OpenOffice (Mac & PC) - OpenOffice is the free office suite of programs that we use here at school. It's compatible with almost all Microsoft Office documents, and contains a Word Processor, a PowerPoint program, and a Database program. Click here to download OpenOffice for FREE.

G.I.M.P. (Mac, Linux, & PC) - GIMP is an open source image manipulation program. You can use it to just draw, but it's really useful to edit photos and other pictures. You can use it like Photoshop and cut and paste different pictures together, or draw on your photos. Click here to download GIMP for FREE.

Art Rage (MAC & PC) - This painting simulator is great for artists that don't want to get messy with real paint, or want to experiment without the cost of expensive paints, brushes, and paper. Just click here to download the FREE Starter Edition. If you like it enough you can pay 25 dollars for the Full Version, but the free one is great!

Tux Paint (Mac, Linux, & PC) -  Tux Paint is a great drawing programs that has lots of colorful stamps, shapes, and letters. Fun effects and sounds make this painting program a MUST for those looking for something better than the standard paint program on most computers. Just click here to download Tux Paint for FREE.

Timez Attack (Mac & PC) - Want to keep up on your multiplication tables AND battle ogres in Big Brainz awesome math game? Just click here and follow the green arrow to the bottom of the page to download the FREE version of Timez Attack. For 40 dollars you can download or order the full version with different worlds, including lava world and a futuristic space station, but the free version still includes all of the math facts.

Google Earth (Mac & PC) - Google Earth rocks! There's so much to do and see that you could plan an entire vacation using nothing but Google Earth, and the 5th graders did just that this year! Flying above your house, viewing photos from exotic locales, AND learning with rich-content from Discovery Learning and National Geographic, Google Earth is totally awesome. Just click here to download Google Earth for FREE. You will need an Internet connection to use the program once it's installed, so if you're on dial-up, don't forget to connect before using the program.

PhotoStory (PC Only) - PhotoStory is one of those MUST have programs for a Windows computer. It's the easiest way to record a quick note, a short video, or just narrate a picture. You can add music, effects to the images, and then export the entire thing as a Windows Media file ready to play on any computer or upload to the internet. Click here to download PhotoStory 3 for Windows for FREE.