So then, if you were keen to consider Linux as a free replacement for your existing operating system, but absolutely had to retain the functionality provided by Photoshop and Dreamweaver, what choices might you have?

LinuxAppFinder recommends eight DreamWeaver replacements: Amaya, Aptana, Bluefish, KompoZer, Nvu, Quanta, Screem and TruStudio. osalt.com also advocates Aptana, Bluefish, KompoZer and Nvu and also throws in Mozilla SeaMonkey.

Obviously, each of these options will have their own share of benefits and problems. Some may be more or less compatible with the software they purportedly replace. Some evaluation and investigation is required – but nevertheless, it is absolutely and abundantly clear there is no shortage of open source software and definitely no compelling reason to let specific specialised software packages be an obstacle in considering alternate, and free, operating systems.