software gifts

[cameroth]

I just graduated, and I got some money from people who wanted me to buy something with it. I'm going to college in about 23 days, and I can't bring anything except for some underwear and a briefcase. Since I can't really use any gift that I buy with this money for more than 23 days, I was thinking i'd spend it on software for the computer that we eventually get there. What is the most necessary software to get for a new computer (it has win xp professional edition) for about $200-300 that will take care of all of the computer type needs? Are any of the winxp plus upgrades worth the money? Should I get norton system works? Thanks for the suggestions.

[Dan]

I would wait until you see what is loaded on the computer you end up with...it may come with everything you need for school work, and might even have Norton on it.
In that case, you could buy something less practical and a little more fun....

[Prew]

You'll probably need a good word processor or office suite. Corel's Wordperfect Suite is much cheaper than Microsoft's Office and will probably do everything you need it to. For instance you can get Wordperfect Office 2000 for only $12- it's not the latest version but it will do everything you need.

You really don't need Norton Systemworks. You can get a good virus scan for free on the internet, and most of the other programs in systemworks aren't that helpful.

[glc]

The only problem with Corel's office suite is it's not really compatible with M$ Office, which seems to be necessary these days. The free OpenOffice.org suite is more compatible.

[cameroth]

well, i know that the comp will have winxp pro, and it will probably have the office xp pro, also. I'm thinking that it will only have the norton 90 day evaluation version, but i don't really care about that because i can just get some free virus protection. any suggestions based on this?

[glc]

Instead of software (any software you need will probably be provided by the school either free or cheap), how about a PDA?

[pillainp]

Like glc says, a PDA is far better worth the money you got. I use mine to take notes, track appointments, and a lot of other stuff. And the phone book? I'd be lost without it.
Get a PDA. You'll never regret it.

[Prew]

The PDA is a good idea- my son uses his extensively-he takes lecture notes and writes his class assignments in it. I don't use one myself, but then I always have my laptop with me.

[Dan]

I agree with all on the PDA....very useful in many different ways...I've even seen it used to determine the speed of a bicycle.
Like glc said, most software you will need will probably come loaded on the pc you end up with...any other software will most likely be available either free or cheap from your school.
My daughter went to UMass and needed MSVisiual Studio, a very expensive program. The college loaded it on her computer for free....
let us all know what you decide, I'm sure all are interested...

[cameroth]

maybe i'll get a pda... i'll have to do a little reasearch, because i really have no idea which one/kind to buy.

[pillainp]

If you <i>are</i> interested, try to get a Palm Tunsten T or a similar device. While a iPaQ type can let you listen to music, <i>etc.</i>, all you really need is one with a color screen. Try for a refurbed Handspring Prism. Real cheap, and you get a full color (16 bit) screen with 8MB memory. Lets you play lots of games, and has an expansion slot for a phone, camera, and quite a lot of books are available too. I have one and i am totally satisfied.

[Joeberg]

The Zire II Caught my eye...You can get most of the necessary software online, and its usaully free....ZoneAlarm, WinZip Evaluation Ver, AIM, Trillian, Ad Aware, Spybot, etc.