Save some money!

This post was written by Ephraim...

Hi everyone I wanted to write this article because I feel that it is something that everyone should enjoy. Saving money! As a recently graduated college student I have spent the last few years of my living or trying to live frugally. I tried to save money at every turn. Since I am/was an I.T major I found out that technology (more specifically open source/linux) can save you money.

First let me describe to you what open source (software) is. From Wikipedia:

“Open source software (OSS) can be defined as computer software for which the human-readable source code is made available under a copyright license (or arrangement such as the public domain) that meets the Open Source Definition. This permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form. It is very often developed in a public, collaborative manner.”

Basically free to distribute, modify, and lastly free in cost.

This is quite different from closed source. Typically Microsoft fits the bill.

So how can this benefit you? Let me show you some examples.

1. For whatever reason you don't have a computer with Microsoft Office. What do you do? Even with your student discount you are going to pay over $100 (at least you did at one point). Thats a lot of $$. There is an open source alternative that you almost cant tell the difference. It's called open office. http://www.openoffice.org/

2. Maybe you need to buy a computer? Did you know when you buy a computer that comes with Microsoft Windows you are actually paying for it? Thats right. If you buy a computer with no operating system ( or a linux system) you can save lots of $$. http://www.linux.com/whatislinux/ http://distrowatch.com/

3. http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=415

4. Do you have a cell phone? Mostly likely you do. How much is that cell phone over the life time. How much do you pay monthly? I know when we started looking, for the cheapest one, we had to get a minimum 2 year contract at like $50-60/mo. And what about overages, taxes, etc. Again lots of $. So why not make free phone calls? You can make them free from a computer with open source software or install open source software on your phone. You have to make sure you get the right phone though. So yes I have a Wifi-cell phone and I make my calls for free over the internet! Just a side note I even broke the LCD on my phone once, and would have had to buy another phone or replace it, however I found online how I could replace it myself. All in all it cost me $20 and about 15 minutes of repair.. http://gizmo5.com/pc/

5. Do you need a babysitter? A babysitter you ask? What does that have to do with anything? Well I have an electronic one on my phone. Seriously, it is actually a program that will monitor the noise level in a room. Once the noise threshold has been reached the phone will call any number you assign it and from any phone you can hear if the baby is actually crying.

6. Ever hear of Tivo? I have one, but I didn't buy it.....I built it. Out of a regular computer you can build a Media Center that can do way more stuff than Tivo. http://www.mythtv.org/

So there it is, I have saved lots of $ by investing in technology and making it work for me. I hope this gives you ideas about somethings that you can do. If you have questions about this please post comments. Or please just post a comment about this so I can feel cool. :)