PortableApps.com

Ever wanted to carry around your favourite applications without dragging your computer. I have, this is why the suite of products and interface offered by portableapps.com are so excellent, because you can install them to USB memory stick and plug'n'play anywhere.

Requirements:
Microsoft Windows XP, or higher

Download from:
http://portableapps.com/

Screenshots:

OpenOffice.org

Want a free office product? This is the daddy! It contains four main components, Writer, Calc, Impress and Draw.

OpenOffice Writer is a very impress wordprocessor with all the features you would expect and compatibility with Microsoft Word, but it can also export files as PDF.

OpenOffice Calc is the spreadsheet product, again with everything you would expect and compatibility.

OpenOffice Impress is presentation program, but one main advantage is that you can create SWF, or shockwave files that can be used on a website.

OpenOffice Draw is very much like Coral Draw of old, but it still is a very impressive tool.

Another feature is the fact that all files can be saved as XML. This is an up and coming approach to data transfer.

Requirements:
Microsoft Windows XP, Linux

Download from:
http://www.openoffice.org

Screenshots:

MechCAD Software LLC, AceMoney Lite

I have to admit, that I have been looking for simple, well constructed home accounts package with reporting features, budget controls and transaction schedules. AceMoney Lite has all this and more, it also includes a portfolio section for stocks and shares that can be kept up to date via a download of the lastest values. The best bit is it is free. However, if you have more than one account to manage the upgrade is very inexpensive.

Requirements:
Microsoft Windows XP

Download from:
http://www.mechcad.net

Screenshots: