If you can’t afford Microsoft proprietary software, using free software can be a great alternative. Free software is typically distributed under licenses that allow users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software. This can include operating systems, applications, and other software tools.

Here are some popular free software alternatives:

1. Operating Systems:
   • Linux: Various distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian are available.
   • FreeBSD: A Unix-like operating system known for its stability and security.
2. Office Suite:
   • LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
   • Apache OpenOffice: Another free office suite with similar capabilities.
3. Web Browsers:
   • Mozilla Firefox: A widely used web browser known for its speed and security.
   • Google Chrome: Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
   • Opera: A browser with a built-in ad blocker and VPN.
4. Email Clients:
   • Thunderbird: A flexible email client with extensive customization options.
   • KMail: Part of the KDE desktop environment, offering a full-featured email client.
5. Graphics and Design:
   • GIMP: An image editor that is a good alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
   • Inkscape: A vector graphics editor similar to Adobe Illustrator.
6. Development Tools:
   • Visual Studio Code: A lightweight but powerful source code editor.
   • Eclipse: A comprehensive IDE that supports multiple programming languages.
7. Media:
   • VLC Media Player: A versatile media player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats.
   • MPlayer: Another lightweight media player.

Using free software not only helps you stay within your budget but also supports the principles of software freedom, allowing you to have greater control over your digital tools.