Free and open-source software (FOSS) is software available under a license that gives users the right to use, share, modify, and distribute the software – modified or not – to everyone and provides the means to exercise those rights using the software's source code.
Get your hands on the top freeandopensourcesoftware that can replace those pricey applications quite effectively. So, we handpicked a few must-have softwares that are not only completely free to download but are the best in the lot.
Freesoftware and open-sourcesoftware are two distinct concepts, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Freesoftware is developed with the goal of promoting freedom and giving users complete control over the software they use.
“Opensource” is something different: it has a very different philosophy based on different values. Its practical definition is different too, but nearly all opensource programs are in fact free. We explain the difference in Why “OpenSource” misses the point of FreeSoftware.
In this article, we will explore the differences between opensource and freesoftware, why these distinctions matter, and how they impact the software development community. What is OpenSourceSoftware?
The table below outlines key distinctions between FreeSoftware and OpenSourceSoftware from a geopolitical perspective, emphasizing real-world implications beyond technical aspects.
In this article, I share freeandopen-source applications I discovered in 2025, highlighting tools that can boost productivity, creativity, and workflow.
OpenMapTiles - Set of open-source tools for self-hosting of OpenStreetMap maps in more than 50 languages. It provides both raster as well as vector tiles, WMS and WMTS services for GIS programs, support for JavaScript viewers and mobile SDK.
Opensource and freesoftware share overlapping principles but are rooted in different ideologies. To grasp their distinctions, it’s essential to explore their definitions and philosophies.