Travelers can save a lot of money and time by choosing free software options over the more expensive program suites many people use. Most free alternative software does what the paid versions do and while the interfaces are different, it usually doesn’t take very long to get used to them. On top of that you can ditch installation DVDs by having the programs available to you any time with a simple download. Did we also mention that these programs are completely free? That alone will save you hundreds of dollars if you go out and try to purchase everything you need to get work done.
Operating System
Let us start with the fundamental software behind all of your computer operations – the operating system. The Linux flavor of operating systems are free (with few exceptions) and are fully functional. You can run all of the other free software here and even order a Dell running Ubuntu to save the money you would otherwise pay for Windows. Linux has a variety of distributions or flavors and there are plenty to choose from. Linux is also open source, another one of the many advantages of using Linux.
Documents And Spreadsheets
You don’t need to shell out the big bucks for Microsoft’s Office Suite. OpenOffice is a complete suite in itself and has a word, spreadsheet, and presentation programs as well. Compatibility with Microsoft Office isn’t an issue either, OpenOffice can open Word documents and the same goes is true of Microsoft’s Word. In fact, Excel and Powerpoint are also both compatible with OpenOffice. Microsoft’s Office Suite can also convert OpenOffice documents as well.
Backups
There are multiple online backup services and two of our favorites, Mozy and CrashPlan, both come in free varieties. Mozy will let you backup up to 2GB of data for without charge and CrashPlan lets you backup to other computers you own. CrashPlan also lets you backup for free to your friends or parent’s computers, really any computer with someone willing to swap some space with you.
Security
Another area of computing where there are many great options for free. Encryption programs like TrueCrypt and Mac’s FileVault are highly effective and work smoothly with your existing software. Windows users should also pick up either of these free anti-virus programs. Both AVG and Avast! work well, just be sure not to use them at the same time – only pick one. Linux users can load up ClamAV. (Here’s how ways to protect your laptop when traveling.)
Many people don’t use free or open source software because they feel won’t be of the same quality since it’s free. That’s not the case and you’d be amazed at how much great free software there is out there – often as good and better than anything you’d have to pay for. The best part is you can try them out…for free of course.
