      Maybe the person really doesn't mean Free Software, but means no-cost software without the source code. It's still out there, you know.

    2. Re:Are you f*ing serious? by leifm · · Score: 1

      I get the impression the submitter is asking about windows, because as you have pointed out anyone who's used Linux for more than 10 min has figured out download.com isn't good for anything.

      --

      "Windows Me offers tremendous reliability and stability improvements..." -- Paul Thurott
  16. for macusers by BortQ · · Score: 1
    There are a few nice sites out there for mac software. VersionTracker is the king, but MacUpdate is good too.

    Then there is MacGamefiles if you only want games.

    --

    A Multiplayer Strategy Game for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux
  17. Apparently.... by Ummagumma · · Score: 2, Funny

    What is the hard working but generous coder supposed to do?

    Apparently, sell your software.

    *rimshot*

    --
    "The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground." - Thomas Jefferson
  18. FSF/UNESCO Free Software Directory by henrik · · Score: 1

    FSF/UNESCO Free Software Directory at http://www.gnu.org/directory/

  19. Start your own site by DesScorp · · Score: 1

    Nothing like rolling up your sleeves and doing it yourself. You wouldn't neccessarily have to host the downloads themselves, just link to where you CAN download them.

    The internet used to be brimming with freeware sites. They haven't completely gone away, but they're dissapearing fast. I mean true freeware sites, not shareware sites, or sites with crippleware.

    Maybe it's just me, but I think it's another sign the Net's "free ride" days are over.

    --
    Life is hard, and the world is cruel
    1. Re:Start your own site by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I DID START MY OWN SITE YOU LIMP DICK FAGGOT HAHAHAHAHAH I yea whatever. i'm gonna end this post

      I'm drunk. I'm still drunk but I'm avoid the caps ratio limit.

  20. Freeware is not dead! by WuWarrior · · Score: 2, Informative

    I've been using Nonags.com for years.

  21. www.nonags.com by michaelredux · · Score: 5, Informative

    www.nonags.com identifies "free" (as in beer) software that has "no nags" (no nag screens or crippled features). they have a good selection of open source software as well as "freely-distributable" (binary only) software.

    1. Re:www.nonags.com by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      NoNags.com is definitely worth a bookmark. Excellent selection and well sorted.

    2. Re:www.nonags.com by Anonymous+DWord · · Score: 2, Informative

      www.NeverExpires.com is pretty good too. Same kind of idea.

      --
      "If he thinks he can hide and run from the United States and our allies, he's sorely mistaken." Bush on bin Laden
  22. not unencumbered in the slightest by DrSkwid · · Score: 1

    Quite the opposite in fact

    http://www.deviantart.com/help/faq/#5.2

    Q. 5.2. Am I allowed to redistribute the art downloaded from here on other websites?

    A. No. All art displayed here is copyrighted to the artist that submitted it and therefore if you desire to redistribute the art you will need to contact each individual artist that you are interested in distributing art from.

    http://www.deviantart.com/policy/agreement.php
    2. Ownership. Artist shall at all times retain all right, title and interest in and to the Artist Materials provided by Artist hereunder (including, without limitation, the copyrights therein and thereto), subject to the non-exclusive rights granted to deviantART under this Agreement. Artist is free to grant similar rights to others during and after the Term of this Agreement.

    --
    There are places where the networks are not touching,and there are places where they are-Boeing's Lori Gunter
    1. Re:not unencumbered in the slightest by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      check the 'stock images' section

  23. VA believes they own everything they touch. by Futurepower(R) · · Score: 1


    VA believes they own your comments, too. However, mine belong to me and I don't grant a license to VA to do anything but display them on Slashdot.

    Non-technical management are often amazingly destructive toward their companies. They often invent skillful ways of getting bad publicity.

    1. Re:VA believes they own everything they touch. by rmohr02 · · Score: 1
      VA believes they own your comments, too. However, mine belong to me and I don't grant a license to VA to do anything but display them on Slashdot.
      Too late. You've already posted the above comment, and by doing so, you are using the site slashdot.org, thus implying that you have read and agree to the slashdot.org terms of service, which contain the same provisions I've mentioned above.
    2. Re:VA believes they own everything they touch. by linefeed0 · · Score: 2, Informative
      Have you read the slashdot footer? You know, the one at the bottom of this page? Go on, hit the "End" key now.

      All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. Comments are owned by the Poster. The Rest © 1997-2003 OSDN.

      Likewise, VA/OSDN makes sure in their sourceforge TOS that the owner has agreed to license their code as open source, and they specifically deny the right to remove code from CVS or their download mirrors unless there's a legal problem with it. All this means is that VA can use the code however they want as long as it's under the same license the author used. They don't own the copyright and they can't change the license. The TOS was written by a clueless lawyer and that clause is basically redundant since the owner has already agreed to license code as OSS.

  24. A linux software directory is desperately needed! by shooz · · Score: 2

    I think the linux community desperately needs a software listing site that focuses on listing quality desktop applications. I am new to linux-on-the-desktop, and the most frustrating thing for me so far is finding quality desktop applications. I want to burn a CD -- how do I know what application to use? What are the top 5 best applications out there? Freshmeat's laundry list approach is useless unless you like wading through hundreds of half finished and abandoned projects.

    Does anything like this exist?

    Of course, once you know what you want, it is usually just an apt-get away.

  25. List of Software Archives by Specialist2k · · Score: 2, Informative

    S-A-VE has a list of software archives. It's in German, but also has a section of internation sites. Anyway, here is the Google translation.

  26. FSF/UNESCO Free Software Directory by devphil · · Score: 2, Informative


    Currently lists over 2300 packages, located right over here, and thankfully has a good search engine, because the "categories" aren't that helpful to me. (YMMV)

    The article author didn't say anything about which OSes were being used, so *shrug*.

    --
    You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem. (Edwards' Law)
  27. Don't use deviant art by metalhed77 · · Score: 2, Informative

    other posters to this thread have suggested using deviant art, but you might do well to observe that deviant art by default licenses all those images free for non-commercial use. I'm not sure if this has changed at all though

    --
    Photos.
  28. Tucows by Delphiki · · Score: 1

    Has anyone mentioned Tucows already? If not it's where I generally look for freeware/shareware. Their listings and mirrors tend to be pretty good, but it was based closed to where I live so not everyone might have as good of luck with the mirrors, I don't really know.

    --

    Feel free to mod me "-1 - Angry Jerk".

  29. attack ! by kayen_telva · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    webattack.com

  30. One of the first by Deagol · · Score: 1
    was the Stroud's Consumate Winsock Apps page, which later became stroud.com, though I note that it's moved to yet another site. I was using this at least ten years ago. Using Linux these days, I don't go there unless I need to see what's current in Windows freeware for a friend/family/client.

    That site brings back memories... using Trumpet Winsock (then later "twinsock") to get access to the 'net via my college's dialup terminal service. Browsing USENET (pre-SPAM era) with News Express. Using Web Wolf to spider the web. When Lycos was the king of search engines and Yahoo was still a decent site.

    I'm surprised that Stroud's site is still around at all in some form.

  31. CNET was good for for Windows software by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    so maybe it's only the market for MS-Windows freeware that changed. CNET needs revenue, and making software for that platform has always cost, so it's just gonna cost some more!

  32. ans: FREENET! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    The answer is to upload your file into freenet!

    What does it offer in this situation?

    Automatic load balancing.
    You are guaranteed integrity and validity of origin.

    Freshmeat should add to the meta info for each file, an optional link to the file through your cookie configurable freenet proxy.

    Think of freenet as a distributed application like SETI, where the output is freedom of speech without risk of oppression for everyone running the program.

  33. The US government. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Check out this page: http://gimp-savvy.com/PHOTO-ARCHIVE/index.html

  34. Re:A linux software directory is desperately neede by 920 · · Score: 1

    Well, since you're already using Debian, check out the package listings on the debian site : HERE. Of course, you could also use the dselect utility provided, but I do have to admit, it's klunky when searching for things.

    For those of you not using Debian, this would be a good point of reference as well. Once you find the package you want, you can always do a google for it and find a package/source/tgz for your distro of choice.

    Yes I realize this is not an all inclusive list, but it's better than nothing.
    BR
    Joe

    --
    "Perl 6 gives you the big knob" -- Larry Wall
  35. Webattack.com by toddlg · · Score: 1

    I use this site a lot. Originally it had web related apps, but they have broadened their offerings over the last two years.
    Apps come with ratings, file size, link to the developer home page, and also let you know if the free apps are Adware.
    They have a Shareware section and a Freeware section.

    Submitting info
    Freeware
    Shareware

  36. The Politically Correct Solution ... by jmt9581 · · Score: 1

    Another O'Reilly service thing that looks pretty cool:

    http://www.osdir.com

    Just found it myself today while looking around for a good CMS. :)

    --

    My blog

  37. Sooner or later this will be challenged in court. by Futurepower(R) · · Score: 1


    Sooner or later this will be challenged in court. If VA decides to add more provisions to their license, and they say, "We can come into your house at any time and eat your ice cream", would that be okay with everyone, just because they don't actually seem to do it? There is a limit, and that limit has never been made clear.

    Slashdot, like Google, for example, is a public utility. It must be governed by different rules than private organizations.

  38. The big mystery? by DivideByZero · · Score: 1

    Why do you pose it like it's some big mystery?

    Probably because he's been confused by all those court findings against Microsoft using it's monopoly status to forge backroom deals to crush competitors.

    You know, competitors like Netscape?

    1. Re:The big mystery? by SN74S181 · · Score: 1

      So you're saying that AOL should be required to fund development of a Web technology that they're not even using? Clearly if they opted to go with a Microsoft turnkey browser, they don't need to fund Mozilla. I use Mozilla. I like Mozilla. I have no illusion that AOL is going to provide Mozilla to me for free.

    2. Re:The big mystery? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Netscape didn't go under, isn't going under, won't go under because of the MS monopoly.

      Netscape is the lesser quality product for the platform that comprises 80%+ of the market.

      Every release of netscape past 3 got worse.

      Mozilla is still not as good as IE (on windows) Opera is tons slower (cite your benchmarks, which the app loads faster and renders more quickly let me know).

      It's called survival of the fittest.

    3. Re:The big mystery? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Netscape didn't go under, isn't going under, won't go under because of the MS monopoly.

      No, but it came damn close until AOL bought it.

      Netscape is the lesser quality product for the platform that comprises 80%+ of the market.

      Now, - however it was the best quality product until MS began illegally leveraging their monopoly for that market to crush Netscape.

      Mozilla is still not as good as IE (on windows)

      Ahem. BULL-FUCKING-SHIT. Mozilla has tons more features, is faster, easier to use, and gives the user more control over their web surfing. Everybody - as in EVERYBODY I know who's used Mozilla has preferred it to IE. EVERYBODY .

      It's called survival of the fittest.

      No, it's called "predatory monopoly".

    4. Re:The big mystery? by DivideByZero · · Score: 1

      So you're saying that AOL should be required to fund development of a Web technology that they're not even using?

      Yeah - Sort of like the way you pay to have a life raft serviced and maintained, even though the ship's not going anywhere this week. ...Or do you really think that Microsoft is going to provide IE to them for free FOREVER?

  39. Re:Sooner or later this will be challenged in cour by rmohr02 · · Score: 1
    Sooner or later this will be challenged in court. If VA decides to add more provisions to their license, and they say, "We can come into your house at any time and eat your ice cream", would that be okay with everyone, just because they don't actually seem to do it? There is a limit, and that limit has never been made clear.
    Ha! I don't have ice cream in my house!

    However, a "public utility" must not only abide by the terms in a TOS, but also with advertisements made by itself. By being solely a website, slashdot is sort of advertising that they only affect you through their website, so the ice cream clause in the TOS would be void. However, the clause about them owning everything you do on their website probably would hold up.

    And there is no difference between "public utilities", "private organizations" and normal persons. They are all given equal protection under the law by the 14th amendment (I know, it only reads "persons", but the Supreme Court extended that meaning to include corporations and other organizations). The only restrictions made on a "public utilit[y]" are restrictions made by itself, such as by advertising, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, etc.
  40. "Comments are owned by the poster" is misleading. by Futurepower(R) · · Score: 2, Interesting


    The problem is that the "Comments are owned by the poster" statement is misleading. The owners of Slashdot say that they can use the comments any time and any way they want, without payment or notice. That means, if a Slashdot comment author becomes a CEO of an important company, the owners of Slashdot can publish a book of his comments without payment.

    That's why all of my comments are entirely owned by me. I grant no license to Slashdot. except to display my comments in the context in which they were entered. My opinion is that, if the terms of use were considered in court, the terms would be found to be invalid. Especially since, "Comments are owned by the Poster" is misleading authors about the terms.

  41. If you know what you want... by OctaneZ · · Score: 1

    If you have a package in mind, there are few better places to look than RPMfind, use your "local" mirror:
    East Coast (MIT)
    West Coast (Speakeasy)
    France #1 (INRIA)
    France #2 (INSA)

  42. Re:Sooner or later this will be challenged in cour by SEWilco · · Score: 1
    Sooner or later this will be challenged in court. If VA decides to add more provisions to their license, and they say, "We can come into your house at any time and eat your ice cream", would that be okay with everyone, just because they don't actually seem to do it? There is a limit, and that limit has never been made clear.
    Ha! I don't have ice cream in my house!
    • If you don't have ice cream, they could spend a lot of time thoroughly searching your house (and sock drawer) in order to ensure that they are not overlooking any ice cream.
    • If you find them leaving your house and challenge their being there on the basis of your not having any ice cream, they could claim they found and ate some ice cream which you forgot about (and destroyed the container). Then either you have to prove you had no ice cream, or they have to prove they ate some (get the stomach pump quick!).
  43. Aston Shell by Stalemate · · Score: 1

    Replacement for Windows Explorer. Here is their homepage if you are curious. I think I originally read about it in a slashdot comment.

  44. Re:"Comments are owned by the poster" is misleadin by odin53 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Especially since, "Comments are owned by the Poster" is misleading authors about the terms.

    Why is this misleading? Your comments are still owned by you. This means that all copyright rights a copyright holder has accrue to you, and you alone. By posting on Slashdot, you agree to abide by its terms of service, which essentially require you to give Slashdot an open-ended license to copy your comments. But you and you alone still own the comments. In the end, only you and Slashdot have the right to copy your comments. You pose the situation where you become a CEO and Slashdot is allowed to publish your comments, but the other -- and only other -- side of the coin is that if you become a famous CEO, ONLY YOU and Slashdot can publish your comments. That's what it means to be a copyright owner (and licensor to Slashdot).

    That's what you get for the ability to post to Slashdot. Those ToS probably won't be found invalid for a number of reasons, the main one being that *you still own the copyright.*