We all curse Microsoft for placing its products at a steep price which empties our pockets, thus we never end praisingmicrosoft-logo1 open source. But still we do love to use Microsoft applications. Here are some Microsoft programs which are free of cost.

1. XML Notepad 2007

It is a basic, small yet powerful XMl editor. it hosts a tree view pane with colored view of classes, tags and values. You can customise and choose fonts as per your liking. Some of the other features are drag and drop, find and replace, incremental search, instant XML schema validation, a built-in XML Diff tool, and much more. A great free XML editor option for all users.

2. Virtual PC 2007

It is a extremely useful program which allows you to run multiple operating systems at the same time on the same physical computer. Virtual PC 2007 is easy to install and easy to use. It is supported by Windows 7 as well as Vista and XP. Microsoft also has a number of preconfigured VHDs  containing sample copies of Windows XP and Windows Vista which you may download  and install for testing purpose.

3. World Wide Telescope

This tool from Microsoft Research provides you with a virtual telescope. this brings to you amazing imagery from Hubble Space Telescope and approximately 10  earthbound telescopes. One can view unthinkable views of outer space. Also you may zoom into a area as much as data available may allow. You may focus on the bodies that interest you. A great offering by Microsoft.

4 Visual Web Developer 2008 Express  Edition

If you are one who is on lookout for a light , easy to use tool for Web development, this is a must for you. Moreover it is free. It is aimed at amateur or intermediate level users. It has capabilities to allow you to develop variety of web sites from basic html based sites to advanced ASP.net or based on SQL Server. You also have been provided by a video which shows you some of the basic features and how to productively use them.

5. Paint.NET

Developed from a college project into a full fledged Microsoft application, Paint.Net provides you with simple, easy to use interface with vast capabilities for image editing with plus layers, special effects, and support for a wide range of image formats. It has huge number of tutorials, videos etc on net. It is also supported on Windows 7.