OK, guys -
I'm going to let you in on some kind-of-hidden gems! If you think you can't get by without high-dollar software, think again!
This is just the start of my list....
Try these free programs...
1. WINK
http://www.debugmode.com/wink/
Wink is a Tutorial and Presentation creation software, primarily aimed at creating tutorials on how to use software (like a tutor for MS-Word/Excel etc). Using Wink you can capture screenshots, add explanations boxes, buttons, titles etc and generate a highly effective tutorial for your users. (similar to Camtasia, RoboDemo, etc)
2. Foxit Reader
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php
Foxit Reader is a free reader for PDF (eBook) documents. You can view and print PDF documents with it. (just a good, quick reader)
3. Open Office
http://www.openoffice.org/
Free office suite
OpenOffice.org is a multiplatform and multilingual office suite and an open-source project. Compatible with all other major office suites, the product is free to download, use, and distribute. Contains PDF creator built-in! (Excellent suite!)
4. Gimp
GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It works on many operating systems, in many languages. (Comparable to Photoshop)
The following are all free from Serif Software...
http://www.freeserifsoftware.com
5. PagePlus SE - Desktop Publishing
• Ads & Brochures
• Business Stationery
• Flyers & Forms
• Invitations
• Greeting Cards
• Over 500+ free templates
PagePlus SE is the easiest way to get professional desktop publishing results on your desktop printer. With your PC, printer, and PagePlus, you can save time and money. No experience required!
6. PhotoPlus 6.0 - Photo and Image Editing
• Image Export Optimizer
• Photo Enhancement
• Unique Selection Options
• Image Slicing/Image Maps
• Editable Text
• Smart Shapes PhotoPlus is your number one choice for photo editing software and working with bitmap images for the web, multimedia, or the printed page. Once you've got your image into PhotoPlus, you can enhance and alter its appearance with a diverse toolkit of functions and effects.
7. WebPlus 6.0 - Web Site Design & Publishing
• Multiple Document Interface
• Helpful Advice
• Table Editor
• Web Site Templates
• and much more!
If you thought creating web pages was difficult, think again! With WebPlus you'll be designing and publishing professional looking web sites fast. Whether you're a professional or novice you'll come to appreciate the easy to use atmosphere in WebPlus.
8. DrawPlus 4.0 - Graphic Design and Vector Drawing
• Drag & Drop Formatting
• Animation Mode
• Advanced Graphic Functions
• Border Wizard
• Transparency Effects
• Backdrop Wizard
Whether you want a classy logo, attention grabbing text, or an artistic masterpiece, DrawPlus 4 has the power and tools to help you. Beginners and professionals praised this as one of the best design programs ever!
9. 3DPlus 2.0 - 3D Animation and Modeling
• 3D Animation Capability
• Enhanced 3D Resources
• Improved 3D Tools
• Performance Advances
• Customizability
• Direct output Preview
Ready to add a new dimension to your web graphics projects, presentations, or desktop publishing? 3DPlus 2 will take you there! 3DPlus puts all the tools and resources you'll need within easy reach. The professional-quality results will amaze you!
The following is no longer freeware, but since everyone is looking for a reasonably priced pdf createor, try this one.
10. Tomahawk
http://www.nativewinds.montana.com/software/tomahawk.html
shareware pdf creator - only $36 - will do links!
OK - that's enough for now - but I'll keep adding to the list!
Enjoy!!
Neil Tarvin
ebook designer
http://www.ebookgraphics.com/index.html