By Greg Penhaligon
(12/15/05)
The best things in life may be free, but most software isn't. Limited functionality, annoying adware, and pesky nag screens mean even most "free" software isn't actually without cost.
But don't give up hope. If you're trying to build a big business on a shoestring budget, Download.com has your back. Start by accomplishing your day-to-day tasks with OpenOffice.org. Next, map out a path to success with BizPlan. Manage your multitude of e-mail accounts with Mozilla Thunderbird, and keep track of where your money's going with AceMoney Lite. Then, when you have a moment to look to the future, plan your retirement with Forecaster--because being in business should be about making money, not spending it.
OpenOffice.org
Considering that Google is contributing to the development of OpenOffice.org, you might just be looking at the future of office applications. You get most of the tools included in that "other" office suite, and OpenOffice.org is compatible with all standard file formats.
AceMoney Lite
Honestly, should it cost you money to keep track of your money? AceMoney Lite lets you schedule payments, run reports, and monitor your spending habits, all without subtracting from your bottom line.
WordWeb
Highlight a word on your screen and press the appropriate keys, and WordWeb displays the word's definition, along with all related synonyms and antonyms. It's like installing a virtual English major on your PC.
Ultra Hal Text-to-Speech Reader
Feeling lazy? Put your feet up and let Ultra Hal Text-to-Speech Reader read that document to you out loud. Just don't ask it to open the pod bay doors. It's sorry, but it can't do that right now.
Biz-Plan
Writing a business plan is tough enough, so there's no need to go it alone. Biz-Plan is basically a giant Word template that includes a sample business plan along with instructions and tips on how to fill it out.
KeyNote
If you're drowning in sticky notes, try KeyNote, a great free tool for keeping track of all the bits of data in your life. The program lets you organize all of your notes into categories--which are accessible via a tree structure within the interface--so you can stay on top of things.
Quotes
Quotes inserts random quotations into your e-mail signature, making you appear much smarter than you really are. Because "a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." (See?)
Mozilla Thunderbird
A must for anyone who struggles to deal with multiple e-mail accounts, Thunderbird--brought to you by the same folks who created Firefox--downloads messages from your various online accounts and lets you manage them from one interface. Also included are junk mail filters, an RSS reader, and a powerful search tool.
Easy To-Do
A dream come true for absentminded types, Easy To-Do helps you manage the litany of tasks and meetings that seems to come with running any type of business.
Forecaster
Now that you're making big bucks, it's time to start thinking about life after your career. Forecaster helps you plan your retirement spending by analyzing your present financial situation and calculating year-by-year changes to your net worth and living expenses.
