Frugal Computer Tips

Computers are a necessity in today's world, but they can be expensive. These frugal computer tips will show you how to buy and use a computer without spending a fortune.

Buy only what you need. It's easy to get caught up in everything the latest computers can do and how the sleekest new models look. But you can easily rack up a hefty pricetag for memory, programs and features you don't need and won't use. A frugal computer is one that meets your needs for the minimum price. If all you really want to do is check email, surf the Internet and do word processing, you only need a basic model. Determine what you actually want to use a computer for and let that guide you in selecting the specifications you need. Research online about how much memory you need to operate the programs you want. You might be able to get away with a small, inexpensive notebook computer - which happens to look pretty cool!

Go with a laptop. Desktop computers use considerably more energy than laptops - as much as 90 percent more by some estimates! So if a laptop will suit your needs, shop for a good deal and keep your computing both portable and energy-efficient.

Skip the extended warranty. While the manufacturer's warranty on a big-ticket item like a computer is a good thing, financial experts like Clark Howard advise people to refrain from buying extended warranties since computers tend to depreciate in value pretty quickly, and after the first year, the cost of the warranty may outweigh the value of the machine. Don't end up wiping out your savings with a bunch of add-ons.

Buy used. Whether you're buying a computer or the software to run on it, consider buying used. There are a number of outlets available for previously owned hardware and software, which can be perfectly serviceable and cost a fraction of new items. Check out my tips for buying used computers and software. And for tips on buying other types of secondhand items, see my Buying Used page.

Surf with free wifi spots If you have a laptop or notebook computer, but it's the monthly Internet access charges that are a weight on your budget, use free wifi hotspots for access. Many libraries offer free wifi, as do many businesses such as coffee houses and restaurants. (Remember, though, that businesses provide the access as a service to paying customers so they may boot you out if you don't buy something!) Some cities even provide free wifi "nets" that cover certain parts of the city. A number of websites, including www.wififreespot.com and www.openwifispots.com, list free wifi hotspots around the country.

Use free software. A frugal computer without software is just a frugal box. But software can sometimes cost more than the computer itself! Luckily, a huge inventory of free software exists out there in the cyberworld, from games to office programs to antivirus and security software. For just about anything you want to do on your computer, there is a free program available. A huge number of resources can be found by doing a Google search for "free software." One of my favorites is the technology site Cnet.com, which offers a large variety of free software downloads, complete with reviews.

Adjust your settings. Frugal computer use extends to the energy it takes to run your device. Every computer has energy-saving settings that users can customize. The factory settings for most machines are not set to the most energy-efficient levels, so go into the control panel and adjust the settings for elements such as your screen saver and monitor. You'll start saving energy from the moment you change the settings.

Shake and refill ink. Printer ink can be one of the most expensive maintenance items for your computer system. Before you throw out a cartridge that your computer or printer tells you is empty, remove the cartridge, shake it and replace it. You will likely get several more uses out of it. And when it does finally run out, consider refilling the ink instead of replacing the entire catridge. A number of online retailers sell kits that you can use to refill the ink yourself.

Use library computers. If you're just not in a financial position to buy even a frugal computer, you can still access the Internet, and you can do it for free. Most libraries have computer terminals with Internet access, and some have both quick-use terminals, where users can sign on for short sessions of about 15 minutes, and longer-use terminals that users can reserve for an hour or more.

Do you have a frugal computer tip? Tell us about it!

Do you have a tip for buying or using a computer on the cheap? Share your frugal computer tips with your fellow readers!

Used Computers

Buying Used

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