No Cost Business Tools: 37 Free Applications That Make Your Life Easier, Free of Charge

The other day I came across a Squidoo lens all about these new web apps that are basically free replacements for your typical computer software. Whoever did the list must be awesome. (Ok I admit it, I wrote it…)

Since Squidoo was overrun by spammers and subsequently bitch slapped by Google, I figured why not add to it and post the list here?

So here goes:

 

Operating Systems

Yes, there are entire operating systems you can run over the web (or download for free.)

Ubuntu
A free, Linux-driven OS. It’s a great base for a low-cost or non-Microsoft system.

Eye OS
Access your “desktop” from anywhere.

Nivio
Like running Windows from your browser!

Desktop on Demand
Lots of apps, just like your desktop OS.

 

Office Suites and Apps

No need to shell out for Microsoft Office anymore. These free tools get the job done.

Zoho
Zoho is a web-based office suite.

Google Docs
Includes word processing and spreadsheet software, with the possibility of presentation software, too.

Open Office
This is one you have to download, making it very similar to Microsoft Office… but it’s free. Great for Linux users.

Think Free
A full-featured, online office suite.

 

Finance

From personal finance to billing, there are interesting online apps to get you started. 100% cheaper than Quickbooks!

Wesabe
A full-featured financial package to track your finances. It even integrates with your bank account.

DimeWise
DimeWise lets you budget and keep track of all your expenses.

NetWorthIQ
Track your finances and net worth, and even compare them to other companies who are using the service.

Fresh Books
An easy way to bill clients online.

InstaCalc
Online calculator that works instantly.

Calcoolate
Cool online calculator.

 

Sales and Marketing

Making it easier to separate people from their money.

Veetro
Offers project management and sales functions, such as lead tracking and customer support.

Qoop
Create logo merchandise, such as calendars, the easy way. (A bit more advanced than CafePress.)

 

Email

No need for Outlook anymore. There are a number of free email clients, and some of them have more features than Outlook.

Gmail
Google’s version of email. The best, IMHO.

Google Calendar
Integrate this with Gmail and it blows away Outlook’s calendar.

Yahoo Mail
Now with unlimited storage.

Yahoo Calendar
Integrate this with Yahoo Mail.

Thunderbird
A free email client you can download and run on your computer or server. From the people that brought you Firefox!

 

Web Browsing

Internet Explorer sucks.

Firefox
Browse the web with Firefox, it’s better and safer.

 

Online Radio

What kind of business doesn’t have a radio playing in the front office? But if your local FM radio station just doesn’t cut it, try this.

Pandora
Your own personal radio station with song recommendations and more.

 

Networking

When you can’t attend the local mixers or big conferences, keep in touch online.

Linked In
It’s like Myspace and Facebook, but for entrepreneurs and business professionals.

 

Collaboration

Work together while you’re apart.

Meebo
The do-it-all instant messenger.

Basecamp
An online collaboration tool from the great guys at 37Signals.

Concept Share
Collaborate in real-time without messing up the original document.

 

Security

This stuff will come in handy, especially if you spend your days on warez or pr0n sites!

AVG Anti-Virus
A free anti-virus software.

Spybot
Get rid of spyware.

 

Video Editing

You have to be on YouTube. And to do that, you’ll need some nice-looking video.

JumpCut
Edit in your browser.

Motion Box
Full-featured online video editing.

 

Photo Editing

Flauntr
A simple but powerful online photo editor.

 

Photo Storage

Flickr
The place to store and display your photos.

 

Computer Backup

Mozy
Free 2GB of storage space through an easy-to-use control panel that allows automatic backups.

Xdrive
Your own online storage for private storage or file sharing.

Gspace
Turn your Gmail account into a virtual hard drive.

 

File Synchronization

BeInSync
Sync your files between 2 computers, share up to 5 folders, and backup up to 1 GB of data.

 

There you go, a total of 37 free pieces of software!

Quick, Pop Quiz!

Why did I go to the effort of posting this list?

(a) To help you save money.
(b) Just cause I’m nice.
(c) Gurus are great and I’ve decided to quit making fun of them.
(d) Because it gave me a great place to weave in some affiliate links so I can make bank.

Once you’ve made your choice, post it in a comment below and we’ll see how many people get it right!

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