As our economy changes, and many people can feel the pinch of a difficult financial situation luxury items as well as everyday necessities seem to be a distant thought.  Its hard enough to just scrape by, imagine in the midst of this situation your child comes home from school and tell you he or she will need a computer.  This is the reality many students and parents face, as many schools are changing over to paperless curriculum.  

There are few resources for these students and parents, but you must do your research.  A free computer isn’t going to be dropped into your lap, but with some diligent research it may be a little easier.  There are resources online, like promotional websites, or manufacturer offers that can and will provide the consumer with a free computer if the necessary steps are taken.  In addition to direct websites, you may want to check out online auctions, these may not be free computers but they can be purchased at an extreme bargain.  An important tool in searching through the auction listing is to look for computers that still have a remaining warranty; this may offer you protection later down the road.      Craigslist.com is also another interesting outlet for consumers to find great deals on computers.  This may offer people looking for a great deal on computers an alternative approach to obtaining one.  Many people, who deal with craigslist.com, are open to trading or swapping similarly valued items in exchange.  So in a time where many people may not have available cash, trading something for a new or free computer seems to be the better option.

Another resource for people who are looking for a free computer is the government, and government funded agencies.  There are several outlets and resources that are available to the public, if you qualify.    The secret to taking advantage of all of the available programs and grants is doing your research and find help in a local agency office or through your child’s school district.  A completely free computer may not be offered to everyone in the country but certainly there are several programs to aid in the purchase of new computer.   Eventually, it would be nice to see a free computer offered to each and every student in the country, this would allow all children the same advantages despite there socioeconomic group.