Free Software

Using computers in your business is a must these days. Of course, the biggest problem is that they aren't necessarily cheap to maintain, especially when you also have to purchase all the various software programs required to do the things you need to do. And if you have several computers to maintain, it becomes even more expensive.

Fortunately there are many programs out there that can help you keep up-to-date that won't cost you a cent. Below are several exceptional programs or entire software packages that can be used in lieu of more expensive commercial ones. Again, these are absolutely free of charge.

 

Free Software

Replaces:

OpenOffice.org

OpenOffice is an open source, free software package that does word processing, spreadsheets, visual presentations, data processing, and graphics. You can save the documents in a format that is compatible with Microsoft Office products, and will do everything that about 95% of Word users will ever need.

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Access

The Gimp

A free photo manipulation and graphics program

  • Adobe Photoshop

Paint.net

Another free photo manipulation program. Not as sophisticated as the Gimp, but more user friendly

  • Adobe Photoshop

Thunderbird

A email program that holds your address book and allows you to send and receive email

  • Microsoft Outlook (email portion)

Google Calendars

An online program (you don't have to install anything on your computer) that not only allows you to keep track of appointments and dates, but allows you to grant access to parties of your choice so that all involved can see important dates.

  • Microsoft Outlook (calendar portion)