I have a template that I need to make changes to. The source files are Fireworks. I have already used up my free trial. Are there any other "free" alternatives to Adobe Fireworks out there?

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Davida Blake
The Cubicle-Free Assistant

Davida,
Unfortunately I don't know of any other program that comes even close to Fireworks - depending on what it is you are working with, and what it is you need to do to it you could always try downloading the free Photoshop trial and working in there with your file (but I've always preferred Fireworks to Photoshop for just about anything having to do with design).

There is also Inkscape - an open source (free) scalable vector graphics editor

And GIMP - a free software download that allows you to edit your images in raster (pixels)

[All Adobe programs will understand a Fireworks source file - so if you do download the Photoshop trial it should import and open just fine]

If you do a lot of work on your website template and think you might create business cards, logos, etc. for yourself or your clients I would highly recommend investing in Fireworks. I know it's a big investment but it is well worth it over the long haul - we ultimately ended up buying Adobe CS3 WP and I almost had a nose bleed when we did but it helps support the quality of our work and means we can handle our own and our clients' projects with the utmost in professional design and coding tools.

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Thanks for the advice Tess. I think I may have to invest in it. I only seem to use it about twice every 3 months or so. I was waiting for that portion of my business to pickup before I invest. But I will take your advice and download the Photoshop trial and see how that works out for me.

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Davida Blake
The Cubicle-Free Assistant

I hear ya - I really do. It's a big chunk of cash, even just for Fireworks alone.
I've never purchased software on eBay before, but have heard from other VAs that it's a good place to check for what you need at a discount - here's what they've got in the way of Fireworks (looks like they've got some for as low as half price)

I hope the Photoshop trial will let you do what you need to do!

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