Every home and everybody deserves to have an efficient and secure running computer. The VTSD IT department would like to share some very helpful links that will take you to great FREE software that is fully functional and works just as well as the software bought from a store or online.
FREE ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE:
Microsoft Security Essentials, Avira Free Antivirus, avast! Free Antivirus – These are free, highly rated anti-virus softwares that work very well for all PC’s. Testing puts them on par with Symantec, Sophos and other highly acclaimed anti-virus software with one exception…they are free. We are sure you can find something else to buy with the 50-100 dollars you’d save a year.
DELL MEMBER PURCHASE PROGRAM
Dell offers educators and school families a membership program that has discounted devices available each month. Please use www.dell.com/Vernon to view and purchase these deals. For more info, click here.
FREE PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE:
OpenOffice.org, Windows Live, Google Docs – The first is a free piece of software that you can install on your computers at home. You should be able to create and open almost all Microsoft Office documents. The second two are free online services that you can make, share and download documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Both also allow you a large amount of online storage.
LOW COST HOME INTERNET PLANS
Families that are in need of an internet connection but are not in the financial situation to handle the normal bandwidth deals from internet service providers should look at THIS!! If the requirements are met, it provides 1.5 MB of bandwidth for the home at $9.95 a month. Also, check Everyoneon.org to see if there are other low-cost options available to you. There is also a tool from Common Sense Media so check here as well! VTSD has also partnered with T-Mobile through 2025 to offer free mobile hot spots to families in need. If you are in need of a mobile hot spot, please fill out this form.