Where to find freeware applications for linux and variants

jonchalk · 10-31-2008, 12:58 AM

I have searched the web for freeware applications to run on linux (or any variants thereof) platforms. There are tonnes of sites for windows freeware applications and though limited, Mac freeware, but very few sites dedicated to freeware to run on Linux. However, I found many sites that have linux distros. Many are portable too.

Any ideas where I can start?

**Bartender** · 10-31-2008, 07:08 AM

jonchalk -
You have to try and set aside what you know. Linux apps aren't the same as Windows apps.

"Linux is not Windows"

In the Windows world, you can grab just about any .exe and run it, as long as it's compatible with your hardware.

In the Linux world, most applications need dependencies to function properly. Dependencies are smaller packages of data that help the main application fit into your OS. You won't know which dependencies you need if you're just looking around on the internet for things to try.

For a Linux newb, the most reliable advice is to pick a distro, such as Ubuntu or OpenSuse or PCLinuxOS, etc. Install it. Educate yourself as to what Linux applications do what you want to do, and download those from the official repositories that support your chosen distro. The Linux OS knows which dependencies it needs and will ask the repository for them. That is the biggest single reason why you can't just grab stuff off the web and install. You won't get the right dependencies and the application won't work. In almost all cases the PC that you want to install to must be the PC that's online getting the data.

Bottom line: You can't just go shopping all over the web for Linux applications. Stick to the repositories until you know more about how Linux works.

**wmorri** · 10-31-2008, 05:22 PM

Also, virtually all Linux apps are free. There are a couple of distro such as Red Hat that charge for their distro, but the applications are free. Linux runs with the idea of OpenSource is mind. That is to say that the source code which makes up the programs is open and free to the public.

Cheers!

Clark76 · 11-01-2008, 05:17 AM

After you have gotten more familiar with Linux and you are trying to find a program that will do what you want try searching for it with using the Linux Google search:
http://www.google.com/linux
Then hopefully most or all your searches will be for Linux programs, reviews or tutorials.

10-31-2008, 12:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
jonchalk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 3 OS: xp (sp3)	Where to find freeware applications for linux and variants I have searched the web for freeware applications to run on linux (or any variants thereof) platforms. There are tonnes of sites for windows freeware applications and though limited, Mac freeware, but very few sites dedicated to freeware to run on Linux. However, I found many sites that have linux distros. Many are portable too. Any ideas where I can start?

10-31-2008, 07:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bartender Mentally divergent Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chehalis, WA, USA Posts: 1,231 OS: W2K, Ubuntu 8.04	Re: Where to find freeware applications for linux and variants jonchalk - You have to try and set aside what you know. Linux apps aren't the same as Windows apps. "Linux is not Windows" In the Windows world, you can grab just about any .exe and run it, as long as it's compatible with your hardware. In the Linux world, most applications need dependencies to function properly. Dependencies are smaller packages of data that help the main application fit into your OS. You won't know which dependencies you need if you're just looking around on the internet for things to try. For a Linux newb, the most reliable advice is to pick a distro, such as Ubuntu or OpenSuse or PCLinuxOS, etc. Install it. Educate yourself as to what Linux applications do what you want to do, and download those from the official repositories that support your chosen distro. The Linux OS knows which dependencies it needs and will ask the repository for them. That is the biggest single reason why you can't just grab stuff off the web and install. You won't get the right dependencies and the application won't work. In almost all cases the PC that you want to install to must be the PC that's online getting the data. Bottom line: You can't just go shopping all over the web for Linux applications. Stick to the repositories until you know more about how Linux works.

10-31-2008, 05:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
wmorri Moderator Alt. Computing Join Date: May 2008 Location: /etc/pm Posts: 1,224 OS: Vista Basic SP1/Ubuntu 8.04/Fedora 10	Re: Where to find freeware applications for linux and variants Also, virtually all Linux apps are free. There are a couple of distro such as Red Hat that charge for their distro, but the applications are free. Linux runs with the idea of OpenSource is mind. That is to say that the source code which makes up the programs is open and free to the public. Cheers! __________________ If I have posted on your thread and haven't replied within 48hrs please PM me. I will try to be as prompt as possible! Linux Forever! Learning is doing, not being able to follow steps put forth by others. When posting what errors you get, please give the full message. It makes helping you much easier.

11-01-2008, 05:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
Clark76 Analyst, Security Team ; Rangemaster, TSF Academy Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,158 OS: XP Pro, Vista, Ubuntu 8.10	Re: Where to find freeware applications for linux and variants After you have gotten more familiar with Linux and you are trying to find a program that will do what you want try searching for it with using the Linux Google search: http://www.google.com/linux Then hopefully most or all your searches will be for Linux programs, reviews or tutorials. __________________ Proud Member of ASAP Proud Member of UNITE If you feel we've helped you, Please Donate to the Forum