The following software packages are free for even businesses to use; they are released under an "open source" license. This typically means businesses are free to use, modify and distribute as needed. Review the licenses to ensure compliance, as we are not responsible for how you use the software. The software is rated according to widespread usefulness, reliability, and cost savings.
1.) Open Office: http://download.openoffice.org/
Stop paying for your office suite. OpenOffice.org is the leading open-source office suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It can even read and write in Microsoft (TM) .doc format.
2.) Thunderbird and Lightning: Thunderbird is a quality e-mail program. Combine it with the plugin Lightning for an integrated calendar. Setup a free Google (TM) gmail account and you can install plug-ins which will synchronize your contacts, calendars, and even text important events to your cell phone. You can also share you calendar with others, creating a viable communication system. Since you are using the Google server, you can access all of this information away from your desk with your internet enabled cell phone or any internet connection. All this can be done without paying any monthly licensing or fees.
3.) Ubuntu Linux Desktop/Server operating systems: Linux is arguably "there" as an operating system. Ubuntu, built on the Debian version of Linux, will easily install software, is reliable, and has almost every type of software package you might need. As a server, it can run effectively on limited hardware. On a desktop with gnome, it is similar in function to it's windows (TM) counterpart. Both server and desktop versions install easily.
4.) MySQL: MySQL is a fast, reliable and easy to use database system, and is used in a wide variety of applications. It is the world's most popular open source database.
5.) Apache, BIND, Open SSH/SSL: Okay, so we are cheating and putting 3 into 1, but all of these need a mention. Apache is the open source web server for hosting websites, and is the most widely used such software in the world, and for a reason: it is, in our opinion, the best such software. BIND, (Berkeley Internet Name Domain), performs name resolution, transforming names to IP addresses. Finally, open SSH (secure shell) SSL (secure socket layer) allows for secure communication across networks.
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