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Frugal ComputingFrugal computing is the art of using computers at as low a cost as possible. Frugality also cuts down on E-Waste. Save on hardwareBuy used! Look on your local craigslist. Try to find a local recycler/ junk dealer. Dumpster dive. Cruise for discarded computer gear on garbage day. It's amazing what people are willing to toss out, due to being "old", "slow", or having viruses, especially in more affluent areas. At the very least, check out manufacturer websites for their refurbished goods section. Don't pay for an operating system!I realize almost everyone reading this has likely only used Microsoft Windows so far in their computing lives, and might be intimidated to try something different, but give Ubuntu Linux a shot. Ubuntu is a new type of Linux; it makes daily use of a computer simple and fun. It doesn't take much time to figure out how to do things like web browsing and email. It's easy to install as well. Ubuntu is 100% FREE. Don't pay for an office suite!OpenOffice is an amazing replacement for Microsoft Office that is 100% FREE, is compatible with MS Office documents, and runs on every operating system. Check out free apps for nearly any taskNeed to rip a DVD using a Mac? Easy. Sick of iTunes annoyances? Solved. Need to easily make webpages without paying uber-$$$? Saved. No matter what you need to do, chances are there's a free app out there that will do it, and better than the costly closed-source equivelent. Check out a couple of my favorite sites for free apps: http://www.opensourcewindows.org <kfiresmith> <at> <gmail> <dot> <com> |
