Computers and an Internet connection are expensive enough, so use computer freebies to supplement hardware and get the most out of the machine.
Free Online Offerings
The best resource for computer freebies is the Internet. Users can learn how to ballroom dance or even watch their favorite television shows online without paying a dime, and that is just the start of what is available online for free.
Entertainment
People who miss episodes of their favorite television show do not have to rent the DVDs to catch up. Instead, they can check out the shows online. NBC, CBS, ABC and other networks all free offer episodes and clips of their popular television shows online.
In addition to television shows, free full-length movies are also available for people to watch online or download to their computer. Free movie downloads for PSP are also available.
Play free online computer games. Sites like Miniclip.com allow users to play alone or against other gamers via the Internet.
Software
Computer software can also be obtained for free online. OpenOffice.org offers free software for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations and more. Other free software downloads include:
To find free software, simply do a search for the type of software needed and the word “free.” Be sure to read the terms and conditions of use before downloading it, as some websites may contain trojans or malware. Some software downloads may only be a demo version, meaning the actual program needs to be purchased in order to use all of the available features.
Communication
Communicating with friends and family online has never been easier or cheaper. After all, nothing gets cheaper than free. Save on the phone bill and call others through the computer using Skype. Set up a free e-mail through hotmail or Yahoo!.
Additional services, such as creating free talking e-cards or finding people can also be done online. Hook up with friends or colleagues in free private chat rooms.
Hobbies
Start a new hobby, learn more about one or find like-minded people online for free. Music lovers can take advantage of free guitar magazines online and download free mp3 music. Readers can connect with each other by posting reviews on free book club websites. They even read free online romance novels. Scrapbookers can find free printable scrapbook pages, while people with two left feet can waltz with the best after watching free ballroom dance instruction videos.
Education
Learning is a lifelong process and the Internet can help people do it for free. Look up words and definitions in online dictionaries like YourDictionary or read informative articles about history subjects at Encylopedia.com.
Brush up on marketable job skills by watching free workplace safety videos or taking a free online typing course. Free online computer courses range from learning how to use the newest computer programs to learning a new language.
Free Computer Accessories
Computer freebies are not just available online. Plenty of freebies are available through other means. Accessories for the computer, such as free animated screensavers, mousepads, screencleaners, lint cloths, and even children’s gaming CD-ROMs are available at no cost, if you know where to look.
Find freebies:
- At the fair: Company-sponsored booths are often set up at fairs, with workers handing out freebies like lint cloths and mousepads that feature their logo.
- From sales associates: Entrepreneurs and business owners often score freebies from the vendors they work with. See if any of the items they offer are computer accessories before agreeing to the zillionth hat.
- Through mail-in programs: Cereal boxes and children’s snacks may offer a free CD-ROM book or game for sending in package UPCs.
- free sample websites: Websites that cater to people looking for a deal often have a list of free samples, which might include screensaver downloads, free CD-ROMs or music downloads.
Computer Freebie Caution
The old saying “too good to be true” is unfortunately correct more often than not. Use caution when obtaining computer freebies, especially if downloading them from the Internet. Follow these tips to stay safe:
- Read the terms and conditions of use carefully.
- Do not download trial subscriptions that require payment in two or three weeks, as they can be hard to cancel.
- Keep virus and hacker software up-to-date.
- Do not promise to purchase something at a later date from a vendor in order to get a computer freebie unless you plan to follow through.
- Do not download anything from a website that looks untrustworthy or fraudulent.
Obtaining computer freebies is a fun hobby and exciting for users. The variety of free items available is vast and many of them are excellent alternatives to purchasing even cheap software or buying supplies when old ones wear out. Practice caution when obtaining the freebies in order to protect integrity and safety of the machine.
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