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Free Software for home and business

In these challenging times it is useful to know that some things do come for free. When it comes to computers, software and the internet then ‘free’ can mean risks and false promises so it’s useful to know about real free software products that can be safely downloaded and installed on your PC.

Free software, commonly termed free-ware or open-source software, should not be confused with shareware, trialware or demonstration software. Avoid websites that claim to have 1000’s of software titles for free – especially if they would normally be paid for products. Also be aware that not all ‘free’ software can be used for business purposes. The most common one I find is AVG Free on business machines – which is illegal – the free edition is for personal home use only.

If you have a machine that runs a Microsoft operating system such as windows XP or windows 7 then you do get free programs such as Internet Explorer, WordPad and Paint but after that you generally need to buy additional programs.

Office Suite

OpenOffice (www.openoffice.org), has been around for several years now and offers a good alternative to Microsoft Office for those who need professional level word processor and spreadsheet facilities. You can create, edit and read documents in Microsoft Office formats and it has a built-in PDF save option which can be useful when sending files in a format that anyone can read without needing paid-for software.

Desktop Publishing and Photo Editing

Serif (www.serif.com) have also been around for many years offering various titles such as PagePlus for desktop publishing (business flyers, brochures, birthday invites, Christmas cards, etc), PhotoPlus (photo cropping, red-eye, recolouring, etc) and DrawPlus . In the last few years they have made older versions of these titles available for free.
The free editions can be found at www.freeserifsoftware.com

Backups

Backing up your files is very important whether it’s your family photos or your business invoices and emails. Microsoft Windows 7, and some windows versions before it, can be setup to backup your emails, photos and files but some people prefer more flexibility.
syncback (freeware edition) http://www.2brightsparks.com/downloads.html is a good option with plenty of options to cater for most people without needing to go for the paid-for editions.

 
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Microsoft Office 2010

Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2010

Success starts at home with Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2010, the essential programs families need to complete school and household projects efficiently. Give kids the academic edge with Word 2010 and PowerPoint® 2010, featuring ready-made templates
for creating reports and presentations fast and dramatic effects that add originality to any assignment. With Excel® 2010, you have the spreadsheet tools the pros use, including features that simplify tracking expenses and creating a household budget. Organize home projects in OneNote® 2010 to access your notes, files and resources in one easy spot. All the programs share a consistent look and feel,
so you can move smoothly between home finances, class presentations and other everyday tasks with exceptional results.


Microsoft® Office Home and Business

Microsoft® Office Home and Business helps keep life and work in sync at a price that’s easy on your budget. Tackle your busy agenda efficiently with powerful email, scheduling and task list tools in Outlook, ® helping you stay in touch with customers, family and friends with more flexibility and less in-box clutter. With the sophisticated features in Word and PowerPoint,® you’re equipped to create professional reports and presentations that command attention. Your productive hours aren’t confined to your office, so Office Home and Business gives you the freedom to work from home, at your desk or on the road.

Microsoft® Office Professional

Power your business with Microsoft® Office Professional, comprehensive software and support to help you stay organized, connected and competitive. As your company grows, so do your needs. The tools in Office Professional
help you run your business now and down the road, including powerful email and scheduling tools in Outlook,® information and data management with Excel® and Access,® and the professional-caliber marketing and design
tools in Publisher. The package comes complete with one year of technical support, that’s there when you need it.

 

Run your business your way with flexible tools.
With your projects organized using Microsoft® Office 2010, you’re prepared to manage your business the way you work best. Keep tabs on finances and day-to-day operations with less time and effort. Easily upload your files online so you can stay connected to work from virtually any PC with an Internet connection or a smartphone with Outlook® Mobile 2010,* helping you communicate and work with employees and customers flexibly — in the office, at home and in between.


*An appropriate device, Internet connection and Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari browser are required. Microsoft® Outlook Mobile 2010 is not included in the Office 2010 applications, suites
or Web Apps.