Recommended best FREE Apps (and almost free)

Click on each icons to access them.

Google Gmail

Having a Gmail account is your gateway to all things Google. Yourname@gmail.com becomes your login username for Android, Google+ for Business, Analytics, Search, Google Docs and more.

Microsoft Outlook

Impressive new features and a Yourname@outlook.com user name.

Zoho

Free Email for personal use. Does not mine your data like the other free email services. Add on other services (for a fee) when needed. Create your own yourname@zoho.com email address.

Office Apps

Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides etc.

Use Google Drive to save your docs and never be without a file. Hint: You can access all of your Google apps from one place.

Zoho

A full Suite of over 50 applications that integrate nicely. DOES NOT mine your data and all data is encrypted at rest and in transit (that’s a good thing).

G SuitE - Google Workplace

Create an entire collaboration environment with Google products. Manage and control for all your employees on one console. Similar in price to others at $10 to $15 per month.

Microsoft 365 (Formerly Office 365)

Impressive new features and a cool yourname@outlook.com user name.

At $85 per year you can get ALL of Microsoft’s Office apps on Five (5) of your computers. No need to fork out $360+ for the premium version of Office anymore. Expand your OneDrive capacity and your redundancy improves again.

Browser

Brave

Just like Google Chrome – based on the open-source Chromium, has most of the features of Chrome, but NONE of the tracking and add features. It is secure, reliable, compatible and has options for terrific extensions and plug-ins. Warning: Some sites don’t work with Brave, so don’t delete Chrome quite yet.

Edge (2020 version)

Microsoft joins the Google Camp by offering the Edge Browser based on Google’s Chromium open-source. Yes, Google. In my mind, the jury is still out deciding, but it’s a Brave new World (pun-intended)

Google Chrome

Simply the most widely used browser, and for a good reason; it is secure, reliable, compatible and has options for terrific extensions and plug-ins.

Mozilla FireFox

A great alternative to Chrome when you need. Sometimes can be less secure because of its open architecture.

Cloud Storage

Microsoft OneDrive

The power of DropBox with added user access controls. Part of the Zoho Workplace eco-system with 50 other applications, including full functionality web office suite.

Microsoft OneDrive

Great companion for the free online versions of Word, Excel & Outlook. Some limitations in quantity of files that can be stored make it less attractive to business use.

Google Drive

Sync files and folders from your hard drive to the Cloud and always have your files available, anywhere. A key part of Google Docs.

DropBox

Dropbox is a modern workspace designed to reduce busywork-so you can focus on the things that matter. Sign in and put your creative energy to work.

Accounting Software

Wave Accounting

Basic Accounting system that is superb for home businesses and entrepreneurs. Includes a powerful Invoicing system with a built-in merchant account. Read a 3rd party Wave Apps Review Here by Cloudwards.net

FreshBooks

The best cloud based small business accounting software. Send invoices, track time, manage receipts, expenses, and accept credit cards. Start at $12.95 per month for a basic system.

VoIP

Google Voice

Get a free phone number with voice mail. Advertise this as your business line, then direct calls to your home or cell while keeping them private.

Email Marketing

Mailchimp

Blast your news to your contacts! But, be sure to use the double-opt-in features to get your contacts or you could be black-listed quickly.

Project Management

Asana

Simple task and project management for small business.

Free Security Software for Windows

CAUTION: Many others can NOT be trusted. I only recommend those on this page. [I do NOT recommend Norton/Symantec, McAfee, AVG. You’d be better off with the free version of Windows Defender]

AntiVirus

Sophos Home

In the past Sophos has only offered business solutions – now with Sophos Home you can get that same protection on up to 10 computers for free.

Anti-Malware & Antivirus

Malwarebytes

The new standard in eliminating Malware. Perfect when partnered with Webroot. The Full Version stops malware before you are infected – well worth the $ money.

Anti-Malware

SpyBot S&D

(Difficult to use – only recommended for advanced users).

Clean-up Tools

CCleaner

Caution: this will clean all browser settings including history, cache, etc.

SpyBot S&D

(Difficult to use – only recommended for advanced users).

Password Manager

LastPass

If you are tired of managing passwords for dozens of sites, try Last Pass – it takes SOME of the pain out. Still it is up to you to use effective passwords.

Bitwarden

Manages your passwords for you with a master password. Not quite as automatic as LastPass, but just as handy & secure.

OpenSource (Free)
software for Windows and Linux

Libre Office

Reads and writes all Microsoft Files with near 100{c9bc537cf850b94f1ed55d48df952b07c63e71ea13f985b90737d4f65d484af8} accuracy.

Photo Editor

GIMP

80{c9bc537cf850b94f1ed55d48df952b07c63e71ea13f985b90737d4f65d484af8} of the features of PhotoShop – takes some experience to become proficient.

Desktop Publishing

Scribus

Advanced users only: Suggested for experienced DeskTop Publishing experts only.

Graphic Editor

InkScape

Advanced users only: Suggested for experienced DeskTop Publishing experts only.

Media Player

VLC Media Player

Frustrated with Media Players that don’t play your file type or disc? VLC can do it.

Software Download Service

Ninite

One place to download all your favorite software and utilities.

Audio MP3 WAV Editor

Audacity

Audacity is a free, easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems.

PDF Printer

Cute PDF

Create PDFs quickly and easily from any program that will print.

FTP Client

FileZilla

Yes, FTP is still used in many applications – mostly web devs and geeks, but this is a handy one.

Mind Map

FreeMind

Organize your thoughts on any subject using a Mind Map.

Linux Operating Systems

Leading Linux Distro

Linux Ubuntu

If another OS isn’t cutting it, or you want to free yourself from the mainstream, install Linux on your computer.

Get your Geek on… it takes some patience and geekiness to make it the most effective.

Best for Windows User

LinuxMint

An alternative distro of Linux Ubuntu that operates more like Microsoft Windows.

Low Cost Services

Honorable Mention