7 Free Computer Programs Great for Freelancers

7 great free computer programs...

Whether you're a blogger, designer, writer, or are doing any other work from home, we know that your computer (and the Internet!) is your best friend. We also know that buying the latest computer software can get pricey, which is why we scoured the Internet for websites that offer valuable and useful computer programs for absolutely free. Whether you're looking for a free alternative to Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, or Photoshop - you've come to the right place. Check out our list of 7 totally FREE computer programs you must know about if you're working from home:

Dropbox.com

1. Dropbox
Dropbox is a file storage and backup system that allows you to share files between computers and mobile devices, and also access them online from anywhere.
Download Dropbox

Gimp.com

2. Gimp
Gimp is an awesome photo editing software that allows you to quickly and easily crop and resize photos, add text, and much more. It took me a little bit to figure out how to really use it, but now I use it everyday to edit photos, especially when I'm making a slideshow like this.
Download Gimp

Related: The pros and cons of being a work-at-home parent

Mint.com

3. Mint
If better money management is one of your goals for the new year, then you definitely need to check out Mint.com. It brings all of your different accounts together to give you an overall picture of your spending habits and money management in one place. It also has a great tool for setting up a simple budget, as well as email reminders when your bills are due or your bank account balance is getting low.
Get started with Mint

OpenOffice.org

4. Open Office
Open Office is free software for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and more, similar to Microsoft Office or Apple iWork. It stores your files in an international open standard format and can also open and edit files from those other programs. If you are looking for a free alternative for office type software, Open Office is for you. I'll be honest that I don't use open office because I have iWork on my Mac, but I've heard great things about it, and really, what's better than free?!
Get started with Open Office

Photobucket.com

5. Photobucket
Photobucket is an online photo storage site that allows you to upload pictures and videos, create albums, edit photos, and easily share photos across the internet with HTML and IMG codes. I use photobucket to host pictures that I use on my blog.
Get started with Photobucket

Related: Work-at-home stress? 6 tips for juggling it all

Picnik.com

6. Picnik
Picnik is a great online photo editing site that is super user-friendly. You can edit and re-size photos, add graphics or text, make collages of pictures, and much more with their easy-to-use software. The one drawback to Picnik is that you can only upload a small number of pictures at a time, unless you upgrade to their premium membership. I've used it to make photo buttons and collages for my blog, and it's much simpler to use than Gimp.
Get started with Picnik

Prezi.com

7. Prezi
Prezi puts PowerPoint presentations to shame. It allows you to easily create visually attractive and interactive presentations that can include pictures and videos. Once you try a Prezi for your next presentation, you'll never want to use anything else.
Get started with Prezi

- By Emily McClements

For 2 more FREE computer programs great for freelancers, visit Babble!

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