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.
RELATED: Find out how Microsoft wants to fix your crappy writing
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.
This sentence-polishing app keeps the grammar police at bay
Ask anyone who’s ever had to learn English as a second language and they’ll tell you it’s is full of quirks. These idiosyncrasies are a part of what gives the English language its charm — even if it can be a real headache for ESL learners or sleep-deprived freelance writers in search of a metaphor.
Calling all bookworms! 4 apps to help you read more and read faster
Walk through any bookstore, or even any library these days, and you’re likely to see more people scanning their smartphones than reading actual books. It would be all too easy to jump into a rant about shrinking attention spans, but it does seem like modern life leaves us all with less time to sit and absorb a chapter or two.
Know where your loved ones are at a glance with this GPS app
Peace of mind is a tough thing to come by these days. The world is still a generally safe place, but we hear news stories about predators both real and virtual. Small wonder the first time our kids get a smartphone is not a calming moment for parents.
This $39 course bundle can help you master Microsoft Excel
For many of us, working with spreadsheets and formulas does not come naturally. Yet, as data takes an ever bigger role in the workplace, number-crunching skills are becoming essential to many careers.
If you want to improve your data skills, the Professional Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle offers a great education from the comfort of home. This learning library offers 45 hours of beginner-friendly video tutorials, covering a wide range of important skills.
Can your phone help you de-stress? It can with this app
We don’t care what your daily routine is. Whether you work from home or in a bustling office, you’re dealing with cranky children or a badly-timed car breakdown, stress has a way of finding you.
Conversely, you’ve got to actively look for peace and quiet. You can find a little zen in a sudden rainbow, a setting sun or the sound of waves. And sometimes, you can find it in some pretty surprising places, too. But the most surprising place to find serenity might be your smartphone.
Finally, a virtual golf game that feels like the real deal
There’s an ever-increasing lineup of great technology out there, and no small part of it is made to entertain you. Still, for hardcore golfers there will never be a substitute for a great day out on the links.
That includes this next product, but it comes about as close as we’ve seen. And as a bonus, it might just improve your game so you can get more enjoyment out of the real thing.
Be your own accountant with this QuickBooks master class
Let’s face it: Accounting just isn’t sexy. We can’t blame you if you’re not familiar with QuickBooks, one of the most widely-used pieces of software for small business finance.
But longtime users get excited for every update, because they know what QuickBooks does best is streamline those books, automate the process and let business owners spend much less time doing accounting and more time doing literally anything else.
This time-saving app summarizes books into 15-minute reads
Some people walk into a library filled with wonder. But it’s also pretty overwhelming. So much knowledge to absorb, so little time.
These days, that knowledge is still out there, waiting to be absorbed by voracious readers. In fact, there’s more of it each day. But time is shorter than ever in this fast-paced world, especially for the movers, shakers and up-and-comers who could benefit from the business and entrepreneurial books written by their peers.
7 apps and subscriptions you'll want to use in the new year
There’re a lot of subscriptions out there clamoring for a piece of your paycheck each month — everything from the latest streaming service to cologne-of-the-month clubs.
A lot of them are frivolous, but there are services out there that actually give you a lot more than you put in.
This customizable language app lets you learn your way
Are you thinking about learning a new language? It’s never a bad idea. Being multilingual can not only be a bankable skill on your resume, it can actually make you smarter.
It can seem like there are nearly as many language learning apps out there as there are languages, and that’s good. Not everybody learns the same way. But ask yourself, how did you learn to speak growing up? Everyone used the same method for that: Listening to and mimicking a native speaker.
9 apps, gifts and recipes to make your Hanukkah brighter
Hanukkah’s here, and there’s a lot of planning that goes into the eight-day Festival of Lights. If you want to keep the little ones busy while you prepare the candles and gifts, we’ve got you covered. The best Hanukkah apps of 2022 can keep your kids or grandkids busy while you cook, clean and prepare.
Apps known to track you and steal your data
Have you ever had an app ask you to access your phone’s location? Of course you have, we all have. How about those apps that want access to your smartphone camera and contact list?
If you think about why they do this, it might creep you out. In this Komando on Demand podcast, you’ll learn the dirty secrets that some app developers don’t want you to know.