Essential student software

Embrace your inner nerd and get familiar with these pieces of free software, which are guaranteed to save you time and money.

Software isn’t the sexiest subject around campus, but if you’re not up to speed when it comes to computer programmes, your lack of knowledge might be costing you time and money. Fortunately for you, Condor Properties are willing to step up to the plate and list the six pieces of software no student should be without…

Open Office

Buying a new computer is like booking tickets with a budget airline; you’ll have to purchase lots of expensive ad-ons if you actually want to go anywhere. Microsoft Office is one of the pricier pieces of software, but there is a free alternative in the form of Open Office. In the past wannabe programmes like these were to be avoided like the bubonic, but this suite finally represents a viable alternative to the Microsoft monopoly man.
www.openoffice.org

Audacity

We love the name of this programme, but not as much as we love its ability as a sound editor. Audacity enables you to import, edit and export MP3 files, which is particularly useful if you want to create revision recordings that you can listen to on the way to university. It’s also a lot of fun, particularly if you have a penchant for making your own podcasts to air on the university radio station.
audacity.sourceforge.net

VLC Media Player

Windows Media Player is about to go the way of the dinosaur thanks to this sleek bit of software from VLC. The all singing, all dancing entertainment software plays all audio and video formats – and it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac.
www.videolan.org/vlc/

Skype

This piece of software should need no introductions, but if you still haven’t downloaded Skype yet then what have you been playing at? Not only does it allow you to make free international calls, but it also lets you see the person you are talking to. What’s more, with the Skype app now available on all smart phones, you can use it while you’re out and about too.
www.skype.com

Gimp

Less sordid that it sounds, Gimp is an unfortunate acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Programme, a brilliant piece of software that can turn bang average photographs into award-winners. Well, not quite, but it will certainly make your university years look more glamorous than they actually were; a good bit of image manipulation technology can hide a multitude of sins.
www.gimp.org

BullGuard

Can you think of anything duller to spend your money on than antivirus programmes (answers on a postcard)? We certainly couldn’t, but like cheap lager it is a necessary evil while you are at university, protecting important documents such as your dissertation from the naughty viruses you caught while surfing those seedy websites. Like most things, with antivirus technology you get what you pay for which is why we wouldn’t endorse the free versions that are available online. However, we are big proponents of BullGuard, the Fort Knox antimalware programme which is available for a free trial. You’ll have to cough up after three months, but that’s a really long time away.
www.bullguard.com