Everyone who uses a computer simply **loves** great software; me too! One of the things we **do not** like is hefty prices for that software, don't you agree? Long ago, in ancient times as far as computers go – after all, I actually did use Windows version 1.0 (which was presented in black & white (gasp!), I began looking at the first examples of shareware and freeware as they were created. My has the world of computing come a long, long way from the days of a choice of either amber or green screens and an 8086 computer with a floppy drive and no hard drive...

The CPU power available today, let alone the gigabyte hard drives, or even terabyte drives, as well as flat-screen, high-resolution monitors, have changed the world of computers forever. Does this mean we want to pay even more money for software to run? Nope. In fact – I highly suggest that people with disabilities on limited incomes reach for second-hand hardware! Heck, there are people out there who, 'Simply have to have,' the absolutely latest hardware; why not benefit from the supposedly, 'old,' yet magnificent hardware they sell to pawn shops, for example?

As for software, Windows is magnificent; the price, however, can place a financial burden on people with disabilities and Microsoft doesn't seem to have a program that recognizes this fact at this time. One of the programs I have found that give us a break is through: Everything Outlet. These folks sell software that is proprietary, such as the copy of One Note that I purchased through them. They also sell other things, but where Microsoft wanted around $100 for One Note, Everything Outlet sold it to me for around $40! How could they do this? Microsoft includes all of the snazzy packaging and that nice little booklet; Everything Outlet sells an, 'OEM,' copy in a plain, flat little cardboard envelope that they mail to you. The software CD is exactly the same, as is the software – you just don't get the snazzy plastic or labeled box, or that high-gloss little booklet, saving you around sixty dollars. Quite a deal if you ask me.

Still too expensive? One of the best shareware deals I have found to make that vanilla-bland Windows operating system look incredible is WindowBlinds. You can download a free thirty-day trial copy and play with it at no cost. If you decide you like it as much as I Love It, you can purchase a basic version for only $20! The full-version is something you can upgrade to for an additional $36, and if you do upgrade you get a **Package** of additional desktop software that includes all kinds of things to make your Windows XP, Vista, or even Windows 7 desktop look absolutely stunning.

If you want something that is just plain incredible and highly-worthy, packed to the ceiling with totally free software... have I got something for you. People with disabilities on a limited budget – whether you have hardware that is in tip-top shape or not, please take a look at Suse Linux. Suse Linux is a complete operating system that installs easily and provides you with the capability to install software from an incredible variety of categories, right from the desktop! If you do not want to lose your Windows installation – No Problem! I have a dual-boot computer; I am writing this article on it right now. Suse Linux **asks** you if you want one if you have Windows on your computer! The graphical environment is nothing short of fabulous, and it is easy to use too.

While writing articles and items presenting information for People with Disabilities, our family members, friends, and Veterans will always be my main goals here at Disability Writer – I just couldn't allow these magnificent software items to stay in my knowledge base without sharing them with you. After spending decades on a budget, like you – I have learned how to find deals. These a few of the best ones I could find; I hope they help you to live life with a bit more joy.

Tom.