Stop paying for software. A world full of highquality software is out there that you don't have to spend a dime for. If you've just spent your entire computing budget on a PC only to find that you need software to do anything interesting, this is the book that will show you how to get what you need without wreaking havoc on your finances. Install the right software to make a great work computer for no extra cost.

Packed with the practical, handson guidance and technical knowhow that you've come to expect from Apress,Don't Spend A Dime: The Path to LowCost Computing takes you on a tour of the very best zerocost software in each of the many categories that matter to the typical PC user. Learn to edit photos on the Internet without having to install any software at all. Find out where to get a free office suite for word processing and spreadsheet work. Whatever your need,James Kelly, bestselling technology author, guides you through the exciting and often confusing world of zerocost computing. This book

Tells you what you need to install to have a fantastic work computer without spending a dimeSaves you money by showing you how to meet your computing needsSaves you time by pointing you directly to the best free softwareSaves you work by illustrating the most commonly performed tasks with each zerocost softwareGives you choices and the ability to make your own decisions for your own needs and requirements

Before you go buy that $400.00 office suiteor worse, before you borrow it from workstop! Let this book show you how to save hundreds of dollars in expensive software. Learn all about the free tools that the digerati use to make their lives better, and stop paying out the nose for software.Don't spend a dime!

James Floyd Kelly is a professional writer from Atlanta, Georgia. He has written numerous books on multiple subjects, including LEGO robotics, open source software, and building your own CNC machine as well as a 3D printer. He is the editor-in-chief of the number one MINDSTORMS NXT blog, The NXT Step (TheNXTStep.com), where he is joined by fellow NXT experts who share their knowledge and designs with other robot fans around the world.

Part I: High Quality - Low Price Computing. 1 - Why Free Software? 2 - Name Brand computer vs. Built-It-Yourself. Part II: The Software. 3 - Word Processing: Microsoft Word VERSUS Google Apps: Document and OpenOffice Writer. 4 - Spreadsheets - Microsoft Excel VERSUS Google Apps: Spreadsheet and OpenOffice Calc. 5 - Presentations - Microsoft PowerPoint VERSUS Google Apps: Presentation and OpenOffice Impress. 6 - Email - Microsoft Outlook VERSUS Google Mail (gmail) and Google Calendar. 7 Photo Editing (Photoshop VERSUS GIMP). 8 Graphics (Illustrator VERSUS InkScape). 9 Antivirus (Norton Antivirus VERSUS AVG and Avira. 10 Data Backup (Norton Backup VERSUS SyncBack). 11 Your Finances (Quicken VERSUS Money Manager Ex and Buxfer. 12 Web Design (Dreamweaver VERSUS Trellian). 13 Project Managemetn (Microsoft Project VERSUS OpenProj). 14 Gaming (World of Warcraft VERSUS Runes of Magic). 15 3D Design (AutoCAD LT VERSUS Google SketchUp). 16 Flowcharts/Organization Charts (Visio VERSUS Dia). 17 Hard Drive Imaging (Ghost VERSUS DriveImage XML or Macrium Reflect. Part III: Fun and Useful and Totally Free. 18 - Picasa - photo management. 19 - Skype - free phone calls. 20 - Blogger - free blogging. 21 - Facebook - free social tool. 22 - Doodle - free group/event scheduling. Part IV: Appendices.