15 Unreasonably Useful Websites

The following is a continuance of my previous article, “15 Ridiculously Useful Websites.” The response to that article was overwhelming. The comments left by those who read it made one thing very clear: the list was incomplete. Although I did not initially write the article with the intention of listing the 15 best sites on the web, that is how my message came across - my fault. I have decided to respond to your comments with a series of follow-on lists containing more useful and entertaining corners of the web. I hope you enjoy them:

1. Musictheory - A grass roots website that contains lessons, trainers, as well as several other utilities.

2. iLike - iLike is a music site where you can organize share and discover new music. There is an iLike side bar available for Windows Media Player as well as iTunes. You can even upload your own music to the site if you would like to.

3. Youtube - This is an obvious one. Watch videos of just about anything for free.

4. Freedocumentaries - This is an awesome catalog of documentaries about many different subjects. You can browse the films by region, theme, or title. The videos are free and are accompanied by a brief description, comments, and sometimes a link to a related page.

5. Buzzillions - Product reviews by consumers who have been verified by the retailer they purchased the item from. You can search for specific items or go through a preference-based menu to find products and reviews that are lined up with your intentions/interests/user level.

6. Craigslist - No matter what you need, chances are, you can probably find it here.

7. Farecast - Farecast provides predictions and trend analysis for airfares and hotel fees. In their own words, “Know When to Buy™: Our airfare prediction shows if fares are rising or dropping. Based on the prediction, we provide a recommendation to buy now or buy later. Know Where to Stay™: Our Rate Key™ indicates whether or not today's rate for a specific hotel is a deal. It compares an individual hotel's current rate found to its observed historical rates.”

8. Download - Offers a central location to find free downloads for subjects ranging from antivirus/firewall to audio/video & gaming software.

9. Pixalo - A great photography site that helps photographers no matter their skill level. It has a community forum were you can get equipment reviews and answers to your questions. The site also offers a free members gallery where you can upload your own photos.

10. Rutomail - This site is full of links to other sites. The links are organized into various categories including business, lifestyle, and Internet, etc...

11. Gyminee - A fitness website that allows you to set goals, track your progress, monitor and plan nutrition, and even invite or find new friends to coordinate with.

12. Roughguides - A pretty good travel website that provides many different ways of researching destinations.

13. Bugmenot - Type in a website that requires a username and password; Bugmenot provides you with a name and password to use…free. Useful for big websites, not really for obscure ones.

14. Wikipedia - Another seemingly obvious site…A user-dependant research site. Wikipedia is very adaptive in that you can cruise through a subject by clicking on embedded links to visit related articles and topics. This allows the researcher to see the topic from many different perspectives.

15. IMDB - Seriously, this is one of the most comprehensive movie information databases on the net. It is very, very thorough.

Torchwood edited versions for the family

 

BBC2 is to screen a specially edited pre-watershed version of Dr Who spin-off Torchwood aimed at younger audiences.
Each episode of the show, which moves to the BBC2 from BBC3 for a second series next year, will be repeated with an edited version that is toned down in terms of its violence to make it more family-friendly.
Its creator Russell T Davies has ruled out removing any scenes involving same-sex relationships.
Speaking today at the launch of the second series, Davies said: “We’ll cut the swearing and cut the violence, but no we will not be cutting the kissing, so no story there.”
BBC2 controller Roly Keating said the decision to repeat each episode with a pre-watershed one was prompted by demand from “families and younger viewers”, adding the move meant “everyone can enjoy the new series”.
When the second run starts next year, the regular cast of Torchwood will be joined by Buffy and Angel star James Marsters.
Other actors lined up to make guest appearances throughout the series, which is filmed in Cardiff, include Alan Dale, Richard Briers and Nerys Hughes.
BBC Wales controller Menna Richards said: “The first series of Torchwood was a huge hit with audiences. We’re extremely proud it’s produced in Wales and its success is a reflection of the huge wealth of talent and creativity that exists here.”
When Torchwood was aired on BBC3 last year it achieved the channel’s highest ratings in 2006, with an audience of 2.5 million for the first episode.

Top 10: Free Video Rippers, Encoders and Converters

 
So many video file formats, so many handheld video players, so many online video sites, and so little time. To have your favorite clips how you want them—whether that's on your DVR, iPod, PSP or desktop—you need the right utility to convert 'em into the format that works for you. Commercial video converter software's aplenty, but there are several solid free utilities that can convert your video files on every operating system, or if you've just got a web browser and a quick clip. Put DVDs on your iPod, YouTube videos on DVD, or convert any video file with today's top 10 free video rippers, encoders and converters.

10. VLC media player (Open source/All platforms)

 
Ok, so VLC is a media player, not converter, but if you're watching digital video, it's a must-have—plus VLC can indeed rip DVD's, as well as play ripped discs in ISO format (no actual optical media required.) VLC can also play FLV files downloaded from YouTube et al, no conversion to AVI required. Since there's a portable version, VLC's a nice choice for getting your DVD rips/saved YouTube video watching on wherever you go.

9. MediaCoder (Open source/Windows)

Batch convert audio and video compression formats with the open source Media Coder for Windows, which works with a long laundry lists of formats, including MP3, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, AAC+, AAC+V2, MusePack, WMA, RealAudio, AVI, MPEG/VOB, Matroska, MP4, RealMedia, ASF/WMV, Quicktime, and OGM, to name a few.

8. Avi2Dvd (Freeware/Windows)

Make your video files burnable to a DVD with Avi2Dvd, a utility that converts Avi/Ogm/Mkv/Wmv/Dvd files to Dvd/Svcd/Vcd format. Avi2Dvd can also produce DVD menus with chapter, audio, and subtitle buttons.

7. Videora Converter (Freeware/Windows only)

Videora Converter is a set of programs, each designed to convert regular PC video files into a format tailored to your favorite video-playing handheld device. The Videora program list includes iPod Video Converter (for 5th gen iPods), iPod classic Video Converter (for 6th gen classic iPods), iPod nano Video Converter (for 3rd gen iPod nanos), iPod touch Video Converter, iPhone Video Converter, Videora Apple TV Converter, PSP Video 9, Videora Xbox360 Converter, Videora TiVo Converter, and Videora PMP Converter.

Honorable Mention: Ares Tube for Windows converts YouTube and other online videos to iPod format.

6. Any Video Converter (Freeware/Windows only)

Convert almost all video formats including DivX, XviD, MOV, rm, rmvb, MPEG, VOB, DVD, WMV, AVI to MPEG-4 movie format for iPod/PSP or other portable video device, MP4 player or smart phone with Any Video Converter, which also supports user-defined video file formats as the output. Batch process multiple files that AVC saves to a pre-selected directory folder, leaving the original files untouched.

5. Hey!Watch (webapp)

Web application Hey!Watch converts video located on your computer desktop as well as clips hosted on video sites. Upload your video to Hey!Watch to encode it into a wide variety of file formats, like H264, MP4, WMV, DivX, HD Video, Mobile 3GP/MP4, iPod, Archos and PSP. Hey!Watch only allows for 10MB of video uploads per month for free, and from there you pay for what you use, but it's got lots of neat features for video publishers like podcast feed generation and automatic batch processing with options you set once.

4. VidDownloader (webapp)

When you don't want to mess with installing software to grab that priceless YouTube clip before it gets yanked, head over to web site VidDownloader which sucks in videos from all the big streaming sites (YouTube, Google Video, iFilm, Blip.TV, DailyMotion, etc.), converts 'em for you to a playable format and offers them for download. Other downloaders for online video sites buy you a Flash FLV file, but VidDownloader spits back an AVI file.

3. iSquint (Freeware/Mac OS X only)

Convert any video file to iPod-sized versions and automatically add the results to your iTunes library. iSquint is free, but readers have praised the pay-for iSquint upgrade, VisualHub, which offers more advanced options for a $23 license fee. Check out the feature comparison chart between iSquint and VisualHub.

2. DVD Shrink (Freeware/Windows only)

Copy a DVD to your hard drive and leave off all the extras like bonus footage, trailers and other extras to save space with DVD Shrink. DVD Shrink utility to rip your DVDs to your hard drive for skip-free video play from scratchy optical media.

Honorable mention: DVD Decrypter (beware of advertisement interstitial page), which Windows peeps can use to copy DVDs to their iPods.

1. Handbrake (Open source/Windows, Mac)

Back up your DVD's to digital file with this open source DVD to MPEG-4 converter app. See also how to rip DVDs to your iPod with Handbrake. 

What's your favorite way to convert video to the right format? Did I miss any good ones in this list? Let me know in the comments.

'Journeyman' Heading For Axe, Admits Creator

 

Journeyman is at risk of being axed due to poor ratings and the current writers' strike, according to the show's creator Kevin Falls.
The man behind NBC's time-travelling series, (which is currently airing on Sky One in the UK) admitted that the 12 episodes currently filmed may be the last. Falls told Premium Hollywood that further production on the show is "a long shot... given the strike and our questionable numbers".
However, Falls added that the twelth episode would function as a finale to Journeyman, which stars British actor Kevin McKidd, best known for his role as Tommy in Trainspotting. "We wrote it in a way so it could be the series-ending show. I mean, it wouldn’t answer every question, but it would give you a lot to chew on.... in the case we would actually go on to a second season, we didn’t want to turn over every card," he said.
Kevin Falls said:
NBC has decided to air the 12th episode (”Perfidia”) on Wednesday, December 19th at ten o’clock. That means our 10th episode will air on Monday the 10th (”Home by Another Way”), the 11th will air on 17th (”The Hanged Man”).
The decision to air the 12th episode had a lot to do with the passion of our fans through SaveJourneyman.net, the online petition and letters and emails to NBC executives.
There’s still no news on our long term future, but we can promise you this: three terrific episodes inside of ten days. Oh, yeah, and you’ll get some answers, too.
Your comments and pro-active attempts to save the show are very much appreciated by me and my fellow Executive Producer Alex Graves, Kevin McKidd and the cast, writers and crew. But more importantly, it’s working.
But don’t rest. We need you. We want a back nine–and beyond.

NBC gives Journeyman two weeks notice!

 

We're hearing that the next two weeks are crucial for NBC's Journeyman. While nothing official has been decided, the rumor is that if the Nielsen numbers don't rise for the Nov. 19 and 26 episodes, the network will yank the show, without airing all the episodes produced.
The network is only interested in the live Nielsens, not DVR viewers or downloads, says a show staffer. This is a problem for the show, because the majority of emails the show gets is from fans who watch online. Since ads touting the ability to watch Journeyman for free online are common, that's hardly surprising.
The show staff is hoping for the best, according to our source. "I feel like we take the fan community very seriously. [For example], when Langley appeared on the show, he got a huge response as someone who could give answers, not more questions. We went back and added more of him. We've been loyal to our fanbase."
Now it's time to see if the fanbase will be loyal to the show. Want to help? Check out the Fans of Journeyman Facebook group. Of course, the only way to truly save the show is to watch tonight and next week, and make sure everyone else you know tunes in too.

Tom Cruise to star in 'Doctor Who' episode

 

Tom Cruise is set to star in a special episode of hit British TV show 'Doctor Who'.
The 'Lions for Lambs' actor is among a host of top US stars, including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Madonna, who the BBC are hoping to get on board for three installments of the British sci-fi series to be filmed next year.
An insider told Britain's Daily Star newspaper, "BBC producers know they can't pay these stars what they are used to, but what they can offer is an exciting role in a real cutting-edge show. And the big stars love that kind of kudos."
'Doctor Who' already has a track record of attracting top stars for cameos. This year's Christmas special, 'Voyage of the Damned', will see Kylie Minogue play a waitress at the 1912 launch party for the famously doomed ocean liner Titanic, which sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage.
The three 'Doctor Who' specials will be shot in 2008, but will not hit screens until 2009.
The three episodes are rumored to be the final time actor David Tennant will play the time-travelling Doctor.
It is also believed 25-year-old actress Billie Piper - who quit the show in 2006 to pursue other projects - will return to play his sexy sidekick Rose Tyler.

Trek's Sarek Is Cast

Ben Cross has been cast as Sarek, the Vulcan father of Spock, in J.J. Abrams' upcoming Star Trek feature film, StarTrek.com reported.
He will be paired with Winona Ryder, portraying Spock's human mother, Amanda Grayson. (Variety had earlier incorrectly reported that Ryder would play a Vulcan.) The young Spock will be played by Zachary Quinto.
Sarek was first played by Mark Lenard in the original series and subsequent movies.
The film, currently in production under the direction of J.J. Abrams, is scheduled for release on Christmas Day 2008.

Come on, you scuzzy data, be in there!

The quest to build the ultimate list of Most Quotable Lines from 80s Movies continues -- with much rejoicing. This has got to be the most enjoyable list to put together. Lots of the old standards coming back to life.

But where are all the sci-fi movie lines? Surely you haven't forgotten the magnetism of Blade Runner or the charisma of James T. Kirk.

Here are some 80s sci-fi lines to consider for our list:

• "Judge me by my size, do you?" (The Empire Strikes Back)"Quite an experience to live in fear, isn't it?" (Blade Runner)
• "Scotty, I need warp speed in three minutes or we're all dead." (Star Trek 2)
• "Game over, man, game over!" (Aliens)
• "Terrific. I'm about to get killed a million miles from nowhere with a gung-ho iguana who tells me to relax." (The Last Starfighter)
• "Come on, you scuzzy data, be in there." (Tron)
• "Bloodshed is my life." (Explorers)
• "Khhaaaaan!" (Star Trek 2)
• "Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder." (The Empire Strikes Back)
• "Time to die!" (Blade Runner)
• "Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle station!" (Return of the Jedi)
• "Greetings, Program!" (Tron)
• "Call me Snake." (Escape from New York)
• "Flash, Flash, I love you, but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!" (Flash Gordon)
• "The sleeper has awakened!" (Dune)

Science Fiction Geek Pick-up Lines!

Forgive my Kirk-like boldness, but you wanna go back to my mom's place and watch 'Dr. Who'?

You, me, here... this couldn't be any better if I programmed the holodeck myself!

 

I can't help it -- my eyes are trapped in the gravitational field of your breasts!

 

Why don't we head to my bedroom, peel back my Star Wars sheets, and discover what a true Jedi can do with his light sabre?

 

What's a girl like you doing in a place like this when there's a Farscape marathon on right now on the Sci Fi channel.

 

I've been told I have the cool sexual prowess of a Romulan.

 

"Urkuk lu Stalga." That's Klingon for "I love you baby."

 

Once you make love to a man with Vulcan ears on you never go back.

 

How 'bout I slip into something more comfortable... like these STAR TREK VOYAGER pajamas!

 

Not only can I beam you aboard, I can beam you a woody.

 

Someone must have shot you with a phaser set on 'stunning'.

 

Tell me of this thing you humans call (pause) love.

 

Your mouth says, 'Shields up!', but your eyes say, 'A hull breach is imminent.'

 

Earth woman, prepare to be probed!

Nice Asimov.

 

If you have a great geek pick-up line leave it in the comments, us geeks need all the help we can get.

Top 10 PSP File Sharing Softwares for Windows

 

µTorrent is an efficient BitTorrent client, designed for Windows. It needs as little CPU, memory and space as possible and offers good functionality that advanced clients expect. It has most of the features present in other BitTorrent clients. There are various icon, toolbar graphic and status icon replacements available.

StrongDC++ is a free client for sharing in Direct Connect network. It is based on CZDC++ and has partial file sharing, download/upload speed limiter, safe segmented downloading and other interesting features. StrongDC++ is an Open Source so you can download a source code and modify it.

eMule is one of the biggest p2p file sharing clients around the world. It is based on the eDonkey2000 network but offers more features than the standard client. eMule is easy to configure, but also, with many options and controls, good for the advanced user. Thanks to its open source policy many developers are able to contribute to the project, making the network more efficient with each release.

LimeWire is a free file sharing Gnutella client for Windows, Mac, OSX, Linux. It allows you to search for multiple files at the same time and it is compatible with all major platforms and running over the Gnutella network. LimeWire is a fast, easy-to-use and open source code, so is freely available to the public.

Soulseek is an ad-free, spyware-free, just plain free file sharing application. It is good p2p software for finding non-mainstream music. It was created by a former Napster programmer, Nir Arbel. It's virtual rooms allow you to meet people with the same interests, share information, and chat, so it is a great way to make new friends.

Azureus implements the BitTorrent protocol using java language. It comes with many features for both beginners and advanced users. Multiple torrent downloads, upload and download speed limiting, advanced seeding rules, only uses one port for all the torrents, and others. Azureus has many useful plugins and supported languages.

Shareaza is a multi-network peer-to-peer (p2p) file sharing client supporting Gnutella2, Gnutella, eDonkey2000 (eMule), HTTP, FTP and BitTorrent protocols. It has the ability to simultaneously download parts of the same file from multiple networks. Shareaza is the most sophisticated file sharing system you will find on the network.

Ares is a free open source file sharing program that enables users to share any digital file. It has powerful library organizer, built-in audio/video player, filesharing chat rooms. Ares automatically finds more sources and downloads files from many users at once.

BitComet is a BitTorrent client, which is powerful, fast and very easy-to-use. It supports simultaneous downloads, download queuing, selected downloads inside a torrent package, fast-resume, speed limits, port mapping, peer exchange and IP filtering. BitComet available in 43 different languages and the current preview release comes bundled with the BitComet FLV Player.

 

KCeasy is a windows p2p free and open source file sharing software which uses giFT. Its plugins allow giFT to support different kinds of file sharing networks. KCeasy is giving you all the files on Gnutella, Ares and OpenFT. KCeasy works only on windows but there are similar programs for other platforms.

50 Widgets For Your Blog

Widgets are a handy, easy and simple way to add some flare to your blog. Whether you’d like to display the number of currently online visitors to your site or simply the weather report for Los Angeles, you can do it with widgets. I’ve assembled a list of 50 useful or simply cool widgets for your pleasure. And remember, the first rule of widgetizing your blog is - don’t overdo it!

MyBlogLog’s Recent Readers - this widget can easily be called a hit amongst blog owners; its popularity even managed to convince Yahoo into buying MyBlogLog. The widget lets you see the avatars of recent visitors to your blog, provided they’re also members of MyBlogLog.

Mashable - get the latest social networking news.

Flickr Flash Photo Stream Badge - display images from your Flickr profile with a handy Flash photo stream.

Preview Anywhere - see a live preview of outgoing links in a small popup which activates on mouseover. Some find this annoying, while others might find it useful.

Twitter Badge - if your life is so interesting that everyone must know what you’re up to all the time, then a Twitter badge is the ideal counterpart to your blog. It’ll proudly displays your recent tweets.

Digg News - display the latest Digg links on your blog. Themeable and fully customizable.

FEEDJIT - real time traffic data directly in your blog’s sidebar.

LineBuzz - inline comments for your blog. Very handy for blogs with frequent lively discussions.

Flixn - display a stream directly from your webcam, so your blog visitors can always see what you’re up to.

3Jam - lets your visitors send messages to your mobile phone, without them knowing your phone number.

Jaxtr - with Jaxtr, your visitors can actually call you to your mobile phone; again, your number stays private.

LinkedInABox - show off your LinkedIn profile. Perfect for personal blogs.

Box Widget - enable visitors to use box.net’s online storage directly on your web site.

Price of gas - displaying gas prices on your blog might seem unnecessary to some, but it’s cool if you have a traffic/travel related blog.

iBegin Weather Widget - Display weather information in your sidebar. Just like with Price of Gas, works great with travel-related blogs.

ClockLink - display time in various time zones with these nifty Flash clocks.

Film Loops - display the latest loops from your FilmLoops account.

Daily Painters - display paintings from famous painters on your blog.

WhoLinked - show your visitors which sites have recently linked to your web site. Works with all major blog platforms.

Criteo AutoRoll - displays links to blogs similar to your blog.

Bitty Browser - embed a cute, fully functional mini web browser to your blog.

Leafletter - create a mini website and embed it into your blog.

WikiSeek - search Wikipedia with this simple widget.

FeedCount - show off the number of visitors to your blog with this handy little button.

Technorati Link Count - display the number of links your website has from one of the biggest blog authorities - Technorati.

MyPageRank - another good way to show how “big” your blog is is to show off your Google PageRank.

CheckPageRank - in addition to showing your PageRank, this widget also shows your Alexa ranking.

BlinkxIt - embed a link to related videos directly into your website.

Skype button - display your Skype online/offline status on your blog.

RockYou Horoscope - not something I would personally use, but some people are into horoscope. Hell, most people are into horoscope. Anyway, this widget shows horoscope (doh!) and does it in a nicely designed colorful box.

del.icio.us Tagometer - display how many times have del.icio.us users saved your page.

del.icio.us Linkrolls - this badge shows your latest bookmarks from del.icio.us.

Timelines - need to create a timeline? Seek no further. This widget makes it really easy.

PollDaddy - PollDaddy lets you create beautiful polls in no time, and display them at your blog.

 

Vizu - another poll-making widget, compatible with all major blog platforms.

AnswerTips - display definitions from Answers.com for various terms on your blog. The definitions are shown in bubbles which are activated on doubleclick.

AnswerBoxes - give your visitors a chance to enter a term themselves, and get a definition from Answers.com

Now Playing - if you got to share your current playlist contents with the world, Sigamp will do the trick. Works with most popular music players, including Foobar, Winamp, iTunes and others.

BuzzBoost - display headlines from your RSS feed on any website.

LibraryThing - show off the latest books you’ve been reading.

Plaxo Address Book - let your most faithful visitors access their address books direclty from your site.

AuctionAds - a widget that displays auctioned items on eBay, and gives you a percentage of the price paid when sometimes buys an item.

aStore - similar to AuctionAds, only for Amazon. Create a mini-store on your site and receive profit when someone buys an item through your store.

Plazes - show your current location on a Plazes map.

Stockalicious - track your portfolio with this widget, and share it with others. Let everyone know how much money you’ve lost.

Yahoo! For Good - create a charity badge and ask for donations for a worthy cause.

 

Giftspace - your friends never know what to buy you for birthday? Let them know what you really want with this nifty widget.

MixMap - see where are the visitors to your MySpace profile from on a map.

Google Map Widget - display a searchable Google Map on your website.

Google Video Search - add a video search form and selected videos to your web site.

Odeo player - display an Odeo player for and podcast right there in your sidebar.

Doctor Who Daily

Doctor Who Daily
http://www.drwhodaily.com/main/index.php

Official news and tantalizing gossip on Doctor Who, Torchwood and the newest Who-based spinoff, The Sarah Jane Adventures, is the stock in trade at Doctor Who Daily. Run by devoted fans of the long-running 1963 series and its successful new incarnation, this site is an upbeat gathering place where web surfers can discuss the show, participate in polls, download screen grabs and generally celebrate the 2005 revival of one of SF's best-loved TV programs.

As its name suggests, Doctor Who Daily features a frequently updated news blog that tracks guest-star and other casting announcements, official BBC press releases, story rumors, award nominations and even the release of media tie-in products for the show. Site visitors can explore the ever-expanding gallery of images of the Doctor and his various companions and watch previews of upcoming episodes. In the site's discussion forums, members chew over Who news together, reacting to new episodes as they air. Spoilers are clearly marked, and the atmosphere is chatty but never overcrowded.
Boasting as it does one of the best-established and most loyal fan communities in the genre, Doctor Who has naturally inspired any number of Web pages. Some of these try to offer a little of everything to visitors. Doctor Who Daily's focus, on the other hand, is more specialized; it is very much a site for talkative aficionados of the program. There is nothing wrong with its news blog or other features, but the discussion forums are the real heart of this site. For Whovians looking to share a spirited conversation about any portion of the Doctor's long and colorful history, the regulars at Doctor Who Daily are a ready, willing and welcoming community of fellow travelers.

Cyberman Voice Changer

The morose metal men may have lost their emotions, but it's easy to get emotional about a toy so cool it could easily be mistaken for an original prop

Cyberman Voice Changer
By Character Options and Underground Toys
MSRP: $50-$70

The planet of Mondas had left the orbit of its sun, and its inhabitants decided that to survive the increasing cold they had to exchange some of their humanoid parts for mechanical devices. The last to go were their emotions. Emotionless machine-humans, they managed to make a propulsion system for their planet, which they led on a conquering mission. This was the premise of an early episode of the classic British TV science fiction program Doctor Who. These recurring villains have returned over and over during the series' original 26-year run, changing a little with each new episode they've starred in.

I'll be surprised if this isn't one of this year's favorite Halloween masks ...

In 2005, the series returned under new direction after 16 years of absence as a weekly TV series. In season two of the new series (considered by fans season 28), this old enemy of the Doctor returned again in a newer, sleeker form to fan applause everywhere. While the new Cybermen differed from the originals by being created by a human on an Earth in an alternative universe, their fundamentals remained more or less the same—they were cybernetic humans whose emotions had been removed.
After having created several nice action figures based on these metallic villains, in both 7-inch and 12-inch scales, U.K.-based Character Options has created a wonderful almost-full-head mask of the newly designed Cyberman, which repeats actual sound clips from the new TV series and modulates your own voice into Cyberspeak.
This Voice Changer mask is molded from solid plastic and fits most heads, from small to large. Three buttons on the side of the helmet perform three separate tasks. One fires the Electronic Stun Grip sound, another plays one of nine phrases from the TV series in that dreaded cyber-voice, and the third modulates your voice to simulate that voice.
The helmet operates with two included AA batteries, and it lights up with blue LEDs just like the Cybermen from Doctor Who.
You will like us—and become like us

This Cyberman Helmet is quite attractive. It is molded beautifully to capture each and every feature of the newly re-envisioned version of the Doctor's second-most-sinister cybernetic enemy (they have to take a back seat to the evil Daleks, I'm afraid). These helmets look good enough to actually be used in the show. There are no exaggerated features or extra junk thrown on (with the exception of the three small buttons on the left jawline). If the helmet had a complete back (it is open enough at the rear to fit a head inside), it could easily be mistaken for an original prop.
The helmet is meant to fit most sizes of head using an adjustable head strap such as you'd find in sports or construction helmets. Fitting a head inside the gap is not difficult, though if you wear glasses it becomes a chore. Best to remove those before donning the Cyber-helm. The nose fits against a rubber guard that allows for a comfortable fit. Just at the mouth is a recessed microphone. Pushing the center button then modulates anything spoken into the microphone. The sound is accompanied by a blue LED lighting up in an effect that accurately captures a speaking Cyberman.
The voice modulator can't cover your speech, so some of your natural voice leaks out, but it does alter it and the speaker sends out the altered voice. The effect is good overall. There is a slide switch that controls the pitch of the modulation, so different voices can use different settings to achieve the same Cyberman sound.
If I have one complaint about this item, it is the fact that it isn't constructed from two pieces like the Darth Vader voice changer (previously reviewed). If a rear section of the helmet could have snapped to the front, concealing the entire head, it probably would have been a bit nicer. But that would make it harder to put on and take off. Erring on the side of easy functionality was probably a good idea.
I'll be surprised if this isn't one of this year's favorite Halloween masks in the U.K., and now that Underground Toys is distributing the Character Options toys here in North America, perhaps you'll see a few here too.
So this Halloween, prepare to be upgraded ... or deleted.

When the first pictures of the new Cyberman were released prior to season 28, fans were universally excited. The re-envisioning of this old foe was very well executed. I, for one, was just as excited to see the nice job Character Options did re-creating the new look of this old villain. As for its use as a Halloween mask, visibility is limited in the helmet, as you only have the plastic eyes to see from. Proper strap adjustment will maximize visibility, but even then it is very limiting. As with any Halloween mask, be very careful using it, as limited vision can cause accidents. —Sean

OPEN SOURCE GOD: 480+ Open Source Applications

 

Open source software is booming: here we round up over 480 open source applications for you to use or build upon.

Feel free to add more apps in the comments.

———————————–

Accounting

Adaptive Planning Express - An open source solution enabling medium sized companies to automate budgeting and forecasting by moving beyond traditional applications like Excel.

Buddi - A simple budgeting program for users with no financial background.

CheckItOut - A Ruby on Rails application to manage personal money accounts.

FrontAccounting - A professional web-based accounting system for ERP chain; written in PHP with use of MySQL.

GFP - A free java based personal finance manager with the ability to run on any operating system.

GnuCash - Open source financial accounting software to manage personal and small business expenses and incomes.

Gnumeric - A free spreadsheet program for the GNOME desktop providing several customization features and import/export facility from other spreadsheet programs.

Grisbi - Grisbi is an open source personal finance manager developed to run on any platform and suit the needs of all users.

jGnash - jGnash is an open source personal finance manager that will help you monitor and keep track of your accounts, including investments.

KmyMoney - Easy to use, accurate open source personal finance manager built to suit the needs of non-technical users. It provides all the features available in a commercial application.

Librepos - A multi-user POS application designed for touch screens, customer displays and barcode scanners.

NOLA - An integrated, all-in-one package for an organization’s inventory, POS, accounting, contact management, billing etc.

TurboCASH - Flexible small business accounting software fulfilling the major needs of any business.

Content Management Systems

80 + Open Source Content Management Systems - A complete roundup of Open Source CMSs from Mashable.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

Anteil - Cost effective open source solution for managing and improving customer relationships.

CitrusDB - CitrusDB is a PHP & MySQL based open source customer database solution.

CiviCRM - The world’s first downloadable constituent relationship management system; fund raising software that allows users to manage information about donors, volunteers etc.

Compiere - Offers integrated ERP and CRM suite that enables users to automate the financial, distribution and other needs of their businesses.

Daffodil CRM - Organized and effective way of managing cost-effective customer relationships.

Hipergate - Serving developers, consultants and enterprises to assist them in project management, sales force automation and customer relationship management.

IGSuite - A web-based integrated CRM suite that includes solutions like mailing lists, calendar, contact management and task lists.

Keen CRM/ERP - An advanced, feature packed, comprehensive customer relationship management solution for small companies.

Ohioedge CRM - Ohioedge CRM is an enterprise level open source CRM solution.

OpenCRM - OpenCRM is an open source CRM solution for tracking clients and project management.

OpenCRX - A cross platform professional CRM solution with bug tracking and activity management features.

SellWinCRM - An open source CRM project giving a high level of customization for customers.

SourceTap CRM - SourceTap CRM is a flexible sales force automation solution developed to meet the requirements of sales managers and representatives.

SugarCRM - An open source CRM solution allowing users to track opportunities and manage existing customers while keeping a check on other activities.

Turquoise CRM - Lightweight CRM software built over LAMP with Business Intelligence functionality.

Tustena CRM - Tustena is an enterprise level open source CRM solution written in C#.

vtiger CRM - Built over LAMP/WAMP, Vtiger provides excellent business enhancement utilities and is compatible with multiple platforms.

XRMS CRM - XRMS is an advanced level open source CRM solution that includes a Business Intelligence suite and advanced plugin architecture.

Desktop Environments/ Shell replacements

bbLean - A new version of Blackbox for Windows.

BlackBox For Windows - An alternative shell for Windows that is based stylistically on the Blackbox window manager for the X Window system.

Blueberry 3D-Desktop - Made using Delphi; its main objective is a 3D OPENGL engine in replacement of the Windows desktop.

CyGNOME - A nice tool which ports GNOME desktop to Windows.

DM2 - Provides useful enhancements for Windows in daily work like minimizing windows to floating icons, freeing the taskbar etc.

Geoshell - A shell replacement for Windows that replaces the standard desktop interface items like start menu, taskbar, system tray etc.

KDE-Cygwin - KDE’s port in Windows desktop environment.

LiteStep - A powerful Windows shell replacement under GPL and inspired by AfterStep.

SharpEnvironment - A tool that enables users to personalize every pixel of visible space and customize a single theme in multiple ways with real-time wallpaper effects, icon sets etc.

Virtual Dimension - A fast and fully featured virtual desktop manager that acts as an enhancement to the Windows manager.

xoblite / Blackbox for Windows - An advanced level Blackbox for Windows that is integrated with a system bar.

Email Clients

Columba - A java based email client featuring a user friendly graphical interface.

Daffodil Organizer - Highly flexible way to organize emails; includes import facility from Microsoft Outlook.

Evolution - More popularly billed as the Outlook of Linux, its calendar, address book and other features make it a good option as an email client.

ICEMail - Open source java client with support for the latest email standards.

Mahogany - Cross platform email client supporting UNIX and Win32 platforms.

Mutt - A small and powerful text based email client for UNIX operating systems.

Penelope - The open source version of Eudora currently under beta and planned for full release by this year.

Phoenix Mail - One of the older open source email clients developed using Borland Delphi.

Sylpheed-Claws - An open source email client with an interface similar to Outlook Express; works as an RSS feed reader too.

Thunderbird - A secure email client with several customization options to fit the user’s needs.

Zimbra - Zimbra is currently one of the biggest names in open source, and is the future collaborating and messaging software. Now owned by Yahoo.

Encoding, Conversion & Ripping Tools

Alba Extractor - Alba Extractor is a useful utility for wrapping various mp3 files into one unit for ease of sharing on programs like NapShare etc.

Audacity - Audacity is an open source, cross platform audio editor and is a good solution for creating and editing podcasts.

Avidemux - A free video editor for tasks like cutting and filtering; has support for file types like AVI, DVD etc.

AviSynth - A powerful tool for editing and processing videos.

BonkEnc - A useful application for ripping CDs, encoding and converting audio files to various formats. Users can produce mp3, mp4, FLAC files to name a few.

CD-DA X-Tractor - An open-source CD ripper for 32-bit windows platforms that offers extremely high quality.

CDex - A popular open source digital audio CD extractor.

DivFix - DivFix is a utility for watching partially downloaded DivX movies.

DivXRepair - Based on the VirtualDub model, it cuts off the bad parts and re-assembles the AVI file.

Dr. DivX - The goal of Dr. DivX open source project is to create a portable application with the capability of transcoding many video formats.

DScaler - The DScaler project is an effort to receive top quality videos from Windows computers.

DVD2AVIdg/MPEG2DECdg Decoding Fix - An MPEG decoder suite used for decoding MPEG1 or MPEG2 streams from sources such as DVD VOBs.

DVDx - Popular DVD backup software that converts DVDx movies to high quality DVD movies.

FFmpeg - A complete recording, conversion and streaming solution for audio and video.

GiantDisc - GiantDisc is an open source software package designed to manage thousands of audio tracks.

GNUMP3d - Open source server for streaming mp3s and media.

Gordian Knot - Gordian Knot is an integrated Bit rate calculator package tool for Divx/XviD encoding.

GramoFile - A CD recording utility running on Linux and some other operating systems like UNIX. It enables users to put sounds from gramophone records on CD.

HGRip - A one click solution for converting DVD to XVID files.

JMAC - JMAC is an open source Java implementation library of Monkey’s Audio compression decoder.

LAME - LAME is an MP3 encoder.

Mixere - Mixere is a free, open-source application for mixing audio files. It runs on Windows NT/2000/XP, and supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC and Mod audio files.

MMConvert - A multimedia format converter useful for converting media files from one format like AVI/WMV to another format.

mpgtx - A command line MPEG audio/video toolbox useful for joining audio and video files which include MP3, MPEG1, MPEG2 etc.

Mp3splt - A terrific utility to split MP3 and Ogg files from anywhere without decoding.

Mp3Wrap - A useful alternative to wrap two or more mp3 files into a single large mp3 without the loss of file names and other information.

Musepack - A high quality audio compression format.

MusicBrainz Tagger - Provides a database to create a comprehensive music information site. It can be accessed via the client or the internet.

NanDub + BRC - NanDub+BRC includes a bitrate calculator and offers users several advantages as their need for opening separate pieces of software is eliminated.

Open Sound World - A scalable programming environment allowing musicians, researchers and sound engineers to process sound.

OptimFROG - OptimFROG is a zipping utility for audio compression programs; used to reduce the size of audio files.

ShrinkTo5 - A cross platform open source DVD copy engine; allows users to create copies.

SmartRipper - A useful utility for extracting DVD VOB files; loaded with nice features for splitting VOB files, angle processing etc.

Taksi - Taksi allows users to take screenshots and record videos of favorite games and 3D-graphics applications.

Virtual VCR - A compact video capture application designed to work with TV tuner and video capture cards.

WavPack - WavPack is a high quality audio compression format and provides lossless compression.

YAAI - One of the best tools to display information about AVI files; enables users to see data like framerate, used codes, author information etc.

ERP

ADempiere Bazaar - Adempiere is a community for open source developers contributing improvements of various applications like Compiere, Helpdesk and Supply Chain etc.

JERPA - JERPA is a Java based advanced level architecture model for ERP software.

JFire - An exchange platform including ERP, CRM and accounting written in Java.

Openbravo ERP - A web based ERP for small and medium enterprises; built on proven MVC architecture facilitating code maintenance and customization.

opentaps - An open source ERP and CRM suite including eCommerce, inventory, warehouse, ledger etc.

Postbooks - A fully integrated ERP solution for small and medium businesses; features a graphical client which runs on Linux, Mac and Windows.

Plazma - Plazma is a Java based ERP and CRM solution.

Sequoia Open Source ERP - The flexible ERP software from Sequoia brings advanced features and scalability for enterprise software along with low TCO.

Tiny ERP - Packed with features like GTK2 client, distributed server, dynamic GUI.

Value - Value is an open source ERP/CRM system and features modular capabilities along with seamless integration.

webERP - webERP is flexible integrated business management software that covers accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory management and other accounting requirements.

Wyatt - Wyatt is a cross platform ERP package written in Java with J2EE compliance.

Filesharing & FTP

ABC - An enhanced client for the BitTorrent file sharing protocol.

Ares - A file sharing utility enabling users to share digital files like images, audio, video, software and documents.

Azureus - Java enabled BitTorrent protocol packed with special features for beginners and advanced users.

BT++ - An advanced version of the BitTorrent peer-to-peer file sharing protocol with cross-platform support; written in Python.

Cabos - Cabos has an intuitive user interface and is a Gnutella file sharing program based on Limewire.

CoreFTP - A FTP program that enables uploading/downloading/deletion of files and directories, integration with browser, file permission handling etc.

cURL - A command line utility allowing file transfer via FTP, LDAP etc. Users can also use the GET and PUT methods for file downloading and uploading.

Cyberduck - An open source FTP client with support for drag and drop, uploading and downloading, remote file transfer etc.

DC++ - Windows based open source client for unrestricted file sharing over the internet.

eMule-Project.net - A reliable and trusted peer-to-peer file sharing application allowing users to connect from different clients.

FileZilla - FileZilla is a free, fast and reliable open source FTP solution for Windows.

Freenet Project - A free and secure decentralized network of information publishers and consumers.

FrostWire - A completely open source peer to peer client; features community chat room and iTunes integration.

Fugu - An open source graphical front end for secure file transfer; provides support for Mac operating system.

G3 Torrent - A BitTorent client written in Python.

Gnucleus - One of the oldest Windows based open source peer to peer file sharing clients related to Gnutella.

HeavyMole - An advanced level peer to peer file sharing application with features like distributed chat, filtering of answers and advanced query language.

iFTP - i.FTP is a Windows FTP client that comes with source code. There is also an earlier version for BeOS that works with portable media like USB keys.

JFtp - JFtp is a graphical Java network and file transfer client.

KazaaSearch - Search for music, software, images & video with this powerful peer to peer file sharing client.

KCeasy - The windows version of giFT filesharing system that also offers support for other filesharing networks.

Krimpy - An IRC based (internet relay chat) open source file sharing client enabling users to share music, pictures, videos and other files.

Lime Wire - A multi-platform Gnutella file sharing client enabling users to share their files, download MP3s and other audio files.

MLdonkey - 100% open source cross-platform P2P client running on Linux, UNIX, Windows and Mac.

MUTE - A secure, peer to peer file sharing network with easy search and download functionality.

MyNapster - Comes with connection capability to Gnutella for file sharing, IRC for chatting and supports resumption & multithreading of downloads.

NetMess - Has the ability to detect clones and work through HTTP proxy and firewalls.

Prozilla- An open source Linux download accelerator that provides download support via HTTP and FTP protocols.

Shareaza - A flexible file sharing system consolidating features from four different networks: EDonkey2000, Gnutella, BitTorrent, Gnutella2.

TAC2 - Expanded as Tango & Catch 2 (TAC2), works as a search engine independent client for searching on Linux and Windows.

TorrentSpy - Gives BitTorrent power-users all the information in one place along with real time ability to monitor the number of live users.

Waste - Secure collaboration tool allowing idea & data sharing between users through a chat interface.

WinSCP - Another open source SFTP & FTP client for Windows; provides safe file copying between local and remote computers.

XNap - Written in Java, XNap provides a plug-in enabled framework and client for P2P applications.

Graphics-Design & Modeling Tools

Ajax Image Editor - Open source image editor using PHP.

ArgoUML - ArgoUML is a popular open source UML modeling tool compatible with any Java platform.

Avidemux - A simple video editor with support for DVD/DivX conversion and editing.

Blender - 3D animation and modeling suite with various tools for modeling.

Bluefish - A powerful editor for programmers and web designers enabling them to write websites, scripts and programming code.

BRL-CAD - An open source CAD system centered on constructive solid geometry (CSG) modelling.

Cinelerra - A professional open source video editing tool with features for capturing, editing and compositing.

CinePaint - Professional graphical editing application targeted towards the movie industry.

Cornice - Cross platform image viewer initially developed for Linux; similar in functionality to ACDSee.

Dia - Open source drawing tool for UML diagrams, similar in functionality to ‘Visio’.

Flowchart Studio - Allows the user to draw a flowchart through graphical editor.

F-Spot - A feature rich personal photo management application for GNOME desktops.

Gaphor - Simple modeling environment that enables users to create intuitive UML diagrams for documentation purposes.

Gimp - The oldest, and most famous, open source graphic application with over 100 plug-ins and powerful paint tools.

Gimpshop - Gimpshop changes menus and dialogs in a manner similar to its competitor, Photoshop.

GQview - A lightweight image viewer with easy navigation, zoom and thumbnail preview features.

i.Mage - i.Mage is a handy graphics editor featuring easy pixel & image editing.

ImageMagick - Allows for the creation, editing and composition of bitmap images.

imgSeek - imgSeek is a photo management and viewing application with search support.

Imgv - An open source, feature rich image viewer providing support for a variety of image formats.

Inkscape - An open source vector graphics editor similar in functionality to Illustrator. It provides support for all drawing features like any commercial product.

Inquisitor - A fast visual web picture ripper, downloader and offline browser.

Jahshaka - Powerful open source movie editor with real time media playback and visual effects.

Karbon - Part of the open source KOffice suite, makes a great choice as a vector drawing application.

Kino - An open source non-linear video editor that comes with easy importing of DV video and provides video and audio transition effects.

khtml2png - A command line utility for creating PNG and JPEG images out of web pages.

Krita - An open source image editing and painting program with advanced features.

KToon - 2D animation toolkit with focus towards animation industry.

NVU - A complete cross platform web authoring system which makes it very simple to create web pages and manage a website without any technical expertise.

OpenLaszlo - An excellent development environment for web applications as it can generate Macromedia and AJAX files for webpage use.

Paint.NET - .NET based open source bitmap application with an intuitive user interface for drawing and editing.

Page Scavenger - A simple Windows application useful for downloading images from free hosting services via webpage links.

Pixie - Open source RenderMan renderer.

Potrace - An open source project useful for converting bitmap images to raster or vector drawings.

QCad Community Edition - A simple, easy to use open source 2D CAD application.

Quanta Plus - A feature rich web development environment.

Seashore - A basic open source image editor with simple functionality and features.

Scribus - Open source cross-platform desktop publishing application.

Skencil - A flexible open source, interactive vector drawing application for illustrations, diagrams and other purposes.

Synfig - An open source 2d vector animation program for artists to assist them with making cartoons.

UFRaw - Unidentified Flying Raw is an open source photo converter that can be used as a standalone application or as a plug-in.

VirtualDub - An open source video capture and processing utility with basic features.

Violet - Violet is an easy to learn and use open source UML editor.

Xara Xtreme - Powerful, general purpose graphics application for Linux and other UNIX platforms.

Media Players

AlsaPlayer - AlsaPlayer is a new type of PCM player for Linux/Unix featuring fully pluggable framework for various media types.

Amarok - Audio player for Linux.

Cog - Quite often referred to as a potential iTunes alternative; an interesting open source audio player with support for various formats.

Coolplayer - A fast audio player for the Win32 environment.

Delphamp - Delphi based open source media player. Like a Winamp clone, also features support for Winamp skins.

DigitalDJ - DigitalDJ is a front-end MP3 player based on SQL. It can create playlists and manage CD databases in MP3 format.

Foobar2000 - Advanced level Windows based audio player with support for Unicode and popular audio formats.

Gamp - Gamp is a Gnome audio player written in C and includes support for MP3, Ogg, vorbis etc.

Grip - Grip is a CD-player and ripper for the Gnome desktop, and features an automated front end for MP3 encoders.

Guliverkli - Its interface is similar to Windows media player, however it also offers advanced features like switching of audio streams in mp4 files.

HelixPlayer - An open source media player for various operating systems like Linux, Solaris and Symbian.

Juice - Juice is a premier podcast receiver and allows users to capture and receive podcasts anytime.

Media Player Classic - An advanced version of Windows Media Player 6.4; offers features like real time zoom, support for AVI subtitles and support for QuickTime and Real video.

Mixxx - An open source DJ mixing tool, very useful for professional and amateur DJs.

Miro - The only video player which provides you with the option to download YouTube videos, play video files and play live Internet TV.

MPlayer - Written in Python; one of the best media players under the GNU-GPL license.

MP3Gain - MP3Gain assists users by normalizing the volume of mp3 files; it also does statistical analysis to determine the loudness of a file to the human ear.

musikCube - MP3 player based on embedded SQL database engine and packed with innovative features.

NotifyCD - NotifyCD is a small system tray based CDDB supporting CD player for Windows 9x/NT/2000.

OggPlay - OggPlay is an open source audio player for smart phones.

Plainamp - Plainamp is an open source media player for Microsoft Windows.

SnackAmp - A music player running on multiple platforms; features a web server and powerful playlist.

Songbird - Songbird is a multi-utility open source application; acts as a desktop web player, a jukebox, and a web browser.

SysTrayPlay - Also known as STP, ths is a small MP3 player program with a grey button in the taskbar that occupies very little memory.

VLC media player - Highly portable cross platform multimedia player & streaming server with support for variety of audio and video formats.

Vorbis.com - Open source professional audio encoding and streaming technology.

XboxMediaPlayer - XboxMediaPlayer is an open source multimedia player from Microsoft useful for viewing various video/audio/picture files like VOB, AVI, MP3 etc.

xine - Xine is an open source multimedia player for playing CDs, DVDs and streaming multimedia over the internet.

Zinf - Powerful and effective audio player for Linux and Windows. Supports various file formats such as MP3, Ogg and WAV and also features a download manager and a music browser.

Messengers & Communication Clients

Adium - Mac OS X open source instant messaging client that aggregates the popular IM networks.

aMSN - MSN Messenger’s open source clone for Linux users.

Ayttm - Ayttm is an instant messaging client with all-in-one chat functionality for major instant messaging services.

Coccinella - A Jabber client with integrated whiteboard features; includes features like file transfer, multi-user chat etc.

Kopete - Part of KDE desktop; a wonderful instant messaging application with voice and video capabilities.

Gaim - A very flexible instant messaging application compatible with Linux and Windows offering support for AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo and others.

Ineen - Ineen is a feature loaded open source audio and video conferencing desktop tool.

IRSIM - Uses PHP and mySQL and provides interaction with multiple messaging clients.

Java Jabber Server - A nice open source Java implementation of Jabber instant messenger.

Kopete - Kopete is a flexible instant messenger and multi protocol system with support for AIM, Yahoo, IRC and MSN.

Licq - A C++ based multi-threaded ICQ clone; uses an extensive plug-in system.

MIMP - Mobile version of IMP; functionality includes mailbox viewing, message viewing, deletion or composition of new messages.

Miranda IM - Fast and handy multi-protocol messenger for Windows.

Openfire & Spark - Real time cross-platform IM client and server based on Jabber protocol.

Pidgin - Covers multiple protocols including AIM, ICQ, MSN, IRC, Jabber etc.

PlanetaMessenger.org - Java based open source instant messenger offering plug-in support for various IM networks.

Psi-im - An open source instant messaging client developed for Jabber. Has communication capabilities with AIM, MSN and ICQ etc.

SIM-IM (SIM Instant Messenger) - Free software package providing plug-in based messaging with support for various protocols.

Spark - Open source instant messenger with integrated support for group chat, telephony and security.

TjK - A portal based open source version of AOL Instant Messenger, originally developed for UNIX users.

Tkabber - Open source client for Jabber instant messaging and works on many platforms e.g. Linux, Windows and Mac etc.

WengoPhone - WengoPhone is a popular VOIP soft-phone client for making free PC-to-PC calls over the internet.

XChat - An IRC chat client for both Windows and Linux.

Yafumato Web Messenger - A web-based open source client allowing users to connect to AIM, Gtalk, MSN and Yahoo.

PDF drivers & Tools

CC PDF Converter - Enables users to convert Word, Excel, IE and any other file formats to PDF.

Evince - Evince is a document viewer with support for multiple document formats including PDF.

Jarnal - Jarnal is an open-source application enabling annotation of a document.

okular - A universal document viewer based on KPDF for KDE.

PDFCreator - Create PDF files from just about any Windows utility.

PDF Download - A Firefox extension for improving your surfing experience. A click on a PDF file link enables you to view it inside or outside Firefox.

Pdftk - Pdftk is a command line utility allowing users to merge PDF documents, split PDF documents and do many other things.

qvPDF - Windows based PDF creator implemented as a printer driver.

Sumatra PDF - A simple and fast application to view PDF files.

Xpdf - An open source PDF viewer for the UNIX operating system. Also works under Windows as a command line tool.

Personal Information & Task Managers

Aethera - Aethera is a PIM application with communication features like send/receive email, send/receive tasks and appointment requests etc.

Chandler - Turns your inbox into a task list.

KAddressBook - An address book application for the K Desktop environment.

Kontact - Supports news, email, calendars, to-do list; a personal information manager for KDE.

KOrganizer - A personal organizer of the KDE desktop environment; has the ability to manage calendars and to do list.

Nag - Nag is a task list manager for multiple users and allows them to create many task lists which can be shared between users and groups.

OneOrZero - Easy to customize cross platform, enterprise level task management and help desk solution.

OpenSync - Open source synchronization framework for managing PIM data such as contacts, calendar, tasks and notes.

PTM - An open source time tracking tool.

Task Blocks - A simple task scheduling application to ensure that user tasks do not overlap.

Task Coach - Task Coach is an open source personal task manager providing features to deal with complex tasks.

TaskFreak - Simple web-based task manager written in PHP.

Total Text Container - An open source information manager; stores notes, passwords, images, calendar events etc.

Project Management

Achievo - Easy to use and customize open source web-based project management application for business environments.

AgileTrack - Java based application for monitoring and tracking activities in a software development environment.

ASTS - A set of web based management tools for recording project activities and tasks.

Austin - A command line utility for manipulating project timelines in XML.

dotproject - Open source Project Management application developed and supported by a group of volunteers.

Double Choco Latte - A basic project management application used to track the history of work orders, projects, accounts etc.

eHour - User friendly web-based tool for keeping track of time based activities; ideal for consulting companies.

FreeMind - A mind mapping application useful for brainstorming sessions.

FUTURe - A time management application for individuals and groups.

Ganttproject - Written in Java, and using XML file format; enables project planning through a Gantt chart.

JIRA - JIRA is a project management & task achievement application for making team processes easy.

jxProject.com - Cross platform project management tool with sharing options.

IPM - A simple project management application built in PHP4 and requiring Apache 1.3x and MySQL.

Memoranda - For users handling multiple projects on a daily basis Memoranda is an ideal tool.

NetOffice - An online project management application for managing tasks, projects, team tracking and collaboration between teams.

Open Workbench - Excellent Windows-based application providing project scheduling functionality for enterprise users.

Planner - Project management tool for the Gnome desktop that is useful for project scheduling, planning and tracking.

phpCollab - An open-source internet-collaboration tool for project teams allowing them to share information amongst each other.

project-open - A web-based project management system for small consulting and service companies. Covers sales, project planning, collaboration and CRM.

Projectory - Projectory is an open source web based project management tool for tracking software projects through development phases.

Projman - A project management tool for reading project descriptions and their scheduled tasks.

Rapla - Highly configurable event and resource management application primarily targeted towards universities.

Taskjuggler - A powerful tool with redefined approach towards project planning activities, taking it far beyond the commonly available tools for Gantt charts.

Trac - Wiki and issue management system for software development projects.

TrackIt - An open source web based project tracking tool to maximize flexibility and customization.

TUTOS - Organization management tool for satisfying the requirements of small groups, teams and departments.

User Story .NET - A tool for extreme programming projects in user story tracking.

WebCollab - An easy to use collaborative project management system enabling users to work together.

WebPBC - Web-based project management tool for small businesses to do budget allocation of projects.

XPlanner - Another web-based project management tool for eXtreme programming (XP) software development practices.

Reporting Tools

BIRT Project - An Eclipse-based reporting system.

DataVision - A reporting tool that works with any database and generates customized reports.

Jasper Reports - A leading open source reporting engine delivering rich screen content and printer into various file formats: PDF, HTML and XLS etc.

JERT - JavaEye Reporting Tool is a web-based database reporting tool with sharing features. It enables users to create flexible reports without any programming knowledge.

iReport - iReport is an easy to use visual report builder designed and written purely in Java.

openi.org - Pronounced as “open eye”, this is a web-based open source OLAP reporting tool enabling organizations of different sizes to manage and organize their data.

OpenSMART - Similar to Tivoli, a monitoring and data reporting tool for servers.

Pentaho - Open source business intelligence tool enabling organizations to operate more effectively by providing reporting, analysis, workflow capabilities.

Rapid - I - Offers all types of data mining services (from analysis to customization) helping customers to improve their profitability and efficiency.

SpagoBI - Focused business intelligence solution for the enterprise providing complete set of analytics (e.g. reporting, data mining, dashboards etc.)

xTuple - Open source SQL report writer compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac.

RSS

Aggie - Aggie is a desktop based open-source news aggregator that downloads the latest news in a webpage.

AmphetaDesk - A cross platform, open source news aggregator that downloads news items on the user’s desktop.

BlogBridge - A powerful and flexible desktop based open source feed reader for Windows, Linux and Mac.

BottomFeeder - RSS news aggregator client written in Smalltalk and compatible with Linux, Windows, Mac and Solaris.

Gregarious - A web-based RSS/RDF/Atom feed reader designed for users to run on their own web server.

JRssReader - A fast, Java based RSS & RDF reader; offers compatibility with multiple platforms.

NewsFeed - Flexible RSS/RDF/Atom aggregator for different operating systems like Linux, MacOS and FreeBSD.

NRss - an “open source Microsoft .NET Framework / Mono class library for reading a RSS feed into a tree of objects mapped to elements in the RSS feed.”

RSSOwl - Java-based open source news reader.

Syndirella - Syndirella is an open source desktop information aggregator providing a user friendly environment for reading information from multiple sources or feeds.

ThinFeeder - Very powerful and tiny open source aggregator for RSS/Atom developed in Java language.

System Utilities

7-Zip - High-compression open source archive utility for Windows with support for 7z, ZIP, GZIP, TAR files etc.

Amanda - Network backup solution.

Bacula - Set of open source computer programs for managing network backup system for Linux/Unix, Mac and Windows clients.

BiGZip - Free compression utility based in Java.

Burn - An open-source CD and DVD burning application allowing users to create audio, data and video disks in different file formats.

CamStudio - Open screen casting application allowing users to capture audio and video and store it later for playback.

CDRDAO - Open-source tool with advanced features for recording audio or data CDs.

coLinux - Cooperative Linux allows users to run Linux parallel to Windows on any machine.

Cream - An open source text editor with interactive user interface, pull-down menus etc.

G4U - Open source cross-platform hard disk image cloning application.

GrenEye - A file slicing and compression utility.

GNU zip - A compression utility.

GParted - Fantastic open source partition manager with direct boot facility option from CD or USB.

Handbrake - A multiplatform DVD to MPEG-4 converter/ripper with ability to process unencrypted and whole DVD files.

InfraRecorder - A freeware CD/DVD burning application for Windows.

Info-ZIP - Provides high quality, portable versions of zip files compatible with DOS.

Inno Setup - Another open source installer for Windows applications with integrated Pascal scripting engine.

InstallJammer - Useful for creating self-contained cross platform installation packages.

jEdit - A cross platform open source text editor written in Java with consolidated features from major editors.

Emacs - An extensible, customizable, self-documenting open source text editor.

K3b - An open source application for creating/burning CDs and DVDs; packed with features like DVD encoding, copying and audio CD creation.

Launch4j - An open source wrapper for jar files that supports Mac, Linux and Solaris.

Nagios - An open source network monitoring service for hosts, networks and services which use plug-ins.

NeDi - Open source network discovery, inventory & management framework utilizing scheduled discovery for network examination.

Notepad++ - An open source alternative to Microsoft Notepad with features well suited to development and design.

NSIS - A flexible open source tool for developing Windows installers.

Open-source ARJ - A cross-platform open source implementation of the popular ARJ archiver.

OpenNMS - A network management platform for monitoring services and their hosts.

OpenVZ - A terrific alternative to any commercial visualization offering; offered only on Linux.

Pandora FMS - Complete network and node monitoring solution composed of three parts: agents, server and console.

Partition Image - Disk cloning Linux utility helping users to create an image of partitions. The image file can be compressed, split and it is compatible with Linux and Windows.

SciTE - An open source text editor enabling developers to edit code.

UPX - A high-performance packaging utility with a high compression ratio for different executable formats.

VirtualBox - A high performance, feature rich, open source visualisation product for enterprise as well as home use.

Wireshark - Top quality network protocol analyser enabling users to capture LAN packets.

Xen - A high performance open source enterprise visualisation solution.

Xming - X-Windows server for Windows; has all the features of a commercial product.

Xvidcap - Linux based screencast application allowing users to capture portions or the entire screen of a Linux desktop.

Zenoss - A top class network and system monitoring solution with all the features of a commercial monitoring system.

Zzip - A compression tool with the ability to compress files with a high compression ratio.

Office

AbiWord - Has an interface that is very similar to Microsoft Word for easy migration; also allows importing and exporting from Microsoft Word.

Agnubis - The PowerPoint of GNOME; comes with easy integration options with other packages in GNOME office suite.

Andrew User Interface System (Andrew) - A popular graphical user interface system integrated with word processor, an html editor and browser.

AxPoint - Presentation tools from the developers of Apache AxKit.

Bruce - Presentation tool for Python programmers allowing them to code and create interactive PowerPoint sessions.

Imposter - Imposter is a standalone viewer for viewing presentations created by Impress software.

Impress - Fantastic tool for creating multimedia presentations with 2D and 3D effects.

Kivio - A part of KOffice suite; helps users in flowcharting, network diagrams and other graphics needs.

KPresenter - The presentation package bundled with KDE project; powerful and fully featured.

KWord - A word processor with a frame-based layout capability; part of the open source office suite KOffice.

MagicPoint - A presentation tool based on X11; very useful for making simple presentations which can be easily edited by any text editor.

NeoOffice - A special version of OpenOffice for the Mac.

S5 - A simple slideshow system having easily accessible markup. It can easily adapt to user themes and enables you to create your own slideshow themes.

WebHuddle - An open-source web conferencing and presentation tool with support for VOIP, chat and PowerPoint.

Web Browsers

Browser3D - An interactive web browser enabling users to interact with a real 3D environment and add their own 3D environment.

Camino - The functionality and features of this powerful browser match the capabilities of Safari.

CxBrowser - A useful open source web browser implemented under Mozilla Activex control component and written entirely in C#.

Epiphany - Developed for the GNOME computer desktop; competes with KDE for Linux.

Galeon - The first web browser for GNOME computer desktop; now comes as an extension to Epiphany.

K-Meleon - Perfect web-browser for operating systems which are incompatible with Mozilla or Firefox suite of browsers.

Konqueror - Part of the K Desktop Environment (KDE); a great browser for Linux with similar features to Firefox.

Lynx - Cross platform browser compatible with UNIX, Windows and Mac.

Mozilla Firefox - Fast, powerful and secure web browser compatible with Linux and Windows.