HELP DESK
Q: Several years ago you mentioned AVG which I now use. I have been receiving notices that my” trial subscription has four remaining days before I need to pay and renew. I never have paid for AVG and thought this was a free download. Could you please tell me if it is free or do I need to pay $39 for coverage? — Marilyn Ewing
A: You’ve discovered the difference between what software sellers call a “free download” and a totally free product. You have the free download version – while it doesn’t cost a penny to download, it is a commercial product and you are expected to pay for it. Luckily AVG has a truly terrific and absolutely free version. It’s not just free to download, it’s free to use. You’ll find it here: free.avg.com/us-en/homepage
Please send questions to Bill Husted at tecbud@bellsouth.net.
When you have computer troubles the Web can be a wonderful place. No matter what the problem, you’ll always find an answer there – as long as you don’t care whether the answer is right or wrong.
Over the years I’ve collected some sites that are my go-to places when I need help, or when a reader needs help and I can’t come up with a decent answer.
So we’ll tour some of these solid gold websites today. I recommend them to you. In almost every instance the advice and help they dole out will be accurate and helpful. We’ll look at them by category.
Buy into the recommendations
- CNET: When you are spending big bucks on a computer, TV or other high tech device you need to spend some serious time researching the various options. I can't think of a better resource for buying recommendations and reviews than Cnet (www.cnet.com). You'll find hard-nosed reviews that lay out the pluses and minuses of each product without pulling punches. It's a well-organized site and the writing is clear and concise, so you won't need to be a technical whiz to understand the reviews. There are numerous search options that make it easy to find the product, category or price points that interest you.
Help with computer problems
- Bleeping Computer: This site (www.bleepingcomputer.com/) is just downright marvelous. Here's what sets it apart from the competition. You can get quick answers to your specific computer questions. And, in most cases, a true expert – often an advanced hobbyist or someone who makes a living working on computers – will guide you through the fix to your problem.
- Tom's Hardware: This site stands out for the vast amount of computer information stored and the plain-spoken way that things are explained. The reviews are excellent and the explanations and suggested fixes for various computer problems are usually right on target. You'll also find reports on new devices and technologies hitting the market. I have it bookmarked and so should you: www.tomshardware.com/.
- Computer Hope: While the information is usually fairly complete, it also is easy to understand. So it's a fine resource for those who aren't technically inclined. It's a rare gift to be able to accurately explain complex technology and do it in a way that is easy to follow and yet not condescending. This place does just that. Look for it at www.computerhope.com/.
Special purpose websites
- Dpreview: This site specializes in digital photography and the reviews are extremely detailed. You can get a quick summary that explains the good and the bad of a specific camera, or you can read on and get highly technical data about the camera's performance. You'll also see side-by-side examples of photographs from that camera – often paired with photos taken by competing models. If you are on the verge of replacing your old camera – whether it's a cheap point-and-shoot or a high end DSLR – then head to this site at www.dpreview.com/.
- Antennaweb: A growing number of my readers are moving from cable and satellite to an old-fashioned television antenna. But doing that can be complicated – where you live in relation to TV transmitting sites dictates the kind of antenna you'll need. That's where Antennaweb (www.antennaweb.org/) jumps in. Just enter your exact address and it'll instantly find the type antenna you need and what to expect from it.
These are a few of my favorite places when it comes to technology. But there are so many excellent sites out there that I’ve just scratched the surface. You may have found a resource that impresses you. If that’s so, send me an email and tell me all about it. I’d be glad to take a look and perhaps mention it in a future column.
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