Free Alternative Software – Free and Good

OpenOffice is a multiplatform and multilingual office suite. An open-source project, it is compatible with all other major office suites. The product is free to download, use, and distribute. Get OpenOffice as a download or on CD.
A collection of five tools, OpenOffice includes Writer, Impress, Math, Draw, Calc and Base components. The interface will look familiar to MS Office users. This suite was designed as one complete office package. Opens and saves in Office compatible formats. This free software could really help with your classroom budget.

Google Pack offers a wide variety free of useful software downloads from a single location.  Select and download only the ones you need:

• Google Apps – Google Chrome Web Browser, email, calendar, and document applications.  Create, collaborate, communicate and share with friends and family.
• Google Earth, Toolbar, Desktop and Talk
• Spyware Doctor with Anti-Virus. Detects and removes spyware, adware, trojans and keyloggers
• Google Picasa Find, edit, and share your photos in seconds. Easily remove red eye and fix photos
• Skype, Make free voice and video calls to anyone else on Skype
• Adobe Reader View, print, and search PDF files via a redesigned interface.  Secure your documents and collaborate via online, real-time meetings.
• RealPlayer Play popular media formats, organize music and videos.  Transfer music to iPod and other portable media players

Download Google Pack for Windows XP or Vista.

Get Google software for the Mac.

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. Go here and check out the screenshots and features – then download and install.