Computers today have trial versions of all the best programs. This is unfortunate, since it can be quite costly to buy the fully functional version of everything you need.
But, every problem is an invitation for a new way to do things. Listed below are excellent free versions of all the software you could possibly need (and more). Also in the mix are replacements for programs that are already free, but the replacement offered is a better choice of software (in my opinion).
Firefox
Replaces Internet Explorer
If you haven’t made the switch to Firefox for your web browsing needs, do so now.Firefox has all the best plugins, stops popups, and has everything you could ever want in a web browser.
Thunderbird
Replaces Microsoft Outlook
Thunderbird is a smart email system that has a lot going for it: it’s fast, free and protects you from phishing attacks by clearly indicating which emails send you to a bogus website. If you’re not already using a web-based email solution, Thunderbird should be your number one choice.
Sunbird
Replaces Microsoft Outlook’s calendar
Might as well get the full Mozilla experience. Sunbird is the Mozilla calendaring program. It’s extremely easy to use and easy to share your calendar with others.
Abiword
Replaces Microsoft Word
AbiWord is an excellent replacement for Word. It runs quickly and includes all the main functions that are needed in a word processor. It saves files in formats that are compatible with Word and WordPerfect, plus it can open Word and Word Perfect files as well.
OpenOffice
Replaces Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint
If you need substitutes for the rest of your office programs, your best bet is OpenOffice. It has replacements for Excel and PowerPoint (and workable replacements for Access and other Office elements).
AVG Antivirus
Replaces Norton AntiVirus or McAfee
AVG is a free anti-virus and antispyware software that’s easy to use and keeps your system free of viruses. Why pay for McAfee or Norton when you have this?
GIMPShop
Replaces Adobe Photoshop
This is a version of the GNU Image Manipulation Program that does a pretty solid job of imitating Adobe Photoshop – a regular user of Photoshop can adapt to it quite quickly. It’s very richly featured and saves the Photoshop user hundreds of dollars. Why buy a $150 upgrade every year?
VLC Media Player
Replaces Windows Media Player, Quicktime, RealPlayer, etc.
Instead of having multiple media players on your computer, get this package that runs pretty much every media type you’ll run across all in one slick program.
Juice
Unique an ultra cool tool
Juice lets you effortlessly subscribe to podcasts, organize them, and listen to them at your leisure.
Audacity
Make your own podcasts
If you’re interested in recording your own podcast, Audacity and a microphone are all you need to get the job done.
RSSOwl
RSS Subscription Tool
RSSOwl is one of many open source RSS readers. It enables you to use one program to keep track of the content of a lot of different blogs. If you read a lot of blogs, it’s a perfect way to keep up with all of them without devoting hours jumping from site to site.
KeePass
Unique password keeper
KeePass securely stores and manages the plethora of passwords we all use on a daily basis. Do you have hundreds of usernames and passwords spread out all over the place? KeePass keeps them all safely under wraps.
TrueCrypt
A truly geeky tech tool
TrueCrypt lets you convert a memory stick into a strongly encrypted data storage device. In non-geek language, it means that you can store personal data on it without worrying about losing it or having your information get out and about.
PDF Creator
Replaces Adobe Acrobat
PDF Creator makes a virtual printer on your computer that allows you to send any document to it from any program, and it will make a PDF of that document that can be read on any computer with Acrobat Reader. After installing PDF Creator, all you have to do is print like normal and out comes a PDF. It won’t interfere with your other printing options.
Freemind
Brainstorming for the geeky
Freemind is a mind mapping software program. Basically, it lets you brainstorm and link together ideas quickly, creating maps of concepts similar to what you might do on a whiteboard. Perfect for putting together project or business ideas. If you are a writer, Freemind is an excellent tool for assembling the backbone of a writing project.
HealthMonitor
Computer diagnosis tool
HealthMonitor enables you to keep an eye on the health of your computer. It identifies slowdowns and other system issues quickly and lets you know (for example, it gives a popup if your system memory gets to a certain percentage or if your hard drive has only 10 GB free). This can provide you with clues to problems your computer might be having.
GanttPV
Replaces Microsoft Project
If you do any project management, GanttPV does a brilliant job of managing the task quickly, easily, and best of all–for FREE.
GnuCash
Replaces Microsoft Money or Quicken
GnuCash is a streamlined version of Microsoft Money or Quicken, but has all of the features necessary for proper money management. Easy enough for anyone to use – it works much like a checkbook ledger on your computer – but there’s a lot of meat hidden in the software.
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