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 Many people choose to rely on outdated antivirus software in order to save money.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

Tutorial: Quick Start Guide to Sharing a File on drop.io on Vimeo.

VIDEO: Solve a common email problem
Attaching a large file to an email message can be inconvenient at best — but it can be downright inconsiderate or impractical if the files are really big.

If you ever need to share files or pictures… or even voicemail, drop.io will do all that and more, for free. The numerous free services drop.io provides include…

• audio drops
• voicemail
• collaboration
• privacy
• chat
• integration with Facebook and Twitter

…most of which are beyond the scope of this short video.

I do hope this tutorial gets you started. To discover everything else that drop.io can do, explore http://drop.io

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.

You can learn more in this video from Google:

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

From any phone, call 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411)

When the computer answers, state the location (or zip code) and name (or type) of business you want

The computer will recognize what you say and offer one or more alternatives

Choose the option you want… then get connected automatically

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

If you need Microsoft® Office 2007 but don’t have the time or money to order it right now, you can download a free 60-day trial version directly from Microsoft.

To get your download, visit the following link…

http://www.trymicrosoftoffice.com

Here’s some info you should keep in mind…

• You can run Office 2003 and 2007 on the same machine, except for Outlook: if you use Outlook, you may install only one version, Outlook 2003 or Outlook 2007.
• If you uninstall any software (like the 2003 version of Office), you will need the original media and product key to re-install that software, if you decide to uninstall Office 2007 at the end of the trial period.
• Office Professional 2007 includes Access 2007 — other versions may not include Access.
• When you download the software, you must provide your email address.
• You will receive a 25 character Product Key at the email address you provide.
• To use the Free 60-day trial version of Office 2007, you must activate the trial software over the Internet.
• The trial period begins with activation.
• The trial software may only be used for a SINGLE 60-day trial. If you have previously used a trail version of Office on your computer, your trial period began when you first installed and used that software.
• Some new computers have the 60-day trial version of Office pre-installed.
• If you have used any BETA versions of Microsoft Office, you must uninstall them before installing the trial version of Office.

When the 60-day trial period is over, the software remains on your computer but operates in a “Reduced Functionality Mode.” This means you will be able to open and view existing documents, but you cannot save any changes.
 
You may uninstall the 60-day trial software when it has expired …but once expired, any re-installed trial version will only operate in Reduced Functionality Mode.

Read all the information on Microsoft’s download site carefully before you install the software; follow the instructions. Currently Microsoft is offering a 60-day free trial; obviously, they may change this offer in the future.

Downloading the software will require a fast Internet connection (like DSL or Cable).

Answers to frequently asked questions are available here: http://us1.trymicrosoftoffice.com/faq.aspx

Sources and other resources…

How to Set Up & Install Your Trial