Significant savings - starting with your computer.
Avoid buying software.
1. Instead of paying for an anti-virus program, use a free one such as AVG Anti-Virus Free-Edition . I've used it for several years. It works great.
2. Rather than paying $200 + for Microsoft Office, use Open Office. It's free and has all of the same programs. I've used it for over a year and am very pleased with it.
Consider dumping your Internet provider such as AOL or MSN and replace it with a broadband card. Use the same card on your laptop and desktop. Easy installation.
1.The card gives you the freedom to connect with the Internet from wherever you happen to be. Costco charges nothing for the card and gives a rebate for $35 activation fee.
2.Cost for broadband service varies from $30 to $60 month depending on on provider and usage. I have Verizon – can't imagine life without it.
Computer repairs are less hassle and less costly when you use remote computer repair .
1. I use Mark Brilliant at Brilliant Computers in Boca Raton. Savings vary. Be sure to go to a reliable computer technician.
When buying a new computer, buy less memory unless you do a lot of gaming.
1. Experts recommend about 1 gigabyte of memory (1 gb RAM) for most people. You can always add extra, if you need it later, for about $100. Save $300 on up.
2. If possible when buying a new computer bring someone along with some computer knowledge so you don't get talked into buying what you don't need and won't use.
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Comments
Good advice for home users. However, shorting yourself on memory is false economy. More so than anything else, plenty of RAM is what makes a computer fast. You are better off getting a slower processor than cheaping out on RAM. Free Anticirus programs are better than nothing, but you get what you pay for. The first time you get infected by a virus the freeware hasn't yet covered, you'll be wishing you had paid for a commercial product.
Posted by: Jeff | June 2, 2008 10:08 AM
Starting out with the minimum amount of memory isn't a very wise suggestion. When you buy your computer load it up on the maximum memory the computer will handle. It will save you money in the long run because there will be a point in time where you will be upgrading the memory.
Ive been in the business for years, listen to what I tell you because Ive seen plenty of customers that started out with the bare minimum only to upgrade shortly after buying their comp.
Posted by: Robert | June 2, 2008 12:02 PM