SMJ Solutions

Save Money on Software

August 21st, 2005

Even though computer hardware prices have plummeted, the software needed to run that shiny new computer is still pretty expensive. Microsoft Windows retails for about $200, the MS Office Suite is another couple hundred. Throw in anti-virus, a budgeting program, and some image/video editing software and you could easily spend $1000 on software alone — which is probably more than you spent on the computer itself.

Here are a few suggestions you can use to save money on computer software:

• If you need to upgrade your operating system to something recent, look into getting an OEM version. You will need to purchase hardware to qualify for the OEM version, but buying a cheap piece of hardware can save you at least $100 on your operating system.
• If you’re adventurous you can try one of the many flavors of the Linux operating system — it’s free.
• If you’re buying an office suite, try to qualify for an academic license. If you have kids in school or can even enroll for some night courses at the local community college you can qualify to save a nice chunk off the sticker price of MS Office. Also, there are some very good office suite alternatives available for free (see link below).

Since you’re probably an honest and upright individual, piracy is not an option. Here is a link to some great, totally free software. I have used many of these programs myself and can say that this list is pretty accurate when it says it has the best freeware out there. Many of the programs listed here give the expensive versions a very good run for the money. Some are even better than the paid versions for most uses.

Entry Filed under: Software

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