Microsoft Pushing XP Users to Switch

Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows XP with updates unless you have downloaded the Windows XP SP3. If you visit the Microsoft web page, you will be inundated with information to upgrade to Windows 7. If you have not downloaded SP3 but have previously downloaded the SP2 package, you probably do not have to download SP3.

The SP3 updates should have been updated automatically through the SP2 package. Many people refuse to upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP. Die hard Windows XP fans are holding out for as long as they can. Microsoft continues to put forth a great deal of effort to get people to switch. Most of the efforts appear unsuccessful and they have added a tremendous amount of information on the benefits of Windows 7.

Support for the Windows XP SP2 service pack ended July 2010. When you visit the Windows XP product page, you are given 10 reasons to update to Windows 7. Microsoft claims that you may “fall in love all over again” when you discover how wonderful Windows 7 is. You will also see a big red box that announces that you may not receive security updates if your are using older versions of Windows. Under the warning, you will see plugs for Windows 7 and how it will keep your PC safe.

Apparently, millions of people are not ready to switch and do not intend to switch any time soon. It will take Microsoft a long time and a great deal of effort to get people to switch. Even though Windows 7 promises new features and updates, it just does not seem attractive to many people. Microsoft claims it developed Windows 7 based on feedback from customers. They claim it is easier to use and will give you a new and exciting experience.

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PearBudget Budget Spreadsheet Download

There are many online budgeting programs. However, most people do not like using online budgeting programs because you have to enter personal information. Many of these sites are free and are legitimate. Since there is such a problem with identity theft, most people avoid using these sites. There are a number of budgeting software programs available. Most of them are not free. However, PearBudget offers a free spreadsheet that anyone can download.

If you have MS Excel, there is a free spreadsheet from PearBudget that you can download. This is far safer than entering your information online. The budget spreadsheet offers the following features:

  • Monthly Budget: This will help you track your income and expenses. This is great for people who wonder where their money goes each month.
  • Annual budgeting: The spreadsheet will give your yearly snapshots to track your budgeting progress.
  • Customize a personal budget: You can customize the spreadsheet to meet your personal budgeting needs.
  • Budgeting by Household This helps families devise and maintain a household budget.
  • Printable Worksheet: For those that do not like using spreadsheets, you can print out a worksheet that you can keep in a binder.
  • Budgeting calculator: The calculator highlights in red if you missed your budget. It can also calculate your budget based on how much money you want to save each month.

With more people trying to get their finances under control, this spreadsheet will provide budgeting solutions. Few people keep a budget and this will make it easy for someone to create a budget. You can also visit the PearBudget web site for tips on budgeting. You can also get information that will help you learn how to cut expenses and find ways to save money each month. Take advantage of this free spreadsheet and get your finances under control.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With:

Internet TV Software

Watching Internet TV can be a challenge. There are hundreds of sites that use free Internet TV to lure you to their website. Once you visit the page, you either have to by something or you find out; they only have a trailer for the show you want to watch. There are also many sites that sell software programs that you can purchase. These sites promise you can get hundreds of channels for free. The only problem with this is the sites do not disclose which channels you will get.

Many sites sell software or hardware and for most consumers they have no idea what to buy. The world of Internet TV is very confusing and difficult to decipher. The lure of buying a software package is that you do not have to pay monthly fees. This is attractive to people who are tired of paying their monthly television bill.

However, many of the software programs sell for $50 or $60. The problem is you do not know if they really deliver what they promise. Some of the claims seem too good to be true and that makes consumers leery. Some programs offer hundreds of channels including radio as well. You also have to read the fine print. Many of these sites do not have the right to provide some of the programming that is promised. Much of what they are really selling is a video player along with content contributed by users.

Many of these free TV sites have already scammed thousands of people. Before choosing a software program, you can visit scamfreeinternet to see a list of web sites that are scams. Consumers that have been scammed report the information to this site to prevent other people from falling for the scam. Before buying an Internet TV software package, make sure you thoroughly research the product before spending any money.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With:

Protecting Your Computer From Spam and Other Problems

no spam!
Image via Wikipedia

Having a computer and surfing the Internet can be a lot of fun, but don’t forget that you have to be careful. If you’re not diligent about protecting your identity and other information, it can be stolen or tampered with. If you have an XP computer and really want to protect yourself, though, there are ways you can do it, and they aren’t that difficult. You can start by avoiding spam. Many people just delete it, but some people are interested in clicking on the links – or they are deceived into thinking that it’s from someone that they know instead of a spammer. Because of that, they end up with viruses, spyware, or similar problems, or their identity is stolen.

Don’t let that happen to you. You don’t have to be a victim of spam and the problems that it can produce. Instead, get PC Tools Antivirus and let it protect you from the dangers that are out there online. It protects your computer from online threats, and will keep it safe and secure so you don’t have to spend time worrying about whether you can visit a particular website or if you’re being attacked through email or some other means. A lot of people assume it won’t happen to them, but it can and it does. Rather than make that assumption, protect yourself.

It’s not difficult to get protection from these kinds of online problems, but it is difficult, in many cases, to get them corrected once they happen. Some viruses and other computer difficulties can really harm your computer and they can cost a lot to remove if you have to take your computer to a technician to be fixed. A stolen identity can also be a major ordeal, and can take months to resolve completely. It’s easier to just avoid those issues

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Free Video Download Software for YouTube

YouTube videos are extremely popular. Millions of people upload videos for others to watch. Many of these videos have made people famous. People love to watch other people do crazy things. Many people spend hours online just watching the latest videos. Sometimes this can be a tedious and slow process.

Watching the videos off line is much faster and easier.

The free video download software for YouTube can make it much easier to watch your favorite videos. The software is a freeware program and will allow you to download any YouTube videos. It will also allow you to download a block of YouTube videos. You can create a play list and all the videos in the play list can be downloaded to your computer.

The software also allows you to download your favorite YouTube channels and you can download YouTube videos from different web pages. So, if you come across a video while you are browsing the Internet, you can quickly download the video to play at a later time.

Watching videos online is fun, but if you are busy and do not want to interrupt your web surfing to stop and watch a video, you can just download it. Especially if you are short on time and need to move on quickly. This software is particularly beneficial for those who have computers or Internet connections that are slow. Often, it takes awhile for the video to load and buffer.

The only problem with this software is that YouTube may make changes to the hosting routine for their video files. When this happens, the software will quit working. You can return to the site to download an updated version or you can sign up for a free newsletter that will inform you an update is available. You can download the program from dvdvideosoft.com. The site promises the download is safe and contains no adware or spyware.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With:

Mcafee AntiVirus

Mcafee is by far one of the most popular anti-virus and computer security programs available. Most computers that are sold come with a free subscription for the Mcafee computer security program. The free subscription is usually for one year; however, there are many computers that are sold with a free three-year subscription. If you have purchased a new computer, the information will be included with the software package. If you have a free subscription, there should be a code you will use to activate the subscription.

If your subscription has expired, you will be able to renew your subscription online at the renewal price. If you do not have an anti-virus or computer security program, you can purchase the Mcafee Total Protection package for under $70. This is the best value that Mcafee offers and it will cover up to three computers.

If you only want an anti-virus program, the Mcafee anti-virus sells for under $50 for a one-year subscription. If you decide you need the Total Care package, you can always upgrade at any time.

Mcafee also offers a free trial for all of the products they offer. As with any free trial, you want to make sure you cancel before the trial period expires. Mcafee provides the most comprehensive computer protection software with a number of different options. You can buy the components individually or in cost saving packages.

Protecting your information and your computer requires protection programs that are constantly updated. Mcafee is one of the top rated providers of security programs and through a subscription, you will be sure you are receiving the latest anti-virus updates. The update process occurs when you are online and does not interrupt anything that you are doing while on the Internet. Choosing an anti-virus program is an important decision and you will want to review several options before making a final decision.

Filed Under: Internet, Microsoft Windows Tagged With: , , , , ,

PCSecurity Shield Security Software

PCSecurity is a company committed to providing low cost computer protection that is effective and easy to use. The benefit of PCSecurity shield is that technical support is always free. With many of the other security programs, the first incident is free and then you are charged a fee for any other incidents. Some providers allow you to purchase an additional service for a fee that allows for unlimited technical support.

The Shield Deluxe package is less than $40 for a one-year subscription. You can download it from the PCSecurity web page. It is easy to use and set up. If you do have trouble, you can contact technical support and they will help you set it up. You can contact technical support by phone or you can use the online technical support live chat.

The package includes a new family protection plan, which you can control from one computer. This makes managing the security on all the computers in your home much easier. You can remotely configure each computer that is connected to your home network.

PCSecurity offers a free trial on all their products. This is the best way to determine if the product will meet your needs. If you do not like the product, you can cancel before the free trial period is up. You just have to make sure you cancel before the deadline or you will be charged for the package.

You can also choose to get a free one-year subscription by using the trial pay offer. If you complete at least one online survey, you are awarded a one-year subscription of Shield Deluxe. Make sure you read the fine print before choosing this option. If you have to purchase anything during the survey, then it is not really free. You might as well just by the subscription.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With:

BitDefender Anti-Virus

BitDefender Anti-Virus is not as well known as many of the other common anti-virus programs. It is becoming increasingly popular. You can choose anti-virus protection or a full protection package that includes features such as parental control, online backup and much more.

A one-year subscription for anti-virus is under $40. The software is updated frequently to protect your computer from new threats. You can download a free trial for any of the packages BitDefender offers. After the trial period, you can choose a subscription that best meets your needs. It is important to make sure you cancel right before the trial period expires or you may be charged for a subscription you may not want.

The Total Security Packages is the most comprehensive package that BitDefender offers. The package costs $80 for a one-year subscription. However, BitDefender often offers a significant discount on the package and you may be able to get it for $60 for a one-year subscription. This package also includes computer maintenance and online system back up. For the price, you get a lot of useful services and extensive computer protection.

The BitDefender offers free virus removal tools on their web page. If your computer is already infected with a virus, you may want to visit their web site to see if they have a free removal program. The site also contains wonderful information and tips about how to keep your computer safe from attacks. You can access all the information without being a customer or registering.

Most computer security providers will offer a discount if you renew your subscription each year. The initial price may seem high, but you will save money when you renew. Protecting your computer and information is critical. Many people think they can do without the protection and soon discover not having protection was one of the biggest mistakes they ever made.

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Trend Micro PC-cillin Anti-Virus Software

Trend Micro is popular among individuals that are not computer savvy. Trend Micro offers anti-virus software and several other services that are appealing to those that are technologically challenge. For an extra fee, a computer expert will install everything you need through a remote connection to your computer. This is appealing to many people and you can reduce the cost buy purchasing bundled services.

The bundle prices start at $90 for a one-year subscription or you can choose individual services for $50 depending on the type of service you choose. The Trend Maximum Security software is highly rated and you have access to 24-hour customer support if you experience any difficulty setting up the security. Having a computer expert set up the security for you is an additional fee.

The Trend Maximum Security software provides help with removing viruses if you computer becomes infected. In other words, if you use the security software and a virus still occurs, a computer expert will fix the problem by removing the virus. This is done remotely, so you do not have to be without your computer for very long.

Trend Micro offers additional services such as Internet and email help. You can also choose a PC tune up package and back up system package. These services are fantastic for those that do not have the time or knowledge to do these things themselves. It is also great for those that know the bare minimum about computers.

Choosing an anti-virus program is a necessity. Computers are attacked hundreds of times during each day. You want to ensure your computer and your information is safe. While many anti-virus programs are costly, the programs are worth the money you spend. Losing your information on your computer is stressful and can be devastating. Many people save personal items such as photos and losing them can be heart breaking.

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Norton Anti-Virus Software

Keeping your computer safe has become a challenge. There are many anti-virus software programs to choose and all of them are typically compatible with Windows XP. One of the most common anti-virus software program developers is Norton. You no longer have to visit a local retailer to buy the software. You can choose the software package online at the Norton website and download the software instantly. Of course, you have to pay for it.

Norton offers six all in one-security packages. The least expensive package is just under $80 for a one-year subscription. The benefits of the software are during the subscription period you will receive updates to make the software more effective. Computer viruses are created constantly to by-pass existing security. Having a subscription will keep your computer safe since the software is continuously updated to fend of new viruses.

The all in one packages also offer a host of features such as parental controls, identity protection and system back-up programs. The price of each package depends on the level of security and features you decide that you need to keep your computer safe.

If you choose a two-year subscription package, you will save money because the priced is reduced. While protecting your computer has become costly since most protection software programs continually increase prices, it is far more economical. The cost of repairing your computer after an attack can be expensive. In addition, if you do not back up your computer, everything you have saved on it may be lost.

Before you choose an anti-virus program, you should research the most common programs available to find the one that will meet your security needs. You can visit each provider’s web page to determine if you meet the computer system requirements. You can also compare the services offered by each program to determine the features you need.

Filed Under: Internet, Microsoft Windows Tagged With: , , , ,
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