Free and Cheap Software That Outdoes the Big Guys

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People say the best things in life are free. That certainly includes software capable of doing just about everything that major commercial applications can do.

We've found 15 "giant killers" that compete well with behemoths such as Microsoft Office and Photoshop. Some of our selections are open-source software, while others are "junior" versions of commercial products, put out by the vendors themselves. All but one are free.

Lots of software companies release demo versions that are little more than teasers for the package they want you to buy. The apps from big-name vendors that we've included here are different: With one exception, they are neither "crippled" versions nor time-limited samplers that cease to work at just the wrong moment.

Our Davids are worthy challengers to the Goliaths of the industry. Read on to see how they can help you get work done--easily, and almost at no cost.