Free Software Directory

Leo Migdal

-Dec 4, 2025, 3:40 PM

The free software community has always thwarted the toughest challenges facing freedom in technology. This winter season, we want to thank the many individuals and projects that have helped us get where we are today: a world where a growing number of users are able to do their... Our work isn't over. We have so much more to do. Help us reach our fundraising goal of $400,000 USD by January 1, 2026 to help the FSF remain strong and independent, and empower users everywhere. The Free Software Directory (FSD) is a project of the Free Software Foundation (FSF).

We catalog useful free software that runs under free GNU-like systems, not limited to the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants. Many of those programs also runs on proprietary operating systems which can be used to replace nonfree software. If you are looking for a full operating system for your computer, please see our list of free GNU/Linux distributions. More about the Directory If so, visit our Participate page, and review the submission requirements to find out how you can get started today. Also make sure to join the directory-discuss mailing list to keep up on discussions or send in any questions you have about the directory.

The Free Software Directory (FSD) is a project of the Free Software Foundation (FSF). It catalogs free software that runs under free operating systems—particularly GNU and Linux. The cataloged projects are often able to run in several other operating systems. The project was formerly co-run by UNESCO. Unlike some other directories that focus on free software,[1] Free Software Directory staff verify the licenses of software listed in the directory. FSD has been used as a source for assessing the share of free software, for example finding in September 2002 an amount of "1550 entries, of which 1363 (87.9%) used the GPL license, 103...

All listed packages are "free for any computer user to download, run and share. Each entry is individually checked and tested ... so users know that any program they come across in the directory will be truly free software ... with free documentation and without proprietary software requirements".[3] Several scientific publications review or refer to the directory.[4][5][6] It has been remarked that the Directory "only includes software that runs on free operating systems. The FSF/UNESCO Free Software Directory is also a collaborative project, offering a web interface for users to enter and update entries".[7] Among the critical issues of the previous version, it has been pointed out...

In September 2011, the Free Software Directory was re-implemented as a wiki, using MediaWiki and the Semantic MediaWiki extension, to allow users to directly add to and modify its contents.[12] Semantic MediaWiki provides the... The greatest collection of open source and free software Use the Open Source Software Directory to find the best open source and free software for at home or in business The Engineered Monitoring Platform, short EMP, is a project that arised to address the need of having an easy to customize Monitoring, Data Analytics and Dashboarding solution. Company and team-specific data visualization can be created on the fly, without the necessity to rely on custom implementations by 3rd party vendors. The best value you get from EMP is its very flexible yet easy to use query language, which enables you to solve problems that other multi-million dollar tools are unable to tackle without considerable...

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(AGPL) The Free Software Directory is a catalog of free software programs across all platforms. It allows users to search for free and open source alternatives to proprietary software. The Free Software Directory is an online catalog that provides detailed listings of free software programs for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. It is run by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and UNESCO as a way to promote the use of free and open source software. The directory contains information on thousands of free software applications and libraries across a wide range of categories like education, science, publishing, accessibility, and more.

Each listing includes a description of the software's functionality, platform compatibility, license type, latest release date, and links to download or learn more. Some key features of the Free Software Directory: The goal of the directory is to help users find free software replacement for popular non-free programs. It is run by the FSF as part of their mission to promote computer user freedom and the ethical values of freedom and community that underlie the free software movement. Open source software has become an essential part of modern technology, offering free, flexible, and community-driven IT solution for a wide range of needs. From developers seeking robust tools to businesses aiming to reduce costs, open source software empowers users with transparency and control.

However, finding the right software can be a challenge without a centralised resource. That’s where open source directories come in – platforms designed to help you discover, compare, and access high-quality tools easily. In this article, we’ll explore five of the best open source directories, each offering a unique way to connect with the thriving world of open source software. Website: https://opensourcesoftwaredirectory.com/The Open Source Software Directory is a comprehensive platform that provides users with an organised way to discover a vast range of open source tools. This directory categorises software into areas like development, education, business, and more. With its straightforward layout and powerful filtering options, it simplifies the process of finding the right tools for your needs.One of the standout features of this directory is its regular updates.

Developers and contributors frequently add new software, ensuring the listings stay relevant and up-to-date. Additionally, the platform highlights user ratings and reviews, allowing you to make informed decisions based on the experiences of others. Whether you’re a developer looking for frameworks or a teacher seeking educational tools, the Open Source Software Directory is an excellent starting point for your search. Website: https://github.com/opensource-observer/oss-directoryThe OSS Directory, hosted on GitHub, offers a unique approach to discovering open source projects. Unlike traditional directories, it connects users directly to GitHub repositories, making it an excellent resource for developers who want to contribute to or understand the code behind the software.The directory is organised into categories... Its GitHub-based nature allows users to explore the latest commits, issues, and releases, providing an in-depth understanding of each project’s activity and health.Another advantage of OSS Directory is its community-driven nature.

Developers around the world contribute to the directory, ensuring it evolves continuously. If you’re someone who enjoys diving into the technical side of open source software, this directory will be an invaluable tool. Website: https://www.opensourcealternative.to/Open Source Alternatives To Proprietary Software is a must-visit directory for anyone looking to break free from expensive licensing fees. This platform focuses on providing open source replacements for popular proprietary tools. Whether you’re searching for an alternative to Microsoft Office or Photoshop, this directory has you covered.What makes this platform unique is its emphasis on usability and functionality. Each entry is carefully curated to ensure that users can seamlessly transition to open source options without sacrificing quality.

For businesses, this directory is a game-changer, offering tools that rival the performance of paid software while eliminating recurring costs.With its sleek interface and straightforward navigation, Open Source Alternatives is perfect for both tech-savvy... By adopting the tools listed here, you can enjoy greater flexibility and autonomy while supporting the open source community. Website: https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Main_PageRun by the Free Software Foundation (FSF), the Free Software Directory is dedicated to promoting software that respects user freedom. Every listing in this directory adheres to the principles of free software, ensuring that users can run, modify, and share the software without restrictions.The platform is carefully maintained, with each submission reviewed for compliance... This makes the Free Software Directory an excellent resource for users who prioritise transparency and ethical practices in technology.In addition to software listings, the directory provides detailed information about licensing and compatibility. This is particularly helpful for developers who want to integrate free software into their own projects.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or an advocate for digital rights, the Free Software Directory offers a wealth of tools aligned with your values. The Free Software Directory (FSD) is a comprehensive catalog of free software, focusing on applications compatible with free operating systems like GNU and Linux. It provides a community-driven platform for discovering and exploring software governed by free licenses. The Free Software Directory (FSD) stands as a cornerstone resource for users and developers immersed in the world of free and open-source software (FLOSS/FOSS). It serves as a robust, community-curated repository, meticulously cataloging software that adheres strictly to free software principles and is designed to run on free operating systems, with a particular emphasis on GNU and Linux... Unlike proprietary software repositories, FSD is built on the foundation of collaborative contribution.

Its extensive database is a product of a global community of free software advocates, developers, and users who actively contribute to its breadth and accuracy. This crowdsourced approach ensures a diverse and up-to-date collection, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of free software development. While providing a directory of free software, FSD also fosters a sense of community. It serves not just as a static list but as a dynamic hub where users can contribute their knowledge, report issues, and help improve the quality and coverage of the directory. This communal aspect is vital in promoting the adoption and development of free software. The platform's responsive design ensures accessibility across various devices, making it easy to discover free software whether you are on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.

While primarily a directory, its community features contribute to its vibrancy and usefulness as a central point for exploring the free software ecosystem. The following is a list of notable websites that list free software projects. These directories and repositories of free software differ from software hosting facilities (or software forges) in the number of features they offer and the type of collaboration they are designed to promote.

Free Software Directory

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