In keeping with RV.net’s topic this week, I’m going to talk about saving money. When it comes to computers, I figure the best way to save money is not to spend it! You don’t need to spend money to get good Anti-Virus software, AVG , Avast, or Avira have very good free offerings for personal use.
My favorite software of all time, regardless of price, is Picasa. Picasa is free software from Google to manage all your digital photos, and RVers take a lot of digital photos! With Picasa, I can take those dozens of photos from my camera, put them on my computer, have them labeled, ‘prettied up,’ and on the web for all to see within minutes. I have over 20,000 photos on my computer and I can find all my photos of my dog, Odie, in less than a second! Yes, I did have to type ‘Odie’ sometime in relation to that picture – but Picasa makes that very easy too.
Be aware that there are many free scams on the web as well, but don’t let that scare you away from the good stuff! I consider CNET.com to be the Consumer Reports of the computer world. Read their reviews, and download software from their Download.com. And, of course, subscribe to the Free Geeks on Tour Newsletter to keep learning!
Something I hate spending money on is printer ink. I hate even shopping for it! You need a college degree in ink cartridge labeling just to be sure you’re getting the right thing. And, then, when the price totals $90, I figure I *must* have done something wrong! It can’t possibly cost that much. The whole printer cost about that. I do not recommend refilling ink cartridges yourself, but my husband, Jim, has found a supplier for ‘remanufactured’ ink cartridges that we have been happily using for over a year now. They’re great! Just order from SuperMediaStore, and what would have been $90 is less than $30 – including free shipping! If you’re willing to buy multiple sets, you can lower your cost even more.
For more of my free software recommendations, check out the September issue of the Family Motor Coaching Magazine, “Free Computer Tools for Travelers.” If you’re not an FMCA member, you can read it on the Geeks on Tour Articles and Links.
