Hey Gauchos, does it make your blood boil to think about how much money guys like Bill Gates have that you do NOT have? I know it really makes mine boil. So maybe you’ve recently got a new computer, and maybe you even got a great deal on it. But now you need some kind of word processor application so you can be productive. Does this mean you are going to move more money from out of your pocket and into Bill Gates? If you buy Microsoft Word, then the answer is a resounding yes. Alas, Gauchos, I have good news. You do not have to buy Office to get things done on your computer. It’s true! There are FREE options out there, and you can use them!

This week’s GauchoTV is focused on free online productivity tools. I take a look at three very popular options. OpenOffice.org, ThinkFree Office and Google Docs. Each one has pros and cons. OpenOffice is a downloadable program that has a word processor, spreadsheet, etc. ThinkFree has those things, but is kind of half on your computer, half online. Then Google Docs is all online. Watch and find out which is best for what you do. And what if none of them can satisfy your needs? Prepare to feel the pain of further lining Bill Gates’ pockets.

Also in this episode: I show you the top five ways to save money while gardening. I bet you that I can find a way to work funeral homes into it. (Hint: I will win this bet.)