You've decided to start your own business- escape the grind and finally pursue your dreams. Today's entrepreneur can utilize a variety of enterprise software applications that will help them get on their feet without giving away an arm and leg of their nest-egg. I've created a list of some of my favorites- feel free to contribute with any others that you know of.
There is still a major fraction of industry that refuses to accept the full efficiency and economy of the Internet. Sure, they might be using email and Google search, but that's about it. I'd like to create a list that spans various cross-sections of industries that are still missing the big picture. Feel free to chirp in with any other examples.
Freeware alternatives to proprietary software, some of it pricey (eg.adobe)
WARNING: I'm not familiar with most of these packages, and I recall having heard at least one horror story about Ubuntu, so use these recommendations at your own risk.