FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use pirated software?

No, usage of pirated software must be refrained from at all costs. Here’s why:

1. Respect for Developers and Fair Compensation:
   A tremendous amount of effort goes into developing any software, right from building a skilled team and paying salaries to maintaining infrastructure. Piracy disrupts this ecosystem and undermines innovation.
2. High Risk of Malware and Legal Issues:
   Pirated software often comes bundled with hidden malware, trojans, or ransomware that can compromise your data and system security, in most of the cases, resulting in irretrievable data loss. Additionally, using cracked software is illegal in most countries and can lead to serious legal consequences.
3. Open-Source Alternatives Exist:
   If cost is a concern, there’s good news, open-source software often offers reliable, free alternatives. While some may lack the refined interface of premium tools, many deliver exceptional functionality and are maintained by dedicated developer communities.
   
   The open-source community also invests time and resources in researching and building alternatives to paid versions. Supporting these projects through voluntary donations helps sustain them and encourages innovation for the greater good. You may checkout the compiled list of Free and Open Source softwares

What are the best open-source alternatives to paid software?

There are plenty of powerful and reliable open-source tools that can replace expensive paid software without compromising too much on performance or functionality. Below are some of the best known alternatives across different categories:

• Photo Editing: GIMP – A powerful alternative to Adobe Photoshop with layers, masks, and plugin support.
• Video Editing: Da Vinci Resolve, Kdenlive or Shotcut – Great options to go for instead of Adobe After effects, Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
• Office Suite: OpenOffice LibreOffice or Zoho Office Suite – Ideal replacements for Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Screen Recording & Capture: ShareX – A free and open-source tool that can easily replace Snagit or Camtasia for screenshots and recordings. The software is even loaded with functionalities such as mp4 to GIF conversion, recording in GIF format and many more features
• Compression Utility: 7-Zip – A highly efficient alternative to WinRAR or WinZip.
• Audio Editing: Audacity – A feature-rich alternative to Adobe Audition, not as powerful as Adobe audition though
• 3D Design & Modeling: Blender – A complete replacement for Autodesk Maya or 3ds Max.
• Video Playback: VLC Media Player – One of the best open-source media players that supports almost any file format.
• PDF Tools: Zoho PDF Editor PDF Arranger or LibreOffice Draw – For editing or merging PDFs without Adobe Acrobat.

Most of these open-source tools are actively maintained by large developer communities, providing frequent updates and strong security. If you find any tool useful, consider contributing or donating to its development to keep the open-source ecosystem thriving.