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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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Timben

Sell online without a computer

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You no longer need a computer to sell items on eBay. Now, a company called AuctionDrop will do it for you and even pack and ship it to the buyer.

Call them toll-free at 866-376-7486 or fill out a form online at www.auctiondrop.com. Then drop off your item at one of the company’s 3,700 drop-off locations. AuctionDrop photographs your item, puts it on eBay, and ships it to the buyer. They tell you when it sells, collect their commission, and send a check to you for the rest.

It’s always a good idea to read the fine print before you jumping in. Every auction house charges a commission, but you’ll pay a premium for this service. AuctionDrop keeps 38 percent of the first $200 you make from the sale, 30 percent of the next $300, and 20 percent of anything over $500, plus a small commission they pay to eBay. In some cases, they may charge a flat fee. You would pay a much smaller commission – and keep more of your own money – if you sell your goods yourself on eBay.



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Timben

Protect yourself while bidding online

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hears lots of complaints about online auctions every year. Most involve sellers who fail to ship items, ship them late, or falsely advertise their wares, while some deal with fake electronic payment services and con men posing as legitimate dealers.

You don’t have to be a victim. Follow this advice from the FTC.

* Read the auction site’s Terms of Service agreement to see if they offer money-back guarantees, free insurance, complaint handling, and other protections for buyers.

* Get more info. E-mail or call the seller and ask if the item comes with any warranties or service agreements, what types of payment they accept, who pays for shipping and how much it will it cost, and what their return policy is. Don’t bid until you get answers.

* Check out the seller. Many sites have feedback ratings where people who bought items from a seller rate their service. Use these as guidelines, but don’t depend on them exclusively. Get a seller’s phone number, and call it to make sure it works before you send them money.

* Pay with a credit card if possible. It protects you the most from fraudulent dealers and incorrect transactions. If the seller does not accept credit cards, consider paying through a reputable payment or escrow service, like PayPal.

* Protect your identity. Thoroughly research the seller and payment or escrow service, if you are using one, before you give out your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number. Call the Better Business Bureau and state attorney general both where you live and where the seller and payment service are located and ask if they have complaints filed against them.

Should you have problems with a purchase, try to work it out directly with the seller, payment service, or auction Web site. If you can’t get satisfaction, file a complaint with your state’s attorney general, consumer protection agency, and Better Business Bureau, and call the Federal Trade Commission toll free at 877-382-4357.



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Timben

Win online auctions with ease

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Online auctions, like eBay, let you choose from a huge selection of items and, generally, pay less for them than you would anywhere else. Some people even make a living buying goods at Internet auctions and reselling them retail.

Competition can be stiff, so be prepared to fight for what you want – at least until it costs more than you can spend. Try these bid-winning tips from eBay the Smart Way.

* Refresh the Web page often during the final minutes of an auction so you can see the latest bid. Go to the auction page for the item you want to buy, and click the Refresh button on your internet browser.

* Bid the Bay Way. Choose how much you’re willing to pay for something, then ask eBay to bid for you, up to that amount. You can even set the increment, how much eBay raises your bid each time, by 50 cents, $1, $5, and so on. Each time someone bids higher than you, eBay will raise your bid above theirs by the increment you set, up to your maximum, saving you both time and money.

* Use the 10-cents difference trick. Ebay forces you to raise your bid by at least a certain dollar amount each time, usually a round number, like $1 or $5. Increase yours by that amount plus 10 cents to get a jump on your competition and raise your odds of winning the auction.

* Become a Sniper. Sniper software lets you swoop in and bid at the last minute, with the idea that if you raise the bid say 15 or 30 seconds before the auction closes, you will win because no one else will have time to counter. You can buy Snipe software on eBay or subscribe to a Web service that will Snipe for you.

No strategy guarantees you a win, but auctions are supposed to be fun, right? Win or lose, always enjoy the game.



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Timben

Insider’s guide to online auctions

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Internet auctions work a lot like regular auctions – Yahoo, eBay, Amazon.com and other virtual auction houses act as proxies between buyers and sellers, awarding goods to the highest bidders.

* You can buy anything under the sun at mega auction sites, but don’t sell the small ones short. Large auction sites, like eBay, don’t guarantee and item’s authenticity, but some specialized Internet auction sites do. You may also have more luck finding what you want.

* Read every site’s Terms of Service agreement and Privacy Policy so you understand the rules sellers and buyers play by. For example, all sales are final at some, while others let you return goods. Some let you withdraw your bid, others don’t. Know the terms before you shop.

* Set a ceiling on how much you are willing to pay for an item, and stick to it. Don’t get caught up in the bidding frenzy and spend more than you had planned.

* Check the piece’s going price at stores and recent auctions before you bid on it to avoid overpaying.

* Read all the specific information the seller gives about an object. Look for details about its condition and whether any pieces are missing. You can complain to the auction company and, in some cases, return the item if the seller mislead you.



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Timben

Quick tips for flea market shopping

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Not every flea market item is a steal, but savvy collectors know how to sniff out the best deals. This guide can help you walk away happy, too.

* Arrive early for the largest selection. The best deals disappear early.

* If you need a particular item, find how much it sells for in retail stores before you hit the flea market.

* Inspect items carefully for chips, missing pieces, or tears before you buy. Generally you can’t return a flea market find.

* Before you spring for that antique table and chairs, make sure you have a way to get them home. Most dealers don’t deliver.

* Find a stall you especially like? Get the vendor’s card and ask how often she sells there, when she gets in new pieces, and where else she exhibits. You may want to visit her again.

* Walk away from an item you aren’t sure about buying. If it still calls to you from two aisles away, go back for it. Better yet, if business is slow for that seller, wait until the day’s end when he will be happy to make a deal.

* Shop around at several vendors before you buy. Dealers occasionally buy from the same wholesale sources, so some may offer the same goods at different prices.



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Timben

Best bet for antique bargains

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Flea markets are like giant indoor yard sales with vendors hocking the usual toys, tools, and clothing. But they’re also treasure troves of art, antique furniture and jewelry, and other collectible wares.

By shopping these bazaars, you can decorate like royalty – without spending a fortune. Make the most of flea market finds with this advice from Secrets to Affordable Antiques.

* Look for monogrammed flatware. Most people prefer plain pieces, leaving you super deals on real initialed silver.

* Buy antique furniture in single pieces. Sets cost more money. Even George and Martha Washington did not own matching bedroom furniture.

* Pay for the art, not for the name. Buy unsigned paintings for the best value, or pictures by little-known artists.

* Hang pictures with tears or damaged frames above the stairs, over a bookcase, or elsewhere high on the wall. It’s hard to see flaws from a few feet away.

* Touch up scarred frames with matching acrylic paint.

* Try the same technique with chipped, cracked vases, china, and ceramics. Display them high on shelves and turn the damaged sides to the wall.

* Repair tears in canvas or paper with a little masking tape across the picture’s back and hangs it high.

* Don’t shop for collectibles in the town where they were made. Pottery, furniture, and other antiques are always more expensive in their hometowns.



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Timben

Uncover coin collecting secrets

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Is that old penny really worth $100? Find out using free information about coin collecting. The United States Mint – the ultimate coin authority – offers free information for both, avid and amateur coin collectors on its Web sites, www.usmint.gov. Click on Consumer Awareness for valuable tips on how to tell real collectibles U.S. coins from fakes. Or click on About Us and go to the Collector’s Corner for free advice on finding, buying, and caring for your coins.

Free newsletters from coin traders and collecting societies provide price lists and insider’s advice. Coin dealer Ellesmere Numismatics puts out The Winning Edge newsletter, a widely circulated price list guide for rare U.S. coins. Best of all, it’s free for the first six months. Just call 800-426-3343 or subscribe online at www.ellesmerecoin.com.

Sign up now, and they will also send you two free booklets on coin collecting, 638 Coins with a Fundamental Reason to Rise in Value and The Nine Most common Mistakes Made by Rare Coin Investors.

Your local library is also a helpful resource for valuing your coins. Put a price on your money with these books.

* A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S.Yeoman (updated yearly)
* The Standard Catalog of World Coins from Krause Publications



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Timben

When to call in the pros

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Dry cleaning can give your clothes a longer life. They won’t shrink or bleed as much when they’re dry-cleaned, and dry cleaning can get rid of oily stains that don’t come out in the wash. Also, have your clothes dry-cleaned of you think they might lose their shape or their colors in the washing machine. Not all clothes with the “Dry Clean Only” care label have to be dry-cleaned. You can wash some garments in cold water by hand with a gentle cleanser. Then lay them out flat on towels to dry so they don’t lose their shape.



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Timben

Update old clothes to latest styles

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Chances are a small change to an out-of-style outfit hanging in your closet could make it fashionable again. If you’re handy with needle and thread, you can update your wardrobe with a few minor alterations. In fact, even paying for an alteration can be cheaper than buying new clothes. Think about putting in or removing shoulder pads or changing buttons and other trim. Something as simple as raising or lowering a hemline can make those clothes stylish again.



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Timben

Identifying quality clothing

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Quality clothes look better, fit better, and last longer. Buying cheap clothes and replacing them when they fall apart can be expensive. Spending a little more money on clothes you can wear again and again will save you money in the long run.

Shop for clothes that are well-made. When you see a pierce you like, inspect it for quality workmanship before you buy it. There are lots of clues that tell you whether a garment is made well. Check the hem and seams to make sure they’re well stitched, and look for telltale signs like holes and snags. Any patterns, like plaids or stripes, should match across seams, lapels, and between pieces, like a suit jacket and pants.

If the item has a zipper, the teeth of the zipper shouldn’t touch your skin. Pockets should even and have clean stitching wherever they connect with the garment. Quality buttons made of brass, horn, or pearl are a sign of quality garment, so keep that in mind as well.

Remember to look inside, too. The interior of the garment should look as good as the outside, with the seams cleanly finished rather than rough and frayed. Jackets, pants, and skirts should have a lining on the inside if they’re made of a winter fabric, like wool. Otherwise, you’ll be uncomfortable when you wear them.

The most important thing to look for in clothes is the fabric. Learn to pick out quality fabrics by going to a department store or fabric store. Get to know how cotton, wool, silk, and cashmere feel and how they’re different so you can identify them when you shop. Every fabric has its advantages and disadvantages.

Cottons and linens are cooler because they breathe better, but they’ve been known to develop holes after a while. Silk drapers beautifully, but it requires high maintenance. Look at the care label on the garment to see what it’s made of and what kind of care it needs. The more you know about the garment, the more confident you can be that it’s worthwhile purchase.



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Timben

Never pay full price for shoes

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You need new shoes. Don’t worry. There are good deals all over the place. You just have to find them. Follow the sales and make use of coupons, and you’ll never have to pay full price again.

Always look for quality before you look at the price. Quality shoes may cost a little more, but they’ll last longer, which means you won’t have to keep buying new shoes. When your shoes wear out, have them repaired. It’s cheaper to replace the sole or the heel of a well-made shoe that’s comfortable and fits you well than to toss it out and buy a new pair.

Be kind to your feet and buy the proper shoes for different activities. Have enough pairs in your closet so you can switch them every day. Wearing the same pair of shoes day in and day out isn’t good for your feet – or your shoes.

If you know the style and size of shoe you want, you can save money by buying brand name shoes online. The following companies offer sale prices over the Internet. Just be sure to check the shipping and handling charges so you don’t spend more online than you would have originally.

* Eastland www.eastlandshoe.com
* Florsheim www.florsheim.com
* Nike www.nike.com



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Timben