Software needs for the midterm crunch

With the fall semester well underway, most college freshman have already had time to adjust to life on campus and, for some, the chance to break in their new back-to-school technology.

For others, schoolwork may have taken a backseat to extracurricular activities. Procrastination is a habit best kicked early, and the anticipation of midterms is an excellent motivator.

For those who haven't had the opportunity to get their computers up to speed, here are a few last-minute tips to do so on a college budget.

When in doubt, go to the cloud. Through the cloud, students can access online programs to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations and more. These programs are often available for free and can be accessed from virtually any device, including a laptop, a tablet or a desktop computer.

A student can also turn to the campus store. Many schools offer the latest software at discounted prices. Cost-conscious students may find this to be the best way to update their computers without overspending.

Finally, students can use technology as a substitute for the physical textbook. Carrying a digital textbook can not only save money, it can lighten the load in a student's backpack -- something he or she will likely appreciate later in life.