Cut Costs with These 11 E-Business Methods

From big things such as hardware and insurance to avoiding $1 directory assistance, these websites can help you in an economic downturn.

By Linda Rosencrance
Fri, July 25, 2008

Computerworld — Maybe you've heard: We're in an economic downturn. For that reason, most of us are tightening our belts and looking for deals.

So to help you keep more of your cash, here's a list of 11 ways you can go online to save money. Some of these sites aren't new, but they bear repeating as a guide in turbulent financial times. We welcome you to add your own suggestions in the "comments" field at the end of this story.

1. Buy used hardware online

You can find all sorts of computers, computer equipment and other hardware at eBay.

The DMOZ Web site provides links to a number of resellers of used computer equipment (we haven't checked them all out, so we can't guarantee all the links are still active).

Abacus Computing offers secondhand computer equipment.

CCNY offers used and refurbished gear from such vendors as Sun Microsystems Inc. and Cisco Systems Inc.

2. Free Web development tools

Here are some sites to help you find some free Web development tools.

BittBox offers free graphic design downloads and tutorials.

Softwaredeveloper.com offers users free downloads and tips.

Work Boxers, a blog about professional Web development also offers free downloads.

At Smashing Magazine, you can get information about software, applications and other online tools that you can download for free.

3. Compare gas prices online

These Web sites will help you find the cheapest gas prices in your city or even your neighborhood. Plug in your ZIP code and you'll get the latest on the lowest prices.

GasBuddy is a network of more than 181 gas price information Web sites for the U.S. and Canada that help you find low gasoline prices. To provide the most up-to-date information, GasBuddy asks drivers to enter information about the prices at gas stations they frequent.

MSN Autos receives pricing data from more than 90,000 gas stations in the U.S. each night. However, the site warns that prices may change more frequently than it obtains them.

Motor Trend Gas Prices is updated daily with new data from approximately 100,000 gas stations and convenience stores across the U.S. Like MSN Autos, Motor Trend doesn't guarantee the accuracy of the prices it displays.

Mapquest Gas Prices lets you browse by state and drill down by city. This site updates gas prices seven times a day, and does not display any price that is older than 48 hours.

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