Q. I don’t quite get your column on free anti-virus programs. Are you saying that we don’t have to pay for these programs anymore?
A. Well, I am saying for basic anti-virus programs there is little need to use one of the expensive programs if all you need is anti-virus protection. Most of these paid programs have become what I call “bloatware” by sticking in “anti-spam,” firewalls, anti-this and anti-that until the thing bogs down your entire computer. Worse yet, we have seen a few cases where the paid subscription ran out and the product locked down, meaning the computer could not get out to the Internet at all, a sort of cruel trick if you ask me.
So if you have no need for the additional “stuff” that the paid package brings to the table, I would respectfully suggest you keep the $50 and don’t buy it. If you want the additional features, by all means buy it.
Now, if you’re a business you may not have any choice because many of these free packages are only free for non-commercial use, so check the license carefully.
Q. You mentioned in a previous column that certain printers have been released that take much less ink than others. I received a printer when I bought my computer, and the ink for it is costing me a fortune. What are the ones that use less ink?
A. Since I wrote that column more than a year ago, there are many more thirsty printers out there, so it would not be fair for me to name them now. Suffice to say you have found that not all “free” printers are “free” nor are they a bargain, especially if you have to go back to the manufacturer for ink. To find the most current ratings of printers and how thirsty they are, I would check the current rankings in PC World magazine or online at PCworld.com.
– James Derk, Scripps Howard News Service
