Choose your software tools with confidence

It’s no secret: there are a lot of tech tools out there. Is a paid tool the best option, or can a free one meet your needs? Believe it or not, smart software shopping isn’t a tough task; follow some simple steps to get the most out of a tech tool:

Consider needs versus wants
Just like choosing a new phone or computer, step one is figuring out what you need versus what you want. Important questions to ask:

• What does my tech tool need to do for me? Are my tasks simple or more complex?
• What type of data am I working with?
• Does my data need additional protections under Rutgers’ Information Classification policy?
• Is specific software required for my coursework or job role?
• Does the tool need to work together with other software or systems that I’m already using?
• What is my budget?

Always comparison shop
We recommend visiting the Rutgers Software Portal when investigating potential software. In addition to a variety of no-cost tools, products in the portal have been assessed for technology risks, offer additional data protections that commercial tools might not have, and may cost less.

“The best software solution may already be available through Rutgers, with added protections and lower costs than commercial options,” said Brian Luper, a director in the Office of Information Technology.

Among the popular tools available at the portal are Microsoft Office; Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat and more; and Grammarly. Additionally, if you’re looking for advanced AI tool options, consider the paid versions of Microsoft 365 Copilot and Google AI Pro.

You may even find some surprises–like higher message limits and additional features in no-cost AI tools than their commercially available counterparts.

Can’t decide? Compare with AI
AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini can be very helpful for comparing different software, or checking your selection criteria against a tool’s features. Simply ask it to compare the options for an easy-to-digest overview.

Remember, Rutgers IT is here to help
If you’re still stumped, you can always reach out to your local Office of Information Technology Help Desk for assistance.