debcook

2008-08-22 20:40:11 

Software today is more complicated than ever – not to use but to own. Mobile workers, bloggers and everyone else that works and plays away from the office needs their laptop to have the appropriate software loaded and ready to go whenever they are. At the same time most of these same users have a desktop at the office as well. Separate licensed copies of software programs are needed for each.

I don’t have to tell you how expensive software is. In fact, a large amount of the price of a new computer is for software licensing fees. Standalone software titles can set you back hundreds of dollars and you have to multiply that by each computer.

There are ways to save money on software.

·        Buy a lesser version. Few of us need the high-end features of most software titles.

·        Buy a student version – if you are not a student find one.

·        Buy online – eBay is a great place to find software for less. Look for the new, in a box and unlicensed software deals.

·        Buy software with multiple licenses – sometimes it will less expensive to load onto several computers. Maybe you could share the cost.

Once, while attending a Microsoft event I won a brand new Microsoft XP Operating System. I ordered Microsoft Office 2003 from an eBay seller and saved at least half the price. I barely missed a great deal on Office 2007 on Craigslist. I am always on the lookout for great software at a great price. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase a copy of Microsoft Office 2007 Ultimate (full retail version) for $59.95 during Microsoft’s “Ultimate Steal” promotion.

I noticed today that Microsoft is offering the “Ultimate Steal” promotion again (possibly for this year’s school year). I have included this link for you to see if you qualify to take advantage of this great deal yourself.  http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx

The cost of software is one of the reasons that cloud computing is becoming so popular. If you are a follower of this blog you know that I do not really like cloud computing but I admit that many users are heading that way. I’d rather plan ahead and search out good deals on my software. Once I buy it I own it. I like it that way.

If you have a great source for software at a discounted price let all of us in on it!

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