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Here are links for some products and services we have found very useful. You may find them useful too. Feel free to click on any that interest you to find out more information. No obligation, of course.
Connect to your home or office PC from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. Get $10 off EVERY MONTH!
Faxes sent right to your email! Never miss another fax. Never have to run back to the office!
Staples. 'Nuff said.
Good, inexpensive host for your web page. Don't have a web domain? They will get you one free.
All your printing needs. Rubber Stamps, too.
All kinds of batteries. All kinds!
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Dear Reader:
Some of you actually liked our last newsletter, so we are out with the 2nd edition!
 Yes, it is April Fool's Day, so we'll talk this month about fool-related things. First off, we don't want to get fooled into running our computers with adware or spyware hidden on it, so we'll remind you about free tools to find and remove it. Next up, we have a free method for you to test your Internet connection speed so you won't foolishly think it's faster (or slower) that it really is. And finally, if you are foolish enough (like me) to not have completed your tax returns yet, we have some tips for tax preparation software that might help you out.
As always, please let us know what you think of our newsletter. And now, I'm off to work on my taxes....
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Don't Get Fooled with Adware or Spyware on Your PC
Every (or almost every) fool knows that you should always (ALWAYS!) have up-to-date AntiVirus software on your computer. (If you don't, see our article in last month's newsletter about AntiVirus software.)
 But did you know that an equal or greater threat exists from adware and spyware. Adware is software that is on your computer for the sole purpose of generating ads that pop up and annoy you. Sometimes they redirect your browser to their own website instead of where you want to go on the Internet. Spyware is similar, but actually sends information from your computer back to the software maker's server on the Internet. Usually, spyware is watching to see what you do on the computer so it can learn your interests and send you ads targeted to those interests. But, it could also be sending passwords, email addresses, account numbers, and more back to its home base. You don't want either of these nuisance software types on your computer!
A common way to infect your computer with adware or spyware is downloading music, video, or programs from the Internet. For example, many "free" screensavers contain spyware. The screensaver is the come-on that gets you to download the spyware!
There are several free (don't' you just love free?) anti-ad/spyware programs available that we recommend. Unlike AntiVirus programs which update and run automatically, these anti ad/spyware programs have to be manually updated and manually run. We recommend updating them and running them once a week or once a month, depending on how may problems the software finds. Here they are:
DON'T GET FOOLED into downloading the wrong product. Make sure the product names are as specified here (there are many sound-alike products that aren't as good, cost money, or worst of all are actually spyware themselves!)
There are some instructions for updating and running Ad-Aware and Spybot (although for older but similar versions) at the Master Software website. Just click on Windows Tips on the menu on the left and then on the article about Ad-Aware and Spybot. Remember, these programs must be updated and run manually.
These programs should take care of most adware and spyware infestations. However, in severe cases, you may need to have us come in and clean your computer. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need our help.
Adware and Spyware are only for fools, and you are certainly not a fool! |
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How fast is your Internet Connection Speed? Really? Did you ever wonder how fast your Internet connection speed really is? Speakeasy has an Internet speed test that is easy and free (again with the "free") to use.
 Just click on the Speed Test link to the left and a window will open up for the test. Select the location (server) you want to test the speed to (I usually select Washington DC) and the download and upload tests will run automatically.
With Comcast, you should get download speeds of 1500 to 6000 or more. With Verizon, download speeds should be at least 768. Upload speeds are MUCH slower; both services reserve most of their bandwidth for downloads because you tend to download much more than upload.
If you are not satisfied with your Internet speed, you may want to get Comcast or Verizon high speed Internet services. Both have special deals for new subscribers. Click on the links below to check availability in your location and see what deals are being offered.
Let us know if you have any questions about high speed Internet or if you need any help installing it, setting it up, or connecting it to multiple computers. |
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You Can Do Your Own Taxes With Income Tax Software
 This time our cute clock image is a reminder that Tax Time is approaching. This year your tax returns are due on Tuesday April 17th.
If you have been paying big bucks for a tax preparer to do your taxes, you might be able to save some money this year by doing them yourself with the help of some income tax software.
Master Software got started in 1982 by writing income tax software, called Tax Master, for Commodore computers. That's why we have "Software" in our name. We marketed this software nationally for about 15 years until the Commodore market, and our customer base, essentially disappeared.
For the last several years, we have been using Tax Cut by H&R Block to do our taxes, and we really like this program. Tax Cut can load your last year's tax information from Tax Cut, Turbo Tax, or from some other financial programs. It uses an "interview" method to find out about your income and expenses, and also will do your state taxes.
The easiest way to obtain Tax Cut is by clicking this link and downloading the program, or ordering a CD:
There is also a free on-line tax service which will do your Federal tax return for free. If you want them to do your state return, however, there is a charge. You can check them out by clicking this link:
Please let us know if you used either Tax Cut or TaxNet and what you thought. |
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Sorry I foolishly rambled on so much this time. Let us know if you have any suggestions for future articles or how we can help you with your personal or business computer related needs. And please visit our sponsors over in that left column.
Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. Now....back to those foolish taxes! |
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Steve Leven
Master Software |
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