1. WordPress and Blogger

Out of all the freeware software on my list, I would venture to guess that WordPress and Blogger would be the most well-known.  However, I want to include them because they have so many possible applications that reach above and beyond simple blogging.  Both programs can be used to build a simple website, and WordPress even allows for more complex developing, including eCommerce.

2. Evernote

Evernote tags itself as “remember everything,” and certainly with this program, that is no problem!  You can type in a note, capture a screenshot, and upload a photo or even handwritten text.  Evernote stores everything it captures and organizes it neatly into a system that will allow you to search for key concepts later.  Since it’s able to run on almost every computer and handheld device with internet access, you can look at your notes pretty much anywhere.

3. PeaZip

PeaZip is a program that can run on Windows and Linux and allows users to archive their files in an organized way.  Not only does PeaZip have the ability to organize your files, but it also compresses them making it easy to make up back-up copies of your precious information onto a USB drive or CDs and DVDs.  If you don’t already back-up your computer, download a program like PeaZip ASAP and keep things current by saving it onto a portable drive at least once a week.  This will save you from the panic that occurs when your computer crashes.

4. RSSOwl

RSSOwl is a news aggregator that allows you to easily keep up with news sites and blogs in an organized fashion.  The program will allow you to access any site you have chosen to follow in one easy location and will let you sort these sites into categories to make finder the news you want easier than ever.

5. Dropbox

Dropbox is a useful tool for sharing large files over the internet.  After you download the Dropbox tool you will be able to upload any file, such as documents, photographs, and other projects easily into neatly formed categories and galleries.  You can choose how to share the information through popular mediums such as a link share (for your Facebook or Blog) and email.

6. Inkscape

Inkscape is most well known for having similar capabilities to Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw without the high price.  It comes with a set of tools that allows the user to create intricate vector drawings and enhance them with fonts, artistic effects, and infographics.

7. GIMP

GIMP is a free photo editor that is most comparable to Photoshop.  For freeware, GIMP is surprisingly complex, including ways to enhance your photographs including exposure, levels, and artistic options (such as blur and B&W).  It also includes tools that allow you to create digital art from scratch.

8. Audacity

Audacity is an audio recorder and editor.  If you do not currently use audio on your Web site, it’s worth considering.  It can make a slideshow have greater interest or provide a friendly welcome message.  Audacity makes it simple to record from your computer or upload an audio file and then allows for edits, such as cutting out sections and meshing multiple tracks into one project.

9. OpenOffice

OpenOffice is built much like Microsoft Word, but is completely free.  This can be especially useful if you need to install a word processor on several computers in your company, but do not have the money to buy all the licenses you need from Microsoft.

10. Windows Live Movie Maker

Windows Live Movie Maker is a simple free editor that creates movies and slideshows.  Movie Maker makes it easy to share your projects with friends, family, and coworkers with an application that sends your finished movies and slideshows straight to YouTube.

Bottom Line: Your company should make the most of open-source free software to enhance communications, technology, and web presence.  Freeware has gotten quite sophisticated and can even provide a replacement to expensive software.