Saving money is good. Exposing your computer to dangers like viruses and spyware is not. Unfortunately many people depend on outdated protection to keep their computer safe.

Most new computers do have a trial version of some famous-brand antivirus product pre-installed, and it will function normally for a month or two …or maybe even a year. But when the trial period expires, the computer is no longer fully protected, because the antivirus is no longer receiving updates to enable it to catch and eliminate the newest viruses. Many people choose to rely on outdated antivirus software in order to save money.

A much better solution is avast! Free Antivirus 5.0 from ALWIL Software, now in Version 5.0. The popularity of earlier versions of avast! made it the world’s most popular free antivirus program, with over 100 million users. New avast! 5.0 has new features and a new interface, and performs impressively in virus and spyware elimination tests. The new 5.0 edition of avast! is free for non-business home users; the “Pro” version is available for business use and has additional features and customization options.

The new avast! Free Antivirus 5.0 includes…

• Transparent scanning of all files, programs and email
• Automatic updates
• Improved antivirus and anti-spyware engine
• Scanning on-demand
• Scheduled scanning
• Impressive anti-spyware and anti-root-kit protection
• Online tech support

You can download avast! Free Antivirus 5.0 from http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

I have recommended previous versions of avast! for years, and have had many people tell me that it removed viruses and spyware left behind by other products.

For more a detailed product review of avast! Free Antivirus 5.0 features and, visit PCMag.com

avast! Free Antivirus 5.0 runs on any recent version of Microsoft Windows: Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7 (32/64 bit)

Before installing new antivirus software, be sure to uninstall any existing antivirus software

This summer when I was on vacation, I used the 411 service on my mobile phone a few times… then when I received the bill I was reminded that my cell phone company charges $1.75 for each call to directory information.

If only I’d known then about Google’s Free 411 Service –
1-800-GOOG-411 – an automated service that uses speech recognition technology to provide the information users need.

Update:
Unfortunately Google has discontinued GOOG-411
However Microsoft has a similar service… for free: 1-800-Bing-411

You can learn more in this video from Google:

Here’s more info on how GOOG-411 works…

The speech recognition seems to work well. And  there’s no advertising – so you aren’t held prisoner listening to a commercial while you wait for the info you need.

At any point in the call, you can say “go back” or “start over” to navigate the system. If you wish, Google will send you a text message via SMS with more details and a map — Just say, “Text message” or “Map it”

This service provides only business phone listings, not residential phone numbers. In other words, it works as a yellow pages, but not a white pages directory.

Why is Google providing this service for free? According to the company, the free service will enable Google to build a large database of phenomes (language sounds) that will help Google build future voice recognition technologies.

This is a free service (at least far as Google is concerned), but obviously you will be responsible for the cost (if any) for SMS messages and the actual minutes you use, according to the terms of your mobile phone service plan.

Sources:
1-800-GOOG-411: Find and connect with local businesses for free
GOOG-411 – Mobile Help Center
Using GOOG-411
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN0q8SvlQAk
GOOG-411 on Wikipedia