I recently got a new laptop computer. I'd been stealing my husband's work laptop for a long time so that I could blog in the evenings while I watch television. Since it's his work computer, you can see where the conflict of interest was! Our desktop computer is getting older, and I wanted the flexibility of using the computer anywhere in the house.
The laptop I bought is a pretty simple, no-frills model. My primary purpose for it is to surf the internet and blog. I'll also probably do some digital scrapbooking on it as well.
While I was building the new laptop online, I realized that there were so many decisions to make. And with every decision came the opportunity to spend more money. It was difficult to weigh the value of the "upgrades." I was able to find a few ways to save money on the laptop when ordering.
First of all, I opted not to purchase Microsoft Office. The laptop comes with Microsoft Works, which has a word processor that will meet my basic computing needs. I can always use our desktop or my husband's laptop if it's absolutely necessary. This saved $149.
I did not buy anti-virus software. The computer comes with a 60-day trial of Norton. During that time, I plan to explore cheaper/free options. One thing I'm looking at is AVG's free anti-virus software. It's not as comprehensive in its protection as Norton, but it is rated well. I figure if I can couple that software with some free firewall software, I could save $50 a year on computer protection. My uncle sent me a link on security freeware that I will researching in depth.
Some software programs allow you to load them onto both a desktop and a laptop computer as long as you aren't using both at the same time. This also saves money on software expenses. I'll also be exploring educational discounts since my husband is a college instructor.
I got free shipping and a $100 rebate. I also was able to get a wireless all-in-one printer for $49. This was a splurge for me. I don't really need a new printer, but I would love the ability to photo copy things.
I recycled a laptop bag that I had from a very old laptop (think 1999, folks!) so that I could protect my new computer without having to fork out any cash. I'll recycle the old laptop too.
This wasn't my most frugal purchase, but then, I don't make big purchases like this very often. I feel that I got the best value for the money spent. And that's what matters.
1 hour ago
3 comments:
Hello! I love your blog! I am new here thanks to the Sunday Star Trib a couple weeks ago, now I visit several times a day! Anyway,
we use the free AVG software and love it! We have had no problems! In fact, the guy that fixed our computer the last time installed it for us. It's great! Thank you for everything! As a mother of 5 I love all of your tips!
I've been using AVG for several years now and have not had any problems, I would highly recommend it. For a firewall I use the free zonealarm firewall. (it does ask you if you want to allow access anytime a new program you have tries to access the internet, which is a little annoying, but I have gotten used to it.) Both of these came recommended to me from "computer guys" who say they are as good if not better than ones you pay for. When I bought my last computer, I also did not get MS office, and now I use Openoffice, which has a wordprocessor, spreadsheet, and other features sinilar to what MS offers. No complaints here either-although I do not use it heavily.
I think you blog is great. But I do have to differ with your comment about AVG not being as good as Norton. Being a computer geek myself, AVG and Avast are the recommended anti-virus programs as Norton and McAfee are system hogs and don't play well with others. I just didn't want your readers to think they are getting a second class program with AVG. Keep up the good work!
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