LibreOffice a nice, free alternative to Microsoft
Q: I thought my new computer came with Microsoft Office, but it doesn’t. Are there any alternatives that are cheaper?
A: Many new PCs used to come with Microsoft Office preinstalled, but Microsoft is now pushing users toward a subscription for Microsoft Office 365. If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to beat the free LibreOffice suite. It has Libre Writer, which is similar to Word; Libre Impress, which is similar to PowerPoint; and LibreOffice Calc, which works like Excel. Compatibility with Microsoft products isn’t a problem.
Q: Is there any way to stop a text from being delivered?
A: You can, so long as you move quickly. If you see the word “Sending ” at the top of your phone screen, you still have time. Put your phone in Airplane mode. That will shut down your phone’s transmitters and keep the message from sending. If you catch it in time, you’ll see a red exclamation point next to the text message and an alert that says, “Not delivered.”
Q: I’m new to podcasts. How do I download them and make sure I don’t miss new ones?
A: If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, open the Podcasts app and search for the podcast you’re interested in. Tap the name and then tap the purple “Subscribe” button. New episodes will be automatically delivered to your device. For Android users, the process is slightly different because it requires third-party apps.
Q: I was thinking about getting an Amazon Fire. Which one is the best?
A: If you’re looking for a great e-reader, get the basic model that’s around $50. If you want something for streaming, browsing, Facebooking, emailing, etc., you’ll want a model with Dualband Wi-Fi. The HD 6 and HD 7 are good options. They’re priced around $120 to $150 with up to 16 GB of storage.
Q: I’m paying a lot for my Internet, but lately it feels like it’s dragging.
A: You can use a site such as Speedtest.net to see how your connection speed compares with what’s in your contract. Run tests at different times during the day to check for a consistent reading.