6 software programs worth paying for
With so many software options available for your computer, it can be tough to wade through the programs to decide what the needs, wants, and wastes are — especially when it comes to programs that you have to pay for.
After all, software programs can be pricey, and many software suites can start at several hundred dollars just for personal use. Other programs can be cheaper on the front end but require pricey monthly subscriptions or other costly subscription and auto-renewal price structures. Related: Don’t accidentally install junk when you download software
So, given the cost that is often attached to software programs, how can you know which ones are worth paying for? Well, there are six software programs that are worth paying for in most cases listed below. You may have to shell out some dough for these programs, but the capabilities and the features they offer make them well worth the price tag.
Microsoft Office
One software program that’s well worth the investment is the Microsoft Office suite, which is so popular that in 2016 it was used by 1.2 billion people. Part of the reason Office is so popular is that it gives you access to the so-called Office “Holy Trinity” — Powerpoint, Word, and Excel, three of the most beloved programs.
If you’re currently using any of these programs on a regular basis, you know the capabilities are invaluable and that the other free alternatives — like Google Docs, Libre, or Google Sheets, which can be good options for casual users or limited personal use — just won’t cut it.
One of the major selling points of Microsoft Office programs is that all the programs are designed to work seamlessly with one another. So if you’re using a standalone version of Word or Powerpoint, you may want to consider upgrading to the full Office Suite. It will give you access to Powerpoint, Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, OneNote, and Outlook — maximizing the capabilities of the programs you’re already using.
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Grammarly
States are opening up in some capacity or another, but many of us are still working remotely — at least part-time — until the COVID-19 pandemic eases its grip on the world. Working from home means that we’re not having in-person meetings that were common in an office environment.
We’re communicating in different ways instead: that means more emails, more written communication, more Slack messages, and more focus on grammar and our writing skills. You want to sound smart in whatever you write and present yourself in the best light — whether it’s a letter, a report, or a social media post.
That’s where Grammarly comes in: This subscription editing program automatically checks your writing for spelling, grammar, and tone mistakes and offers suggestions for corrections or alternative ways to phrase certain things.