Save Money - Beat the Credit Crunch!
You will be surprised how much money you spend on your computer if you ever stop to add it all up (not including maintenance costs!!). This article looks at each area of expense and shows how you can reduce your computing costs. Every little helps!
Your computer costs can be divided into the following main areas:
- Initial/upgrade cost
- Peripherals
- Software
- Consumables : paper, ink etc, dvds ...
- IT Security annual subscriptions
- ISP
- Energy: PC, router, printer, screen, external drive
- Maintenance / Repair
Small savings in each of these areas will add up to considerable savings.
HOW?
1 Equipment
Big tip! Be sure you need a computer or upgrade before buying! If it is not absolutely necessary then why buy?
If you have decided that you need it then shop around. I know this can be difficult in Spain but if the part is small then buying in the UK is possible. If not, then you can at least go on line and see what you would pay in the UK and then you know the true cost. Then you can decide whether to pay the costs of transport or pay for it in Spain.
Don't forget eBay (in Spain as well as the UK). If you don't need a new one then second hand can save a lot of money. Similarly, look for ex-display equipment.
Get advice that you can trust!
2. Peripherals
The same advice applies here as for equipment but I give this a separate heading because I see many clients with unused, unwanted printers, scanners, wireless devices etc. An informed and costed decision would have prevented either the purchase of something that wasn't needed or something that didn't do the job!
3. Software
The programs that run on your computer can be expensive. Programs such as Microsoft Office, Norton Internet Security, Photoshop etc. You need programs like these but you may be surprised by what's available for free:
For Office use OpenOffice . A new version has just been released. This program is compatible with MS Office.
For graphics etc try: getpaint , gimp or kompozer .
Desktop Publishing: scribus .
As for Internet Security, regular readers will know of my recommendations for free Internet Security.
For other software browse through SourceForge .
4. Consumables
Printer ink and glossy paper can soon add up to a big expense, particularly with photos! I dread to think how many mistakes I've printed! The best way to reduce costs is not to print photos at all!
Alternatives to printing photos:
CD, DVD, Flash media can be displayed on TVs as well as computers
Digital Photo frame
Email (resize first)
Online: check out picasa and flickr
Professional Printers: printing kiosks or online printing services (e.g. Jessops )
Alternatives to printing documents:
'Print' them to pdf: www.cutepdf.com
You will still need to do some printing so how can we cut down on ink costs?
Printing in draft mode can save nearly half the ink or toner. You'll be surprised at the quality.
Use compatible cartridges instead of manufacturers' own.
Consider refilling your cartridges or buying refilled ones (www.cartridgesave.co.uk)
Warning: only consider the last two options when you are outside of your printer's guarantee and be sure to use reputable companies.
Media (cd/dvd)
Use rewritable CDs or DVDs unless you know you will want to keep them for some time. Although more expensive to buy they will work out cheaper in the long run.
Use flash drives (usb sticks) for everyday transfers but remember don't rely on them for long tern storage.
5. IT Security
I know I covered this under software but I didn't want you missing it! This is not an area to scrimp on: you need protection! But it doesn't have to cost! See my article on Internet Security for FREE software!
6. Your Internet Service Provider
The chances are that if you are happy with the service you have then you will keep paying for it but this can be costing you money! Internet connections are somewhat more difficult in Rural Spain and your options can be limited but that doesn't mean you can let things slide.
Take the time to at least compare your costs and service with your neighbours. If you are 'out of contract' then now is the time to look at the alternatives. Many companies offer 'no contract' details so you have nothing to lose.
Even if you are on a dial-up service you can check your tariff to reduce your costs. To improve your dial-up service try Onspeed . This is a program that increases your surfing speed by 10! It costs £25 per year but you will save this on your phone bills.
7. Energy
You will be surprised at how many devices you will have running in and around your PC.
A PC turned off but not disconnected from the mains continues to consume 22W. If your computer doesn't have a switch at the back then unplug it to save money.
At the very least, use windows power management to gradually power down your computer during periods of inactivity: it will first turn off the monitor then spin down the hard disk drives and will even put your system in standby. Go to the desktop and right click. Choose properties and then the screen-saver tab. Finally click power and set the options to your preference and save money.
8. Maintenance / Repair
What you can do to keep your computer in good condition will be a topic of another article but for now: don't ignore the symptoms!
If things aren't working the way they used to or things are a lot slower - then you need to do something! Don't think the problem will go away because it wont and it will most likely be more expensive in the long run.
I think this is the appropriate time for me to get on my favourite hobby horse: BACKUP YOUR DATA! Not just when things go wrong but regularly because no matter how valuable your equipment it is nothing compared to those irreplaceable photos!
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