Free Office Suite

Can't afford Microsoft Office? The 2003 version can be found at around $160 for the Student and Teachers version - that's what I use. I bought it before there was a really good (any) alternative. I won't buy another version, though.

For those of you who haven't spent your money yet, you should really try Open Office first. It is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and does almost every exact same thing. Some of the user interface is different, and the menu names may be slightly changed, but the help files will help you figure it out quickly. There is a huge internet following of Open Office who will be glad to help. Go to the support tab on the Open Office page for their forums. You can probably find what you need with a quick Google search as well.

You can also get Open Office as part of the "Google Pack." Google Pack comes with several other free programs that you select, and it manages the updating of all of them so you always have the latest version. To see what I'm talking about, either click above or click the Google Pack link on the right side of the page (under the labels). I'm a big fan of Google Earth, personally. I waste a lot of time just looking at different places on the globe. It's fun (addicting) finding houses where I used to live and schools I used to go to. Don't say I didn't warn you!