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