Free is good

Don’t pay if you don’t need to.

You can’t argue with the value of free. That’s especially true if you need to take care of something as a one-off, and need a particular app to use for the task. It’s tough to justify spending money on anything in these circumstances, especially when there’s a free option. All of the big, popular apps have a free alternative out there somewhere. And, that’s been our mission this issue – to compile a collection of APC-recommended apps to cover just about any job.

Of course, for things you do regularly, or perhaps professionally, then a fully featured paid app is hard to beat. But no matter where you look there’s a free option. Whether it’s office software, security, video, image, or audio editing – you can probably make do without forking out for a big-dollar equivalent.

While we didn’t get into gaming in this feature, I can share a couple of tips for grabbing free fun here. The new (and often maligned) Epic Games Store gives away a free game or two each week, and they can be good ones, too. Get them by installing the Epic Games app and check in regularly. Amazon Prime members can score freebies via the Twitch App (www.twitch.tv), and there’s a growing selection to pick from

– and while they’re usually smaller, indie games or older classics, there’s nothing wrong with that and some golden treasures are there waiting for you. Also keep an eye on GOG and Humble Bundle for freebies.

Another topic that I hope is of interest to many of you is audiobooks. Personally, I’m addicted and my commute is now almost entirely consumed by audiobook listening – replacing the podcasts I used to listen to, but hardly ever do now. If you like the idea of enjoying your audiobooks on more than one device, as well as bringing some order to your collection – which could even include creating your own server or NAS that can stream to any of your devices – then turn to page 56 and have at it.

In more mundane news, we’ve got a tutorial showing you how to free up some disc space. While not terribly exciting, it is rather essential. After all, who wants to just keep adding local or network storage when a bit of tinkering can negate that cost? So get stuck in and unclog your drives and get things nice and trim. Personally, I need some unclogging after the Xmas excess, and a bit of trimming couldn’t hurt… til next time.

“Of course, for things you do regularly, or perhaps professionally, then a fully featured paid app is hard to beat. But no matter where you look there’s a free option. ”