It (literally) pays to know all the crafty ways you can save money without sacrificing your power user cred As much as we love ogling top-of-the-line PC hardware and fantasizing about price-be-damned rigs, we also love, love, love to stretch a dollar. Does that make us cheapskates? You betcha, if that’s what you want to call someone who doesn’t pay a premium when he or she doesn’t have to. Sign us up! In fact, where computing is concerned, knowing all the various angles to save a buckâ€"a buck that can then be put toward new and better gear, mind youâ€"is as much a part of being a power user as knowing how to flash a BIOS or overclock RAM. If you’re currently spending top dollar on your PC activities, it’s time you got schooled in the fine art of penny-pinching. From free software alternatives, to the best deals on all forms of digital entertainment, to hardware-buying tips, to our blueprint for a $600 PC, this year’s Cheapskate’s PC Guide can save you thousands of dollars and make you a more savvy consumer in the process. The Hewlett-Piggard Hamminator P1000 Save on Software Why plunk down cash when you can have these outstanding free alternatives? The sad truth about building a PC is that you never end up sticking to your budget. Even if you manage to resist the temptation to splurge on an extra SSD, you’re going to hit the point where your brand-new system is assembled and ready for actionâ€"just as soon as you buy some software. First you shell out for th
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