50 ways to an easier life with Windows Vista - at home

Your Windows Vista computer really can help you save money, live longer, work more efficiently, get fitter and have more fun. Don’t believe us? We’ve gathered together 50 of the best ways you can use your computer to improve your life at home and at work. Whether it’s using Microsoft Office 2007 to increase productivity or making new friends online, these are all things you can do right now. So why are you waiting? Switch your computer on now and start living!

We’re starting at home because that’s where the heart is. And the stress. And the clutter, the kids and the council tax. We show you how to save money, shape up and organise your household.

1. Get a cheaper mortgage

Whether you’re buying for the first time or switching your mortgage to release equity, your Windows Vista PC can help you out. First, do your own sums with the tools provided by building societies online. Halifax, Alliance & Leicester, Britannia and others provide loan calculators. There are independent online calculators, too. The best options are the tools available at The Motley Fool.

2. Save money - reclaim bank fees

Reclaim excessive banking fees using templates available at Money Saving Expert. Click on ‘Reclaim £1,000s’ and find the article on bank charges. The template is halfway down the page in Rich Text Format.

3. Monitor phone calls

Installing a simple stopwatch in your Windows Vista sidebar, so you can time phone calls to make sure you don’t exceed your free minutes, is a great way to hold on to your pennies. Visit the Gadget gallery at the Windows Gallery.

4. Replace your phone

With a broadband connection you can switch to Windows Live Messenger for voice calls as well as instant messaging. That means free PC-to-PC calls as well as PC-to-phone calling for a small fee.

See tomorrow for part two, looking at Making Money Online

Nick Clayton contributes to Windows Vista: The Official Magazine and is a freelance journalist.