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The 20 projects below appeared in Ron Barrett’s Network World roundup on June 4, 2008. They span network administration, backup, desktop software, and other tasks; the list was the author’s personal selection, aimed especially at Windows users managing networks. It is a historical snapshot, not a current recommendation list: descriptions tied to Windows XP or Vista are not present-day setup guidance, and the available evidence does not establish the current maintenance, security, licensing, or Windows compatibility of every project.
What the 2008 roundup included
Barrett’s article grouped 20 open-source projects under a broad Windows umbrella rather than comparing products for one job. Its choices ranged from network tools and backup utilities to content-management systems and desktop applications. The original descriptions and evaluations reflect the software and Windows environment of 2008.
- Juice
- Eraser
- FOG
- mRemote
- GIMP 2
- Paglo
- Liferay
- GroundWork Monitor
- Cobian Backup
- TrueCrypt
- Joomla!
- H-Inventory
- RSSOwl
- NetStumbler
- ReactOS
- Thunderbird
- FileZilla Server
- jNetStream
- Keyfinder
- Angry IP Scanner
The original article is the source for this list and its period descriptions: Network World’s June 4, 2008 roundup.
What can be said about the projects today
A historical mention does not establish that a project is still maintained, safe to install, licensed on the same terms, or compatible with current Windows releases. The available current checks do not verify those details for all 20 entries. Check each project’s official site, recent release history, security advisories, license, and supported Windows versions before deploying it.
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FOG
FOG’s current official site describes it as a free, open-source network computer cloning and management solution for capturing, deploying, and managing Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions. That current description is useful context, but it does not make the 2008 article’s setup instructions current. Consult the project’s present documentation for prerequisites and deployment steps: FOG Project.
ReactOS
ReactOS remains an active project. Its official homepage reports version 0.4.16, announced August 29, 2026, and links to nightly builds. The project aims to run Windows applications and drivers in an open-source environment, but that aim is not a guarantee that a particular application or device driver will work. The ReactOS Project FAQ describes it as “a free and open source operating system written from scratch.” See the ReactOS homepage and official FAQ for current project information.
Rank #2
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The rest of the list
The available current sources do not establish a reliable project-by-project status for the other entries. In particular, their present support for Windows versions and architectures, release cadence, security posture, and licensing should not be inferred from their inclusion in the 2008 roundup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to use the roundup as a starting point
- Identify the exact project. Similar names or later alternatives are not proof that the original project is maintained. For example, a community-curated Windows app list mentions mRemoteNG as a later remote-connections manager, but that mention does not establish the maintenance or security status of 2008’s mRemote.
- Check current project evidence. Look for recent releases, supported systems, security advisories, and an explicit license from the project itself.
- Match the tool to the deployment. Confirm interoperability, network and operating-system requirements, and whether the project is suitable for the intended environment before installing it.
- Prefer maintained alternatives when status is unclear. Microsoft’s current open-source overview, for example, features Windows Terminal and Accessibility Insights. Those projects show that the ecosystem has changed; they do not validate or update Barrett’s historical selections.
For Cobian Backup, Barrett reported that a Windows Vista test took 12 minutes to back up 16.5 GB and compress it to 9.25 GB. That is his first-person result in the 2008 article, not a modern benchmark or a performance expectation for current hardware and software.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
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Rank #3
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