From the DealsGuy
In response to my comments about "paid referral" URLs sent to user group members who don't actually know the reason, I was not surprised to receive e-mail from people who disagreed with my opinion of those who send them to others for their own income. They said the recipient has no money obligation so why should it matter, even though it is without their knowledge. They mostly said, "What they don't know won't hurt 'em." My answer is that I think deception has no place in user groups, or anyplace else.
In fact, a few readers pointed out that there was such a URL to order the book in my last couple of columns. True, but that is the ordering URL; what can I do, unless I leave that item out? I felt few people would go there unless they were ordering the book. Ira also pointed out the code for the Amazing Mail in that column, which he called "commission/referral code," whatever that is. Have you been keeping an eye on how many of the URLs you see with number strings? The Central Florida Computer Society BoD uses eGroups a lot for internal communication and it often has these paid referral URLs in their ads. More on that next month as I learn more.
On the other hand, Elkhart PC Users Group actively promotes a paying URL, urging the members to use it every day, even giving them numbers on how much money their treasury could receive from only a few pennies per hit (even more if you make a purchase). That sounds like a good plan since it is with the member's knowledge, but I couldn't help noticing there is also a bit of resistance to it.
In my discussion about being careful of clicking on attachments with an .EXE ending, a friend pointed out that there are also .COM, .OVL, .DLL, and now .VBS (visual basic script) executable attachments! Besides all that, there are the macro viruses embedded in Microsoft docs, etc. I even read about JPEG files that it was said could hide a virus. Best policy, he said, is to always use your virus detector and update it every couple of days.
Problems with Pentium IIIs
Intel announced that Pentium III motherboards equipped with its "memory translator hub" (MTH) may be sensitive to system noise, and may even reboot or crash with no warning. If your Pentium III (w/Intel motherboard purchased after Nov. '99) is affected, Intel will refund or replace both your motherboard and your RAM, replacing your current RAM with 128 MB of RDRAM (very expensive RAM). If you think you have one of these, check with where you purchased it.
Only computers containing Intel's 820 chipset, a 133-MHz system bus and a Pentium III running at 533 MHz or greater are affected, and if yours has RamBus memory, you're OK. Intel has created a MTH Reboot Issue page. Click on the "Am I Affected" link for another page where you can download a free utility that will tell you if your Pentium III has an MTH controller. Also, go to News and search for MTH for more information (if its still on there).
Adobe Reminder
I publish these from time to time, mostly for members new to the users group community. These specials are ongoing but can end at any time. Adobe is one of our best supporters, hence the reminder. Check the Adobe Web site for descriptions if you don't know what it is.
Adobe PhotoDeluxe
Business Edition
Windows/Macintosh
UG price $69.00
Adobe PhotoDeluxe
Home Edition 4.0
Windows
UG price $39.00
Adobe PhotoDeluxe 2.0
Windows/Macintosh
UG price $39.00
Adobe PageMill 3.0
Windows/Macintosh
UG price $69.00
They say supplies are limited. Order by calling 1-800-888-6293. Provide your user group name and the offer #35701.
If you own Adobe Acrobat version 4.0, have you asked for the free update? It fixes a few problems discovered after its initial release and includes a few enhancements. Call 1-800-272-3623 to see about the free version 4.05 update if you're a registered user. Have the serial number for your Acrobat ready.
An Old Company is Still Around
How many remember "Arts & Letters"? The newbies won't, I'm sure, but this company has been around for a long time. However, they have never been very aggressive. I received a solicitation call from them the other day to upgrade and convinced them to offer my readers a deal.
Arts & Letters Express is an excellent graphics program and I have an excellent price. Many of the new features in Express 7.0 facilitate the development and use of graphics on Web sites, and for interactive presentations. Also included is a CD containing 10,000 Web graphics and a convenient viewer/browser. Version 7.0 users can now connect directly to a special Arts & Letters Web site (access is limited to users of Express 7.0 and greater). From this site, users can download a variety of content and support materials, including clip art, fonts, animated GIFs, sound effects, templates, utilities, news, special offers and documentation. There is even a message board for exchanging ideas and solutions with other users. By the way, tech support is free and unlimited. How often do you get that these days!
There are too many features to include here so I suggest you visit Arts & Letters for all the information. If you like what you see or want more info, call them at 1-972-661-8960, extension 15, and ask for Mel Calderon. Tell him you read it in Bob Click's Deals column. Then you will be entitled to buy Arts & Letters Express version 7.0 (full version, two CDs) for just $89.95 (regular $139.95) + $8.50 S&H. Canadian S&H is $20 but there is a way Canadians won't pay tax. Ask Mel about that.
They have Windows 95/98/NT/2000 versions, but I saw nothing for the Mac. Mel noticed I hadn't received the free 6.2 update so he sent me that one and I will get 7.0 when it is introduced in July.
More user group entries are listed on my distribution page. Evelyn Hagfeldt, President of Northland Microcomputer Users Group, found the time to send me the information on her group, and Bill De Lucia from Central New York PC Users Group sent information for their listing. Thanks for the help.
The Best Buy dispute is still ongoing, but I hope to have it concluded next month. The only thing we can't agree on is a new established purchase price for the new computer, which was what began this action in the first place. They are steadfastly refusing on that and we are about on the courthouse steps, but they'll find I am serious, win or lose.
This column is written to make user group members aware of special offers I have found or arranged, and my comments should not be interpreted to encourage, or discourage, the purchase of products, no matter how enthused I sound.
—
Bob (The Cheapskate) Click
