5 Free Tools for Small Businesses to Manage IT Infrastructure

A simple and practical guide for 2025

Managing IT systems can be challenging for small businesses, especially when budgets are limited. The good news is that many free and reliable tools can help you monitor networks, protect data, work remotely, and improve productivity — without hiring a full IT team.

This article explains the top 5 free tools that every small business can use, along with links, benefits, and real business use cases.

Key Highlights

• 100% free or freemium tools
• Ideal for small offices, retail shops, startups, education centers, and NGOs
• Covers network monitoring, backup, remote access, documentation, productivity
• Beginner-friendly and easy to install
• Helps reduce IT operational cost by up to 70%

 

1. Zabbix — Free Network & Server Monitoring

Category: Network Monitoring
Cost: Free (Open Source)
Official Website: https://www.zabbix.com/

Zabbix is a powerful, enterprise-grade monitoring tool used worldwide. Despite being free, it provides features similar to expensive commercial tools.

Why It’s Useful

• Monitors servers, routers, switches, PCs, internet usage
• Sends alerts (email/SMS) when something goes wrong
• Tracks performance like CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth
• Helps prevent downtime and detect issues early

Practical Use Cases

• Monitor your office internet speed and bandwidth
• Get alerts when a server or router goes offline
• Track resource usage to prevent system overload
• Monitor cloud services and websites

 

2. AOMEI Backupper Standard — Free Backup & Restore Tool

Category: Backup & Disaster Recovery
Cost: Free
Official Website: https://www.ubackup.com/

AOMEI Backupper helps protect your business data from loss due to hardware failure, power cuts, ransomware, or accidental deletion.

Why It’s Effective

• Easy one-click backup
• Supports automatic scheduled backups
• Backup to NAS, external hard drive, or cloud
• Quick system restore during emergencies

Practical Use Cases

• Daily backup of accounting files, customer data, and documents
• Full system backup to restore computers after crashes
• Sync folders between computers

 

3. AnyDesk — Free Remote Desktop Tool

Category: Remote Support / Remote Access
Cost: Free for personal use (commonly used by small teams internally)
Official Website: https://anydesk.com/

AnyDesk allows IT staff or business owners to access office computers remotely. It is lightweight and works well even with slow internet connections.

Why Businesses Prefer It

• Fast and secure remote connections
• Easy file transfer
• Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
• Ideal for remote troubleshooting

Practical Use Cases

• IT supporter fixing a user's PC remotely
• Accessing office computer from home
• Managing branch computers without travel

 

4. Notion — Free Tool for Documentation & Task Management

Category: Productivity & IT Documentation
Cost: Free plan available
Official Website: https://www.notion.so/

Notion is an all-in-one tool for notes, tasks, project management, and documentation. It helps keep IT information organized and accessible.

Why It's Helpful

• Create and store IT documentation
• Manage IT tasks and checklists
• Maintain inventory and asset records
• Easy to use and cloud-based

Practical Use Cases

• Store router configuration, IP addresses, and login details
• Maintain IT asset inventory (computers, printers, etc.)
• Create SOPs for IT processes
• Manage IT department tasks and deadlines

 

5. LibreOffice — Free Office Suite

Category: Office Productivity
Cost: Completely Free
Official Website: https://www.libreoffice.org/

LibreOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office, offering tools for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.

Why It’s Ideal for Small Business

• No subscription required
• Supports Microsoft formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)
• Regular updates and secure
• Lightweight and fast

Practical Use Cases

• Prepare invoices, business reports, and letters
• Create presentations for clients and meetings
• Manage simple inventory or billing work in spreadsheets

 

Highly Recommended Bonus Tools

Google Workspace (Free Tier)

• Cloud storage, Docs, Sheets, Drive
• Free business email using Gmail interface
  https://workspace.google.com/

Cloudflare DNS (Free)

• Improves website performance
• Protects websites from cyber-attacks
  https://www.cloudflare.com/

Bitdefender Free Antivirus

• Protects PCs from viruses, malware, ransomware
  https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html

Summary Table

Tool	Category	Cost	Best Use
Zabbix	Network Monitoring	Free	Monitor devices, bandwidth, server health
AOMEI Backupper	Backup	Free	Automated backups & disaster recovery
AnyDesk	Remote Access	Free	Remote support & control
Notion	Documentation	Free	IT records, SOPs, tasks
LibreOffice	Productivity	Free	Office documents & spreadsheets

 

Conclusion

Small businesses do not need expensive IT solutions to operate smoothly. These free and reliable tools can help you monitor systems, protect data, work remotely, stay organized, and improve productivity — all with minimal cost.

By using these tools, any business can build a strong IT foundation, avoid downtime, and handle problems before they become serious.

How to Protect Your Home Network: A Beginner’s Guide to Cybersecurity

 

Introduction

• Explain why home networks are now very important (work from home, smart devices).

• Mention that many people don’t know how easily their network can be compromised.

• Emphasize that improving security doesn’t have to be super technical — beginners can do a lot.

Section 1: Secure Your Wi-Fi

• Change default router username and password.

• Use strong WPA2 / WPA3 encryption.

• Hide your SSID (or don’t, but raise awareness of the pros / cons).

• Use a guest network for visitors or smart devices.

Section 2: Use a Firewall

• Explain what a firewall is (in simple terms).

• Recommend free / built-in firewalls (for example, Windows Defender Firewall).

• For more advanced: talk about router-level firewall settings.

Section 3: Create Strong Passwords

• Advice on how to create and manage strong passwords.

• Use a password manager (you can recommend a few free ones).

• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

Section 4: Keep Devices Updated

• Always install router firmware updates.

• Update all connected devices (laptops, phones, smart devices).

• Why updates are important: they often have security patches.

Section 5: Use Antivirus / Anti-malware

• Recommend reliable free or paid antivirus software.

• Explain how malware can enter through USB, email, bad downloads.

• Talk about scanning regularly + safe browsing habits.

Section 6: Backup Important Data

• Why backing up matters (ransomware, hardware failure).

• Recommend backup methods: external drive, cloud backup.

• How often to back up.

Section 7: Be Cautious With Smart Devices

• Many IoT devices are insecure by default.

• Change default passwords on smart devices.

• Separate them on a different network (guest Wi-Fi).

• Regularly check for firmware updates on these devices.

Conclusion

• Recap the most important steps.

• Encourage readers to take action now (even small steps matter).

• Provide additional resources / links (for learning more or downloading recommended tools)

Office 2016 Product Activation

Steps

cd /d %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office16

cd /d %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft Office\Office16

for /f %x in ('dir /b ..\root\Licenses16\proplusvl_kms*.xrm-ms') do cscript ospp.vbs /inslic:"..\root\Licenses16\%x"

cscript ospp.vbs /inpkey:XQNVK-8JYDB-WJ9W3-YJ8YR-WFG99

cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:BTDRB >nul

cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:KHGM9 >nul

cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:CPQVG >nul

cscript ospp.vbs /sethst:e8.us.to

cscript ospp.vbs /setprt:1688

cscript ospp.vbs /act

C drive has filled up, Delete dump files from mssql server

When there is something “unexpected”, SQL Server kills the SPID and generates a dump. Due to this, C drive has filled up and database is about to crash or has stopped processing.

Checklist to free space

1. cycle the SQL errorlog to remove large error log files from the C drive - see script below

2. clear out old mdf and ldf files from the \Data directory

3. clear out old stack dumps and crash dumps from \LOG directory

4. remove any redundant backup files

5. delete old roaming user profiles from C:\documents and settings

6. check any \temp directories and .tmp files for files to delete

7. empty the Recycle Bin

Here is an image with location

Delete the Log Files.

Essential Safety Tips for Smartphone Users

• Use a complex password or PIN to lock your phone: This will protect your phone from unauthorized access if it's lost or stolen.
• Keep your software updated: Regularly check for and install updates for your phone's operating system and installed apps to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Be careful with public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, so avoid accessing sensitive information when connected to one.
• Be wary of suspicious text messages and emails: Scammers often use text messages and emails to trick people into giving away personal information.
• Be cautious when downloading apps: Only download apps from reputable sources and be sure to read the app's permissions before installing it.
• Use a VPN: Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data when using public Wi-Fi or accessing sensitive information.
• Use anti-virus and anti-malware software: Regularly scan your phone for viruses, malware, and other security threats to protect your data and personal information.
• Keep your personal information private: Be careful about sharing personal information on social media or in online forums.
• Don't leave your phone unattended: Keep your phone with you at all times and be aware of your surroundings when using it in public places.
• Be prepared for loss or theft: Keep a record of your phone's IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and contact your service provider and local authorities immediately if your phone is lost or stolen.