Busbridge Community Forum

Free software

Adobe Reader

Many of the documents on this site are published in Adobe's portable document format (PDF). To read these you will need a copy of the free Adobe Reader application, ideally version 6 or later. Upgrading to the latest version is easy but, if you're using a very old computer, check the 'system requirements' published by Adobe to determine the best version for you. Click on the title above to connect with Adobe's site.

Foreign currency ready-reckoner

This useful spreadsheet will automatically print a wallet-sized table based on your particular currency deal. To use it you will need a spreadsheet programme on your computer which is compatible with Microsoft Excel™. If you don't have one, you can download the Open Office package free of charge (see below).

VAT registration number checker

Do you ever wonder whether the VAT number issued by a trader is genuine? This simple spreadsheet will check whether the format of the number conforms to the government rules. It's hard to dream up convincing VAT numbers and many a rogue trader has been caught out with a fake. As with the currency ready-reckoner you will need a spreadsheet programme on your computer (see below).

Open Office

If you don't want to cough up the hundreds of pounds to buy Microsoft's Office™ package or similar, this 'open software' suite offers a wide range of office applications including word processor, spreadsheet, database, drawing and presentation software. It is largely compatible with the applications in Microsoft Office™ and free to download. Several Government Departments and City Authorities are standardising on this excellent package.