So you've bought a cheap laptop and it doesn't come with Word? Don't despair, I have the cheap fix.
(1) Go to http://www.docs.google.com/. This is a website you can do all your word processing in and it saves to google account and not on your computer. You can even have several people adding to a document at the same time. Like when we're all planning a getaway.
(2) If you want a program on your computer you can download a great one from http://www.openoffice.org/. From Oracle it is free has seven options comparable to word, excel, etc.
Freecorder 4 and Picasa........you must have Windows7, Vista or XP. I use 7 if you use something else it might be slightly different in uploading.
Freecorder4 FREE I love this. Download using Internet Explorer (or firefox) browser. Go to www.applian.com/freecorder4/download.php and follow the prompts to download. It allows you to download videos from Youtube, other videos, movies and all music that can be heard through your speakers! Not sure you want to download it? They have a great minute video that explains Freecorder 4. After watching the explanation of the toolbar I added the app of groveshark.com. It put the button on my toolbar.
http://www.grooveshark.com/ FREE This is an internet radio. if you don't add the app you can go to grooveshark.com and search by title or artist for music you might like. Hit the music button on your Freecorder4 toolbar and it will open a window showing you that it is copying the music to your computer. when it is over it will give you a window to save the music. Then you have to find it on your computer....I discovered mine was going into mydocuments in a folder called Freecorder4. Then I pulled it over into my library...music, and typed the artist, album at bottom right screen.
If you just want to listen to music go into grooveshark and build a list or set the radio (bottom right) to find your favorite music. No sign in required.
FREE
Picasa FREE I love this, have been using it for a year. It is a Google photo organizing program that edits, crops and makes the worst pictures great. http://www.picasa.google.com/ It also has a good info video. This year I have established a gmail account so that I can upload albums to the web and invited friends can go in and look at them. You can also make movies but since I have windows movie maker I use that.
Windows 7 has snipit which is great for getting just a snip of something. If you dont have 7 you can download from their site.
Skype - Great for phone calls. Just get the free part. You can also do the video cam.
Hope that some of you find this as interesting as I have.
