A common problem in the “Open Source World” is finding the right software that does a similar job (even exactly the same if you are lucky) to our favourite proprietary.
I’ve just found a nice list of multimedia alternative software, divided by category, which might help you finding the right one for your needs. There are “replacements” for software like iTunes, Windows Media Player, Nero, Photoshop etc..
Of course the alternatives are not always as powerful as the original ones but, for normal users, most of the time are more than enough.
3D Graphics and Animation
Art of Illusion as a possible alternative to AutoDesk Maya
Blender as a possible alternative to AutoDesk Maya
Audio Players
Songbird as a possible alternative to iTunes
Amarok as a possible alternative to iTunes
Aqualung as a possible alternative to iTunes
aTunes as a possible alternative to iTunes
Jajuk as a possible alternative to iTunes
Jukes as a possible alternative to iTunes
CoolPlayer as a possible alternative to Windows Media Player
Zinf as a possible alternative to Windows Media Player
Moosic as a possible alternative to iTunes
Audio Recorders and Editors
Audacity as a possible alternative to Sonar X1, Adobe Audition, Sony ACID
Frinika as a possible alternative to Sonar X1, Adobe Audition, Sony ACID
InfraRecorder as a possible alternative to Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator
Cdrtools as a possible alternative to Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator
Audio Ripping and Conversion
BonkEnc as a possible alternative to Exact Audio Copy, Audio Convertor Studio
CDex as a possible alternative to Exact Audio Copy, Audio Convertor Studio
MMConvert as a possible alternative to Exact Audio Copy, Audio Convertor Studio
Audio Mixing/DJ Tools
Mixere as a possible alternative to Traktor Scratch, Scratch Live
Mixxx as a possible alternative to Traktor Scratch, Scratch Live
File Sharing Clients
BitTorrent as a possible alternative to BearShare, Kazaa, Warez
Ares Galaxy as a possible alternative to BearShare, Kazaa, Warez
Shareaza P2P as a possible alternative to BearShare, Kazaa, Warez
BitTornado as a possible alternative to BearShare, Kazaa, Warez
ABC (Yet Another BitTorrent Client) as a possible alternative to BearShare, Kazaa, Warez
ANts P2P as a possible alternative to BearShare, Kazaa, Warez
DC++ as a possible alternative to BearShare, Kazaa, Warez
eMule/eMule Plus as a possible alternative to BearShare, Kazaa, Warez
Mute as a possible alternative to BearShare, Kazaa, Warez
Graphics Editors
Dia as a possible alternative to Visio Professional
Gimp as a possible alternative to Photoshop
Inkscape as a possible alternative to Illustrator, CorelDraw
Paint.Net as a possible alternative to Photoshop
Multimedia Players
VLC Media Player as a possible alternative to Windows Media Player
Mplayer as a possible alternative to Windows Media Player
XBMC Media Center as a possible alternative to Windows Media Player
Media Player Classic Home Cinema as a possible alternative to Windows Media Player
xine as a possible alternative to Windows Media Player
MediaPortal as a possible alternative to Windows Media Player
Multimedia Library Management
Data Crow as a possible alternative to MediaMan
Music Composition
DrumTrack as a possible alternative to DrumCore
Hydrogen as a possible alternative to DrumCore
Linux MultiMedia Studio as a possible alternative to FL Studio
Video Editing
Cinelerra as a possible alternative to Adobe Premiere
OpenShot Video Editor as a possible alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro CS5
Avidemux as a possible alternative to Adobe Premiere
Kdenlive as a possible alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro CS5
CineFX as a possible alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro CS5
Movica as a possible alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro CS5
VirtualDub as a possible alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro CS5
LiVES as a possible alternative to Resolume Avenue 3, AVMixer
Video File Conversion
DVDx as a possible alternative to Zamzar
DVD Flick as a possible alternative to Zamzar
FFDShow as a possible alternative to Zamzar
Video Player
Miro as a possible alternative to Windows Media Player