Is the software on LibreAlts really free?
Yes. Every listed program is distributed under an open source license (MIT, GPL, Apache, BSD or similar). These licenses allow anyone to download, use and share the software free of charge, forever.
What is the difference between open source and freeware?
Freeware is free of charge, but the source code is closed and the owner can change the terms at any time. Open source publishes the source code under a license that guarantees free use, modification and redistribution.
Is it legal to download these programs?
Yes. Open source licenses explicitly permit downloading and redistribution. Unlike warez sites, everything here is legal by design.
Is open source software safe?
Popular open source projects are audited by thousands of developers worldwide, which often makes them as safe as or safer than closed alternatives. Still, download from the official project page (linked on every listing) and use common sense.
Can I use open source programs at work?
In most cases yes, but licenses differ. MIT and Apache are very permissive; GPL requires that derivative works stay open source. Check the license shown on each listing and the project’s own documentation.
How do you choose what to list?
See the methodology page: we start from curated open source collections, then verify that each project has a working official page and a meaningful description.
A program is outdated or broken — what do I do?
Tell us via the contact page — we fix listings and remove dead projects.