Doing a uni project on freeware need some input :)

[imydaking]

hi there

Am doing a project for my final year, looking for alternatives to commercial software using freeware.

Am focusing on multimedia software for image editing and music creation but will also take others into consideration. The main software am looking for alternatives too are Photoshop and Fruity loops.
It would be of great help if someone using such software could give there views on them. Am planning on making a database out of it. Personally i use audacity instead of sony soundforge.

What made you look into open source software?

Which products do you use often if there is more than audacity?

Are there any products you use/used to use which were commercial ?

if so did you switch to a freeware version?
yes/no and why

Do you have a specific operating system you like the most?

any other comments you wish to add?


p.s. am using Ubuntu studio mostly if you have any views on this or any other operating system (beside windows) then please add them.

thanks for any input it will help me greatly