1. KeePass – This program helps you store and keep track of your passwords for nearly anything you do on your computer.  This program isn’t absolutely necessary for those of you that are using Firefox’s built in functionality, but this program takes things a step further. It’s great and easy to use! Check it out!

2. Pidgin or Meebo – Like most students, you likely spend a ton of time online. As you’re surfing, you’re likely using some sort of instant messenger to keep in touch with your friends. Pidgin and Meebo (web-based) makes things easier. They both allow you to login to multiple accounts (Yahoo, MSN, Google chat, etc.) all at the same time. The days of having 4 different programs all running at once are over!

3. GIMP - Gimp is probably the best free program out there that can compete (sort of) with Adobe Photoshop. Save your $300+ and use this instead of buying photoshop!

4. Open Office - You may already know about this one. It’s essentially a free alternative to Microsft Office. If you’ve been used to Microsoft, this will take some getting used to, but not spending $150 is worth that!

5. VLC Media Player – This program will play nearly any kind of video file you throw at it. If you’re like me, you probably aren’t a huge fan of Quicktime or Real Player. This easily takes the place of them!

6. OttoBib – This is a nice little site that makes writing up a bibliography much, much easier. It does all the work for you!

7. FreeMind – This program allows you to do what is called “mind-mapping” – which basically means brainstorming. It allows you to take ideas in your head and put them down on paper in a natural, readable layout. I used this a lot when preparing to write papers or when starting projects. You’ll be amazed at how much it helps your thoughts stay organized!

I wanted to make a quick update about this program. It happens to be one of my favorite ways to make money. Why? Well, mostly because I have to do absolutely nothing to make money with it! All I do is leave my computer on and I make money from it. The exciting news is that the Gomez Peer program is now paying out even more money than they used to!

In addition to the normal money that they paid you before, they have now added a feature where if you leave your computer on and connected to the internet for at least 20 hours in a day, you will be paid an extra 10 cents per day per computer!

Yeah, I know it’s not a ton of money, but I’m now seeing about $5 to $8 per month coming in to my pocket from this program. This is money that I wouldn’t have had otherwise so it’s worth it! You’ll have to decide whether it is worth it for you, but if you leave your computer on all the time anyways, why not get paid for it? I hope you like it! Feel free to post a comment and ask questions if you have them!

Please know that all deals are up to the specific restaurants and thus some might not participate. So if you’re standing in the middle of Taco Bell screaming for a free taco and they aren’t budging, don’t come crying to me! Also, feel free to add / refute any places you do / don’t see here!

Food:

All-American Cafe – Free dessert
Amato’s Sandwich Shop – Join the Tamatos Club and get a free birthday sandwich.
Applebees – Free dessert
Arby’s – Sign up and get coupons yearround, including on your birthday.
Austin Grill – Free meal (May need to register first on their website)
Bakers Square – Free pie
Baskin Robbins – Free ice cream treat
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream - Register on-line and you can get some free ice cream!
Bennigan’s – Sign up for their Bennigan’s Club and get a coupon for a free entree plus a free dessert.
Bob Evans – Free Kids Meal for kids under the age of 12.
Boston Market – Free Kids B-Day meal coupon for kids under 12 and coupons online for their various entrees.
Buffalo Wild Wings (BW3) – Free dozen hot wings
Burger King – Free kids meal to all kids club members
Caribou Coffee – If you join up, they’ll e-mail you a wee or two before your birthday with a coupon. Print it out and get a free coffee drink.
Cheesecake Factory – Free dessert
Chilis – Free dessert
Coldstone Creamery – Join on-line and get a free creation.
Cracker Barrel – Free dessert
Dairy Queen – Free ice cream coupon in e-mail for kids 16 and under. They also have a Blizzard Club for adults with the same offer.
Don Pablos – Free dessert
Denny’s – Free meal to kids under 10
Famous Dave’s Barbeque – Free meal with advance signup.
Fuddruckers – Free ice cream sundae
Golden Corral – Free meal to Birthday Club members (And many people say this isn’t limited to just kids!) during month of birthday.
Hard Rock Cafe – Free dessert
Joe’s Crab Shack – Free cake
Krispy Kreme – Free half dozen glazed donuts and a coffee mug with either coffee or soda in it! You might want to sign up ahead of time.
Macaroni Grill – Free dessert plus an OPERA-style “Happy Birthday” song, which is always different.
Maggianos – $10 off purchase of $20 if you sign up in advance.
Marie Calenders – Free dessert
Olive Garden – Free dessert
On The Border – Free appetizer if you sign up
Outback Steakhouse – Free dessert or appetizer
Perkin’s – Free stack of pancakes
PF Changs – Free cake or cheesecake
Qdoba Mexican Grill – Join their eClub and get a “buy one, get 1 entree free” coupon.
Quizno’s – Join their mailing list and get a free birthday gift (I think this means coupons?)
Red Lobster – Free slice of cake if you join their Overboard Club.
Red Robin – Free Hamburger if you sign up for Eclub, plus a free gift just for signing up!
Ruby Tuesday – Sign up in advance and they’ll send you something!
Sonic – Free Wacky Pack Kid’s Meal on children’s birthdays if you register ahead of time.
Steak & Ale – Free mini choco cake plus other free gifts.
Steak-N-Shake – Free dinner for “birthday club” kids
Taco Bell – Free combo meal of your choice
TGI Friday’s – Free birthday dessert plus free appetizer just for signing up!
Tony Roma’s – Free dessert if you sign up for Expert Club first.
Wendy’s – Free kids meal

Entertainment:

Dave And Busters – $5 game card credit
Hollywood Video – Free video rental if you sign up in advance.
Safeway Grocery – Free movie rental

Service / Other:

Auto Zone – Free oil change (Some Auto Zone’s don’t do oil changes, so call ahead.)
Captain Dizzy’s Carwash – Free car wash
Hallmark – 20% off coupon for one item.
Scrub-A-Dub – Free car wash

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