An A-list of free software

Many nonprofits with tiny technology budgets probably perk up when they here the words "free" and "software" used in the same sentence. However, just because software doesn't cost you any money doesn't necessarily mean that it won't cost you additional time or hassles. For instance many supposedly "free" programs bundle spyware, while many others may lack a full-time development staff and consequently don’t' work very well.

That said, there are plenty of free applications — both traditional software and Web-based — that actually do work well and can in turn help you get more work done. Lifehack.org has put together a list of Top 20 Applications to Increase Your Productivity, ranging from programs that help defend your computers from threats to those will help you record a soundtrack for that new podcast you've been planning. And if you don't find anything useful on Lifehack.org's list, head to TechSoup's free download section for more options.