How To Run Your Business at No Cost

Why pay when everything is free?

Although there is no such thing as a free lunch, there are so many free business tools these days that you'll have plenty of money left over for extravagant lunches!

Whether you're talking word processing or email or finance, there are some no-cost options out there.

Operating Systems

Yes, there are entire operating systems you can run over the web (or download for free.)

Ubuntu: A free, Linux-driven OS.
Eye OS: Access your "desktop" from anywhere.
Nivio: Like running Windows from your browser!
Desktop on Demand: Lots of apps like your desktop OS.

Office Suites and Apps

No need to shell out for Microsoft Office anymore. These free tools get the job done.

Zoho: Zoho is a web-based office suite.
Google Docs: Includes word processing and spreadsheet software, with the possibility of presentation software, too.
Open Office: This is one you have to download, making it very similar to Microsoft Office... but it's free.
Think Free: A full-featured online office suite.

Finance

From personal finance to billing, there are interesting online apps to get you started. 100% cheaper than Quickbooks!

Wesabe: A full-featured financial package to track your finances. It even integrates with your bank account.
DimeWise: DimeWise lets you budget and keep track of all your expenses.
Net Worth IQ: Track your finances and net worth, and even compare them to other companies who are using the service.
Fresh Books: An easy way to bill clients online.
InstaCalc: Online calculator that works instantly.
Calcoolate: Cool online calculator.

Sales and Marketing

Veetro: Offers project management and sales functions, such as lead tracking and customer support.
Qoop: Create logo merchandise, such as calendars, the easy way.

Email

No need for Outlook anymore. There are a number of free email clients, and some of them have more features than Outlook.

Gmail: Google's version of email. The best, IMHO.
Google Calendar: Integrate this with Gmail.
Yahoo Mail: Now with unlimited storage.
Yahoo Calendar: Integrate this with Yahoo Mail.
Thunderbird: A free email client you can download and run on your computer or server.

Networking

When you can't attend the local mixers, keep in touch online.

Linked In: It's like Myspace and Facebook, but for entrepreneurs and business professionals.

Collaboration

Work together while you're apart.

Meebo: The do-it-all instant messenger.
Basecamp: An online collaboration tool from the great guys at 37Signals.
Concept Share: Collaborate in real-time without messing up the original document.