Consumer Advocate
August 25th, 2004
proudly presented by
PC World
Technology Advice You Can Trust
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/1/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Useful advice on how to protect yourself against scams, attacks on
your privacy, and spam.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=
Dell
Fast. Easy. Online. Dell Biz E-Catalog. Updated savings. One click
purchasing. Click here for more information.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/601347/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
August 25th, 2004
Consumer Watch: Avoid Helping Friends and Family
Contrib. Ed. Anne Kandra
A friend of mine--I'll call him Gary--phoned me in a panic. "I must
have a virus or something," Gary fretted. "I can't find my file, and
my computer's acting really flaky."
It turned out that Gary--a writer and self-described "PC
dunce"--didn't have a virus. But he does have an 11-year-old daughter.
Gary and I spent an hour or two on the phone troubleshooting. In the
end, the problem we pinpointed had more to do with an inadequately
supervised fifth-grader's take on file management and downloading than
with technical glitches.
You probably have your own share of stories about helping your less
tech-savvy friends or coworkers through PC calamities. Chances are you
want to help, but you're not too keen on spending long hours on the
phone or making late-night house calls to decipher error messages. If
you work at a small company, you may be the de facto IT department, a
role that complicates getting your real work done. And let's face it:
Even if you're the most attentive son, sister, or colleague in the
world, you can't always be there when your PC dependents need you.
So how do you get out from under without feeling like a jerk? There
are a lot of good strategies--from security checkups to bringing in
some hired help--that can save hours of frustration for you and your
hapless family, friends, and coworkers.
An Ounce of Prevention
There may never be an easy way to, say, talk Grandma through removing
spyware from two time zones away, but with a little preventive
maintenance, you can help stop plenty of potential disasters from
striking her PC.
Start by making a list of the folks who count on you for tech support.
Then help them make their computers as secure as your own. Make sure
they're running antivirus software and updating it frequently. Get
them to install a firewall, especially if they're on a broadband
connection. And point them to a good anti-spyware application like
Ad-aware or SpyBot Search & Destroy. They're both available at our
Downloads library.
Ad-aware:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722465/0/
SpyBot Search & Destroy:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722466/0/
Show them how to download patches from Microsoft's Windows Update,
or--if they're on XP--set up their PC to install the updates
automatically.
Be sure that their PCs have a good data-recovery application in place.
Windows Me and XP have the reliable though rudimentary System Restore
feature; but for older operating systems, you'll need a third-party
utility such as Symantec's Norton GoBack 3:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722467/0/
Make a list of simple fixes for people to try before they dial your
number. For example, they can close the application and reload it,
reboot the system, or check the online FAQ list for the PC maker or
for the application that's been acting up.
For chronic problem PCs, applications like Famatech's Remote
Administrator ($35 per single license) can save time by letting you
access and control a remote PC via either a network or a dial-up
connection:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722468/0/
If your friend's or relative's PC is running Windows XP Professional,
you can access the system remotely for free with a computer running
any version of Windows, including Windows 95. Consult with Microsoft
for the instructions, by going to its "Get Started Using Remote
Desktop" page:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722469/0/
The next time your sister wakes you at 3 a.m. with a long-distance
problem, you should point out that another resource really is
available 24/7--the Internet.
About.com offers plain-English help for stymied PC beginners:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722470/0/
Novices may also discover helpful leads by plugging a brief
description of the problem (for example, "PC won't shut down") into
Google or another search engine. Read the June 2003 "Home Office"
column for additional search tips and a list of recommended tech
support sites:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722471/0/
Freebies Have Limits
If the free advice doesn't work, there are plenty of fee-based tech
support sites to consult for phone or online chat help, but they can
be pricey. Before you recommend one to Mom, make sure that both of you
understand the fee structure.
Some sites charge per incident, with rates typically starting at about
$25 per call. Others charge by the minute (the sites I looked at range
from $1.50 to $2 per minute). Make sure that the site offers a free
estimate before it starts the clock, and check the details of its
guarantee.
A better approach, especially for folks with lots of questions, is a
membership-based service. Ask Dr. Tech charges from $90 to $300
annually, depending on the level of service:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722472/0/
SpeakWithAGeek.com offers a monthly membership for about $35:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722473/0/
Happy birthday, Mom!
Of course, there are times when only an in-the-flesh geek will do.
Chances are there's at least one PC house-call service in Mom's area,
but it's not always easy to tell how qualified--or how
trustworthy--the proprietors are. The best way to find a reputable
repair service is to ask around for personal recommendations. And
always check with the local Better Business Bureau for complaints
filed against any company that you're considering recommending to
friends or family. Also ask for details of the repairperson's
educational background and qualifications. Here's the BBB's national
Web site:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722474/0/
Most PC house-call services charge by the incident. For example, one
company I spoke with charges a $50 "visit fee" plus $22 per 15
minutes, for a minimum charge of $72, but fees can range widely. Just
as you would in the case of online tech support, look for companies
that offer an estimate before they start working, and read the fine
print so you understand the limits of their liability.
In the end, you won't be able to dodge every request for free tech
support--after all, why should your cheapskate brother pay a stranger
when you'll fix the thing for no money? But when you have some
preventive practices and outside backup in place, those panicked
telephone calls should become a little less frequent.
Have a question or comment? Write to Anne Kandra:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Read Anne Kandra's regularly published "Consumer Watch" columns:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/364579/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Sponsored Downloads:
* 1 Click Fix It - Cleans your registry easily and safely. *
With 1 Click Fix It for Windows you can safely clean and repair
Windows registry problems with one simple mouse click, thus keeping
your PC running faster, cleaner and error-free. With a few easy steps,
1 Click Fix It will scan your entire registry for any invalid entries
and will provide a list of the registry errors found. Choose to
selectively clean each item or automatically repair them all. Running
1 Click Fix It regularly will keep your registry clean and correct and
your PC will be optimized for superior performance! $5.00 discount off
purchase for PC World newsletters subscribers.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722174/0/
* Secure IE: Browse Safer and Faster *
Stop Hackers in Their Tracks! Today, spyware and hacker attacks are as
common as viruses and are causing severe damage to consumers. Once on
your machine these intruders can gain access to your personal data,
such as your credit card information, passwords and financial
information. Secure IE protects your computer at the main point of
external contact--your Web browser--and tightly restricts what Web
sites can and cannot do to you. It stops spyware at the point of
entry, blocks hackers from entering your PC and seals potential
security leaks.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722175/0/
Check other exclusive discount software offers for PC World
newsletters subscribers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/237749/0/
=====================================================================
Top News From PC World
* Symantec Upgrades Norton Security Products
Revamped Norton AntiVirus, Personal Firewall, and AntiSpam tools fight
pests and dangers online.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722447/0/
* Microsoft Sends XP SP2 Home
Windows' big security fix will be delivered to home users who have
enabled Automatic Updates.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722448/0/
* Check out all of today's news...
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/54/0/
=====================================================================
Editors' Picks
Free Utilities: Shrink DVDs, Boost Windows Media Player
Improve Windows Media Player, convert WMA files and rip MP3s with
latest release of iTunes.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722412/0/
GDivX Zenith Player v1.1
Video skipping on Windows Media Player? Try this alternative, which
supports multiple formats.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/238773/0/
DVD Shrink v3.1.7
Make a back up of your DVD disks, saving the output to your hard
drive.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/238772/0/
Mp3Trim v1.90a
Shave the dead space from your MP3s to leave more room for the music.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722413/0/
iTunes for Windows v4.6
Apple's media player is a joy to use even if you never buy a 99-cent
song.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722414/0/
Quintessential Player v4.5.1
Player offers extensive features in a simple design, and lets you rip
files from your CD.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722415/0/
For a full list of this week's Editors' Picks, go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722412/0/
=====================================================================
* Reviews *
* Epson's Hands-Free Scanner
New flatbed is a great choice for home shutterbugs with an undigitized
film archive.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722416/0/
Check the latest prices on Scanners:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/829/0/
* New Nero Does Photos
Image editing application is best for newbies.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722417/0/
Check the latest prices on Utilities:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722246/0/
* IBM ThinkVision L170m
IBM's first speaker-equipped LCD monitor skimps on more-important
features.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/722418/0/
Check the latest prices on Flat Panels/LCD:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/85/0/
See all Reviews:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/86/0/
=====================================================================
* PC World Magazine: Get 15 free Power Guides instantly plus Bonus
CD-ROM! Get 2 trial issues of PC World--the world's leading monthly
computer publication. Plus, you'll get PC World's 15 Power Guides and
Bonus CD-ROM free when you enter your trial subscription! Order now
to receive this exclusive Power Guide Collection from our
award-winning editors. Here's what you'll get--Upgrading Your PC,
Multimedia/Gaming, PC Hardware, A Trouble-Free PC, Windows XP, The
Internet, Using Windows and more! Don't delay. Order today.
[Note: Adobe Reader version 5 or newer is required to view Power
Guides.]
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/237590/0/
Or Try PC World in Digital Format. Same Magazine, Now Digital!
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/216/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Shop Now Online
*XEROX
Get productivity to burn, without burning a hole in your budget. Enter
to win a 50" HDTV or a Xerox Phaser(R) 8400 Color Printer.
Visit this link to enter:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/237406/0/
=====================================================================
* PC World Picks and Promotions *
* PCWorld.com's New Bargain Finder!
PCWorld.com has launched a new service that offers a daily list of hot
bargains on computer gear, gadgets and other cool stuff. Youll find
deals that combine coupons, rebates, discounts and free shipping.
There are closeouts, price reductions and special offers, all in an
easy-to-scan format. Our deal spotters have a special knack for
finding the products you may want to own at pretty unbelievable
prices. A fresh list of deals is posted every day. Some of these deals
only last a day or two so be sure to come by often; you never know
what youre going to find there.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/516495/0/
* PCWorld.com has added a new Weblog
Get the hottest skinny on new products and trends from the PC World
staff editors' weblog, Today @ PCWorld. You'll be the first to know
about exciting new technologies straight from our experts, including
on-the-spot, daily reports from trade shows and vendor demonstrations.
Don't miss out. Visit Today @ PCWorld every day.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/538354/0/
And remember Editor-in-Chief Harry McCracken's daily Techlog.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/238476/0/
* Find Hot Spots
Use this free PCWorld.com service to locate Wi-Fi hot spots around the
corner or across the globe. Search by address, browse a map, check
pricing, search the U.S. by Zip Code and more.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/2628/0/
* Digital Photography and Image Editing Tips
The award-winning editors at PC World have combined their vast digital
photography expertise and packed it onto one Super CD. We also have
included three top rated *fully licensede*, fully functional image
editing software applications: FlipAlbum 5.0 Standard, PhotoMeister
2.0, and ACD FotoAngelo 1.0. *Plus*, you'll get an additional 26
image editing related shareware applications to sample at your
leisure!
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/2518/0/
=====================================================================
* Newsletter Subscriber Services *
If you cannot "click" on the links in this newsletter, please try
copying the complete URL and pasting it into your browser's address
field.
--To unsubscribe from this or all newsletters, to sign up for new
newsletters or to change your newsletters format from text-only to
HTML, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/19/0/
--To change the e-mail address to which we send your PC World e-mail
newsletters, please visit our change of address form at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/20/0/
--PC World will occasionally send e-mail announcements of special
deals, new products, and other third party product and service offers
to newsletter subscribers and PCWorld.com Registered Members who have
asked to receive them. To update your preferences and be excluded from
these mailings, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/21/0/
--For a list of all these subscriber services online, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/22/0/
--PCWorld.com Privacy Policy:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/146/0/
If you have questions or comments regarding PC World e-mail newsletter
subscriptions, please contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Interested in PC World RSS feeds? Please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/202982/21421686/66/0/
PCWorld.com newsletters may contain links to sites on the Internet
which are owned and operated by third parties. PC World
Communications, Inc., is not responsible for the availability of, or
the content located on or through, any such third-party site.
2004 PC World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written
permission of PC World Communications, Inc., is prohibited. PC World
is a registered trademark of International Data Group, Inc. All other
trademarks used on PC World and PCWorld.com are the property of their
respective owners. PC World Communications, Inc., 501 2nd St., San
Francisco, CA 94107.
---
You are currently subscribed to consumer_advocate_text as: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/BCfwlB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kumpulan/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
