Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Ask Slashdot: Good, Useful Free Software For Gifts?

Posted by timothy on from the lump-of-coal-doesn't-fit dept.

First time accepted submitter Jeng writes "I'm planning on sending flash drives to friends and family as stocking stuffers. Rather than just send a blank drive, I'm looking for what good useful free software that I can load on it — from system utilities and encryption software to fun little games." We've asked similar questions before, but software keeps getting better, and so do the prices on flash drives. So what would you give as a gift this holiday season?

4 of 377 comments (clear)

  1. Let's see: by DangerOnTheRanger · · Score: 5, Informative
    Gaming:
    • SuperTuxKart
    • SuperTux (SVN trunk)
    • Warsow
    • Warzone 2100, maybe
    • Secret Maryo Chronicles

    Graphics:

    • Inkscape
    • GIMP

    Other stuff:

    • Python (2.6 or 2.7)
    • Transmission (the Bittorrent client)
    • Filezilla
    • Firefox or Chromium, if they don't use either already
    --
    My blog
  2. PortableApps by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    If they are using Windows, I suggest the full collection of PortableApps from http://www.portableapps.com
    It will runs directly from your flash drive and is really useful! :-)

  3. PortableApps by CastrTroy · · Score: 5, Informative

    You should fill it full of stuff from PortableApps. Tons of great programs there. Plus they don't have to install anything. No worry about messing up their computer.

    --

    Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
  4. OSS for WIN by enter+to+exit · · Score: 5, Informative

    There exists such a project currently:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenDisc

    Couple this with the selection from OSS-WIN solves your dilemma significantly: http://osswin.sourceforge.net/