Computing can be expensive. While the price of computers has definitely come down in the last few years, they still cost a fortune. But the cost of computing doesn't finish when you buy your computer. Software to make your computer useful - from games to office suites - can cost hundreds of dollars. But we see the cost as being an investment into our homes and businesses, and shell out the cash.

You may have heard rumours of software you can download for free off the internet. Sounds a bit suspicious, doesn't it?

The truth is that much of the software you can download for free off the internet is very suspicious. Some is quite illegal - copies of programs you normally pay money for in a shop. Some of it is dangerous, containing viruses and spyware. Some of it is frustrating, constantly reminding you that you can get a better version by spending money on the "real" program. It is definitely important to be careful in what you download from the internet.

But there is also a wealth of valid, legal, excellent software that is genuinely free, and good enough to replace the software you spend hundreds of dollars on. Although it may sound too good to believe, it's true! It is possible to obtain good, free software to do almost any task you would like to do on a computer. And it rivals the software you spend hundreds on.

There is good and bad free software. They key is to know the difference.