As the use of personal computers continues to grow the demand for software at a reasonable price seems to be increasing day by day. As most of us know, there is no shortage of overpriced software packages out there ranging from Intuit Quick books to Microsoft Office. Many will argue that these programs are a necessity in today’s business world however the savvy Internet user can find many alternatives to these types of programs that will suite them just as well. This is the start of a multi-part list of free (or close to free) online tools and software that I found to be extremely useful. For this list I will be covering some of the great communication tools that are available out there. Enjoy!

Communications Tools:

Mozilla Thunderbird:
Thunderbird is an alternative to the pricier Microsoft Outlook with just as many features and the ability to add on user developed gimmicks. Thunderbird is a desktop email application that allows you to manage all of your email accounts within one program. So if you are like me and have on account for registering at sites and unavoidably collecting spam (usually hotmail), another account for personal use (gmail for me) and then finally another account for business, you can manage them all within one simple interface. Tough it does not come with it built in, Thunderbird also has a feature that allows you to manage a calendar, or calenders if you prefer, much like one would within Outlook. This add-on is called Lightning and can be found with a simple add-on search at the Thunderbird website. There are many other free add-ons to this program so feel free to search around and see what you like. Thunderbird is free!
www.mozillamessaging.com

Digsby:
Digsby was developed in the wake of the onslaught of social media applications we have been bombarded with lately. From Facebook to Twitter to Linked in, Digsby can help you manage them all. Do you use AIM? How about Google Chat? Digsby can help you. All you do is download Digsby (Be sure to watch out for all the third party installs they try to get you to sign up for) and set up your various accounts one time only and you are good to go. If you are a social media addict Digsby will be your new best friend. It will alert you of status updates from your friends and you will be able to keep you finger on the pulse of your online life at all times. Digsby is free!
www.digsby.com

Google 411:
This little feature brought to you by the folks at Google is something you can use in your everyday life and not just at the computer. Google offers a free 411 service that is fully automated and can be used from any phone free of charge. Just call 1-800-goog-411 and you will be connected with the Google folks who can help you find what you are looking for. This is particularly helpful if you are out and about and trying to find a store or restaurant. Just call Google. Like most everything else at Google, Google 411 is free! www.google.com/goog411/

Mobile 17:

Mobile 17 gives you the ability to make your own customized ring tone from any mp3 and then have it sent to your phone. The best part about all of this is that it is a free site. The only drawback is that if you choose the free option you have to wait about an hour to have the ring tone sent to your phone. For a small fee you can pay to have the ring tone sent to you immediately.

www.mobile17.com

Magic Jack:

Magic Jack is not a free service but it might as well be. Magic Jack is a usb tool that allows you to connect your home phone to your computer to make phone calls in a VOIP type of setting. It is an initial cost of $39.99 for the actual adapter and that includes the first year of phone service. Every year after that cost $19.99. That’s $19.99 for a whole year of unlimited phone service and unlimited long distance (within the US). You can also configure a Magic Jack to work with your fax machine if you change a few simple settings. Overall Magic Jack is a heck of a deal for what you get.

Google Voice:

Google Voice is a soon to be tool that should it deliver all that it promises will be a big hit. Google Voice promises to be a one stop for all of your phone lines. They say that you will be able to have all your phones ring to one line, be able to record phone conversations, screen calls before you answer them and much more. Google Voice has not yet been released and for more info visit www.google.com/voice .

I will be adding more and updating this list as they come or as I stumble across them.