Thanks, there are some great suggestions on free software. I've added them to my Favorites to check out later.

Besides having the Office Suites, I do believe it is essential to have a PDF converter program. My clients ask me to convert documents into PDF for security.

I also use eFax, but I opted to pay the discounted one-year upgrade for approximately $10 a month. Having the upgrade allows me to have a local call in number (the free one gives a long distance number). I also frequently use it for its "converting into PDF format." I am able to fax documents to my eFax number and the document is emailed to me in a PDF attachment. There is some loss of quality when you use eFax, so I just use it in sending documents between my clients and assistants.

You might also want to check out www.Calendars.net. They offer free online calendars. I open a calendar for each client. It can be customized and password protected. It is great for scheduling appointments and keeping track of your clients whereabouts when traveling. I put all of the flight information on this calendar, too. I wish that it sent out reminders, but it doesn't.

Hope that helps.
Michele Guarino
A Second Office