This issue's CD focuses on some of the very best open source software available. These full programs, apps and code gems were created by developers and programmers working together to produce great stuff for the wider Internet community, not just to make a great deal of money for themselves and the companies they work for. Why not take a closer look at what's on offer and you may find some hot substitutes for the commercial software you're expected to fork out for?

As our featured file this month we've secured the latest version of Mozilla v1.5 for both PC and Mac users. Mozilla is a full open source suite of integrated Internet applications including a Web browser, email client, address book, Web page builder, chat software and more. The latest version is an attractive alternative to Miscrosoft's Internet Explorer for the Internet addict who wants to break away from the standard dektop fare and try out some genuinely innovative applications. The greatest attraction is the thoroughly modern Netscape-style browser itself, boasting tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, privacy and security controls, plus lots of scope for flexible customisation via plug-ins, extensions and themes.

On top of that we've scooped up the best of the rest of open source, including CiteMap Builder with the Cortona viewer, ExcelEverywhere, osCommerce, The Gimp, Bit Torrent (check out the project on p73), Python, LameBrain and more. See the 'This Issue' page for details and installation.

We've also included every one of our 'Hot Downloads' (p18), all the bits and pieces you'll need to get stuck into the projects (including Contribute 2 to help you with Flash paper, p69), plus updates to loads of other essential software currently available online, just to ensure you're on the ball.

As ever, we're looking for files for next month's CD, so please mail us and visit our forums with more ideas for the disk. It's always good to hear from you.