There really are lots of great free software titles out there. I have found many to be superior to commercial bloatware. I have tried previous versions of XtrkCAD, and found it pretty easy to learn. I joined the Yahoo group to find more answers: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/XTrkCad/ If you go to Download.com, all the free software they have is virus free. I have been using Open Office for a couple years on one of my computers, because I did not want to purchase another OEM copy of MS Office, then over time found I like Open Office better. It has all the same features, and is produced by SUN. I ran across a better PDF reader, Foxit Reader. It's free, and don't constantly harp at you for updates. It's only a couple megabytes, where Adobe is very annoying and 40 megabytes of fluff and irratants. Don't be afraid of free software, just go to reputable sites to get it.
Open source runs my business I have no idea how old this thread is but I will tell you that the only commercial software I have bought in the last ten years (other than with a new machine) has been Turbo-Tax. I run my Restaurant web, graphics, and IT company exclusively with Open source software. From my coding software and office suite, image editor, graphics designer and all the way up to Linux as the OS on one of my machines. I have no qualms using open source for anything. XtrackCAD has proven to be just as well developed as most open source programs. Free but not watered down! keep 'em rolling Indy
