Join a Computer User Group
Large and small computer clubs get review copies of desktop publishing software. Many giveaway software as door prizes or offer evaluation copies to anyone willing to write a review for the club newsletter. There are many benefits to joining your local computer users group — free software is just one of them.Become a Consultant
If you offer computer consulting as all or part of your business, you may be able to obtain evaluation copies of desktop publishing software. If you can honestly say that a free copy is likely to lead to increased sales for the manufacturer — through your recommendations and influence — then you may qualify for free software. Don't underestimate your level of influence either. It's not just the "big guys" who make sales happen.Become a Trainer or Teacher
Do you provide individual or group training on popular word processing packages? Do you lead an InDesign, PageMaker, or other software SIG (special interest group) for your computer users group or other club? Ask for free upgrades or free copies of add-on programs that you can demonstrate to your group.Beta Test
As a beta tester you'll be evaluating new products prior to final release. Many manufacturers give their beta testers a free copy of the final version — or at least a substantial discount. You can write to manufacturers offering to beta test for them. Frequently there are requests for beta testers posted on online services such as CompuServe, AOL, or MSN. In addition to commercial software, shareware authors need beta testers too.Use the About.com search or Google to search the entire Web for "beta test" or narrow down the search by including specific types of software. You'll find hundreds of companies with pages set up specifically for signing up to beta test their products.
Write Software Reviews
You don't have to have special connections to get free software to review. Look for smaller or new publications that don't have staff writers. Use online services to find small or new (print, electronic, or Web) publications needing reviewers. Do you belong to a club or organization with its own newsletter or magazine? That's a good place to start. Some publications may ask you to "prove your ability" by first writing a review of some software that you already own and use. Give it a shot. If you publish your own newsletter — in print or online — contact software publishers directly about obtaining review copies of software that would be of interest to your target audience.Enter Contests
You can also try your hand at contests and sweepstakes where software (and other valuable merchandise) is the prize. I used to enter contests regularly. Although I never won any free software I did enjoy finding smaller but fun toys in my mailbox — from Lego brand building blocks to a pink radio/tape deck.Alternatives for Getting Free Software
In addition to getting commercial and registered shareware absolutely free (and legal) there are hundreds of sources of freeware to explore.Also, don't overlook the value of commercial demos and time or feature limited trial versions of desktop publishing software. By taking the time to fully evaluate these free programs you can avoid spending money on a product that isn't really what you want and help ensure that you do get your money's worth from the software that you do buy.
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