I am looking for mapping software that is preferably shareware or
public domain and MUST be downloadable. Prefer not to pay over $20,
$30 at very most. I know MS Mappoint exists, but way out of pricerange
for extremely infreqent use.

The software must allow me to select a column of zip codes in Excel
and then map them to a map using individual points or dots or some
such scheme. The number of zips could be from 5 to 2000. The software
must offer mapping at the state level as well as at the level of the
United States as a whole (the map software in Office 2000 appears to
only work with maps of the entire US and I definitely need to be able
to see a blow up of a single state with all of the state's residents
in my database represented on the map). Ideally, the software would
interact with excel so that a datapoint could be clicked on and would
bring up the appropriate point in the spreadsheet. Ideally, the
software would also work with Access. The final map that is produced
must be easily printable and integratable into a word document.

The payment of $5 is for a basic answer - give me a great one with a
couple of options and some selection info and will add another $5.
Thanks for hunting!

Please post a clarification and let me know if any of these
applications suit your needs. If so, I will close your question for
you:

MAPPING IP ADDRESSES TO A GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
http://web.media.mit.edu/~shanec/ipmapping.html

Regards;
tutuzdad-ga

I'm afraid the response isn't even close unless I am missing
something. I'm not doing anything with IP addresses. I am using a
database and want to map my zipcodes.

I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. I realize now that I was still
running a previous question through my mind and obviously confused
that issue with this one. I'm sure someone will be able to provide you
with what you are needing. Again, I apologize for the confusion.

Regards;
tutuzdad-ga

No problem! Someone must know about a shareware program out there. The
high end stuff does so much more than I want. Thanks!