Why are you still wasting your hard-earned bucks on software? Is it because you've tried "freeware", only to be disappointed by the lack of quality, not to mention other concerns, like adware/spyware deliberately slipped inside? Or have you tried downloading "pirated" software (which is illegal, of course) only to find it full of viruses or trojans designed to make your life hell?

Well, you really should be joining the millions of Windows and Mac users who now use "Open Source" software, a concept arrived at in the Linux world but now benefitting the rest of us! This is "free" software, which not only means free to use and distribute, but also means you have the freedom to alter the program and even release it, whereas "commercial" software does not even allow you to hack the code of the copy on your own computer.

Even freeware has many limitations on distributing and altering, and as you probably know already, these are often written by hobby programmers or students, hence the low quality of most of it. "FOSS" (Free Open Source Software), on the other hand, is more often than not written by serious programmers, even companies like Sun Microsystems, not for a bit of practice, but to benefit the community. This concept is of course quite alien to those who make their money from Windows and/or Mac software, and they'll do anything to convince you that the more you pay for software, the better it must be.

Have you ever paid pretty penny for software that just failed to live up to your expectations? Would you be surprised to find out that FOSS is not only just as good as commercial products but even better at times? When you buy a piece of software and it fails to do all the things you expected of it, you are generally too wary (or smart) after that to keep paying for more software that could be no better. At least with FOSS you can pick and choose, and all it costs you is a little time. This is part of the reason platforms like Ubuntu ("Linux for Human Beings") are starting to woo Windows and Mac users in droves, because the software is free and easily found and installed. And when people realise that often these programs are just what they need, it's hard to go back to paying hundreds of dollars for software that just doesn't cut it. And let's not even mention "bloatware"... oh, OK, let's...

I used to think "bloatware" was a Windows-only phenomenon, but it also affects the Mac, and very much so. "Bloatware" is where programs are getting bigger and slower to load without any apparent reason. Have a look at the "system requirements" of each version of MS Office and you'll see what I mean. And is there any real reason why a any single program has to be over 100Mb, especially when it's just something like a CD-burning suite, image editor or word processor? Is there any reason why when we're forced to pay for an update we have to upgrade our computers just to use them? Am I really missing something here, or is there something wrong with this whole scenario?

If you also think paying good money for inefficient software that just keeps getting bigger and slower, not to mention more expensive, is a bit screwy, start making the change today. No one is asking you to uninstall the software you've paid for, especially if it does the job, but consider how much money and stress you will save replacing the programs that need to be replaced with FOSS. And certainly consider FOSS for any new tasks that come along, like if you decide to do some media conversion, try your hand at 3D modelling, or get into vector graphics. Want to upgrade your email client from Outlook Express to a full PIM? Why buy MS Outlook when you can join the masses already using Evolution?

These open source CD packs have a great selection of programs for a variety of different tasks, so why not try some today? You don't have to go looking for them, and some documentation is included to make things easier (where applicable), even a few screenshots here and there so you can see what some of these look like without installing. Grab a pack today and join the millions already using open source software.

PS: If you want to go even further and replace your expensive operating system with one from the open source community, check out my store for the Ubuntu ad, and the one for Linux distributions. Finding and installing FOSS in Ubuntu and other distros is incredibly easy with "package managers" that let you search for and install literally thousands of programs available.

Please note that besides scanning all Windows files thoroughly for viruses, I also do a file integrity scan on all CDs before sending them off, to ensure no files are corrupt.

Upon receiving payment, you will be notified, and your item will be shipped within 2 working days (the following working day in most cases). I will endeavour to make sure it is securely packed and at your door as soon as possible.

Please note that recycled protective packaging may be used in the packing of this item, in an effort to lower the impact on the environment.

Also note that I assume no responsibility for items that don't show up. I will, of course, do my part in tracking down items that were Registered. However, I haven't had any lost mail coming or going internationally or within Australia (still, insurance and/or registering can be arranged for your piece of mind).

Thanks again, and HAPPY SHOPPING!