Top Five Free Programs Every Telecommuter MUST Have
Working from home can be costly, no doubt. This holds true even more so if you’re just starting to work from home. The following list of free software has been compiled to help alleviate some of those monetary obstacles while providing the same functionality of the more expensive brand name programs.
1. OpenOffice
Don’t have the hundreds of dollars to spend on the newest office suite? Neither do I which is why I use OpenOffice. OpenOffice can do just as much, if not more than, Microsoft Office. I parted ways with Microsoft Office a little over a year ago and haven’t looked back since. OpenOffice also accommodates those on a Mac and Linux PC.
>> Download OpenOffice
2. XS Invoicing
XS Invoicing gives you the ability to create professional invoices completely free of charge. This highly customizable program will track and store past data and it has a number of useful reporting tools.
>> Download XS Invoicing
3. Skype
Skype does have more professional capabilities aside from being able to look at other people while talking to them. Video conferencing and face-to-face (screen-to-screen?) meetings come to mind. However, you will need a webcam to be allow others to see you..
>> Download Skype
4. Time Stamp
Time Stamp is a beautifully simple piece of software that will allow you track the total amount of time spent on a certain project. This is especially useful for those who are doing freelance hourly work.
>> Download Time Stamp
5. Meebo
Okay, Meebo isn’t a program in the traditional sense. It’s a web based instant messenger management tool. It combines AIM, Yahoo, MSN, and Google Talk on one page and allows you to manage all of your screen names through one central Meebo account. If you ever need to instantly get in contact with me, my Meebo username is Manthem.
>> Use Meebo
Free software is pretty nifty.
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Hey Mac users, check out NeoOffice. It’s a port of OpenOffice that doesn’t require also installing the X11 subset from your original install disks.
http://www.neooffice.org/neojava/en/download.php
Thanks for posting the free software info! I’m really excited to try XS Invoicing, and Time Stamp comes at the perfect time, as I’m about to start a project where I’m billing hourly rather than by project.
Thanks so much!!
I love your site!
This is an awesome post! I have heard about a few of these but have never spent the time to look into their use. I especially like the time stamp and invoice maker.
Thanks for putting these all into one place! The time stamp is amazing. “That which gets measured, gets accomplished!!” Another addition that is great is Google Documents. It puts all the spreadsheets online and you can allow people to edit or just view the documents. It’s great for sharing information instead of buying Microsoft Office. Thanks again!!!