Some commercial programs are real gems, and often preferred in the business world because of the perception of greater longevity and support. In reality an open source advocate can often replace those gems with equally shiny objects from the open source repertoire, usually backed by a massive user base that dwarfs their proprietary counterpart.

Here is a random selection to illustrate the point.

Basics : Windows Vista OS vs Ubuntu OS: Even Microsoft fans have become disillusioned with this product. Ubuntu has now become so easy to use that even the most computer illiterate can jump into this operating system with very little time spent on a learning curve? In fact, users can purchase a Dell computer with Ubuntu already installed.

Office Suite : Microsoft Office vs OpenOffice: If you compare Microsoft’s Office with other products, then you’re looking for something that includes an email client, a word processor, a spreadsheet tool, and a multimedia presentation application. OpenOffice is an open source project that includes everything you’d find in Microsoft Office except the email client (but see below).

Database : Microsoft Access vs Kexi: Microsoft Access is a versatile tool for creating database-driven applications and to maintain office or personal data. Access contains an embedded database engine, but it also connects to other databases through ODBC. On the other hand, Kexi allows users to design forms to gain access to and to create data, just like Access. Kexi also contains an embedded database engine and it can import data to Microsoft Access databases.

Productivity : Microsoft Project vs Open Workbench: Microsoft allows users to control project work, schedule, and finances, and effectively communicate project data to other users. Open Workbench accomplishes exactly the same project details for free. For a workgroup, division or enterprise-wide solution, upgrade to CA’s Clarity™ system, a project and portfolio management system that offers bidirectional integration with Open Workbench.

Graphics : Adobe PhotoShop vs GIMP: Try GIMP to see if this open source tool can’t provide you with all the power you need for your photography and graphic design needs, in a solution that comes closest to emulating the Photoshop environment.

Communications : Microsoft Outlook vs Thunderbird: Say that you decided to switch to OpenOffice, but you need an email client to replace Microsoft’s Outlook. Try Mozilla’s Thunderbird, an application that carries a similar interface and that is easy to use. Additionally, you can use Lightning to integrate Mozilla’s Sunbird calendar application with Thunderbird.

Media : iTunes vs Songbird: If you’re accustomed to the equation where “Apple + iPod + iTunes” equals a ton of money, then you might consider a switch to Songbird. Songbird is an open source player and a platform committed to “playing the music you want + from the sites you want + on the devices you want.” Songbird thereby challenges the conventions of discovery, purchase, consumption and organization of music on the Internet.

Financial : Quickbooks vs Compiere: Few people are unfamiliar with Quickbooks, as this software has made its way into many a small business computer. If you feel that few opportunities exist to switch, think again. Compiere, produced by Global Era, provides one solution to open source ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solutions for any small to large business. Compiere 3.0 marks the introduction of Compiere Professional Edition, a new premium offering targeted at larger organizations that require more advanced services and commercial licensing from Compiere.

Source: The Top 50 Proprietary Programs that Drive You Crazy — and Their Open Source Alternatives