Guide to Freeware

Computer software doesn’t have to cost a bundle. In fact, it doesn’t have to cost a thing. Freeware is copyrighted software that’s made available to the public at no charge. You simply download programs from a Web site and start using them. There are currently thousands of freeware programs available, including alternatives for nearly every category of application. Small businesses can save money by taking advantage of some of the hundreds of business-related programs, but beware to check if the program:

1. Offers technical support.
2. Offers updates.
3. Provides all the tools you need.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Office suites

If you’re looking for a free alternative to Microsoft Office, you’ve got several freeware choices that include spreadsheets, word processors, presentation programs and Web page editors.

I recommend: OpenOffice and 602PC Suite are two of the most popular free office productivity suite options currently available. Both of these programs support Microsoft Office’s formats, allowing you to create and modify documents that can be viewed in MS Office.

Accounting and finance

Freeware accounting programs range from basic bookkeeping systems to comprehensive programs that can handle multiple currencies, payroll and full financial reporting. Budgeting, loan tracking, calculators, converters and tax programs are also available.

I recommend: Find accounting programs geared specifically to small and mid-sized businesses at FreewareHome.com.

Databases

Database freeware offers many of the same functions you find in for-purchase programs, including the ability to import and export data, to create numerous types of fields for each record and to search, sort and filter data.

I recommend: Freeware-Guide.com offers a selection of database management programs, including some that are user-friendly and some that require programming skills. 

Inventory management

Plenty of freeware programs are available for a variety of inventory management needs, including generating barcodes, tracking assets, invoicing and purchasing.

I recommend: Find inventory management software at Jumbo.com or Sofotex, which also offer a full slate of business-related freeware.

Project management

You can find freeware for all aspects of project management, including scheduling and billing. Industry-specific project management freeware is available for construction projects.

I recommend: Get project management freeware from FreewareFiles.com.

Internet and Web development

Freeware can help you send bulk emails, chat via the Internet, send files via FTP, ensure privacy or manage mailing lists. It can also help you create, manage or grow a Web site.

I recommend: FreewareFiles.com boasts a wide variety of Internet and Web programs, including HTML editors, HTML optimizers, meta tag tools and e-commerce tools.

Utilities

If you need anti-virus protection or spyware and adware removers, you can find a freeware program to do the job. In fact, there’s a freeware program for just about every computer utility you might need, including firewalls, spam filters, pop-up blockers, download managers and more.

I recommend: TechSupportAlert.com offers a list of the 46 best freeware utilities with links to downloads. Grisoft offers some of the most commonly downloaded anti-virus and anti-spyware freeware. Econsultant.com helps you find the utility freeware you need by asking what problem you need to solve.

Check out programs before downloading

Unfortunately, some freeware may not be up to snuff or worse, may contain viruses or spyware. To protect your computer, download from reputable sites that test freeware before offering it for download.

I recommend: Nonags.com checks for viruses, spyware and Trojans before listing any freeware programs for download. Check user reviews at SnapFiles.com to see what others think of programs you’re considering.

Mac users

Most freeware is written for PCs, and the choices for Mac users are more limited.

I recommend: Rather than searching through lists of freeware to see which programs are Mac-compatible, go to Tucows.com for a list of Mac-compatible downloads.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• You can also use freeware as an add-in to improve the functionality of your existing programs. For instance, many programs are designed to enhance Microsoft Office programs.
• When choosing a freeware, make sure it’s compatible with any other software you’re currently using.
• If you need to send documents to clients, vendors or suppliers, make sure they can view any documents you create using your freeware program.