You have probably heard of something called Shareware, which is a type of software that is free to use and redistribute to anyone else. The software is usually limited to a number of uses, or it will have certain features disabled, to encourage you to buy the full copy of the software. The idea being that you like it so much that you upgrade.
Similar to Shareware, there is Adware. Software that is free to download, use, distribute, etc - but there is an advert stream from the internet, sponsoring the software and allowing you to use it. A bit annoying, huh?
And then there is FREEWARE. This type of software is developed as a taster, usually, for an improved product which is available for purchase. Some FREEWARE is developed out of the sheer good will of industrious coders out there.
What's good about FREEWARE is that you don't get the annoying nag screens, adverts, or disabled features. There's a lot of rubbish out there, but there are some excellent sites that rate the software and allow users to comment on their experiences with the software.
You can find FREEWARE that will do virtually everything you need on your machine - either as well, or better than, the commercially accepted standard. For instance - many people are now switching over from Microsoft Office, to www.OpenOffice.org.
One small word of warning... be sure to read the licence terms and conditions. FREEWARE is usually fine to use for personal means, however some FREEWARE is not allowed to be used for commercial purposes. You have been warned.
Here is a list of the software I recommend for a basic office machine:
www.OpenOffice.org
A real alternative to Microsoft Office - Word, Excel and Powerpoint. There are certain limitations in their database software, however you can use it to connect to an .mdb file (This is the type of file created by Microsoft Access for databases). In addition, there is a formula presentation tool and a drawing tool.
Bullzip PDF Printer
Bullzip produce a printer driver which you can install on your computer. When you click the print icon in any software, Bullzip provides a virtual printer that converts what you want to print into a .pdf file. Try it... it's really good.
More recommendations coming soon.
About Me
I love all things FREE! So long as they're good. I believe in minimising cost while getting the best that I can. Find information on the best FREEWARE, best free services on the web and the most cost-effective solutions to business problems.
I started my working life being a bit of a computer nerd when computers were really starting to be used in offices. I learned to type (accurately, and fast). I learned to use a switchboard and various e-mail and word-processing software. I learned about document standards and office processes.
I became a call-centre agent for a customer service and complaints department. I became a data analyst and was then promoted to a project manager.
Spending two years managing projects up to a six-figure sum, specialising in contact-centre project implementation and complementary mails services, my career took an alternative direction.
In my spare time I was learning all I could about using computers - installing, building, fixing and networking them. My working life built my MS Access skills and telecoms management knowledge.
Being a desktop application guru in all my positions for the previous ten years, I then became a trainer for a national business skills training company.
Identifying training needs of clients and developing their career prospects, selling specialised training packages and supporting students in their learning became my daily life. Add to this the maintenance of the iT in the training environment and supporting offices, I became a competent networking and iT support specialist. Providing solutions to workday issues using iT is one of my best strengths.
Having a good education behind me, my spelling and grammar are good. I am an efficient typist and an expert in small office iT.
I started my working life being a bit of a computer nerd when computers were really starting to be used in offices. I learned to type (accurately, and fast). I learned to use a switchboard and various e-mail and word-processing software. I learned about document standards and office processes.
I became a call-centre agent for a customer service and complaints department. I became a data analyst and was then promoted to a project manager.
Spending two years managing projects up to a six-figure sum, specialising in contact-centre project implementation and complementary mails services, my career took an alternative direction.
In my spare time I was learning all I could about using computers - installing, building, fixing and networking them. My working life built my MS Access skills and telecoms management knowledge.
Being a desktop application guru in all my positions for the previous ten years, I then became a trainer for a national business skills training company.
Identifying training needs of clients and developing their career prospects, selling specialised training packages and supporting students in their learning became my daily life. Add to this the maintenance of the iT in the training environment and supporting offices, I became a competent networking and iT support specialist. Providing solutions to workday issues using iT is one of my best strengths.
Having a good education behind me, my spelling and grammar are good. I am an efficient typist and an expert in small office iT.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
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