6 Diamonds in the Rough for Evaluating Open Source Apps

One of the most popular features offered here at OStatic is our database of over 150,000 open source projects, many of which include screenshot tours, and more. You can search it by clicking on "Software" just above the blog here. In addition to the information we provide on open source projects, there are many good sites that allow you to further investigate open source projects before you make the decision to download and install. Sure, you're likely to know SourceForge and Eclipse, but where else can you look? Here are six good choices.

Are you interested in investigating Linux distributions, and getting guidance in installing and using them? Unix-Tutorials.com is a truly awesome site for investigating distros and getting the inside scoop on how to set them up. Check down the left rail of the site for how really complete it is.

Mashable's Open Source God is an impressive collection of over 480 categorized open source applications. You can find accounting applications, video encoding software, file sharing applications, and much more. In the category Encoding, Coversion and Ripping Tools alone, you'll find nearly 40 recommended applications.

Softpedia is a good place to investigate open source and proprietary projects in various categories, and categorizes its site with useful tabs, such as Mac and Linux. You can also find excellent tutorials there, such as this one on installing Fedora 10.

Bruce Byfield has a good piece up about openDesktop.org which he says "provides a quick overview of new software that is independent of desktop or distribution." The site is a portal featuring many open source projects, complete with artwork, and ratings from users. You can search on categories such as security and text editors.

Ruby on Rails has become a giant open source success story, and many Rails developers produce excellent open source and commercial applications. Look at the Rails category on RubyForge for hundreds of excellent free Rails applications.

Android Community is a top-notch site for viewing and evaluating ratings of applications for Google's open source Android platform. In 2009, we'll see many new Android devices arrive, in addition to the already popular T-Mobile G1 phone. This site is likely to gain lots of followers.

Still can't find the open source application you need? Go up to the top of our home page here at OStatic and select Question. Type in your question, and members of OStatic's community are likely to be able to point you where you need to go.