Generally, “open source” refers to a computer program in which the source code is available to the general public for use and/or modification from its original design. Open-source code is typically a collaborative effort where programmers improve upon the source code and share the changes within the community so that other members can help improve it further. Open source software is free. Some organizations have capitalized off of providing support and modification services for open source software such as RedHat, Inc.
Apache OpenOffice is an open-source office productivity software suite. The applications include:
Apache OpenOffice is available for download here. OpenOffice may require java for some applications.
R is a free open source software environment for statistical computing and graphics. It compiles and runs many platforms, such as UNIX. It can run on Windows and Mac OS X devices. R64 is the 64 bit version of R.
Audacity is an open source, free-to-download software program. It allows users to record,
edit, import, and export audio. It also supports a multi-track environment that enables a user to blend together multiple audio files or overdub a file. In addition to cutting and splicing audio files, effects such as reverb, compression, echo, limiting, equalization, fade, delay, tremolo, and much more are available. Additional effects can be added using the open VST plugin standard, which range from free open source to expensive professional grade. Audacity can also be used to display numerical and visual analyses of audio files, enabling more precise editing.
Downloads are available for both Mac, PC, Linux, and other operating systems at no cost.
Here is a detailed comparison matrix of several DAW software pieces.