Examples of free software

Notable free software:

    * Operating systems: GNU/Linux, BSD, Darwin, and the Windows clone ReactOS.

    * GCC compilers, GDB debugger and C libraries.

    * Servers: BIND name server, Sendmail mail transport, Apache web server, and Samba file server.

    * Relational database systems: MySQL and PostgreSQL.

    * Programming languages: Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby and Tcl.

    * GUI related: X Window System, GNOME, KDE, and Xfce desktop environments.

    * OpenOffice.org office suite, Mozilla and Firefox web browsers and the GIMP graphics editor.

    * Typesetting and document preparation systems TeX and LaTeX.

The Free Software Directory is a free software project that maintains a large database of free software packages.

The most accessible and comprehensive collections of free software are currently distributed as LiveDistros, entire operating systems stored and made ready to boot on CDs, USB sticks, DVDs, and other bootable media. By inserting a LiveDistro into a CD drive and booting the computer arrives to a desktop with hundreds of free software packages ready to run and use.

Some free software like OpenOffice.org works on the non-free Microsoft Windows and non-free Unix platforms. Non-free software can work on free platforms, although purists prefer using platforms composed entirely of free software such as GNU/Linux.