Open Source (Free) Educational Software

As a big supporter of open source software, I was glad to find a list of several educational open source software for different topics collected by OpenDisc.

"The OpenEducationDisc focuses solely on meeting educational needs of students of all ages.  Software has been chosen to address specific IT needs across a wide range of subject areas.  The contents of the disc therefore differ from the OpenDisc and are listed below."

Office and Design

OpenOffice.org – Fully compatible office software for your school work
Dia – Make technical diagrams and flowcharts
Scribus – Create professional looking posters and magazines
GanttProject – Plan your school projects with this project management software
FreeMind – Collect your ideas with this mind mapping Software
Sumatra PDF – Read PDF files quickly and easily

Internet

Firefox – A safe, secure and fast web browser
Thunderbird – Manage your emails better than ever – Reclaim your inbox!
Pidgin – Talk to your friends whatever instant message client they use
Kompozer – Create web pages easily, without having to code

Art and Graphics

GIMP – Edit digital photos and create graphics
GIMP animation – Create animations
Inkscape – Make professional looking vector graphics
Pencil – Animate your own cartoons
Blender – 3D graphic modeling, animation, rendering and playback
Tuxpaint – Drawing program for children ages 3 to 12

Multimedia

VLC – Play music, videos and DVDs
Audacity – Record, edit and mix music
Mixxx – Mix your own music like a DJ
MuseScore – Compose your own music
Piano Booster – Teach yourself the piano
Infra Recorder – Burn your own CDs and DVDs
CamStudio – Record your actions on a computer
Really Slick Screensavers – Great looking screensavers

Science and Mathematics

Nasa Worldwind - Discover the earth and other planets
Geogebra - Learn geometry and algebra
Greenfoot – Teach yourself how to program
GraphCalc – A graphical calculator
BYOB – Learn how to program and make animations
CarMetal – Cool mathematical modelling tool
Maxima – University standard computer algebra system
Celestia – Explore the universe in three dimensions
Stellarium – A planetarium on your PC

Games

FreeCiv - Control the world through diplomacy and conquest
FreeCol – Discover the ‘New World’ and build an empire
Numpty Physics – Solve puzzles using physics
TuxTyping 2 – Learn to type like a pro
Tux of Math Command – Test your mathematical skills

Utilities

7zip – Compress and uncompress files in a wide variety of formats
Abakt - Schedule and execute backups of your data
Clamwin – Antivirus software with automatic updating
TrueCrypt – Encrypt and secure your valuable data
Workrave – Prevent and recover from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)