[Freegis-list] survey for a newbie

[kevin.rowanet]

Hello the list,

I am a newbie in the world of GIS, and a bit confused with all what 
currently exists.

Could somebody give me a general survey to compare (and detail 
connections between, them if any) :
GRASS
NIMAMUSE
FREEGIS (?)
GEOTRANS
ARCVIEW and co
PROJ4
AUTOCAD (for GIS)
ADELIE and CARAIBES (Ifremer France)

Well... another way of asking that question is: can GRASS do for free 
all what the others do?


In connection with first question, what about all small software to 
connect GPS with a PC for visualization of movements on a map : can 
Grass do it ?


Thanks a lot.