Many of us only use our computer to check our email, surf the net, play video games or store our music collection. We might use it as word processor or make power point slide-shows, store the photos we took on our cellphone or digital camera, and or watch movies on it. But in truth we hardly touching the surface of what it is capable of doing.

By just downloading a bit of software you can change almost anything about your computer. As long as your computer is not too old, you can do almost anything you can imagine. And so much of it is free, as most of the software can be found as freeware or you can find open source versions.

If you have a web camera, and many computers come with them built in now, one of the things you might already have tried, and if you have not you really should, is using Skype. You can have a video chat (or just audio) with a friend or relative who has Skype too no matter where they are in the world and its completely free. It can also make calls to regular phones, and these calls cost a fraction of the regular price. If you have family overseas and don’t have a web camera, it is definitely a worthwhile purchase.

Using the web camera and a microphone you can make use of the technology and try and do your own pod-cast. If you have not watched or listened to any, do a search, as there are brilliant ones out there. You could present your own TV show right from your computer, or make tutorials in a skill you have, or maybe host a radio show. You can also set up an internet radio station for nothing or if you prefer writing you could go the blog route. With pod-casts people don’t expect fancy lighting or sets and some people have managed to make a career out of all 3 of these options

You can now use incredibly video editing software on almost any computer. Many systems even come with their own free one, and these are normally very easy to work. This is a great way to re-package all your old home videos, adding sound effects and titles, and in no time you will feel like a Hollywood pro. Whether it be a wedding, a first birthday, or just a holiday, an edited home movie can be a really special present for family or friends.

One other thing you can do by just attaching a microphone is create a small recording studio on your computer. You really can become your own music label, even if right now you can’t play an instrument. Many software packages, like Garage Band on the Mac, allow you to download free tutorials for musical instruments like the guitar and piano. There are also hundreds of tutorials just on the net. Or you can create digital musical with so many programs.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. You can do so much, and a good way to start is by googling your favorite hobby with computers, you may find another cool thing to do.

Andrew Johnson is an expert in electronic consumables. If you are looking for a reputable computer retailer please go to ebuyer.com