Viewer mail fills the box
Another episode of reader mail hits the books today. Let’s get right to it.Q. I was surprised that my security software was automatically renewed on my credit card without my permission. I think this is something that you need to disclose in your column.
A. Yes, more and more security packages and anti-virus programs are using automatic renewal “for your convenience” in an effort to retain more of their customers. As the price of competitors reaches “free”, they are increasingly using devices like this to hook consumers into a renewal. So before you give your credit card to renew a product, read the fine print. Another option is to use one of those “one use” numbers you can get from your card’s Web site (that way the renewal will fail.) If you still plan to use one of these retail packages, I frankly would never renew and instead buy the latest version of the program every year. That way you’d get not only the latest virus definitions but the newer program.
Frankly I am happy with AVG Free Edition 7.5, which is free.
Q. How much RAM memory do I need for Windows Vista? I plan to install the upgrade in a couple of weeks.
A. It seems 1 gig is the sweet spot. I would have thought 2 gigs would be better but PC World did some testing and found it only increases performance another 10 percent on a typical computer.
Before you upgrade make sure you do a complete backup of your data files. Any major upgrade isn’t a slam dunk and you need to be cautious (but not scared) when you do it.
Q. I ordered a new computer and was surprised it did not come with Microsoft Office. (I guess I just assumed it would come with it.) When I went to the store to buy it I was surprised at the price. My PC did come with Microsoft Works… is it a direct replacement?
A. For basic word-processing and spreadsheet work you will find Works will do just fine. (The rumor is Microsoft plans to make Works free for download sometime soon.) If you need more features you can download OpenOffice from www.openoffice.org for free. This is an open source version of Office that many people find a suitable replacement. If you need the “real” Office and you or someone in your household is a student you can get the “Academic” version for significantly less money.
Q. My PC shuts down after about an hour. I have run all of the spyware and virus scans. Sometimes it beeps but that’s it.
A. Your PC is full of dust and the fans are probably stopped. Turn off your PC, unplug all of the wires and open the case. Get a can of compressed air. Touch your hand to the metal of the case to dispose of any static electricity and carefully blow out all of the accumulated junk. (A typical PC will take almost a can if it has been a while.)
WEEKLY WEB WONDER: Linked In, the business networking site, has launched an Answers feature where business people can ask each other professional questions. You can use Linked In for free (www.linkedin.com)
James Derk is owner of CyberDads, a computer repair firm, and computer columnist for Scripps Howard News Service. His e-mail is jim@cyberdads.com
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