Below is my own map of my 'free-way' to development.
Anim8or - great and free 3D modelling software
MM3D - when you're serious about animating your model(s)
DeleD 3D Editor - put it all together here
(Yes, I know you have to buy DeleD pro, but for the features and what it can do, I recommend buying it when you have the cash. It is cheap and they didn't grossly skimp on the lite free version - I had a real chance to test it out and see if my skills would warrant such a purchase, instead of yet another product sitting on my shelf and collecting dust. Plus the plug-ins are free - not everyone is trying to nickel and dime me to death as with other 'easy' programming languages and extensions.)
For more freebies to check out, google for the following:
OpenOffice (similar to Microsoft office 2000/2003, one plus is exporting pdf format)
InkScape (Graphic Arts) - am using that for my online class until they send me Adobe AI
Irrlicht (3D Library, supports multiple programming languages)
Dev-CPP (includes gcc compiler, free IDE)
You may contact me at: drarem @ hotmail.com
