Free Software

Hi again readers. It's been a while since I've written a serious post that doesn't include: A) A review or B) Tom Hanks so expect several grammatical errors. Also, sorry for the massive photo, Blogger didn't want to let me resize it. So yes, free software.

I've just got a new laptop as a well done for my exams. It's one of the new Inspiron 15's in red with a T4200 dual core upgrade and 3gb RAM, it's got a 250gb hard drive and runs games/internet/movies as smoothly as one of those Alienware Area 52's or one of those Rock laptops. But there's one thing that's really bothered me about this laptop, and with my previous laptop. Not something internal, but more to do with the man in the picture and his company...and Dell I suppose.

Software. I've been given Roxio, a lame excuse for "music recording software" and I was given the dreadful McAfee anti-virus. They chucked in Solitare and Purble Place, they were kind enough to give me some webcam software too. There's some music-enhancing stuff that's possibly even more useless than the chocolate teapot. And then there's the Microsoft Office 2007......demo.

Yes readers. After having £400 spent on this beauty of a machine, I haven't even been given a proper copy of Microsoft Word. I understand this isn't entirely Microsoft's fault, seeing as it is a Dell and that they're selling it. But for goodness sake, £219 for the basic Microsoft Office? It's no wonder people have turned to illegal downloads when we're being robbed in broad daylight. After 60 day's it all goes away and I'm left with...well...Microsoft Works. And who the hell still uses Microsof Works?

Fortunately I know someone who has access to these programmes and gave me the key to unlock a copy of Microsoft Office Ultimate. But think about the student in Claenwyd Uni who doesn't have access to this sort of stuff and is stuck with Notepad and Microsoft Works. I think that if you're spending £350+ on a laptop, you should at least expect Microsoft Word. I don't care about excel, or OneNote, and who the hell uses PowerPoint any more? I just want Word. So I propose that when you purchase a laptop you should get that sotware for free, and not pay £200+ for it.

All you have to do is stick a CD in the tray and press enter a few times. Is that really too hard Mr. Gates. Your friend Mr. Jobs seems to be able to do it.

-Steve