if you're a Windows user, there's a lot of open-source software available to you. i'm basically a Windows user even though i have friends influencing me to switch over to *nix. i don't think i'm ready for that now. well, for those inclined to use open-source software on Windows, you can check out the TTCS OSSWIN CD, and the OSSWin site.

also, you might want to check out Ohloh. came across it while snooping around BlenderNation.