All About SpamWritten by Kara Glover
Feel free to reprint this article in newsletters and on websites, with resource box included. If you use this article, please send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: kara333@earthlink.netWord Count = 375 Word Wrapped to 60 characters per line URL: http://www.karathecomputertutor.com author photo: http://www.karathecomputertutor.com date of copyright: March 2005 All About Spam by Kara Glover kara333@earthlink.net Spam is annoying. Period. Why people would want to send all of us stupid messages about buying prescription drugs or getting some outrageously good mortgage rate is beyond me. Well, not really. You might ignore those emails. But not everyone does. And that's why they're sent. Emails cost so little (or nothing) to send. So sending out a million of them could be a cakewalk. Let's say one out of every 1,000 recipients falls for their ploy. Someone just got 1,000 new customers! How in heck did those spammers get your address in first place? Well, they actually use a variety of techniques. They use programs called spambots to search web and pick up any email addresses that could be listed on websites. They use what's called "Dictionary" technique, where they take a well-known email extension (earthlink.net, for instance), and make up all kinds of possible user names to go with it. For example, with me they could try usernames "kara", "kara1", "kara2" and so on, until they can confirm one of those connected to an earthlink.net extension is a valid email address. Kinda like going page by page through dictionary.
| | Twelve Things You Should Know to Save on Computer SoftwareWritten by Larry Andrew
Do you want to get quality software at a reasonable price? Whether you work at home or just need good software for your personal computer, you are faced with an almost endless selection of computer software. Sorting through options can sometimes be a major task. However, if you want to get good, quality software there are several things that you can do that will save you money and headaches. With arrival of online marketing, you have more choices than ever. There are a large number of reputable software companies that sell software at significant savings. With a little homework and thought on your part, you can get good quality software that will accomplish your specific task. In order to save both time and money on computer software, here is a list of twelve things you should do. 1.First, make sure you know as closely as possible exact task you want your software to accomplish. The more specific you are better. For example, do you want a very general word processing program to write occasional letters or a more sophisticated word processing software program to run marketing for your business? 2.Check out minimum requirements necessary to run software. You want to make sure it will run on your computer equipment. You should find out how much memory program takes, what operating systems it will run on and how much disk space is required. Is there any other computer accessory required to use software? 3.Talk to friends and associates that have used specific type of software you’re searching for. Ask them where they got software, how much they paid, how long they’ve used program, what type of guarantee came with program, etc. If you have a task, which involves a deadline, like a payroll program, ask them how they were able to get answers to their questions and how long did it take. 4.Search Internet for reviews on software. Look at user groups or bulletin boards to see what users are saying about software. For example, if you’re looking at QuickBooks business program, type in “QuickBooks Software Review” to locate review information about program. 5.You should always test software program before you purchase it. Many reputable companies will allow you to download their software and test it out before you buy. Take advantage of opportunity to test program. Enter some data, print some reports, and give program a real workout. Try as many options as possible. Don’t always follow set procedures. Try to experiment on your own. You want to know what software does in a real world setting. You want to know what happens when you make a mistake. 6.If software provides support, you should think of a question about program that may not be too obvious and ask support for help. You’re much better off to try out support before you truly need help than to wait until you’re in a “must have help” situation. See how long it takes to get an answer. Check out how clear response is. Ask yourself, “Did this completely resolve problem for me?” 7.Check out software warranty and company guarantees. A software company that stands behind their program will usually guarantee their products for a specific period of time. You should get at least a 30-day money back guarantee after purchasing product. A 90-180 day guarantee is better. Usually, longer product warranty, better software.
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