Long time ago, at the moment of the first introduction to computers with actual graphic interface, it didn't quite fit my perception that software was being bought - such misconception, most probably, derived from a vague understanding of what software was and, similarly, from a childish belief that only material things could be sold and bought. Then, a considerable amount of years later, the well established notion of software costing considerable sums of money - and that the only way to get to the internet was via IE, which, by some celestial mercy, came with free of charge - was shattered yet again by introduction of free software concept. Yet, it was quite vague and true revelation has taken place only in the university, when they began to methodically explain the whole notion of free software.
Since then, my appreciation for the free software gradually grew (transition IE->Firefox->Chrome), but, as it happens, I haven't grown to worship the concept (haven't adopted any Linux, GIMP ways), though, of course, having learned from my own experience how hard programming is, the respect for people who are making free software happen has become vast. As awful it may be to admit, I have no real aversion to piracy, therefore most of the software I use IS conceived to be commercial as generally one can expect a more polished interface and, quite often, a greater range of functionality (MS Office as opposed to OpenOffice, GuitarPro 6 as opposed to TuxGuitar). Truth be told, the use of free software is quite haphazard in my case - I either use due to university demands (Eclipse, PgAdmin), to widespread best practices (Firefox, Chromium) or if the elaborate functionality is not crucial (FileZilla).
I would like to elaborate a little on my experience with TuxGuitar, which, after significant changes the realease of the 6th version of GuitarPro brought to the table, became my primary editor of GuitarPro tabs. TuxGuitar is, basically, a multitrack music score editor, practically mimicking GuitarPro features (to some extent) and sporting support of additional file formats. It has initially attracted me with its ability to edit PowerTab files, while bearing a GuitarPro-like interface, which was already familiar(I do not enjoy learning curves of any steepness, trying to sensibly avoid them therefore).The first thing that user is legible to notice upon TuxGuitar launch is how pleasing the interface is on the eye - even more so, than that of GuitarPro 5. Then comes the realization that, had you ever really used the GP5, you're quite ready for a full-fledged exploitation of the TuxGuitar and that strikes you as a pleasant surprise and sparks a renewed admiration for the free software developers.
GuiatrPro 5 was notoriously known for its frequent crashes, TuxGuitar, however, hadn't crashed once throughout the course of its usage for me. The way functions and options are located is, alas, semi-intuitive - wish to change the tempo of the playback crashed at my inability to locate the setting, fortunately enough, TG has a well-written user manual-documentation - even the screenshots of forms and toolbars in question are provided. Another positive side of the documentation is its attractive design - I have discovered a few useful features and options only because I was captivated enough to look through the user manual. Last, but not least, TG has quite an active and numerous user base, whom one can always address in the official forum, which I explored, wondering what could that possibly be that people still find missing from the program.
On the downside, TuxGuitar sports a Penguin-related logo, which I definitely do not like as it does detract from the overall glam of the application.
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