Quality software no longer has to cost you a fortune….
You can use open source software on your existing Windows machine
This mean you can install software onto your computer that could do the same as the paid version of a program but, as it is open source, you can have it on your computer, copy it, distribute it legally without paying a cent! There is a wide variety of software available for you to use on your windows machine here are some of our personal favorites:
1. Mozilla Firefox (Web browser)
Crikey, another Firefox plug! Yeah, we love the ‘fox, and we’ll keep talking about it until EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU USES IT. It really just doesn’t get any better when it comes to a cross-platform, open source web browser.
2. Mozilla Thunderbird (Email program)
Firefox’s much less celebrated little brother is one helluva email client. We especially like its customizable message filters, built-in adaptive Junk mail filter and ability to install useful add-ons (like Firefox).
3. Open Office (Office suite)
Used to be that anyone who wanted to open a Word document had to drop a few Benjamins on Microsoft Office or risk pirating it. No more – Open Office is a free alternative to M$ Office for students, freelancers and poor people just wanting to save their spreadsheet as an .xls.
4. Avast or Kimodo (Antivirus)
Norton bugging you again to break out the credit card and subscribe? Uninstall! Avast and Kimodo are free anti-virus software with automatic updates and scheduled scans, no credit card required.
5. VLC Media Player (Audio/video player)
Got a video or audio file Windows Media Player or Quicktime can’t play? Betcha VLC can.
6. Eraser (Data deletion utility)
Before you donate, sell or trash your hard drive, you want to make sure there are no traces of your naughty private data on it. Eraser uses the same algorithm the government uses to wipe your hard drive clean.
There is so much amazing free software available that it is no longer necessary lining any fat cats pockets.
Or get a free operating system so that you do not use windows at all
Use one of the many great version of Linux such as our favorite, Ubuntu where you do not need to pay a cent… heres a little more about it:
Secure
You can surf in safety with Ubuntu – confident that your files and data will stay protected. A built-in firewall and virus protection come as standard. And if a potential threat appears, we provide automatic updates which you can install in a single click. You get added security with AppArmor, which protects your important applications so attackers can’t access your system. And thanks to Firefox and gnome-keyring, Ubuntu helps you keep your private information private. So whether it’s accessing your bank account or sharing sensitive data with friends or colleagues, you’ll have peace of mind when you need it the most.
- Automatic security updates
- Defence against viruses
- Anti-phishing
- File encryption
- Password protection
- Built with security in mind
Fast
Ubuntu loads quickly on any computer, but it’s super-fast on newer machines. With no unnecessary programs and trial software slowing things down, booting up and opening a browser takes seconds. Unlike other operating systems that leave you staring at the screen, waiting to get online. And Ubuntu won’t grow sluggish over time. It’s fast. And it stays fast.
Accessible
Accessibility is central to the Ubuntu philosophy. We believe that computing is for everyone regardless of nationality, race, gender or disability. Fully translated into 25 languages, Ubuntu also includes essential assistive technologies, which are, of course, completely free. We recommend the Ubuntu classic desktop experience for users with particular accessibility requirements.
Gina Trapani, the editor of Lifehacker http://lifehacker.com/