Free Geekery

By Heather Johnson

With listings all over the nation, Craigslist has become the go-to place for many who are looking to do everything from rent a new apartment to find a deal on a vintage sofa. But deal finding on the ‘net doesn’t have to end at Craigslist. There are plenty of other great places on the net to find all kinds of free and cheap things, no matter what you’re looking for. Here are just a few we’ve put together that may be able to help you save a bundle.

General

Find listings for just about everything on these great sites.

1. Oodle: Browse or search through listings on this classifieds site. You’ll find ads for cars, real estate, jobs, renting, stuff for sale and much more.
2. BackPage: Whether you want to place your own ad, or find things to buy, you’ll find both on this nationwide site. Choose a metro area and you’ll have access to thousands of listings for goods, services and rentals.
3. Verticlans: Verticlans allows you to create or look through user-created marketplaces. You control who has access to buying and selling so you always know who you’re getting things from, whether its a group of your closest friends, your coworkers or members of your church.
4. Gumtree: With sites in the UK, Australia and the US, this site provides loads of listings for just about anything you could want or need.
5. USFreeAds: If you want to place an ad or just look through a wide range of online ads, this site provides a great forum to do so.
6. MySpace Classifieds: MySpace doesn’t just have to be for keeping in touch with your friends, it can also be a great place to find listings on merchandise, job openings and rentals in your area. Facebook has a similar service.
7. Blurbpage: Simply choose the area that’s closest to you and start browsing through these ads, which contain listings for community activities, jobs, buying and selling, renting and more.
8. Hoobly: Get access to local classifieds with Hoobly whether you live in the United States or even Japan. You’ll be able to read announcements, get a new pet, or find a deal on a new apartment.
9. BuySellCommunity: Users can create storefronts and sell just about anything on this site. Those looking to buy and not sell can find hundreds of local listings.
10. Adoos: Find millions of classifieds on Adoos. Listings encompass everything from personals to apartment rentals.
11. Yahoo!Classifieds: Post your own ads or search through listings using part of Yahoo!’s line of services. You can search by keyword or zip code to help you find what you’re looking for.
12. CollegeClassifieds: If you’re looking for goods or services on a budget consider checking out this classifieds site designed for cash-strapped college students.

Renting

Finding a deal on an apartment can be easy through these sites.

13. Rent.com: This eBay run site contains listings for apartments and homes all over the nation. If you find and rent a place from the site you could get $100 back, and who doesn’t love free money?
14. ApartmentFinder: Search for apartments by college, military base or address using this convenient online rental site.
15. My New Place: Finding an apartment on this site could be worth some extra cash in your pocket, up to $100. Plus, you’ll have millions of listings to choose from.
16. CampusRent: Moving into your first college apartment can be exciting and you can help make sure you find just the right place with college centered listings from this site.
17. ApartmentGuide: With this site you’ll be able to search through apartments and get help finding all kinds of services to help make your move easier.
18. ApartmentSource: It won’t cost you a thing to look through the millions of rental listings on this site, and who knows, maybe you’ll find a great place at a great price.
19. ApartmentRatings: This site not only lets you search for apartments in your area but can also give you other renter’s impressions of the properties and their management.
20. Move.com: You’ll find listings for millions of residential properties on this site both to rent and to buy.

Goods

Whether you’re looking for a kitchen sink or a gift for your mom, you can find it through these sites.

21. eBay: If you don’t mind bidding against other buyers, eBay can be a great place to find bargains on just about everything from cars to vintage toys.
22. RealPeopleRealStuff: This site takes an innovative approach to listing goods by having sellers made videos that describe and showcase their items, combining elements of YouTube and Craigslist.
23. MyStore: Shop in hundreds of user created stores on this site. You’ll find stores customizing in things like handbags and jewelry and CDs and electronics.
24. Etsy: Find all kinds of handmade and unique items created by the sellers on this site, some of which are great bargains.
25. MadeIt: Similar to Etsy, this Australia based site is full of great handmade and vintage items that can make thoughtful gifts for that special someone.
26. Sell.com: You’ll find everything from the rare to the useful on this site, which gives access to free classifieds ads for sellers.
27. uShops: Users of this site can set up free shops to sell their merchandise from and you’ll be able to browse through them to find merchandise that suits your needs and interests.
28. Flippid: Here users can create a list of the things they’re looking for, from a Fraggle Rock lunchbox to a new fishing pole, and sellers can match up their items to your wants.
29. BuyOnIt: This auction site has listings for items that range from the bizarre and tacky to used cars and motorcycles.

Free and Trade

Why pay for what you can get for free? These sites can help you get all kinds of stuff at a steal.

30. Freecycle: Trade goods with other members of this group in your area. It keeps stuff out of landfills and allows you to get great free stuff.
31. Freesharing: Get rid of old stuff you don’t want any more and get free items from others trying to clean out their stuff on this site.
32. PaperbackSwap: Want some new reading material? Don’t head to your local bookstore, sign up for this site and you can swap your old books for new titles.
33. AroundAgain: Find a local chapter of this organization in your area to get and trade goods without spending a small fortune.
34. FreeMesa: Whether you need to get rid of your own stuff or find some cheap or free goods for your home you can do both through this organization.
35. ReUseIt Network: Meet members of your community that are giving away all kinds of useful stuff on this site.
36. MakeUp Alley: Ever bought a shade of lipstick you hated after trying it on? Now you can keep from wasting it by trading it with others who’ve had similar experiences on this site.
37. Gigoit: Find used items being given away all over the world through this great organization’s site.
38. LocalDataPlace: Place an ad for items you no longer need or find things that people in your area are giving away on this site.
39. SwitchPlanet: Add some new DVDs or video games to your library with this site, which allows users to swap free of cost.
40. TextSwap: Textbooks can be a big expense for college students, especially for those with less than deep pockets. You can save a few bucks by trading your old textbooks for new books you need on this site.

Services

These sites provide listings for help doing everything from walking your dog to remodeling your kitchen.

41. MovingHelp.com: Moving can be a huge pain to do on your own. Find hourly labor to help you out with ads listed on this site.
42. International Listings: If you are selling your luxury home, use this site to advertise to an international audience. Or, if you’re on the market, browse through their listings to find the property of your wildest dreams.
43. Find a Dogwalker: Don’t let your furry friend have to hold it all day long. Find a friendly dog walker in your area through the listings on this site.
44. Find Me a Tech: Computers and other high tech gadgets can be difficult to fix on your own, so find a tech expert to help you out through this site.
45. FolioFinder: Hiring a qualified graphic designer or illustrator can make or break your company’s reputation, so ensure you’re getting the best by searching through portfolios on this design site.
46. Mechanic Finders: If your car needs some work find listings for ever kind of mechanic in your area through the search tool offered on this website.
47. GenieTown: Listings on this site can help you find help with anything from pet sitting to personal chefs.
48. ContractorFindUSA: This site make it easy to find a contractor to help your remodel your kitchen, finish your basement or anything else you need help with.
49. FlatDoor: List the services you need help with on this site and providers can bid to provide you with services, helping you get the best deal possible.
50. BizReef: Post your project on this site and freelancers can send you offers to complete it for you. Listings range from business services and marketing to photography and website development.

By Jessica Merritt

These days, everyone seems so scared of the RIAA that they’re relegated to using paid services like iTunes and Napster, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are a number of legal and mostly-legal sources that offer great music from both established and emerging artists, and they’re happy to share downloads with you for free. We’ve compiled a list of 100 of these sources for your downloading enjoyment here. Variety If you’d like to spice up your music collection with loads of different tunes, these sites have a wide variety to offer.

1. MP3.com: This favorite site features free tracks from artists like Paul Oakenfold and the B-52’s.
2. Oddio Overplay: On Oddio Overplay, you’ll get access to radio, original music, old recordings, and loads more.
3. fluctu8: On this site, you’ll find podcasts for jazz, international music, and more.
4. iSound: iSound has lots of great bands, and a feature that lets you find artists based on groups that you already like.
5. Epitonic: On this site, you’ll not only find lots of music to download, you’ll also find great write-ups, a community, and lots of links.
6. Better Propaganda: On Better Propaganda, you’ll find tons of new music to download for free.
7. AvidBeauty: This site has lots of audio and video downloads, including mp3 and music.
8. Soundlift: Soundlift features music from loads of different genres, like pop, classical, and jazz.
9. Peoplesound: Visit this site for downloads from emerging artists in blues, dance, pop, and more.
10. We7: We7 has downloads for everything from country to reggae, and even features unsigned artists.
11. SpiralFrog: This site has more than 1 million free downloads from artists like Mariah Carey, 3 Doors Down, and Sugarland, all rated and recommended.

Daily Download Check out these sites that feature a new, free download each and every day.

12. mp3 Jackpot: This site features a new song on their mp3 Jackpot every day.
13. eMusic: eMusic offers a review and a new download every day.
14. iSound: On iSound, you’ll find a new download every day, and a list of the last 100 featured.

Search Engines Armed with the power of these search engines, you can find just about any song your heart desires.

15. SeeqPod: SeeqPod is a useful search engine that finds media files on the web and offers lots of extras.
16. G2P: Use G2P to find what you’re looking for on Google.
17. The Hype Machine: This site finds music from blogs, and provides links to each post where you can download the original track.
18. Meloditrax: Use this music search engine to find old favorites and discover new ones.
19. AirMp3: Visit AirMp3 to get results from several music sites at once.
20. Mp3Realm: This search engine is specifically dedicated to finding mp3s.
21. ICkStuff: Visit ICkStuff to download music, as well as video and other media while you’re at it.
22. Dogpile: Dogpile performs a metasearch for audio across all of the major search engines.
23. Online Media Finder: With Online Media Finder, it’s easy to find artist tracks by search or tag.
24. eSpew: Check out eSpew for an easy to use, advanced music search engine.
25. Jimmyr: Jimmyr serves up an easy way to search Google for free downloads.
26. BeeMP3: BeeMP3 provides an easy, no frills way to download mp3s.
27. CCHits: This search engine exclusively features music that’s released under Creative Commons.
28. cr3ation b3ta: This service offers a handy music search.
29. SkreemR: SkreemR aggregates music from all over the Internet and offers easy download links for songs.
30. Musgle: Musgle is an ultra-simple Google for music.

Community Music is a very social art, so it’s no wonder that these communities have formed to share free downloads and discussions.

31. Haystack: On Haystack, you can view artist profiles, and use this hack to download free music.
32. Del.icio.us: This social bookmarking site regularly has good popular mp3 links.
33. WebJay: This playlist community creates lists of songs for you to download and enjoy.
34. alonetone: Check out alonetone for awesome artist-led albums and playlists for downloading.
35. Purevolume: Find new and emerging artists on this music community site.
36. mp3 4U: Visit this site, where excellent sources recommend songs to download.
37. Mp3Board: Find the latest news and downloads on this Digg-style site for music.
38. Opsound: Check out this pool of music for sounds that are free and open for anyone to download and use.
39. Soundclick: Soundclick highlights artists, members, and more, all with free downloads.
40. Starfrosch: On this site, you can share, download, and vote for music.
41. Jamendo: As a Jamendo member, you can make your own playlists, offer reviews, and discuss artists in the forum.
42. AudioStreet: In this community, you can chat on the forums, hear about news, and check out featured artists.
43. Dance-Industries: Here you’ll be able to check out artist ratings and vote on your own favorites.

World Music Stay on top of music from around the world with these sources.

44. Digital Sounds: On this site, you’ll find new German downloads and more.
45. Venzero Mixtape: This German site offers a mixtape with some of their favorite bands.
46. Sangeetix: Visit Sangeetix to find Hindi music and lyrics.
47. Dogmazic: Dogmazic has loads of French tracks and beyond.
48. Tonspion: This site has lots of German artists, as well as other popular tracks from around the world.
49. Muzic9: Check out this site for new tracks from Asia.
50. Cantaria: This site offers tracks of traditional Western European folk.
51. Deezer: Deezer features both established and emerging artists on their French site.
52. ElectroBel: Hear electronic music from Belgium, Luxembourg, and beyond on this site.

Shows & Festivals These sites make it easy for you to get your live music fix.

53. SXSW: Here you can download showcase music from the SXSW festival in Austin.
54. CBC Radio 3 Sessions: CBC’s Sessions podcast offers live recordings of excellent Canadian independent artists.
55. Live Music Archive: On this archive, you’ll be able to download recordings from bands that don’t mind if their performances are distributed.
56. Songza: Check out Songza for live recordings, but be patient when searching for free downloads.
57. bt.etree.org: This community tracks live concert recordings of artists that allow free downloads.

Blogs Visit these blogs to stay on top of the latest downloads, plus insightful commentary.

58. Free iTunes Downloads: This blog keeps readers up to date on free downloads that are available on the iTunes music store.
59. Stereogum: Stereogum serves up awesome music, news and commentary.
60. Bradley’s Almanac: Bradley’s Almanac features loads of music, specifically special tracks from Boston.
61. Giga Tracks: This blog features mostly indie musicians, and offers descriptions of familiar artists they sound like. The blog also offers lots of industry news.
62. Molly O’Poverty’s Guide to (Mostly) Free Music: Although the blog is closed, you can check out Molly’s archives for lots of great links to free downloads.
63. Free Metal Albums: Here you can download free, legal albums from high quality, obscure metal artists.
64. Totally Free Music: Totally Free Music has music…that’s totally free, including loads of Nine Inch Nails.
65. largehearted boy: On largehearted boy, you’ll find daily links to free downloadable music.
66. 3hive: 3hive links to official labels and artist websites that want to share mp3s.
67. Audiofile: Although Salon’s Audiofile blog has been discontinued, they’ve still left up a great collection of free songs to download.
68. Free Albums Galore: On Free Albums Galore, you’ll be able to download entire albums from indie artists and more.
69. Spinner: Here you’ll find a new mp3 nearly everyday, plus free download roundups.
70. Gratisvibes: Check out this blog that features free licensed music from around the world.

Labels Get free music straight from the source with these record labels that offer free downloads.

71. Internet Archive: Netlabels: Check out this "netlabel" collection to find techno music and more.
72. Misantrof Antirecords: Visit the Misantrof Music Archives to find a historical collection of music to download.
73. Metronomicon Audio: Visit Metronomicon Audio to download lots of artist tracks in both mp3 and ogg.
74. Matador Records: Matador now features zipped files of their "Intended Play" collections.
75. Mush Records: Visit Mush Records to get access to loads upon loads of free downloads from their artists.
76. Loca Records: Download these awesome tracks from Loca Records.
77. Barsuk: Get free mp3s from Barsuk Records artists like Nada Surf and Jim Noir.
78. w00tw0t0 Records: Check out this label’s many downloads of independent electronic music.
79. Vice Records: Vice’s blog now offers free downloads from their artists on a regular basis.

Classical & Public Domain Many older and classical works are available as public domain, and these sites have used the freedom afforded by this classification to offer free downloads.

80. Musopen: On this site, you can download classical music from performers from around the world, well organized and easy to find.
81. Classic Cat: Classic Cat is a directory that links to composers online.
82. Karadar: Karadar offers an easy way to find free downloads for classical pieces.
83. Wikipedia: This list features a number of public doman musical works available for download on Wikipedia.
84. Piano Society: Check out these recordings and biographies from composers.
85. Columbia University Orchestra: Find free downloads for this orchestra’s performances of pieces by Beethoven, Mozart, and more.
86. The Classical Archives: Check out thee archives to get access to more than 40,000 files by classical composers, including live recordings and MIDI files.
87. PublicDomain4U: This site stays on top of public domain songs, featuring artists like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Irving Berlin.

General Here you’ll find loads of interesting downloads, from holiday songs to free remix sites.

88. ccMixter: On this site, you’ll find remixes that are licensed to be sampled, mashed-up and more.
89. freesound: Check out freesound, where you’ll get access to all sorts of free Creative Commons licensed sounds.
90. Kahvi Collective: Visit the Kahvi Collective for "free electronic grooves."
91. Free Christmas Music: Check out this site that offers free mp3 downloads of holiday songs.
92. Free kids music: Find contemporary and traditional music for children on this site.
93. LegalTorrents: This torrent site offers legal downloads of mp3s, netlabel music, sounds, and more.
94. OverClocked ReMix: Check out this community that offers remixes of video game music.
95. UnExotica: The songs featured on this site are from Amoga Games and demo soundtracks.
96. Free Jazz Downloads: All About Jazz has daily downloads of jazz music and more.
97. MTV: MTV regularly features a nul.i8mber of freebie downloads from different popular genres.
98. GarageBand: In this community, you can check out independent music from online musicians.
99. Amie Street: On Amie Street, you’ll find loads of free tracks from independent artists.
100. NovemberStar Entertainment: On NovemberStar, you can check out an extensive database of talented independent artists.

By Christina Laun Whether you’re a geek who loves to mess with gadgetry or just someone looking to find a more personalized and price-conscious PC, building your own computer can be a rewarding experience for both you and your wallet when it’s done right. Part of the fun of creating your own machine is in finding all the parts, and for bargain hunters out there, finding them at a substantial discount. Fortunately, the Internet is full of resources to make building a computer from scratch budget friendly and easier than ever. Here are a number of places where you can begin your hunt for cheap parts for your next home built PC.

General These tech sites can provide you on great deals for every part of your computer building project.

1. Geeks.com: Geeks will find everything they need at this popular discount retailer. Stock up on memory or get a new snazzy case for your computer.
2. Newegg: Newegg has just about every tech toy you could want at a discount price, computer parts included. You’ll find memory, power supplies, cases, CPUs and much more.
3. Outlet PC: Pick up a bare bones system to build or load up on parts to build one from scratch with this online site. You’ll get next day shipping to help you build your computer even faster than ever.
4. TigerDirect: Advertised as having some of the best computer and electronics deals, TigerDirect certainly can help you save some money when building a new computer. You can pick up a speedy CPU or ensure your unit doesn’t overheat with fans and cooling components.
5. Directron: One of the more popular online discount electronics retailers, computer construction enthusiasts will find just about everything they need as well as daily specials.
6. PC Connection: Whether you’re feeling lazy and want to buy a complete desktop or if you just need the parts you can find them here from hard drives to motherboards.
7. Preloved Computers: If you don’t mind buying used you can save a bundle by buying from this online company. You can purchase whole refurbished computers or new and used parts for building your own.
8. Club IT: Techies will find what they’re looking for on this site with a great selection of CPUs, motherboards, memory and software to choose from.
9. ZipZoomFly: This online electronics store sells mostly complete desktops and notebooks but you can also find all kinds of components, some of which can be quite a bargain.
10. Pennywise PCs: As the name suggests, this site is dedicated to helping those who want to computer cheaply. You’ll find deals on computer components, links to special deals as well as a ton of how-to guides and articles to help you during your build.
11. Digital 3K: This online retailer has loads of low-cost computer components including graphics cards, RAM and motherboards.
12. eBay: eBay is full of deals on electronics if you’re a savvy bidder. You may end up saving a bundle that you can use for other fun stuff instead.
13. ColorDrives: This site sells all kinds of computer parts and accessories. You’ll be able to stock up on cables while picking up fans, hard drives and other important components as well.
14. Cybertron PC: This futuristic sounding online retailer advertises some great deals on parts that range from the case to the memory.
15. CPU4U: Specializing in wholesale computer parts, this site can provide some great deals on all the little parts you need to make your computer run.
16. Sai Tech: Another wholesale parts retailer, Sai Tech offers both high and medium level parts to help you build a budget computer.
17. OEM Liquidators: Get name brand parts from manufacturers like Gateway or just general components for a steal on this liquidation site.
18. Wholesale Computer Products: This site aims to sell parts at below the normal retail value and you can find everything you’ll need to build a computer as well as the software to put on it.
19. Cheap Computer Parts Handbook: This site aims to create a guide that will help you to not only build a computer but to ensure that you don’t spend a fortune doing it. You’ll find links to deals on every type of component on this site.

Processors and Motherboards Your computer won’t get far without a CPU and a motherboard to go along with it. Check out these resources and sites to help you get deals and learn what the best choice for you is.

20. Census PC: CensusPC sells all kinds of computer parts, but they have an especially large selection of CPUs, making it easier to find what you need at the price you want.
21. Motherboard Zone: Like the name suggests, this site has all kinds of motherboards available for purchase, as well as a range of other computer products.
22. Buying a Cheap CPU: Not sure what to look for in a bargain CPU? You’ll find some guidance in guide from Cheap Computer Solutions.
23. Yesbuy: Yesbuy specializes in portable media, but they also carry a large range of CPUs and motherboards. You can save even more with their free shipping.
24. Evertek: Need a bulk order of computer components? You can stock up on this site and save money in the process.
25. How to Buy Motherboards: Learn what you should look for in a motherboard with a little help from this article so you won’t waste money on something that doesn’t meet your needs.
26. XPGeeks: This site lists great deals on CPUs and motherboards to save you time and money.
27. Able Shopper Motherboard Deals: This shopping site brings you all kinds of deals on motherboards so you can save money and spend less time hunting for the best deal.

Cases Whether you plan to build your own or want to buy a cheap case these resources can help you out.

28. Keenzo.com: This site emphasizes quality, and that’s just what you’ll find in the cases they carry. You’ll find everything from simple black towers to fancy LCD units.
29. First Computer Systems: Here you’ll find cases in just about every color you could want for prices you can afford.
30. Next Day PC: Custom build your PC with a case from this site. They also carry a wide variety of other components for builders as well.
31. All Star Shop: This business-focused site has a wide variety of computer cases that come complete with power supplies, shiny exteriors, and all the bells and whistles.
32. Xoxide: Directed at computer builders who are into creating a cool looking, sleek PC, this site carries cases with all kinds of lights, designs and finishes. Best of all, most of them are reasonably priced.
33. ATX Computer Cases: Find every kind of computer case under the sun on this site from bright orange models to those that look sleek and almost alien.
34. Case Depot: If you need a case, this site has what you’re looking for. From rack mounts to standard PC towers, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
35. Envador: Need some creative ideas on how to create a custom case build? You’ll find computer cases that stretch the imagination on this site.
36. Build Your Own Custom PC Case: If you’re feeling really frugal, you can turn just about anything into a computer case with a little imagination and some technical know-how. This article can show you how.

Video and Sound Cards Gamers and music enthusiasts alike will want to check out these sites and resources for making sure you’ve got a computer system that looks and sounds great.

37. Axion Tech: This Dallas based store has everything you’ll need to equip your new system with a sound or video card.
38. Cheap Stingy Bargains: Save money while finding the parts you need on this site.
39. Soundcard Tips and Facts: Learn everything you need to know about picking out a soundcard that won’t leave you wishing you hadn’t been so cheap.
40. Make Your Cheap Soundcard Louder: If you do opt for a bargain soundcard, this article can show you how to make it louder and more effective without spending much of anything.
41. How to Buy the Right Video Card: If you’re using your computer for imaging or gaming you’ll want to make sure your video card can keep up with you, so give this article a read before making a purchase.
42. Before You Buy a Video Card for Gaming: Don’t waste money on a video card that’s quickly going to need to be replaced because it doesn’t meet the needs of the latest games. Read this article first to see what you should be looking for.
43. PC Parts Unlimited: This online parts store carries a wide range of video cards as well as everything you’ll need for making your computer sound great.

Memory Newer programs require more and more memory to function properly, so make sure even your cheap PC can keep up with these bargain sites.

44. Future Power PC: You’ll find both RAM and hard drives of all sizes on this site to help you build the PC that best fits your specs.
45. Computer Memory Outlet: This online store specializes in carrying memory of all kinds for desktops, laptops and servers.
46. Memory to Go: Find just about every kind of RAM you could want on this site at prices that won’t be too painful on your wallet.
47. Shop4Memory: This specialty store can supply you with all the memory you’ll need for your new computer build and more.
48. 4 All Memory: Here you’ll find deals on memory for a desktop or laptop in many different sizes, speeds and varieties.

Tools and Safety After you’ve gotten the parts for your computer you’ll need to get some equipment to put it all together. Here you’ll find resources for getting the best tools for the job and how to stay safe when assembling your computer.

49. Computer Network Accessories: You’ll need a few accessories like tools, cables and wiring when putting together your computer and you can find them here.
50. Tools You’ll Need to Build Your Own Computer: Here you’ll find a list of tools you’ll need to pick up or pull together in order to build your computer. Many you might already have or be able to find cheaply.
51. Static Electricity and Component Handling: Static electricity can do your computer build in before you’ve even turned it on. Read this guide to make sure your parts stay static free and you stay safe.
52. Safety Tips to Building a Computer: Computers are filled with electronic components and can be quite dangerous if you’re not careful when you’re building them. This article can give you some safety tips and pointers.
53. Building a Gaming Computer Safety Precautions: Just like any other computer build, gamers who are constructing a new computer should pay attention to the precautions listed in this article so they don’t fry their components and waste money.
54. Dangers Inside the Computer: Computers are electrical devices and the interiors can be filled with sharp edges. This site lists some potential dangers to watch out for.
55. Anti-Static Grounding Wrist Band: You can help prevent destructive static electricity for laying waste to your computer parts by investing in one of these wrist bands.
56. Street Tech Toolkit: This toolkit will give you everything you need to build a computer as well as to later do a wide variety of other tech builds and repairs.
57. Keysan Computer Toolkits: Whether you need a few tools or a hundred you’ll find reasonably priced tool sets here.

Deal Finders You don’t have to do all the leg work yourself, you can take advantage of these sites which will bring the best deals for all over the Web together in one place.

58. Pricewatch: Pricewatch brings together prices from some of the biggest tech sites out there, making it easy to find the best deal on the components you’re looking for.
59. CNET Shopper: The experts at CNET have put together this shopping site which gives you reviews on products as well as where you can find them the for the cheapest.
60. PriceGrabber: Compare prices from major retailers on a wide variety of computer components with PriceGrabber.
61. NexTag: This site contains prices on electronics and computers from dozens of sites to help you find the lowest one.
62. BizRate: With BizRate you can find the products you’re looking for and compare the deals that are out there from online retailers as well as find guidance in reviews.
63. PriceFish: The Internet is a big sea of bargains and this site can help you fish out the best ones for the products you need.
64. SortPrice: SortPrice looks through major retailers like Best Buy and Office Depot to find the lowest prices on everything from monitors to memory.
65. mySimon: Simply type in what you’re looking for into this site and you’ll get results from hundreds of retailers all over the Web.
66. PriceSCAN: Find the lowest prices both on and off the Web with this helpful price comparison tool.
67. PriceSpy: If you don’t mind paying a little extra shipping, you can use this New Zealand based site to sort through the best prices on computer components.
68. Bibirmer for Firefox: This helpful Firefox plugin can help you find the lowest prices on just about anything right from your browser.
69. Ben’s Bargains: Get the latest info on discounts and coupons available on the Web on tech supplies and much more on this site.
70. XP Bargains: Find the hottest tech deals with this site. You’ll have access to coupons, special deals and the lowest prices by store or product.
71. Full Deals: Here you’ll get access to the latest hot deals on electronics, coupons and find forums where you can discuss bargains.
72. Passwird: This blog site posts new deals every day on tools, electronics and computer components.
73. BargainFeeder: Tap into this daily feed which can provide you with leads on all sorts of hot bargains and the best sites where to find them.
74. Dealspl.us: This site brings in deals each week from major retailers. You’ll find special rebates, coupons, and deals on everything you’ll need.

Frugal Guides If you want to keep it cheap, try checking out these guides which can give you some pointers and tips on building a bargain system.

75. Bytepowered’s Guide to Building a Cheap Computer: This article from Bytepowered can help you determine what the cheapest parts and software are to put into your computer build.
76. Ars Technica Budget Box Design: Want to build a computer that is high end without paying high end prices to do it? This guide will take you through step by step how to put together a great, cheap machine.
77. How to Build a Computer for Almost No Money At All: If you’re frustrated by working on your own computer build and need a laugh, check out this humorous take on putting together a cheap machine.
78. PCStats: How to Make a Budget Desktop Computer on the Cheap: This article will help you figure out what hardware you can afford on your budget and how to put it all together.
79. Librenix: Build Your Own Cheap Computer: This tutorial from Librenix will help open source enthusiasts and gamers build the computer they want without spending a fortune.
80. Tips on Building a Cheap Gaming Computer: Games are expensive enough without having to shell out big bucks to build a computer to play them on. Here you’ll find tips on building a gaming quality machine from scratch.
81. SaveMoney: How to Build a Cheap PC or Cheap Laptop: Building a cheap PC or a laptop from the bottom up can be a challenge, so get some tips from this money saving blog on how to cut some expenses out.
82. Jeremy Duffy: How to Build a Cheap Gaming Computer: Gamers don’t have to spend a fortune to create a machine that suits their needs. Learn how to create a great one on a budget.
83. Wholesale Computer Parts: Getting Good Deals: This article will give you pointers on getting the best deals on computer parts so you can ensure you’ll get the best deal.
84. Build a $250 PC That Doesn’t Suck: For just $250 you can build yourself a PC that will suit all your needs using the tips from this article.

How Tos Even veteran techies need a little guidance now and then. These how-tos can ensure you don’t put to waste all those cheap computer part finds.

85. PC Mech Build Your Own PC: Get tips on building a PC with this article from PC Mech.
86. My Super PC: This whole site is dedicated to helping PC builders construct a machine. It gives tips on choosing the right hardware and putting it all together.
87. Beginner’s Guide to Assembling Your Own PC: If you’ve never put together a computer before, this article can help make sure you do just fine on your first time around.
88. Computer Shopper’s Guide to Building Your Own Computer: Just about anyone can put together a computer these days with the right parts and a little know-how. Get some help from this article.
89. How to Build Your Own Personal Computer: Putting together a PC shouldn’t be a headache. Get step by step instructions from this site.
90. How to Build a Desktop PC: Put together a PC that suits your needs with instructions from this site.
91. Do It Yourself Laptop: Get DIY instructions for putting together a laptop from this site.
92. Building Your Dream Notebook: If you’re taking computer building one step further and putting together a laptop, you’ll find help on this site to make sure you’re doing it right.
93. An Illustrated Guide to Building a PC: If you learn better from pictures than words, this site can be a great help. You’ll get photos of how to construct every element of your computer.

Miscellaneous These sites can provide some helpful tips, resources and information for the most frugal of PC builders.

94. Digital Daily: Get reviews on all kinds of electronic products on this site. You’ll find out how the CPU you’ve been considering functions and what other users thought of it before you spend money on it.
95. Firing Squad: This gaming site will give you the lowdown on all kinds of hardware that can improve your gaming experience.
96. Tom’s Hardware: On Tom’s Hardware you’ll find information on what components are the best for your computer, articles about technology issues, and help putting together a computer.
97. OC Mod Shop: This site will give you reviews of products, help you create a machine that suits your needs, and keep you up to date on the latest gaming news.
98. TechTutorials: Get more tips on putting together a computer from this site. You can learn about all kinds of hardware as well as get tips on what software to install.
99. BuildPC.net: Building a PC just got easier with this comprehensive site. Learn the importance of each part of the computer, how to select it, and how to put everything together.
100. The Computers Place: The Computer’s Place is where you’ll find information about all kinds of computer related issues from software selection to doing a complete build.

By Jessica Hupp

Despite its prominence, Arial and other de-facto fonts just aren’t attractive enough for most designers. Fortunately, there are a number of foundries that create some truly impressive fonts, and are happy to share them with others. We’ve highlighted 101 of them here, but keep in mind that many request that you provide credit or at least ask for permission for commercial use.

Grunge

These fonts are messy, and they’re not ashamed of it.

1. Guilty: Guilty is a grunged-out typewriter style face.
2. Tiza: This font has a nice rubbed-out effect.
3. Print Error: Print Error has lots of background, resembling exactly what it sounds like-a print error.
4. El&Font Gohtic!: This font has lots of scratches, X accents, and angel wings.
5. Dirty Uncle: In true dirty fashion, this font’s outlines give way to scribbles at the bottom.
6. Astonished: Underneath Astonished’s thin, clean look is a bit of grunge.
7. Bleeding Cowboys: Last Soundtrack’s Bleeding Cowboys font offers a bit of swirly flair for an otherwise tough western font.
8. Memory Lapses: This font seems to have gotten a little overzealous with ink.
9. Pirates: Pirates looks quite a bit like a ransom note.
10. Dirty Ego: This caps font offers a little bit of wear and smudge.
11. Grunja: This upper-case font has a bit of a saturated look.
12. Broken15: Broken 15 offers another ransom-style font.

Handwriting

Check out these fonts that resemble handwriting. A few of them are modeled after famous or distinctive writings.

13. Journal: Journal has the sort of handwriting you only wish you had.
14. Disgusting Behavior: Disgusting Behavior is like chicken scratch, but on the neat side.
15. Hill House: Hill House is much cleaner than most handwriting fonts, but it’s inspired by architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s distinctive handwriting.
16. Nail Scratch: Nail Scratch is thin and messy.
17. Daub: This simple font has a colored-in feel.
18. Max Rhodes: This aptly-named font is based on the handwriting of Max Rhodes.
19. Iron Mathbook: Here you’ll find a font modeled after Iron Maiden.
20. Barnes Erc: You’ll enjoy this font’s 3-D sketch design.
21. Pointy: Pointy looks like handwriting that you might find on the cover of your old high school notebook.

Familiar

These fonts all have a very familiar look to them, often modeled after specific typefaces.

22. Sega Genesis: Sega Genesis’ font is bold and fun.
23. Poker Party: Poker Party incorporates hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades into its style.
24. Halo 2: Halo addicts will be sure to appreciate this font.
25. Marcelle: Marcelle looks like it belongs on the front of an old softball league T-shirt.
26. Schwing Shift: This font is inspired by classic lettering of the art deco style.
27. Varsity: This sporty font is straight off of a letter jacket.
28. The New York Times: This font bears a remarkable resemblance to the font used by The New York Times.
29. Roadgeek: Roadgeek features fonts that you’ll find on road signs across the US and a few other countries.
30. Komikandy: Komikandy has a blobby comic book style.
31. Sonic: You’ll recognize this font from Sonic 2.
32. Snowcaps: In this font, you’ll find an icy look.
33. Sega: Feel nostalgic with this Sega font.
34. Major League: This game font is straight out of the 80s.

Tech

All of these fonts have a high-tech feel to them.

35. Spectrum Smudged: This font looks like your computer had a bit too much to drink.
36. Ollivette Elite: This typewriter font translates your typed text into leetspeak.
37. Atmosphere ‘88′: This font has lots of boxiness and clean lines.
38. Elektora: Elektora has a very simple, clean feel to it.
39. Republika: Republika strings together in a futuristic manner.
40. Atlantis: Atlantis has a very pixellated, boxy look.
41. Templo: Templo is extremely boxy and pixellated.

Unique

Check out these fonts if you’re looking for something that’s really different.

42. Starbat: Starbat runs together in a really attractive way.
43. Flubber: The Flubber font has a cartoony feel to it.
44. Horse Puke: Horse Puke has strategically placed white blobs.
45. Stiff Neck: This font’s uppercase letters are white within black, with a hand-drawn look.
46. Antlers: Antlers incorporates deer antler style into every letter.
47. Xanax: This font has a fiery lightning bolt style to it.
48. WC Wunderbach Weiss: Wunderbach has a stencil style with a gradient fade away.
49. Halcion: The Halcion font has lots of blurry lines.
50. Chrysler Electric: Be sure to check out this spaghetti noodle inspired font.
51. Cholo: Cholo has an uppercase style that features the occasional dash and X.
52. Ballers Delight: This font was created with bejeweled canvas boards.
53. Stencilul: Stencilul offers a font with stencil-style cutouts.
54. Carbolith: This upper-case font mimics a skull and crossbones font.
55. Tralfamadore: Tralfamadore has lots of keyhole cut outs and other attractive accents.

Fancy

These fonts are all about frilliness.

56. The King and Queen: Give your site the royal touch with this frilly font.
57. Celexa 2: This font is a little evil and medieval.
58. Nasty: Nasty is straight out of an old-fashioned carnival.
59. Dickens McQueen: This font is what happens when you put Charles Dickens and Steve McQueen together in a font.
60. Chopin Script: Here you’ll find a nice calligraphy font.
61. Porcelain: Porceilain’s caps are overly frilly, and the font itself offers multiple layers.
62. Twigdancer: This font has a fun, woodsy design.
63. Selfish: Selfish looks a lot like Porcelain, with toned-town caps and a tighter style.

Bold

Make a statement using these big, bold fonts.

64. New Order Ceremony: New Order Ceremony is thin, but makes a statement.
65. Boogieman: Boogieman is based on ’50s comic book lettering, and looks a bit like the Misfits’ logo.
66. Kegger Collegiate: Kegger has a really bold, large athletic look.
67. Jefferson Gothic Oblique: Sign up for P22’s mailing list, and you’ll get a free download of this distinctive font.
68. Flutterby: Flutterby is a large, funky font best used in big sizes.
69. New Order ‘Brotherhood’: New Order ‘Brotherhood’ is a heavy, thick font.

Clean & Simple

These styles are sure to get a heavy rotation for both their versatility and simplicity.

70. Samba: Samba is thin, yet attractive.
71. Greyscale Basic: This font is boxy, clean and simple.
72. Marke Eigenbau: Check out this font if you want something really clean and simple.
73. Scriptina: Scriptina offers a simple and attractive calligraphy font.
74. Joy Division Closer: In this font, you’ll find a plain but attractive design.
75. Valium: Valium is a curvy, sharp font.
76. Karnivore: In Karnivore, you’ll find a broad upper-case font.
77. Museo: Museo’s signature features an uppercase U with both stems bent out.
78. Munica: Fans of simplicity will appreciate this diminuitive font.
79. Moby: Moby is a very round-looking font.
80. Semplice: Semplice is a very small, simple font.
81. Blown Deadline: Blown Deadline offers a casual serif look.
82. Tuffy: Tuffy is a really simple sans serif font.
83. Fertigo!: Fertigo is a simple font with a little bit of curve.
84. Blue Monday ‘88′: This font is all-caps and really clean.
85. Lido STF: Lido offers a good general typeface.
86. Diavlo: Diavlo comes in 5 different weights, all with a different feel.

Simple with a Twist

These fonts take a simple style, and then turn it on its head with a special sort of flair.

87. Hammerhead: Hammerhead is a plain, yet severe font.
88. Spectre Scratch: In this font, you’ll find a rather plain look accented with lots of scratches.
89. Hydrophilia: Hydrophilia offers a font with semi-sharp corners.
90. Aaahoj: This font combines lots of different styles together at once.
91. Ritalin: Ritalin has lots of sharp endings.
92. Sandra Oh: Sandra Oh is a slightly messy take on Clarendon.
93. Mary Jane II: Mary Jane II looks much like Times New Roman, except that it’s upper-case and has lots of cracks.
94. Orchidee: You’ll love this simple samurai-style font.
95. Neo Retro: Neo Retro looks like many other caps fonts, but it has a filled-in color.
96. Gros: This font looks like many others, except that it is very wide.
97. Diogenes: Diogenes has a very Greek look to it.
98. Diesel: Diesel has a pretty regular look to it, but offers just an outline.
99. Masque: Masque sets itself apart with italics and tasteful dashes.
100. Memoria: This plain font offers just a little bit more curve than others.
101. Bigfish: Bigfish is rather top-heavy.

By Christina Laun Whether you’re strapped for cash or just a tightwad, everyone appreciates a little free stuff now and then. Lucky for you, the internet is chock-full of freebies just sitting there waiting for a cash conscious person such as yourself to come along and claim them. While some freebies come with strings attached, many are entirely free and allow you to try out new products, take courses and enjoy free things you might not otherwise have access to. Here is a list of 50 places you can check out the next time you’re looking for a sweet deal. Blogs These blogs can give you the scoop on freebies.

1. Free Samples Blog: Sometimes you just don’t want to commit to buying a full size item until you know you’ll like it. You can get free samples of just about anything from baby formula to razors with the suggestions on this blog.
2. GoTo Free Stuff: Want to know where to pick up a few free samples of a makeup you saw an ad for on TV, or ways to keep your kids busy in the car? This blog has listings for these things and more so you can try before you buy.
3. Everybody Loves Free Stuff: Truer words were never spoken, and this blog can help you keep track of promotional offers from companies around the world, plus keep you up to date on the latest in marketing news.
4. Free Grabber: This is another blog that lists deals on free stuff all over the Web. You’ll find quality freebies like samples of Kiehl’s facial cleanser and certificates for free Cold Stone ice cream on your birthday.
5. Free Blog Things: What’s better than a blog about how to get free things for blogs? Here you’ll find links to loads of resources you can use to trick out your blog.
6. Contest Blogger: If you want to make getting free things a little more interesting, why not try challenging lady luck with these contest offers? The forum in this blog is full of links to contests from all over the Web that can give you a chance to win everything from a Bose iPod Dock to sweet vacation. The site has links to other freebies as well.
7. Freebie Fanatics: If you just can’t seem to get enough free stuff, this site is right up your alley. Offers are posted daily on free products and services from a wide variety of companies.
8. Fitness and Freebies Blog: For health fanatics out there, this blog is just the place to take some of the financial burden off of staying in shape. You’ll find links to free samples of healthcare products as well as information on how you improve your diet and exercise.

Websites Why should you hunt through the Internet when someone else can do the work for you? Reap the rewards at these sites.

9. The Free Site: This site comes with loads of lists of freebies in categories that range from free tech support to free blogging tools. With so much to offer, you’re bound to find something that strikes your fancy.
10. That Freebie Site: Browse through categories like baby, gift cards and gourmet to see what this large site has to offer. You’ll also find links to giveaways and contests.
11. Best Freebies and Bargains on the Net: The name pretty much sums it up. This website brings together freebies from all over the net into one easy-to-browse page.
12. Totally Free Crap: Who doesn’t want free crap? This site posts almost daily links to offers of freebies on the Web. Do your laundry, make a snack or hang up a poster with free stuff from the site’s listings.
13. Money Sponsor: On this site you’ll find listings in categories like home products, health and food and drink to help you find a wide variety of super cheap and free items.
14. Absurdly Cool Freebie Finder: Visit this site daily or have updates sent to your inbox to get access to loads of free stuff. Users can rate the "coolness" of various freebies so you can see which are the best and which not to waste your time with.
15. Shop 4 Freebies: While you won’t actually be spending anything, you can shop around online with this freebie finder. Fill out some simple questionnaires and many kinds of samples for men, women and children can be at your doorstep in just a few weeks.
16. FreebieDot.com: This site specializes in scouring freebies from dot com ventures and places from all over the web. Visitors will find everything from simple giveaways to survey freebies.

Books and Education Learn a new language or get a good free read for the beach with these resources.

17. BookMooch: Want to clear out those old books and get some new reading material? You can do both with Book Mooch. Simply list the books you want to ship out, and when someone requests them you mail them out. You’ll get credits which you can use towards getting titles you want from other users. You do have to pay postage, but at media mail rates it isn’t more than a few dollars, which is significantly cheaper than paying full price for a new paperback.
18. Project Gutenburg: If your tastes run more towards the classics, you might be able to find some new reading material with this site. It has electronic copies of over 100,000 books, which is a heck of a lot of free reading material. Choose from popular titles like Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities or for something a little more sexy download the Kama Sutra.
19. All Free Magazines: For those who want a little light reading, there is a myriad of free magazine subscriptions out there for the taking if you know where to look. This site provides a comprehensive list of nearly all the free magazines out there, so you can sign up to have free reading material sent right to your mailbox. Some offers are just for a free trial and some are for magazines that are entirely free.
20. Free-Ed.net: Billed as the "world’s largest, fastest growing, most highly regarded source of totally free education," Free-Ed can serve as a valuable study tool for students or as a great way for adults to refresh their memories and learn new skills and information. While you won’t get the one-on-one attention of a teacher, you also won’t have to shell out big bucks for the courses.
21. Free College Education Online: This article from Lifehacker takes you through the myriad of resources that are available from both public and private colleges free of charge to those in the general population. You won’t get a degree or college credit for the courses, but you will get to learn about topics like Italian, Bioterrorism, Greek Mythology, and even how to do CPR.

Software and Gadgets Why pay for what you can get for free, especially when it comes to products that will be obsolete in a few months anyway? Check out these sites for free techie stuff.

22. Sample Microchips: Building something complicated that requires a few microchips? You may be able to get them for free with this site. You’ll have to sign up and wait for approval, but the payoff can be worth it.
23. SourceForge: Open source software is all the rage these days with even non-tech savvy people embracing Linux operating systems like Ubuntu. Download open source programs, the majority of which are free or reasonably priced, to your heart’s content with the Web’s "largest open source software development website."
24. Download.com: There is enough freeware and shareware on Download.com to fit just about every need a computer user could have. Get tools to work on design, study better, run your business and protect your computer from viruses.
25. Free Software Directory: A joint project of the Free Software Foundation and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, this site is home to a large catalog of free software that runs on free operating systems. You can’t really get much cheaper than that.
26. All Things Web 2.0: It’s hard to do much these days without embracing Web 2.0 technology. You can get some free web-based programs for yourself through this site which gives a complete directory as well as a list of the most popular programs.
27. Free Blogs: Blogging can be a great way to get your name out, vent your frustrations, share your successes or even make a few bucks. This list from PC World gives you some insights on the best free blogging platforms and what you can expect from them.
28. 1001 Free Fonts: Even if you’re not a design king or queen, you can spice up your communications, memos and party invites with the free fonts offered by this site.

Business and Office Running a business can get pricey, so get a few freebies to help out using these sites.

29. BPlans: Not sure how to start writing a business plan for your startup or home business? Don’t spend money on expensive books, just check out these free online plans that cover everything from starting your own bakery to doing computer consulting.
30. Free VoIP: For many small businesses that work with international or even just long distance clients, phone charges can add up quickly. This article from VoIP Now compares the top ten providers of free VoIP service, giving you the low down on the best free solutions out there.
31. Business Templates: When you’re first starting out it can be hard to know how to write all those business proposals, requests for funding, and just about anything else you can think of. This archive focuses mostly on Request for Proposal templates, but you’ll find several others there as well.
32. Boxes and Packaging: If you’re selling something on the Web, chances are good that you’re gonna need to mail it. Don’t pay for expensive packaging materials when you can get them for free. Send a request to the USPS and they’ll hook up your business with the goods you need so you have to worry about one less thing.
33. Business Advice: Even the best business men and women need some help and sometimes they’re not sure who to turn to for advice that won’t be charged by the hour. Businesses can get free help and advice through the Service Corps of Retired Executives. You can arrange to meet in person or simple chat over email.
34. Best Business Freebies: This site has collected a number of great freebies for business owners. And better yet, it tells you want to look out for when cashing in on freebies and how you can tell when a deal really is too good to be true.
35. Free Business Education: Who says you need to get a fancy MBA to know what’s what in business? These sites will help you improve your know-how without taking away from your profits.

Style and Beauty Who doesn’t want to look their best for less? Now you can try out a wide variety of beauty products and accessories at little or no cost to you with the links from these sites.

36. iVillage Beauty: Get links to the best makeup samples out there from this website. When you’re done browsing freebies you can read up on celebrities, style and fashion as well.
37. Sassy Sue: This sassy lady provides readers with links to all sorts of products but her listings of free beauty products are not to be missed. Find discounts, coupons and freebies that will help you look your best.
38. Freebies 4 Ya: Among the many other freebies offered on this site is a listing of places where you can go to get clothing freebies. From pantyhose to t-shirts, you’ll find lots of loot to satisfy your freebie appetite.
39. Beauty Freebies at About.com: About.com has put together a list of several places you can go to get free cosmetics, moisturizers, deodorants and more.

Music and Ringtones Keep yourself hip and up to the minute without spending a dime with these sites that can give you free music and free ringtones for your phone as well as a host of other freebies.

40. Berklee Shares: If you’ve always wanted to learn to play the guitar or keyboard, or a variety of other instruments, this site could be your chance to do so for free. Just download the lessons and you can start learning on your own and with no out of pocket expense.
41. SampleSwap: Those into mixing their own music or DJing will find this site to be a great resource. Visitors can download over 12,000 different sounds that they can use for free.
42. Archive.org: If you’re a lover of old music you’ll appreciate this site. It has loads of free songs that are free, and legal as they are out of copyright. Visitors will even find a few newer songs that have been licensed under Creative Commons.
43. Epitonic: There are more than a few indie rock lovers out there who will enjoy the free songs on this site. Epitonic allows users to download free and completely legal tracks from artists like Pavement, Peaches and Zero 7.
44. Myxer: Myxer allows you to download a variety of free ringtones and wallpapers or make your own with songs and photos from your computer. The site is free, but you will have to pay whatever fees are associated with using the features on your phone to get the ringtones and wallpapers.
45. Ear Training Software: For the less musically inclined, understanding pitch and being able to play things by ear is a daunting challenge. These free and open source programs can help build your skills without you having to pay for expensive software or numerous lessons.

Guides Want more information on how to get things for free? These guides can help give you the 411 on being a savvy freebie hound.

46. How to Get Free Stuff at Trade Shows: Trade shows and conferences can be great places to pick up all kinds of free swag, if you know how to play your cards right. This guide from John Chow will give you the ins and outs of getting the most out of your next trade show.
47. Making Free iPods Pay Off: If you’ve been using the Internet in the past 5 years or so, you would doubtless have noticed the many ads that pop up promising free iPods. This article from Wired lets you know if these offers are legitimate and if they’ll actually pay off and get you a free iPod.
48. The Geek’s Guide to Getting Free Stuff: All you geeks out there can indulge in getting some free stuff with the suggestions given in this guide.
49. How to Get Comped in Vegas: Cut your losses on your next Vegas trip by not spending much of anything on your trip. It’ll give you more to gamble with, if that’s your thing, or just provide you with a cheaper, more enjoyable vacation.
50. The Ultimate Guide to Free Travel: If you’re feeling a little wanderlust but don’t have the funds to take a pricey all-inclusive trip check out this guide on how you can get most of your trip paid for.

By Heather Johnson

One of the great things about open source is that you know the software you’re using is made by real people, who understand real needs. In financial software, we see a great application of this "real people" effect, offering high levels of customization and ease of use. In this software collection, you’ll find tools that were made with you in mind, and are often completely free to boot. Finance Managers With these finance management packages, you can stay on top of all of your accounts in one convenient place.

1. My Money: Use this financial software that works with online bank statements to stay on top of your accounts.
2. PyCheckbook: This simple finance manager offers easy to use checkbook registering.
3. jGnash: JGnash offers a lot of the same features as commercial finance management software, such as reports, account reconciliation, and transaction entry, but in a free, open source format.
4. NetWorth: This program offers functions similar to MS Money, with a checkbook register, bill scheduling, forecasting, and more.
5. Chump Change: Manage your personal finances with this budget-oriented tool.
6. KMyMoney: This manager is very reminiscent of Quicken, with a similar user interface and exporting.
7. GPF: Get reports, data, and more from this personal finance manager.
8. Money Manager Ex: With this personal finance manager, you can track your income, net worth, and more.
9. GnuCash: This popular financial accounting software is great for personal and small business finance management.
10. RQ Money: Use this household finance manager for reports, data, and more.
11. Grisbi: With this personal accounting software, you can manage accounts, currencies, and even juggle multiple users.
12. Mjrz Personal Finance Manager: This simple tool is great, even for those that aren’t familiar with accounting principles.
13. Monex: Organize your accounts and transactions using this money management tool.
14. eMani: With this software, you can record and analyze your finances.
15. Wampum Personal Finance: This personal accounting program integrates with tools like GNUCash and OpenOffice.org.
16. Common Cents: Track account balances, statements, and more with this household accounting program.
17. Penny Pincher: This tool will make it easy to create weekly, monthly, and more budget types.
18. Where my money go?: Find out where your money goes and adjust your spending habits with this application.

Business These finance tools were made with businesses in mind.

19. Dolibarr: Manage your finances, customers, and invoices in this program.
20. PyRM: If you’re a freelancer, you’ll love this open source bill manager.
21. Gnuaccounting: Write invoices, do double entry bookkeeping, and more, all with the option to embed in OpenOffice.org.
22. jbilling: With this billing solution, you’ll be able to handle just a few customers or millions.
23. LedgerSMB: Stay on top of business accounting using this double entry system.
24. phpBMS: With this business management system, you can quote, order, and invoice.
25. Lokad: Forecast your cash flow with this tool’s sales forecasting, inventory optimization, and staff planning.
26. LA/OpenBP: Use this billing platform for easy integration.
27. Lodo Ruby: Use this financial tool for multi-tenant accounting.
28. Simple Invoices: Use this simple, open source invoicing system for easy invoicing.
29. Turquaz Financial Accounting: This double entry finance solution was made for small and medium size businesses.
30. Mifos: With this suite, you can administer loans to customers.
31. eZ Authorize: Use this payment gateway to process payments through Authorize.net.

Investing Use these tools to make investing and growing your money easier and more profitable.

32. StockManiac: With StockManiac, you can stay on top of all of your investment accounts.
33. Auge: This application will make it easy to manage your portfolio of stocks and mutual funds.
34. QuantLib: Consider modeling, pricing, trading and risk management with this tool.
35. OSCurrency: Manage alternative currencies such as time with this online system.
36. Finance::Quote: With this tool, you can fetch online stock quotes from NYSE, ASX, and more.
37. iTrade: Using this trading and charting system, you can manage quotes, data, analysis, and a lot more.
38. GD Stock Portfolio Calculator: Use this Google Desktop gadget to track the worth of your investments.
39. Stock Returns: Perform advanced calculations for stock and security returns and more.
40. Advanced Stock Tracker: Use this tracker to stay on top of the historic prices of stocks and more.

Calculators These calculators make it easy to compute everything from mortgages to currencies.

41. ObjectLab Kit: Use this business and financial day calculator to stay on top of holidays, weekends, and more.
42. Interest(ing) Calculator: Calculate the financial parameters of loans and deposits based on four variables with this calculator.
43. CompoundCalc: This simple calculator will figure out your return based on principal, rate, term, and compounding percent.
44. mort: Calculate your mortgage, with amortization, using mort.
45. College Cost Calculator: Calculate the cost of college, and enjoy features like saving and loading of data with this cool tool.
46. Loan Payment Matrix Calculator: Determine the best loan for you with this calculator.
47. MarketCalc: Calculate investment purchases using this calculator.
48. Finanx: Get an online emulation of the HP-12C financial calculator with this program.
49. xfcalc: This calculator makes it easy to perform financial calculations in two currencies at once.
50. GeItCalc: This simple finance calculator allows for time value of money and more.

By Heather Johnson

Does the term “space tourism” make you think of The Jetsons? Well, put those cartoon reruns out of your mind, as interstellar travel is now a reality for the common man. Unfortunately, private space travel isn’t cheap. However, you now have a better chance at reaching the stars than ever before. Assuming you don’t have a few billion dollars to spend on building your own space shuttle, we have compiled some alternatives for anyone wishing to explore the final frontier. Your six cheapest options for traveling into space are listed below, organized from least to most expensive.

1. Simulate Your Space Travel

There are various ways to simulate a spaceflight from the safety of Earth. The power of film at an IMAX theater, for example, can make you feel as if you are really in space. In 2002, Space Station was released in theaters. The first 3-D IMAX film ever made, Space Station took viewers 220 miles above the Earth, thanks to official footage from NASA. Narrated by Tom Cruise (insert space cadet and/or Xenu joke here), this was one of the most successful IMAX films ever produced. Traveling through space with the help of this film will cost you under $10.

Another simulated expedition through The Milky Way can be taken via the Internet, specifically on Frontier Multimedia’s site. One of their most extraordinary productions includes The Good Earth. This production uses stock photos taken from satellites, space shuttles, and the International Space Station. Shot from high above the planet, these high-resolution pictures showcase the Earth as a strange and colorful place. This site can be enjoyed for absolutely free, although it is better viewed with a fast Internet connection.

2. Reach the Stars in Your Afterlife

No, we don’t mean figuratively. You really can go into space after you die, thanks to Space Services Incorporated. For as little as $495, this company offers what they call “Memorial Spaceflights,” whereby your cremated remains can be placed aboard a satellite and launched into space. The cheapest package, however, is only for a suborbital flight. This means that your ashes will reach the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere, then return to the ground where your remains will be found and given to your loved ones. For a permanent stay in orbit, you must pay at least $1295. Deep space launches cost $12500. This company launched the remains of Star Trek actor, James “Scotty” Doohan, in 2007.

3. Take a Suborbital Spaceflight

Although your dream may be to travel to the moon or beyond, it is much more affordable to go on a suborbital spaceflight. A company called The Zero Gravity Corporation offers flights aboard their specially modified Boeing 720-700 aircraft. Known as the G-Force One, this aircraft takes a nosedive between the altitudes of 34,000 and 24,000 feet in order to recreate the weightlessness that astronauts experience in space. The company calls them “Zero G Flights”, although the technical term is “parabolic flight” and it is what Ron Howard used to film select scenes in Apollo 13. A seat on the G-Force One can be reserved online with a credit card for only $3500.

4. Become an Astronaut

It is the dream of many children to become an astronaut; and, if you are wanting to travel through space, this is the most conventional way to go about it. Mind you, becoming an astronaut is neither easy nor cheap. Only an elite few will picked by NASA to enter their rigorous, two-year astronaut training program. In fact, out of the thousands of applications NASA receives each two-year period, only about 100 men and women are chosen. As you can imagine, very few of them complete their training. As for cost, only college graduates can become astronauts. Applicants must have at least a bachelor degree, which is expensive in itself, and the best candidates have a post-graduate degree.

5. Fly With Virgin Galactic

Owned by eccentric billionaire Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic heralds itself as “the world’s first spaceline”. The company is set to carry six paying customers into space at a time using a commercial spacecraft. Although Virgin Galactic has yet to take its maiden voyage with customers, there have been several successful test flights with the spacecraft in question. Many people are already on a waiting list to go into space with the company and become astronauts from the private sector, including celebrities and politicians. Tickets are currently set at $200,000 each and, although a bit steep, it is the cheapest option for public travel in what is technically known as “outer space”. Using your credit card, you can book a reservation with Virgin Galactic on their official Web site. A minimum deposit of $20,000 is required.

6. Become a Cosmonaut

Since Virgin Galactic won’t serve the public for a few more years, the only way that you can currently buy a ticket to outer space is through the Russian Federal Space Agency. Assuming you can pass required physical and mental examinations, you can accompany the Russians on a trip to the International Space Station for a reported $21 million. However, that price is expected to climb quickly and on the outside chance that you can actually swing it, you should be aware that you will be sitting on a waiting list for at least two or three years.

Granted, some of your “cheapest” options for space travel aren’t that cheap. However, you should consider the fact that a NASA space shuttle costs $1.7 billion to construct. So, even though you can’t use your frequent flyer rewards card to get a discount on your trip to outer space, the cost is quite small considering the price of constructing a spacecraft. If you still can’t afford a trip with Virgin Galactic or the Russian Federal Space Agency, you can always wait until you are cremated, try to become an astronaut or merely live the experience through film for free. Whatever you decide, it is nice to know that those who dream of reaching the stars have a good chance at making that dream come true.

You felt like crap when you woke up this morning, didn’t you? You know that poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle contributes to your malaise, but you continue to ignore a healthy lifestyle because of the perceived price. Those Jenny Craig moments, plus the price of a gym membership and its inherent contract will make a huge dent in your credit. But those are lousy excuses. You can enjoy a healthy diet for about the same price as a fat-filled series of meals (compare the price of an apple to a bag of french fries, for instance). And, you can begin an exercise program now for the price of a good pair of gym shoes.

Another excuse that people often use to avoid a healthy lifestyle includes the perception that exercise consists of rigorous weightlifting and breath-taking aerobics. Face it now; you can’t begin at those levels if you sit in an office chair all day and on a couch all night. The exertion would strain your body and you could injure your muscles. Therefore, you don’t need all the gadgets that the advertisements say you must own for your exercise routines. In fact, even professional athletes avoid expensive equipment whenever possible, as they know that resistance, not expensive equipment, is the key to toned muscles.

But, no matter if you’re skinny or overweight, a healthy diet needs to be balanced by an exercise routine. This is where the home gym comes into play. There are four main advantages to creating a home gym: 1) You can enjoy privacy, 2) You can create one for free from items that you have around the house, thereby saving money on gym memberships and exercise equipment, 3) If you create a home gym, you’ll be more inclined to use it (or suffer guilt), and 4) You save even more money by eliminating the drive to the gym and the obligatory gym clothes.

What You’ll Need

Start any program slowly to avoid strain on your body. In fact, you could accomplish many of the exercises listed below without “weights” in the beginning until you feel comfortable with additional resistance:

• Two canned goods. Look at the weight on the cans to determine that the cans are balanced evenly. You can start without the cans or begin with small cans and work your way up to larger cans that you can grip with one hand (like asparagus). The point is to create resistance so the cans represent items that you “push” against as you lift or lower them in your routines. This resistance helps to build muscle tone.

• Two milk jugs filled with water. Once you get to the point where you want more resistance, you can graduate to milk jugs. You might begin with quart sized jugs, which will weigh about 64 fluid ounces, or four pounds. If you want to proceed from there, a one-gallon milk jug filled with water will weigh approximately 8.5 pounds when full. While the handles on those jugs make them easy to hold, don’t use this easy grip to avoid adding resistance to that weight (one guy uses buckets filled with gravel that equal about fifty pounds each!).

• One large book (like a telephone book). The large book is better, as it’s not as flexible as the telephone book, but use the telephone book weight as a comparison.

• One five-pound bag of food. Use flour, sugar, potatoes, or whatever you find in that pantry.

• Carpet remnants. You will need cushioning for some routines if your stairs aren’t carpeted. You can also use old towels if you fold them so they supply padding.

• A mat or some beach towels. You’ll need these if you don’t feel comfortable lying on the floor without padding.

• A sturdy chair. A dining room chair is perfect, as that chair will have a back that you can use for support and a seat that isn’t so cushy that you don’t want to leave it.

• A pair of gym shoes with grips so you don’t slip or slide. This is the most expensive item on your list. You don’t want to skimp on them as you’ll need good support for your feet. Even if you don’t continue with your exercise program, you can use these shoes to drive to the nearest fast food restaurant, as they’ll last a long time.

Your Exercises

The list below will get you started on your journey