Software
Updated December 19, 2005

When you're just starting out, you're looking to cut costs. Fortunately, you don't have to compromise when it comes to software. For your laptop, there's ZoneAlarm with Antivirus, a personal firewall and antivirus compbination that costs around $20 per year. To scan for any spyware that might have crept onto your laptop, we recommend the always free Spybot Search and Destroy. Once you're online, simply open any Web browser and connect to your office desktop using LogMeIn, a free service that gives you the functionality of sitting in front of your desktop while you're actually several miles away.