Free or Inexpensive Stuff

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Word Processors and
Office Suites:

AbiWord
www.abisource.com/
This is a good, free alternative to Microsoft Word. It may not offer everything that Word does, but it probably has everything you really need. It's also compatible with Word, WordPerfect, and OpenOffice files. This is a small and fast download.

OpenOffice
www.openoffice.org/
If you need more than a word processor, then this is the free program for you. OpenOffice is an entire office suite, so it adds a spreadsheet, database, presentation software, and more! It's compatible with Word, and it's also available for Mac users!

Google Documents
docs.google.com
Google Docs & Spreadsheets is a free web-based word processing and spreadsheet program. Take a quick tour to see what they offer.

Portable Apps
portableapps.com
A portable app is a computer program that you can carry around with you on a portable device, like a USB drive or an iPod. When you plug in to a computer, you have access to your software and personal data just as if you were on your own PC. When you unplug, none of your personal files are left on the PC. You can choose to install individual programs, or grab an entire suite: AbiWord or OpenOffice, Firefox Internet Browser, ClamWin antivirus, and more!

PDF Tools:

CutePDF Writer
cutepdf.com/products/cutepdf/Writer.asp
If you need to create a PDF file, this is a fast, easy, and free way to do it!

FoxIt PDF Reader
www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php
This is a great alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader. It's a very small program, so it loads files much faster!

Fonts:

WebpagePublicity Free Fonts
www.webpagepublicity.com/free-fonts.html
Over 6500 free fonts are available for download at this site!
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Free or Inexpensive Stuff

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AntiSpyware:

Spybot Search and Destroy

Spyware Blaster

Windows Defender

You can run all three of these free programs to help keep your system free from spyware.

System Cleanup:

Windows Live OneCare Scanner
This free online scanner will check for viruses and spyware, get rid of junk on your hard drive, and improve your system's performance.

TweakNow Registry Cleaner Standard
www.tweaknow.com/RegCleaner.html
Your computer's registry can be a scary place, but TweakNow's free cleaner can make it a lot easier. It'll scan for problems, make recommendations, and then clean up what you tell it to. This can improve your computer's performance.

PCPitstop
www.pcpitstop.com
This site offers a free computer checkup and diagnosis.

Safer Surfing:

McAfee SiteAdvisor
www.siteadvisor.com/
This free download helps you to stay clear of online threats like viruses, spyware, spam, and scams. If you search using Google or Yahoo, it will evaluate your results and let you know if the sites are safe or unsafe to click on.

 
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Free or Inexpensive Stuff

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Classroom Tools and Sites:

Google for Educators
www.google.com/educators
The Infinite Thinking Machine
www.infinitethinking.org
There's a lot of helpful information and tools on these sites. We especially like the ITM Show.

Google Earth
earth.google.com/
This is an incredible program! Google Earth combines the power of Google Search with satellite imagery, maps, terrain, and 3D buildings to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips. If you teach geography, you need this program.

Celestia
celestia.sourceforge.net
Google Earth does a great job of showing our planet, but if you want to explore outer space, try Celestia. It's a 3D space simulation.

Google SketchUp
sketchup.google.com
SketchUp is a powerful, yet easy-to-learn, 3D drawing tool. Go to the page and see a little of what it can do! This is another great Google program, and it can work with Google Earth.

LEGO Digital Designer
ldd.lego.com/
Another 3D drawing tool, but this time you use virtual LEGOs. Several versions are available, depending on the age and type of operating system you're running.

ArtRage
www.ambientdesign.com/artrage.html
Play with paint! This software comes in a free version or a full-featured pay version.

Eclipse Crossword Maker
www.greeneclipsesoftware.com/
Download this free software and make your own crossword puzzles. It's fast and easy! You can even post them online when you're done.

Starfall
www.starfall.com
A great site for kids learning to read. It reinforces phonics and reading comprehension.

CMAP
cmap.ihmc.us/download/
If you like Inspiration, you may want to give this program a try. It helps you to make concept maps, but for free! You can download a instructional PDF here, or watch some instructional videos.

Gliffy
http://www.gliffy.com/
Gliffy is another diagramming program, but this one is online so you can draw and share your diagrams on the web.

FreeMind
This is another free concept-mapping program.

Free CD Software
http://www.fcdsoft.com/
Okay, it's not exactly free. You do need to pay $7.50 per item for shipping and handling, but you can get some good deals. Remember, it's "no frills" packaging -- just an envelope.

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