Free and cheap software licenses are available for many software packages including Microsoft. Microsoft software licenses are available at concession rates to groups including students.

Free and cheap alternatives to Microsoft operating systems and software include variants of the Linux operating system. Linux operating system is developed and distributed under the GNU general public license, which allows the software and source code to be freely distributed, although some organisations and software developers charge for manuals etc.

Linux’s functionality, adapatbility and robustness (added to the fact that it is free and open source) has made it the main alternative to Microsoft and UNIX. IBM and Hewlett Packard, amongst other computer giants, have embraced Linux and support its ongoing development.