Tools

Every business needs tools to help increase your productivity - particularly when you first start out and work on your own. Many of the tools you will use for your home-based business can be acquired at 'no cost' or low cost. Some will require more of an investment. A basic rule of thumb here is to determine how much time you will save using the tool - it's a simple way to determine whether the cost will be a worthwhile investment.

Autoresponders

As your business grows, it becomes necessary to automate as many tasks as possible. Autoresponders have become great time savers that you won't want to be without.

AutoResponse Plus puts an end to monthly fees and resides on your server. No limits on the number of autoresponders you can set up.

InfoGenerator Pro offers numerous business-like domains you can send from. Especially helpful if you don't have your own domain yet.

aWeber is another good, reliable autoresponder service with loads of features.

FreeAutobot still offers a free system without advertising on your messages. A word of caution: It looks like it's changed hands though and you'll have to go through a bunch of advertising to set up your account now.

HotResponders also offers a free trial of their service.

Coach - Personal/Business

If you feel like you are spinning your wheels and aren't quite sure the direction you want your life or business to take, I highly recommend you contact Monty Sharp. He's an excellent coach. He'll never 'tell you what to' do but rather guide you to understanding what you really want. Take advantage of the two complimentary coaching sessions he offers.

eBook Tools

eBook Generator Offers disabling feature to help you stay on top of your profits. Well documented and easy to use and produce your own ebooks. I have this product and can highly recommend it.

eCover Generator creates winning ebook covers in minutes. Another excellent product from Armand Morin.

eBook Starter lets you create professional ebooks and covers using Shelley Lowery's Do-It-Yourself Ebook Design Kit

Activ eBook Compiler is an economical compiler that converts HTML files into EXE files.

Editors

EditPad Classic is a great little editor. I use it every day. No size restrictions for your files. All it will cost you is a postcard.

HTML-Kit is a terrific HTML editor and so much more. No cost to you. This one is a keeper.

Cute HTML also has an HTML editor.

eMail

In the market for a new email program - check these out.

Eudora Mail

Pegasus

MailWasher Pro will help you stop the garbage coming into your Inbox without forcing your friends or subscribers to fill out and return tedious forms. This is one tool I'd be lost without. You can even take it for a test drive.

The complete incoming and outgoing email database marketing solution for your PC. This “SMART” software reads and resonds with personalized and unlimited auto replies based on the content of any email, then filters contact information right from your incoming email and Web forms for unlimited follow up! Of course effortless "one-click" personalized and targeted broadcast mailings now has never been easier!!

Plus, our BRAND NEW scheduler automates the whole process for you, even if you're gone on vacation! It generates and sends your messages for you daily!

Benefits:

-> Unlimited Follow-up Autoresponders From Your Domain!
-> Unlimited Ezines and Newsletters Sent in BOTH HTML AND TEXT!
-> Complete Database Management Software!
-> Multiple List Servers!
-> Automated Follow-Up System From Unlimited Categories!
-> Complete Personalized Contact Manager!
-> Appointment Scheduler and Reminder System!

PostMaster Express

You can even try a fully functionally copy of the program. They offer a good affiliate program as well. Definitely one to check out for yourself. With the free tryout, you have absolutely nothing to lose!

Spam Check will check your ezine content for words that will trip the spam filters. They send a report right back to you so that you can make the changes to your copy. Be sure to put the word "TEST" at the beginning of your subject line or you won't get the report back.

Forums

Forums are a great way to learn and get help when you need it. Visit a few, watch the postings and offer your help and assistance where possible. It's an excellent way to develop your own internet presence.

How To Forum by Michael Green

Cybermarketing Message Board by Jim Daniels

The Discussion Corner by Willie Crawford

FTP Programs

Cute FTP is a very reliable file transfer protocol. This is the one I use.

WS FTP is another one.

Firewall Protection

I've tried and paid for Norton and Zone Alarm. But here's a great little firewall that protects your system and won't cost you a cent. Tiny Personal Firewall

Zone Alarm also offers firewall protection for your computer.

Payment Processor

PayPal provides a reliable and secure method of payment or receipt of funds by both email and through your website. Check it out.

Scripts

Plug in your website with CGI scripts.

Need Java Scripts - almost 1,000 here.

Utilities

Handy Backup is an easy to use backup utility that offers a number of options. After spending all that time creating - shouldn't you be sure your data is backed up? Properly!

Virus Protection

AVG from Grisoft is a terrific little anti-virus program. The no cost version is up to date and can be scheduled to update automatically.

Norton AntiVirus offers virus protection.

House Call offers a free online scan for your system and will remove the bad files.

McAfee also offers protection for your computer and your internet connection.

Web Design

SBI - A Complete Design/Business Solution Why build just a website when you can build a business?

Web Design Mastery This awesome trio of ebooks will become your 'must have' tool and guide when you build your website. I use it over and over. Straight forward - loads of 'copy and paste' code will save you hours of time. This is a must have resource and I highly recommend it.

If you're looking for a little push to get you started take a look at Headline Writer. This handy tool can be used on websites or for writing ads for your ezine and just about anything you can think of.

Boogie Jack's Web Depot is definitely a site that should be listed in your Favorites. Loads of information on web design, HTML, CSS.

Validate your HTML, stylesheets, XML using CSE Validator.