Donald Rossberg

As Christmas approaches, I thought it might be fun to count the 12 days of Christmas but in terms of tech.  Here you will find links to some of my favorite FREE software.  All items below are compatible with Windows XP, Vista and 7.  Enjoy the links and if you have a favorite not mentioned here please post it in a comment, I am always excited to check out something new.

1: Xobni
I have posted a full review of this software earlier.  It allows you to integrate social media and advanced searching into Outlook.  Lightening fast searching combined with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn equals one sweet app.

2: TweetDeck
TweetDeck allows you to manage all of your social media accounts and update them all from one place.  It works on Mac, Linux and Windows.

3: CutePDF
Ever wanted to take something that is in Word or a web page and share it in PDF format?  Try CutePDF, this allows you to print anything directly to pdf format and its completely free for commercial or personal use!

4: Mozy
Backup your most critical data with Mozy.  They offer 2GB of FREE online storage space and no its not a 30 day demo.  If you need more than 2GB the rates are very reasonable at unlimited storage for $5 a month.

5: Zoho CRM
If your business needs a CRM (Customer Relationship Managment) system that is available to multiple people and doesn’t drain a bank account to get, check out Zoho.  This free CRM allows you totrack sales, prospects even perform marketing mailers.

6: Open Office
Open Office is an office suite that comeptes directly with Microsoft Office.  While there are those that need something like Microsoft’s product, this offers a very appealing alternative to the high cost while providing excellent functionality.  For the casual or even mid-level office user (most of us), this suite is an excellent replacement to Microsoft Office and the costs it comes with.

7: Desktops
Mac and Linux users have been enjoying multiple desktop work spaces for years and now you can have it as well on a PC.  Ever had so many windows open that your desktop just felt cluttered and unproductive?  This program allows you to have multiple desktop work spaces on a single pc to make your work more efficient.  This is a must have for anyone who uses a computer in a business.

8: Drive Image XML
Anyone who has had a hard drive crash knows that it never happens at a good time.  Even if replacing the drive is easy and you have a backup, it takes forever to install all of your programs and apply your custom settings.  Drive Image XML allows you to take a bootable image of your drive so that you can restore your system applications and all.

9: Paint.Net
Photoshop is a great program but for the casual user the cost is simply too much.  Paint.net is a free graphics editing program that has many features similar to Photoshop but without the cost.  Its is very easy to install and it is very easy to use.

10: Mint.com
Forget spending money on Quicken for your personal finance software.  Mint.net is a highly rated financial management tool that is 100% free.  Track all of your accounts in one place, create budgets and print professional reports.  It shouldn’t take money to manage money, mint.com proves that.

11: Cam Studio
Ever wanted to share something on your computer with the world?  With Cam Studio you can record what you are doing on your computer screen and record yourself to produce excellent webinars or training videos.  Free and open source, this is a must have tool that you will find reasons to use.

12: CD Burner XP
Don’t waste money on Roxio or Nero for burining CD’s.  This is a free program that allows you to burn any type of disc including Blu-Ray and HD-DVD.