Best Free and Open Source Software

posted by Rianne Schestowitz on Feb 22, 2025

• 6 Best Free and Open Source Linux File Encryption Tools - LinuxLinks

  Of course, whenever information is accessible, there is the risk of its loss. A misdirected fax or a misdelivered letter can lead to sensitive information being disclosed in error. But the severity and ramifications of that risk is exacerbated when the data is stored on a computer. Modern computer hard disks have the capacity to store a gargantuan amount of data. A single hard disk may hold personal details of hundreds of thousands or even millions of individuals. In the event that the data is not encrypted, the loss of the hard disk may represent an organization’s worst nightmare. The actual cost of replacing the hard disk of the machine pales into insignificance compared to the loss of the confidential information and customer security.

  This roundup looks at the finest GUI-based file encryption tools. We’ll be covering command-line tools in a separate roundup. If you’re look for tools that encrypt a whole disk, head over to this roundup.

  Here’s our verdict captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion here.

• sxcs - minimal X11 color picker and magnifier - LinuxLinks

  The keyboard can also be used when --keyboard is enabled. The arrow keys Left, Right, Up, Down as well as vi-like h, j, k, l are supported for moving the cursor. By default they move by 16 pixels, if Control is used then they move by 1 pixel, otherwise if Shift is used they move by 128 pixels instead. Space makes a selection. q and Escape quits. + and – zooms in and out.

  This is free and open source software.

• YTSubConverter - create styled YouTube subtitles - LinuxLinks

  Conversion is straightforward: launch the program, open your .ass file and click Convert. Alternatively, drag the .ass straight onto the .exe (Windows only). In both cases, you’ll get a .ytt file that’s ready for upload.

  The program tries to approximate the look of the Aegisub subtitles as closely as possible on YouTube:

  This is free and open source software.

• microStudio - game engine - LinuxLinks

  microStudio is a free, open source game engine online. It is also a platform to learn and practise programming.

  microStudio includes all you need to write code, create sprites and maps for your 2D game.

  All from your web browser. Your project is stored in the cloud, accessible from anywhere.

• Gephi - Open Graph Viz Platform - LinuxLinks

  Like Photoshop but for graph data, the user interacts with the representation, manipulate the structures, shapes and colors to reveal hidden patterns. The goal is to help data analysts to make hypothesis, intuitively discover patterns, isolate structure singularities or faults during data sourcing. It is a complementary tool to traditional statistics, as visual thinking with interactive interfaces is now recognized to facilitate reasoning.

  This is free and open source software.

• Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK) - LinuxLinks

  These tools were primarily designed to process exomes and whole genomes generated with Illumina sequencing technology, but they can be adapted to handle a variety of other technologies and experimental designs. And although it was originally developed for human genetics, the GATK has since evolved to handle genome data from any organism, with any level of ploidy.

  This is free and open source software.

• Tangent - clean and powerful notes app - LinuxLinks

  Tangent is designed to let you write the way you think. Your thoughts are connected; Tangent lets you link to existing notes and make new ones with ease.

  Tangent visualizes the path of your thoughts with elegant sliding panels and a branching map that builds itself as you write. You always know where you are and where you’ve been.

  This is free and open source software.