Build a shortlist of free alternatives to a paid app
Builds a shortlist of free tool types that could replace a paid app, with the limits to verify and a safe way to test each one.
Task:
Build a shortlist of three kinds of free tool that could replace the paid app below, and tell me which kind to test first.
Context:
The paid app is [app name] and I use it for [the three features I really use]. It costs [price], and I would give up [features I can live without]. I need to open or export files in [formats].
Rules:
- Describe each kind of free option by what it replaces and what it usually gives up, and do not state what a named product offers, costs or limits as fact.
- Judge each kind against my three features and my file formats.
- Give a safe test for each kind using a copy of one real file, and a pass or fail line for each of my three features.
- List five checks before installing any free tool, such as where the download comes from and what the free version limits, and say I must verify these myself.
Result:
A table with the columns kind, replaces, gives up and risk, then the test order in two sentences and the five checks as a list.