This series of workshops deals with reducing costs relating to technology, computers, and communications. If you are interested in participating in any of then please contact us.

Introduction to Open Office

OpenOffice.org is a powerful office suite that you can legally download free of charge. It is capable of editing most files created in Microsoft Office. This workshop introduces the features of Open Office and points out some things you should watch out for when using this office suite.

Here is a handout from this workshop: Introduction to Open Office

Reducing Computer and Communications Expenses

The bills for cellphones, cable TV, internet, newspapers, home phone service, and other technological services can add up quickly. When money is tight, how can you costs under control without feeling deprived? In this workshop we will explore options for reducing technology expenses using some of the following techniques:

• Identifying and getting rid of overlaps in service
• Finding cheaper alternatives to existing bills
• Exploring the underlying values in our technology expenses
• How to cut costs without feeling deprived

Here is a handout from the last time we held this workshop: Reducing Computer and Communications Expenses

Making and Saving Money Using the Internet

The bills for cellphones, cable TV, internet, newspapers, home phone service, and other technological services can add up quickly. When money is tight, how can you costs under control without feeling deprived? In this workshop we will explore options for reducing technology expenses using some of the following techniques:

• Identifying and getting rid of overlaps in service
• Finding cheaper alternatives to existing bills
• Exploring the underlying values in our technology expenses
• How to cut costs without feeling deprived

Computer Skills and Employment

What computer skills do employers look for these days? How do you upgrade your computer skills on the cheap? Depending on participant interest, this workshop could cover:

• The basic skills you want to have
• The role of certifications in job hunting
• Computer classes, training and testing
• Using cheap software and hardware to develop your skills

Avoiding Viruses and Malware

Not only are computer viruses and spyware aggravating, but it can get expensive to clean these nasties off your hard drive. This workshop explores some possible ways to make your computer less susceptible to viruses and malware.

Here is a handout from the last time we gave this talk: Avoiding Viruses and Malware

Other Topics

In addition to this talk, we can give workshops on other aspects of computer security, including

• Phishing, spam, and identity theft
• Resources for identifying scams and fake offers
• Passwords and encryption
• Zombie networks and computer breakins
• Internet: What's scary? What's safe?

Other Handouts

Here are some handouts. They do not correspond directly to workshops, but they are still relevant to living with less money.

• Living Well With Open Source