Here’s a tip that will save you hundreds of dollars plus give you something really cool.  It’s no secret that we live in a Microsoft Office world.  The problem is, purchasing Microsoft Office costs hundreds of dollars and not everyone has the budget for that, especially nowadays. 

If you’ve never heard of Open Office, then you’re going to love me for this post.  Open Office is a free package software that gives you a word processor, (like Word) a spreadsheet (like Excel) presentation software (like Power Point) plus database management and graphic design software.

The first thing you might be wondering is how is this all free?  The simple answer is that it is ‘Open Source’ software.  This means that no one individual owns the license to the products.  The products were designed by volunteers who use an online community forum to write, improve and grow the software under development. 

There are those in this world who believe no one company should control and profit from software.  As a result lots of computer geeks formed relationships and began creating and sometimes even improving on trademarked software such as Microsoft Office.  In fact, Microsoft has been known to borrow some of the ideas that this online group of Bohemians have created, and utilize the features into Microsofts own products.

Here’s the link to Open Office which is completely free to download and use.  It has versions for Windows, MAC and Linux.  You can’t beat free and if you know how to run Microsoft Office, then Open Office will have a pretty easy learning curve.  The video below gives you a brief run down of Open Office’s features.

Technorati Tags: free microsoft office alternative, free office, free software, microsoft office alternative

OK…think of the number of times you’ve been out and about and need to call your favorite Chinese restaurant for take-out, or call a business to get directions (while you’re driving round the block trying to find it), or call the dry cleaners to see if you’re clothes are ready to pick up. 

The only problem is you don’t have the number of the business. Inevitably, you dial 411 and pay $0.50 or more to get the number.  Here’s a SAVE MONEY tip.  Google launched a business 411 directory that costs you $0.00.  That’s right, absolutely nothing!  Keep in mind, its a service for looking up businesses only, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before it includes residential listings as well.  You can also text message Google the name of the business and it will text you back the contact info  Here’s a nifty video that show’s you how to take advantage of it.  I figure that saves you at least $15 to $30 a year.

Technorati Tags: Free 411 calls