Small Business | Forum « Must Have FREE tools. Here’s my list, what’s yours?

Must Have FREE tools. Here’s my list, what’s yours? (63 posts)

Topic tags: free, software

Jason Wiser said
1 year, 2 months ago:
I wish someone had given me this list years ago. These are my favorite free tools that I use every day. Some are obvious, but there’s still lots of folks that haven’t heard of them.
What’s on your list?
- Mozilla Thunderbird - Instead of paying for Outlook
- OpenOffice.org – The Free and Open Productivity Suite
- LastPass - Online Password storage. My new #1 favorite tool
- Malwarebytes - Don’t run windows without it
- GIMP - not exactly Photoshop, but really close, and FREE!
- Inkscape – not exactly Adobe Illustrator, but FREE!
- Nitro PDF Reader - recently added thanks to SME club thread
- Toggl - Time tracking
- Avast! - Anti-virus
- Audacity - Sound recording and editing
- Notepad++ - I cannot live without it. #2 all time favorite.
- TeamViewer - Screen sharing and more.
- Jing - screen capture. ask @atlantarobin about this one
- FileZilla - FTP management
- CCleaner - keep your hard drive clean and optimized
- Synergy - use one mouse and keyboard to connect multiple computers
- WampServer - best to build beta in local environment.
- IE Tester – Yes it’s true, some people still use IE6!
- Any Video Converter - convert any video, aptly named
- Dropbox – store and share files online (if you like this list, PM me for a DB invite)
- Firebug (I forgot to add, #3 favorite. Thx @chrisloeser)
- Google Docs
- Google Apps
- Wordpress.org
@jasonwiser | # | Top
Scott Madden – Fanpage Developer said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@jasonwiser
You left out WordPress.
@scottmadden | # | Top
Jason Wiser said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@scottmadden ha ha. funny! I figured it is such an obvious given, that it would be a superfluous mention.
@jasonwiser | # | Top
Dea Irby said
1 year, 2 months ago:
Not a given to newbies! Wordpress must be on there! Thanks for the list, Jason. @jasonwiser also,
Evernote,
Mailchimp
I know there are more, can’t think right now.
@deairby | # | Top
Jason Wiser said
1 year, 2 months ago:
It has been added! my Bad… @deairby @scottmadden
@jasonwiser | # | Top
Paul Wylie said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@jasonwiser Oh my what to add to that list… that’s pretty comprehensive list my friend. Thanks for Synergy!
@deairby and as always you come through shining Dea what would I do without Evernote. Mailchimp I have been using for the last year and has worked beautifully at least I have had good support whenever I needed it Thats important.
Soluto for tuning my windows OS startup times and de-junking utility.
@ptwylie | # | Top
Rob Mitchell said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@jasonwiser Great list and, yeah, I agree since I use many of the same tools/technologies that you list.
I’m not entirely sure how Jing and SnagIt differ other than Jing is free and Jing Pro is going away to be replaced by SnagIt.
SnagIt is one of my all-time favorite tools, too. The MSWindows version has more features than the MacOS version but SnagIt is still very awesome.
@robmitchell | # | Top
Diane Bianchi said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@jasonwiser Thanks for the list. I use many of the tools you mention above too. I also use Read It Later, which is great for saving webpages that I don’t have time to read right away, Simple Note for jotting down notes on the fly, and both of these sync with my iPad and iPhone. I use Google Calendar and I can sync it with my iPad and iPhone with an app called Calendars – Google Calendar client (not free but only $6.99). I can’t live without this one!
@dianebianchi | # | Top
Jules Webb said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@jasonwiser
Great List, thanks for sharing. I have one people should consider
KeyPass
KeePass is a free open source password manager, which helps you to manage your passwords in a secure way. You can put all your passwords in one database, which is locked with one master key or a key file. So you only have to remember one single master password or select the key file to unlock the whole database. The databases are encrypted using the best and most secure encryption algorithms currently known (AES and Twofish).
@juleswebb | # | Top
Adam Gottlieb said
1 year, 2 months ago:
One note-worthy service that I’ve come across is Soho OS. It’s a software management platform for small business owners and freelancers. They offer invoicing, inventory management, contact management, reporting, even payment processing- and it’s all for free.
@adamgottlieb | # | Top
Joan Muschamp (Fagnani) said
1 year, 2 months ago:
One that I’ve used before and it’s even better now is FreeConferenceCall.com. You can use it for simple conferences or record teleseminars for training. There is now a desktop sharing component, too, so you can do webinars or web meetings.
And Audacity for voice recording and editing. I also have a YouSendIt account for large files.
Many of the others have been covered and I am always learning about more.
My strategy is to use “free” when the barriers to learning are low, and upgrade to paid when I exceed the free capabilities. But “Free” must be easy, or upgrades must be full featured and reasonable to warrant a significant time investment in learning, be it me or a contractor/employee.
@joanmuschampfagnani | # | Top
Joan Muschamp (Fagnani) said
1 year, 2 months ago:
Oh, I forgot Plaxo and Evite. I actually upgraded Plaxo as it is very inexpensive and offers a lot of greeting cards as well as contacts updates.
And I love Picnik for minor image editing, but sadly Google bought it and it’s going away in April. Not sure what will happen.
SurveyMonkey also has a free product which works well for small surveys. They bought Zoomerang and it’s been rolled in.
@joanmuschampfagnani | # | Top
Jason Wiser said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@adamgottlieb I tell you what, this was a very nice Monday bonus. I went and “got” sohoOS and am trying it out. I have been looking for this exact program! One very crucial thing it’s missing is a calendar reminder for billing for recurring monthly / yearly client invoices. Tech support says this will be rolling out soon.
Does anyone have a FREE solution to automated recurring billing reminders, or better automated invoice mailer?
@jasonwiser | # | Top
Thomas Flügge said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@jasonwiser Has anyone above yet mentioned producteev? It is a great task management app, helping me to organize my office days. It’s cross-platform, desktop and mobile and new features are added constantly (like subtasks some days ago). Thanks @adamgottlieb for Soho OS, looks great.
@ecumenix | # | Top
said
1 year, 2 months ago:
That is such a great list thanks @jasonwiser and to everyone else – am checking out the LastPass and Read it Later…
Few more:
- AVG anti virus
- Adobe Browser Lab for website testing
- WeTransfer – for sending files
- PrimoPDF is also free PDF converter
- Hamster - another Free video converter
- Skype – an obvious one but nevertheless great to keep in touch share files, share screens, also buy an online number if you are virtual and have people working in different areas
- Free social media icons to use for email, website, business cards, social networks etc
- MyPictr - Avatar creator – for profile pictures on social networks – not sure if its up to date but you can manually change the px size
- Free Fonts – DaFont
Sure there are many more just cant think of them right now
@ | # | Top
Chris Loeser said
1 year, 2 months ago:
Firebug (web developers plug-ins for Firefox) has been a life saver on more than one occasion…
@chrisloeser | # | Top
Diane Bianchi said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@mambamedia Your list is awesome too!
@dianebianchi | # | Top
Jason Reilly said
1 year, 2 months ago:
Don’t forget Zoho CRM, which is a free CRM system, and has so much more! My freelancing days were made a lot easier with that software under my belt.
Also, you should update the list: OpenOffice.org is now LibreOffice since Oracle is discontinuing support of OpenOffice after purchasing Sun Microsystems.
I am also going to second GIMP and Inkscape. Both are very powerful and useful programs. I’m still learning how to use them, graphic design is an odd skill for me, but I’m glad I started.
Jason
@jasonreilly | # | Top
said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@dianebianchi thanks! and @chrisloeser agree!
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Kyle Brown said
1 year, 2 months ago:
One of my all-time favorites when i am working with clients and designing their printed product like Business Cards or Banners (very Cheep by the way) is Join Me
Free Screen Sharing
@djkyle | # | Top
Liz Karschner said
1 year, 2 months ago:
One thing I am starting to use is BeFunky Photo Editor to make the same old pics more fun. Thanks for sharing your list!
@lizkarschner | # | Top
Robin Carlisle said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@jasonwiser Just wow! Thanks, Jason, for starting and everyone else for continuing to compile this great little list.
I also use…
reverseinternet.com… to find IP addresses, adsense websites, affiliate links, Google analytics ID of top performers and to find other sites that a website owner might own… for optimization, competitor research, and a variety of other reasons.
But can anyone give me a list of sites that have FREE royalty-free photos, video clips, and music to use? I especially need good photos and video clips, but free.
@atlantarobin | # | Top
Robin Carlisle said
1 year, 2 months ago:
Gotta say again, this dang thread is a real keeper! Thanks to everyone!
@atlantarobin | # | Top
Robin Carlisle said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@lizkarschner Thanks for BeFunky. I use to use something but I forgot the name and lost the link. Something like Citrus but can’t find it now. Anyone know? Anyhooo, I like BeFunky better.
Do you know if you can use a free royalty-free stock photo to juice up? Or will that violate normal use terms?
@atlantarobin | # | Top
Joan Muschamp (Fagnani) said
1 year, 2 months ago:
I agree–this is an amazing thread. I alreday had a short list, but have just started adding and categorizing. One thing I’ve learned is that you never know when you are going to need it, so I plan to be ready
@joanmuschampfagnani | # | Top
Pat Chiappa said
1 year, 2 months ago:
this thread is awesome – thanks so much to all who contributed – beginning with @jasonwiser
@pchiappa | # | Top
Jason Wiser said
1 year, 2 months ago:
@jasonreilly loving Zoho! big thumbs up! but I cant add it to the list until I can say I use it every day. But i did add it to delicious Must have free software
@jasonwiser | # | Top
Trudy Doolittle said
1 year, 1 month ago:
@joanmuschampfagnani The last time I tried to use YouSendIt, they wanted a subscription before they would send the file. I used to use it about once every 4-6 weeks so for me it’s not worth getting a subscription.
@trudyd1474 | # | Top
Trudy Doolittle said
1 year, 1 month ago:
@joanmuschampfagnani The last time I tried to use YouSendIt, they wanted a subscription before they would send the file. I used to use it about once every 4-6 weeks so for me it’s not worth getting a subscription.
@trudyd1474 | # | Top
Joan Muschamp (Fagnani) said
1 year, 1 month ago:
@trudyd1474 I have a free account–I wonder if it’s because someone I work with uses them. I’ve only used it once so far, but she uses it constantly.
@joanmuschampfagnani | # | Top
Jamericanspice said
1 year, 1 month ago:
I know alot of these on your list. Great list!
@jamericanspice | # | Top
Susan Montgomery said
1 year, 1 month ago:
Wonderful list! Thanks to everyone.
@susanmontgomery | # | Top
Clara Mathews said
1 year, 1 month ago:
For newbies, there are some free accounts with a few limitations:
37 Signals products: Highrise Contact Management (up to 250 contacts)Mail Chimp email marketing (up to 2000 emails)Fresh Books Invoicing (3 clients)
@claramathews | # | Top
Warren Veach said
1 year, 1 month ago:
I’ve just started playing with this, so I can’t give a complete evaluation yet, but here’s a bit of the article:
“How many online profiles and information sources are you managing in your real estate business? There is a new web service which allows you to create thousands of possible combinations with the phrase “If This Then That”.
Think of all the possibilities you could come up with if you were able to define any task as: when something happens (this) then do something else (that).”
Obviously, the author is in the Real Estate biz himself, but this is by no means limited to that particular niche.
This is a link to the review:
http://www.realbies.com/free-tool-if-this-then-that/#
This is a link to a more detailed look on You Tube:
http://youtu.be/rnZvONbnAhk
This is a link to the “If This Then That” site: http://ifttt.com
@warrenveach | # | Top
Jason Reilly said
1 year, 1 month ago:
@warrenveach Warren, thank you for pointing out one big one that we’ve all overlooked: YouTube. It is a free way to upload video and distribute it to the world.
And Wikipedia! With the amount of information on open source software that is on it, it can be a great tool to help you find what you need!
@jasonreilly | # | Top
Amy Hall, Virtual Assistant for WordPress and MailChimp Help said
1 year, 1 month ago:
@jasonwiser I used to use Thunderbird for my email, but now I use gmail. I love it and it’s easier to use.
@amyhallbiz | # | Top
Joan Muschamp (Fagnani) said
1 year, 1 month ago:
For those who use gmail but prefer an Outlook experience for handling it, if you have the Outlook client on your computer, you can view your gmail via that–as well as access via the regular gmail web version.
@joanmuschampfagnani | # | Top
Jason Wiser said
1 year, 1 month ago:
@amyhallbiz but do you use the offline version? or only online? There are times while traveling that I write my email responses and then send when I get back to inet connection.
@jasonwiser | # | Top
Amy Hall, Virtual Assistant for WordPress and MailChimp Help said
1 year, 1 month ago:
@jasonwiser I use the on-line version because I have always had an internet connection. (I don’t get out of the house much.) I know that there is a off-line gmail version. Now I’ll go check it out.
@amyhallbiz | # | Top
Carol Stambaugh said
1 year, 1 month ago:
I second the “Join.me”. This is such a great resource when working with clients. You simply give them a link and they can view your screen.
Also, I like video messaging using iwowwe.com
@carolstambaugh | # | Top
Melissa Holmes said
1 year, 1 month ago:
I’m always looking for Free scripts and coding for websites – one of our new favorites is Flabell… great flash effects and offer several free products.
@melissaholmes | # | Top
Charlene Kingston said
1 year, 1 month ago:
I didn’t see Google Voice in there. I love it!
Also CutePDF for those apps that don’t already make PDFs for you.
I simply can’t get through a day without WordPress, Gmail, Google Voice, Google Calendar, Evernote and Dropbox.
@charlene-kingston | # | Top
Renee St. Peter said
1 year, 1 month ago:
@atlantarobin Check out morguefile.com for images (can’t help with video/music)
@trudyd1474 and @joanmuschampfagnani I use the free version of YouSendIt.com quite a bit, the trick to staying free is you have to keep the file size under a certain limit, so I end up sending images in a couple of chunks.
@jasonwiser Thanks for the list! Can’t wait to try GIMP on my laptop…
@reneestpeter | # | Top
Elsie Hanning said
1 year, 1 month ago:
Thanks for the great list @jasonwiser. Free is always the best! I need to pass on the CCleaner to my parents…
I would also like to add FanTools. A free and easy to use social media marketing guide. It allows you to publish content, deals, and promotions through several social media mediums. It helps you create a plan and then sets up your social marketing plan based on your schedule to help grow your business.
@elsiehanning | # | Top
Dee Reinhardt said
1 year, 1 month ago:
OK, I don’t think I saw these:
Buffer – bufferapp.com store things in a queue for later postingIFTTT.com – if this then that – will set up certain tasks like if someone follows me, send a thank you.Diigo – similar to dropboxHootsuite – free for up to 5 profiles only 5.99 a month for up to 20
really looking forward to checking a few more of these later.
@deereinhardt | # | Top
Catherine Schooling said
1 year, 1 month ago:
One more to add is http://www.dreamstime.com/free-photos. They offer FREE photos and their package pricing on Royalty Free photos are reasonable.
@catherineschooling | # | Top
blsmarketings said
1 year, 1 month ago:
This is a great list!
Thank you for posting,
@blsmarketings | # | Top
blsmarketings said
1 year, 1 month ago:
This is a great list!
Thank you for posting,
@blsmarketings | # | Top
Jason Wiser said
1 year, 1 month ago:
So excited to see how well received this post was. Thank you all for your contributions.
@jasonwiser | # | Top
Dee Reinhardt said
1 year, 1 month ago:
@mambamedia – I enjoy new fonts, but when I searched dafont, there was mention of viruses associated (2009). Have you had any trouble with that at all?
@deereinhardt | # | Top
Dee Reinhardt said
1 year, 1 month ago:
I took some time this morning and compiled this list into a blog post so that they are all in one place. http://time2mrkt.com/social-media-2/useful-tools-to-save-you-time/
@deereinhardt | # | Top
Diane Bianchi said
1 year, 1 month ago:
Thank you @deereinhardt for putting all of these tools in one list.
@dianebianchi | # | Top
Karlene Cameron—Wordpress web designer for solo biz owners said
1 year, 1 month ago:
Dropbox is the best thing since sliced bread!
@karlenecameron | # | Top
Tiffany Clark said
1 year, 1 month ago:

@jasonwiser @deereinhardt
Wow Jason! Great list! Thanks Dee for putting in such an organized format that can be shared outside of SME!
@karlenecameron I agree about Dropbox… I frequently have to co-broker large files to other agents accross the country and it’s awesome!
@tiffanyclark | # | Top
Tiffany Clark said
1 year, 1 month ago:

@jasonwiser @deereinhardt
Wow Jason! Great list! Thanks Dee for putting in such an organized format that can be shared outside of SME!
@karlenecameron I agree about Dropbox… I frequently have to co-broker large files to other agents accross the country and it’s awesome!
@tiffanyclark | # | Top
Tony Taylor said
1 year, 1 month ago:
I love BufferApp, ReadItLater, and Zoho!
@tonytaylor | # | Top
Ravi Shukle said
1 year, 1 month ago:
@jasonwiser Great List” i would also add these list of 48 Free Social Media Tools i had come across Enjoy!
@tonytaylorBufferApp is a really good tool although i had found on the mobile version once the key times to post had been selected i could not find anywhere to then change these via the mobile. Another tool in partnership with Buffer is Social Bro also a great desktop tool that works in conjunction with Buffer.
@ravishukle | # | Top
Matt Navarra said
1 year, 1 month ago:
I created my own list earlier this year – see http://digitalnavarra.net/2012/01/20/sociamediatools2012/
@mattnavarra | # | Top
Patricia van Dokkum said
1 year, 1 month ago:
www,pinpuff.com - calculate pinfluence score and pin worth
www.podio.com Online work platform for collaboration
http://www.twylah.com – twitter brandpage
http://www.nimble.com – crm
http://www.wisestamp.com/ – empowers your email signature
http://gist.com – crm

@patriciavandokkum | # | Top
Susan Montgomery said
1 year, 1 month ago:
I use these for sites for free photos..with link to dreamtime and others..
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/search.php?search=moon&cat=&page=7&gid_search=&photogid=0
http://www.photogen.com/free-photos/
http://www.stockvault.net/
@susanmontgomery | # | Top
Terry Gillette said
1 year, 1 month ago:
Great list! I use several of these on a daily basis, especially EverNote.
Here’s another one I can’t live without that I don’t see on the list yet – PureText. Strips rich text formatting from text while copying and pasting.
Thanks @susanmontgomery for the list of free photo sites.
@terryg | # | Top
Jason Wiser said
1 year ago:
many of you have suggested awesome free tools. I do want to clarify, that my list consists of tools i use every day. There are so many new ones I have never heard of! great contributions
@jasonwiser | # | Top
Jose Jimenez said
1 year ago:
Thanks for the awesome lists, here are a few that I use:
Awesome Capture (screen capture for stills) for Chrome but also on FF
For free photos I use Flickr where there is the appropriate licence
For free music, I recently used a great resource over at http://www.danosongs.com. Free but you can make a donation.
ScreenOMatic (free and paid version which is very cheap) for video screen capture

@thedigitalpost | # | Top