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What OSS Programs are Still Needed?

Posted by Cliff on from the itches-that-need-scratching dept.

suso asks: "I was thinking yesterday about how much open source software is out there already. Most categories are filled, but I wonder about what pieces of software still need to be written. What programs would you like to see in OSS form that are currently not available?"

7 of 290 comments (clear)

  1. A 100% functional and universal audio mixer by Beatbyte · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Having been on linux 100% for the last 3 years, I've never had an audio mixer work right (even on a sound blaster live! value) out of the box.

    The channels are not labelled correctly, the fader doesn't work on most of them, the inputs are changed on the back of the card (i.e. from rear out to line in!).

    The only reason this is so important to me is the 5.1 surround setup I have has no volume control. The volume is at whatever level the computer sends to it. I'm sure this is not the standard setup so it doesn't get much attention.

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    Get paid to code OSS
  2. CAD by ikeleib · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Serious CAD software. There are a few projects that do some 2D drafting. That is not sufficient. A serious CAD package can not only serve as an end application, but the backend to many tools.

    I have thought on more than on occasion of starting a foundation to get such an effort off the ground. I felt then as I do now that there are many places that would contribute serious money to the effort of an OSS CAD. Organizations spend serious money on CAD. Additionally, there is lots of out of work talent that would be willing to devote serious time to such a project if it were financially possible for them.

  3. Cross-Platform Game Design Studio by xanderwilson · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I know I'm probably dreaming, but I'd love something like an Open Source alternative to Director or Flash.

    Alex.

  4. WYSIWYG web design by Johnny+Mnemonic · · Score: 4, Interesting


    I've tried netscape etc, but I would sure like to see a web designer that will allow me to drag a picture anywhere inside a box, and build a table that positions it correctly relative to the other elements in the page. For instance something like this. If OSS can design a PhotoShop killer (GIMP), why not a truly WYSIWYG web designer?

    Oh, and while we're dreaming, how about a desktop HIG standard? So each time I load a new distro I don't feel like I'm learning a new OS? While that's cool for hobbyists, it hurts corp adoption because Linux continually feels "unpolished." Why can't some consortium develop, decide on the lowest common denominator, and make it a standard that shrinkwrap developers and trainers target? And then you can leave the other stuff for preference panels.

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  5. Collaborative calendar app... by cjpez · · Score: 4, Interesting

    ... that's cross-platform and lets you reserve conference rooms, schedule meetings, etc, etc, etc. Haven't found anything quite like that yet, not that can be used on coworkers' windows machines too, anyway.

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    Al Qaeda has ninjas!
  6. How about... by r3m0t · · Score: 5, Interesting

    CAD
    Good IDEs
    Movie/animation editing
    Professional DVD menu editing (Look, it's complicated)
    Graphical LOGO
    Macromedia Flash or Shockwave editor (or editor of something similarly good)
    Vector-based drawing

  7. Simple graphics editor by ted_nugent · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Going from TuxPaint to the Gimp is literally like jumping between kindergarten and college. Is there nothing inbetween for simple drawing and photo touch up?

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    Free the West Memphis Three!