Computers 101

Q:
A friend of mine told me that I should always register software. Is this true? Will the software police come and get me if I don't?

A:
OK, I'm going to take some heat for this, so just remember this is my "humble" opinion—you do what you want :-)

My feeling on registration is not to—unless you absolutely have to.

Why?

Cuz I said so!
Just kidding :-)

The reason I'm generally against registering software is that it usually does the customer more harm than good. For the most part, you can get tech support whether you've registered or not. You can normally get updates even if you're not a registered user. About the only thing you don't get by not registering is a bunch of advertising and phone calls.

It's my opinion that the reasons most companies want your info is so they can turn around an sell it. This happens all the time in every industry. I don't know about you, but I've had my fill of junk mail, junk e-mail, and telephone solicitors. The idea of giving these people my contact info by typing it in myself and voluntarily sending to their computer is sickening. (BTW: in case you're worried, when you order from us we don't sell your info—ever!)

Of course, not every company you register with will sell your info, but I'd check their privacy policy first. After all, why would they want it if they weren't going to do anything with it? Do they have excess hard drive space in their computers that needs filling? Oh, and don't get taken in by the line that they will only give your information to their "selected advertising partners"—that's pretty much anyone with a checkbook. Besides, once their "advertising partners" get a hold of it, what's to stop them from selling it to others? See how easy it is to feed the Sp@m Machine??

There are times you really will need to register though:

Shareware Programs - These are try before you buy downloads. If you purchase them, you pretty much have to give your contact info. Since many shareware authors are just people working out of their house, you're usually safe. Besides, you have to have basic info to run a credit card, so they are collecting it out of necessity.

Freeware Programs - These often require registration since you're getting the program for free. Kind of a "we'll swap you a program for contact info" deal.

Tech Support - Although most companies will give you tech support without your registration info on file, you may run across one that doesn't (I've personally never had a problem, but it's possible). Most programs will let you register right from the Help menu, so you can put this off until you need it.

Updates - Again, most companies will let you update your software without registration—but there are a few who won't. So, if you need software updates and the company requires you to register, you probably have no choice. Be very careful with this one. Some programs will make it look like registration is required for updates when it's really not (Norton is good for this).

Freebies - Some software companies offer free extra downloads when you register.

Annoyed To Death - Like a woodpecker that's mistaken your head for a piece of oak, some programs will peck away at you with constant registration reminders. Sometimes the only relief is to register. If the option is there to print a registration form, click it then cancel the printing—this will also stop the message from appearing.

Real Requirement - Finally, some programs require you to register in order to use the software. Period. In this case, you either register or stop using the software. This is becoming more common to stop software piracy.

Keep in mind that the harder a company tries to get you to register (with the exception of shareware programs), the more likely it is that they are selling your information. Their business model may be to sell the software cheap on the front end and make up the difference by selling addresses and phone numbers on the back end.

Your best bet before giving any company any information is to check their privacy policy carefully. Take a look and see if they are going to sell your info. If they are, see if you can request that it not be sold (and try to get Bill Gates to discount Windows while you're at it :-).

OK, I'm done ranting and feel much better now. Just remember, all of this is only my "humble" opinion. If you feel your need to register, certainly do so.

~ Steve

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Tip of the Day

Conscientious Software Installation

We get calls and email all the time from readers who have trouble running software. Many times, these problems are caused by PBDC errors (Problem Between Desk and Chair) during install. I'm guilty of this too. Many times we try to install software without checking the memory and system requirements. So often we click "I Agree" to things we have not read or "Next" without reading the screen. Here are some simple tips for smart software installation:

Verify System Compatibility - Before you buy, make sure that your system can handle the software. For instance...our software pages list system requirements such as Processor, RAM, MB of free hard space, CD drive speed, and Windows version. If you have an old Windows 95 machine with a 2x CD drive and a 486 processor, then you will most likely have problems with current software titles.

Read the licensing agreement - At least skim through it. For instance, did you know that RealOne (RealAudio player) sends back your personal info to the mothership? That's right! RealNetworks collects and stores your Internet (IP) address and the URL of the website that sent you to the RealOne registration page. In addition, by clicking "I Agree" you give them permission to use your personal info to "provide you with targeted advertising, promotions, and special offers" (Read: SPAM). If you didn't read the privacy policy statement, then you didn't know this.

Pay attention to where the file goes - During installation you can choose where you want that program to be. Don't just click NEXT. Maybe you could put it somewhere that makes sense.

Don't get "click happy" - Read each screen before you click "Next". The default on the screen is not always the best setup for your system. I installed a program one time that defaulted to the demo mode rather than the full version. Imagine my surprise when some of the features were locked. Or maybe you prefer to run off a CD rather than clog up drive space. These might be options that you just clicked past and missed out on.

Look at the ReadMe File - Usually after you install software it asks if you want to view the ReadMe file. Maybe you're afraid it's some Alice in Wonderland thing (like "Drink Me") that will make you grow into a giant. Well, it's not. Often it is filled with legal mumbo jumbo and useless information, but sometimes it will tell you about abnormalities caused by certain system configurations—maybe even yours.

Check out the tutorial - Most programs actually teach you how to use them. This is especially important with things like virtual drives, firewalls, pop-up stoppers, and utilities that if configured improperly will not work right. You might be the adventurous type, but if you want to get the most from your software, the tutorial is a faithful guide (in most cases).

Following these simple guidelines could help you avoid hours of frustration and emails to the help desk. You won't get so annoyed that you never use the program or just end up uninstalling the program.

~ David

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Amanda's Cool Site of the Day

The Underground Railroad

Take a trip on the Underground Railroad as a slave. Travel through it from the slave's perspective. Choose "Yes I want to go" to get started. This takes you through historical figures and places as you journey giving you information and then allowing you to continue on your journey.

As you travel you find interesting facts, and can choose different options, if you make it to freedom you will learn that slaves didn't just escape to freedom in the Northern United States, but also across Lake Erie into Canada where they could own land, and vote.

Another triumph on the part of National Geographic.

I hope you enjoy this gem as much as I did.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/

Do you have a cool, non-commercial site that you want to share?
Send it to Amanda at amanda@worldstart.com