THE FIVE COOLEST FREE TECH ITEMS

When we hear "tech" we tend to assume it's going to be complicated.

 But some cool tech gadgets are not only free, they're easy!!!
Below are the five coolest tech items that won't cost you a dime.

1. Open Broadcaster Software or OBS.
Whats so cool about it?
OBS is a free open source software.  
It can be used in a variety of ways but what it's great for is recording whatever appears on your computer screen.
 So if there is something online you want to record and view later OBS is the answer.
 When your done recording the video goes straight into a folder of your choice.
 Best of all it's really easy. 
There are other uses for OBS but screen recording is it's primary use.

2. Google Earth:
Whats so cool about it?
The practical uses include things like inspecting a neighborhood you're considering moving to. You can inspect shops and businesses your thinking about visiting. 
Also it's great for finding parking, restaurants, and other places of interest before deciding if you want to take that day trip your considering. 
Another great use is to see if there's areas you might want to avoid accidentally crossing into.
For all it's numerous practical uses the fun aspects might even outweigh the practical.
Feel like strolling down the streets of some small European village or midwestern town? 
Google offers it 24/7. 
Check out the fashion district of Japan or the merchant areas of London.
 Your imagination is the only limitation.
 All free.

There are some authoritarian countries Google Earth can't access. Notable China and North Korea. But for all intents and purposes Google Earth allows us to travel and review anywhere, anytime and for any reason.

3.Tineye:
Whats so cool about it?
It's the premiere reverse image search.
Ever come across an online image you wanted more information on? 
Perhaps it's someone you think you went to high school with or a relative you've fallen out of touch with. 
You could also find the origin of an image to find out it's in the public domain or if someone owns it.

4. WPS Office
Whats so cool about it?
Not up for paying $100 or more for MS Office?  You and everyone else.
WPS is short for writing, presentation, and spreadsheet. 
I's free. 
I've used both and in truth I prefer MS Office but thats only because I was so much more used to it.
 MS Office came preinstalled on my previous desktop. 
But when I bought a new desktop I realized I would have to pay for it now. 
I tried WPS, which has both a free and paid edition and I exclusively use the free version.
While I only have experience with the word processor elements of both MS Office and WPS it's enough to realize the free WPS is more than good enough.
 I wrote most of these blog articles on WPS and am happy with them.
 Also note that I wasn't paid a cent for saying all this.

5.  www.archive.org.
Whats so cool about it?
While not the easiest site to navigate, It's perhaps the most comprehensive website on the internet.
There is almost nothing you CAN'T find on this site. 
Most books can be found here free to read. 
Many of them on audiobook.
In most cases it's the first place I visit for most everything.
 Again archive.org can at times be clunky and difficult to navigate. 
 And like every other item on this list it's free.

6. And this one cost only a few bucks.
Apple Airtags.
Whats so cool about it?
Available from Amazon for about $30 this tiny device can be an absolute lifesaver.
 Basically it acts as a tracking device.
So if you're flying and feel like no one knows where your luggage is when you land, you'll be glad you took the time to put one in your suitcase.
Of course that won't prevent your luggage from being lost.
 But at least you can tell the airline officials where they sent it.
In other words, this $30 gadget can potentially save a vacation from being ruined. 
It's probably the best $30 you can ever spend.
Please note that the Apple Airtag only works with Apple devices.