Software – Sample software with shareware

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Even if you get a great deal on a computer, you still need software to make it do anything. And that can get expensive. That’s where shareware comes in.

Shareware is software you download and try for free. If you like it, you pay a fee to keep it. Freeware is similar to shareware, except there’s never a fee. Either way, you pay less than you would for packaged software from major vendors.

You can find shareware for virtually anything, from antivirus software to organizational tools to games. It’s a great way to sample software and save money. However, you need to keep some things in mind when dealing with shareware – or anything else you download from the Internet.

Beware of unwanted extras. Software can come with hidden surprises, like spyware and adware. With adware, you get bombarded with ads when you open an application. It’s the price you pay for cheap or free software. Spyware is even more sinister. It tracks which Web sites you visit on the Internet and reports back to advertisers, who can then target you more efficiently.

Viruses can do even more damage. While some just display words or an image on your screen, others can change, delete, or damage files in your computer. Some might even keep your computer from working at all. Like spyware and adware, viruses can sneak into your system when you download something from the Internet.

To protect yourself, do your homework. Read several reviews of products before downloading them, and download only from reputable sites. Also, read the entire software agreement to uncover any mention of spyware or adware. Of course, you’ll also want the latest antivirus software guarding your computer.

Downloading only programs you really need. Check if your computer comes with an application to do what you’re trying to do before resorting to shareware. And make sure you can easily uninstall the program if you don’t want it.

Remember, shareware means you having to share your wealth with big software companies. Just make sure the software you download isn’t “sharing” an unwanted surprise with you.



All the best,



Timben

Hardware – Extend the life of your cartridge

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If you do a lot of printing, you use a lot of ink and that costs a lot of money. But now there’s a way to control how much ink you use. By extending the life of each cartridge, you can save hundreds of dollars in ink costs over the life of your printer.

Just buy InkSaver software. It works with all inkjet printers and all types of ink, including refill kits. You can adjust InkSaver for a maximum savings of 75 percent. A handy feature called Ink Savings Estimator even lets you know how much money you save at various settings. Best of all, although you use less ink, your resolution doesn’t suffer. You can buy InkSaver for $34.99 at www.inksaver.com, where you can also download a free 15-day trial.



All the best,



Timben

Find the link to cheap ink

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Save up to 80 percent on printer cartridges by shopping online. Many Web sites sell replacement cartridges, which work just as well as the brand names but at a fraction of the cost. Make sure you know your printer model so you can find a compatible cartridge.

Check out the savings at sites like www.123inkjets.com, www.abcco.net, www.inksell.com, www.pacificink.com, and www.printpal.com. Compare shop, making sure to factor in shipping and handling. Some companies even offer free shipping. You’ll never pay top dollar again. Many merchants make buying from them a no-risk offer – satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.



All the best,



Timben

Reduce printing costs with refill kits

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Paper may come from trees, but printer cartridges sure don’t grow on them. Luckily, there’s a money-saving alternative to buying cartridge after expensive cartridge. Refill your cartridge – and your wallet – with an ink refill kit.

The idea behind ink refill is simple. Instead of tossing your empty cartridge, you recycle it. Just refill it with some new ink, and it’s as good as new. You should be able to refill the same cartridge at least 3 to 5 times, and maybe even as many as 8 to 10 times. It depends on the condition of the cartridge and printhead. Make sure to refill your empty cartridge right away. Otherwise, the remaining ink may dry and clog the nozzle.

Follow all refilling instructions carefully. One big drawback of refilling your printer cartridges yourself is the potential for messiness. One product, called Inke Inkjet Auto Refill System, makes the refilling process easier and less messy because you never come in direct contact with the ink. Just put the cartridge in one slot and a tank of ink in the other and push a button. Inke only works with certain print cartridges. For more information, go to www.inkejet.com.

Not all refill kits are created equal. Watch out for shoddy knock-offs. In general, refill kits work better for text and basic graphics than for photos. But it’s possible to find high-quality refill ink.

Because certain manufacturers rig their cartridges so they can’t be refilled, you might have to buy compatible cartridges. Often, the same companies that sell refill kits also sell these bargain cartridges. Make sure you know the exact model of your printer. You’ll need this information to buy the right ink or compatible cartridges.

Some online sources for ink refill kits include www.atlanticinkjet.com, www.inkusa.com, and www.inkjetcartridge.com. Atlantic Inkjet promises savings of up to 75 percent on their compatible inkjet cartridges, while InkjetCartridge.com features a free support line you can call if you’re having trouble using its ink refill kit.



All the best,



Timben

Uncover hidden printer expenses

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When is the cheapest printer not really the cheapest printer? More often than you think. Here are some of the hidden costs to watch out for when shopping for a printer.

* Ink or toner. This is where the printer companies get you. They can sell the printer dirt cheap, but make their money back – and more – by charging a lot for this essential item. Consider these expenses when comparing printer costs. Some laser printers, like those made by Samsung, come with a toner-saver button. This feature increases toner capacity 40 percent by using the minimum amount of toner to print each page.

* Paper. The price of plain paper will be the same no matter what printer you buy. But don’t forget about photo paper, transparencies, and other special paper that might vary from printer to printer.

* Repairs and service. A cheap printer might require more repairs, which can offset any savings you pocketed. Also keep in mind any regular maintenance you’ll need to do, such as replacing an imaging drum in a laser printer.

You’ll also want to take into account resolution and speed. A cheap printer isn’t much of a bargain if it produces blurry pages or takes too long to do its job.



All the best,



Timben

Easy way to dig up rebates

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There’s nothing better than getting money back after you buy something pricey, like a computer. Go to your favorite search engine, like Google, and enter the brand name of the computer you’re eyeing and the word “rebate”. You’ll get links to Web sites that offer rebate information you can print or download.



All the best,



Timben

Save up to 80 percent off retail

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You’ve heard the expression “good as new.” Buy a refurbished computer, and you’ll get one that may be even better. Not only do you get a quality computer with as much power as you need, you can also save a lot of money.

Refurbished computers come in all shapes and sizes. While the computer might have been returned because of slight defect, often it’s something much less serious. Maybe it had a cosmetic blemish or perhaps the previous owner simply opened the box before deciding he didn’t want it. Demonstration models and overstocked items have also be considered refurbished. No matter what the problem, the computer has been fixed and cleaned up for resale.

When buying refurbished items, you need to take some precautions. Make sure you still get a warranty and access to technical support in case something goes wrong. Also make sure you know what’s included – you don’t want to find out later that your computer doesn’t come with a monitor or an operating system.

You also want to buy from trusted sources. Your best bet is to buy directly from manufacturers, like Dell, that stand behind their refurbished merchandise. Go to www.dell.com to buy from its factory outlet. You can also buy refurbished Dell computers from www.dfsdirectsales.com. Other sites that offer refurbished computers include www.refurbdepot.com, www.cdw.com, and www.outletcomputer.com.

Keep in mind that with refurbished machines you can’t configure your own system like you can when you shop for a new computer. But, if you shop around, you should be able to find a computer that suits your needs.



All the best,



Timben

Escape the name-brand trap

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Instead of buying a high-priced computer from one of the top brand names, consider clones. You can save lots of money without giving up quality. Think of clones or white box PCs, as generic versions of name-brand models. They’re basically the same, without the fancy label.

Often, you can configure your own system, choosing from a wide selection of components. This is probably best for when you want an unusual configuration with specific parts.

While clones can cost considerably less, they do come with some concerns and drawbacks. For instance, they may not come with as much software or technical support as the major brands. Having to buy an operating system and software could offset any savings on the machine. Make sure you’ll be able to return the system if there are problems.

Look for white box PCs in local computer shops. This makes it convenient when you need repairs or upgrades. You can also go through online dealers. Either way, checks out the company first. You don’t want a fly-by-night outfit that can go out of business at any time.



All the best,



Timben

Downgrading saves you money

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You wouldn’t buy the latest, greatest food processor to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Similarly, you don’t need to buy a state-of-the-art computer if you’re only going to use it for basic functions, like word processing, surfing the Internet, and sending e-mail.

Luckily, many stores or manufacturers let you configure your own system. It’s a good way to save money on some areas and improve your computer in others. You can opt for a slower processor, smaller hard drive, and less memory than the top-of-the-line models. As long as the computer meets your needs, it’s OK to downgrade.



All the best,



Timben