Basecamp (http://www.basecamphq.com) is a popular online project management tool, but the free version only gives you the ability to work on one project.

I was interested in finding cheap project management software for myself and a non-profit. I was looking for something simple and streamlined, like Basecamp. Certain tools, like dotProject (http://dotproject.net), are more for serious project managers and are often too complicated for basic collaborating. Software like this sometimes takes more time than it saves.

I found some nice, elegant solutions that are mostly free.

If you’re looking for a hosted free service (meaning, you don’t have to put it on your own web server), try these:

Clocking IT (http://www.clockingit.com) is 100% free and they intend to keep it that way. You can manage various projects and have clients log in to specific projects. Time tracking is included. It also has a chat function. I just wish the initial dashboard were better, but they are making improvements constantly.

OfficeZilla (http://www.officezilla.com) works as an online intranet. It is free at this time, but they plan on offering paid upgrades to optional modules in the future. This software is best for sharing calendars, contacts, and discussions. It’s not so great for complex project managing.

AceProject (http://www.aceproject.com) offers a free basic version and paid upgrades to additional features. It seemed a bit too complex for my needs, however.

The following are web-based project management systems that require you to get a web host and install them on your server:

activeCollab (http://www.activecollab.com) is a Basecamp clone that is very simple, streamlined, and easy to use. It allows for discussions and file sharing. It’s a very great solution if you want to organize projects among people who aren’t that technically inclined. The only downside is that it does not have a graphical calendar function yet, but that’s coming. But if you want ease-of-use and an elegant interface, this is the way to go. (Caveat: activeCollab requires PHP5 to run.)

NetOffice (http://netoffice.sourceforge.net) is a highly recommended open source solution. Alas, I could not get their demo passwords to work.

While there are many other open source project management solutions, I have listed the ones that seem to be the most elegant and easy to use. Not everyone needs a Gantt chart.