Top 10 open source Windows apps

by Gina Trapani Companies like Google and Microsoft give away free software as a courtesy to their users to hook more people on their services ("free as in beer.") But open source organizations are often non-profit and made up of volunteer developers who release free software because they believe users have a right to control their data ("free as in speech.") We post scads of free downloads here on Lifehacker, but today instead of pimping yet another Google product, I'd like to tip my hat to the open source developers who release innovative, useful products that make our lives that much easier every day - because it's our right, not privilege, to control our own data. Open source roots are in the Unix operating system, but these days many "free as in speech" applications are available for Windows as well - and today I've got a list of my top 10 favorites. None of these cost a dime to download and use, but do donate whatever and whenever you can to the projects that benefit you the most.

Lifehacker's Top 10 Free Windows Downloads

10. 7-Zip (file archive manager)

9. Foxit Reader (PDF reader)

8. SyncBack (backup utility)

7. Picasa (photo manager)

6. Notepad++ (text editor)

5. foobar2000 (media player)

4. GAIM (instant messenger)

3. Paint.NET (image editor)

2. Launchy (keyboard launcher)

1. Mozilla Firefox (web browser)

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TrueCrypt

10. TrueCrypt (File encryption utility)

You've got a folder full of files you don't want anyone to access but you. Lock it (or an entire thumb drive) up with the free TrueCrypt software. Check out the previously-posted Encrypt your data article for more on using TrueCrypt.

Eraser

9. Eraser (Data deletion utility)

Before you donate, sell or trash your hard drive, you want to make sure there are no traces of your naughty private data on it. Eraser uses the same algorithm the government uses to wipe your hard drive clean.

Cygwin

8. Cygwin (Unix command line emulator)

That DOS command line just doesn't cut it. Wanna turn into a CLI ninja on your PC? You need Cygwin. (For more on using Cygwin, check out these previously-posted Cygwin tutorials part 1, part 2 and part 3.)

KeePass

7. KeePass (Password manager)

Another app you really don't hear a lot about, but for anyone with more than 6 different passwords, KeePass is indispensable. Check out my previous feature, Securely track your passwords for more on using KeePass.

VLC Media Player

6. VLC Media Player (Audio/video player)

Got a video or audio file Windows Media Player or Quicktime can't play? Betcha VLC can.

ClamWin

5. ClamWin (Antivirus)

Norton bugging you again to break out the credit card and subscribe? Uninstall! ClamWin is free anti-virus software with automatic updates and scheduled scans, no credit card required.

Gaim

4. Gaim (Instant messenger)

Chat on any service you'd like - AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN, Jabber, ICQ - with this multi-platform, tabbed IM client.

Open Office

3. Open Office (Office suite)

Used to be that anyone who wanted to open a Word document had to drop a few Benjamins on Microsoft Office or risk pirating it. No more - Open Office is a free alternative to M$ Office for students, freelancers and poor people just wanting to save their spreadsheet as an .xls.

Mozilla Thunderbird

2. Mozilla Thunderbird (Email client)

Firefox's much less celebrated little brother is one helluva email client. We especially like its customizable message filters, built-in adaptive Junk mail filter and ability to install useful add-ons (like Firefox).

Mozilla Firefox

1. Mozilla Firefox (Web browser)

Crikey, another Firefox plug! Yeah, we love the 'fox, and we'll keep talking about it until EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU USES IT. It really just doesn't get any better when it comes to a cross-platform, open source web browser.

So let's hear it, you OS-lovin' lifehackers. Anything you'd add (or remove) from this list? Hit us up with your fa