Tech’ top tips – #43. Open Source – an alternative way to go

This tip is provided by the Centre for Enhancing Learning through Technology (CELT). The images in this post will expand when clicked.

While at DMU, students have access to Microsoft Office 365 (on up to 5 devices) and other proprietary software; but what happens after? Well, if you don’t want to pay for proprietary software there are a number of Open Source options that students may wish to explore.

The LibreOffice logoLibreOffice is a powerful productivity suite that includes applications for writing, producing spreadsheets, authoring presentations and creating databases. Visit https://www.libreoffice.org/ to download the latest version (6 at the time of writing).

The GIMP logoFor photo editing, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is heralded as being a great alternative to photoshop and many of the features are comparable. Version 2.10.12 can be obtained from https://www.gimp.org/

Although not Open Source, for video editing; Corel VideoStudio can provide a cheaper but fully functional alternative to more expensive video production software – VideoStudio can be download from https://www.videostudiopro.com/en/products/videostudio/