I came across a post on Freelance Switch which was talking about how software was so expensive and how it should be cheaper, offering such staples as OpenOffice and Google Docs. Unfortunately, the list is nowhere near complete, and thus, I’ve decided to add my own to the fray. Here are 21 programs that are either free as in freedom, or free as in T-shirts:

Office apps

Zoho Writer - A free word processor on the level of Google Docs.

Writeboards - Free text editing areas that can be collaborated with by several people.

Jarte - A free word editor that strives to be the replacement for the venerable Windows Notepad.

    Project management

    Basecamp - With the free plan, you can get some basic work done with organization, and show your clients where you’re at.

    ACEProject - Offers what Basecamp offers for free for a hosted service. Also can be hosted on one’s own intranet for a fee.

    jxProject - (Ad supported) Made with computer programmers in mind, jxProject allows for quick task management. A Commercial, ad-free version is available for $20.

    Backpack - The free plan allows for easy information and todo list management.

    Zoho Project - Like Backpack, it has a free version, and paid plans starting at $5 a month.

      Group Collaboration

      Pidgin - Formerly known as gAIM, this Open-source IM Program connects to just about any IM network under the E-sun. Miranda IM also does this, but I feel that Pidgin’s UI is prettier.

      Zoho Chat - A 100% free web app for chatting online in real-time.

      Campfire - The free plan offers an easy way for users to collaborate real time.

      Zoho Meeting - This app, while in Beta, allows for free web conferencing between other users.

        Graphic Design

        Scribus - Open Source page layout program that serves as a free equivalent to programs such as Adobe Indesign. A Portable version that runs off a USB drive is also available.

        Inkscape - The Free (Open Source) replacement for the glorious Adobe Illustrator. While not as smooth as Illustrator, for its price, you just can’t beat it.

        GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) - If you can’t afford the price of Photoshop, GIMP is right up your alley. It too has a Portable version.

          Other good programs

          GNUCash - A free replacement for Quicken. A Windows Beta is available.

          KeePass - An open-source password management application.

          Launchy - This open-source application allows you to hold down a keyboad sequence, then type in the program you want.

          Evolution - This is Linux’s Open-Source version of Outlook ported to Windows. (XP Only, no Vista)

          Dia - A program that allows you to create charts and site maps similar to Microsoft Visio. For a web-based chart creator, try Gliffy.

            This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does allow for one to see how much more options there are then the expensive crap by the big companies. Zoho could arguably replace the software companies as the big boy on the net, if Google doesn’t do it first.

            Technorati tags: , ,

            If you like my stylings and writings, maybe buying me some creative juices will make better stylings and writings! (Suggested Donation: $4)