Be aware that reader's response sure makes a difference how Vendors feel. When their phones don't ring much, it's hard to convince them that their product was exposed to at least 60,000 readers, almost all computer users, and I have no other way to prove it. I know you can't buy everything, but a phone inquiry if nothing else proves what I tell them about exposure when calling for a deal, and helps in future deals inquiries.
It seems that there were problems with some of the offers. Hayes, PrintScreen (see deals for apology), and even Micrografx, I was told. I E-mailed Hayes again but no response. Their UG Coordinator never does answer my mail. I haven't even heard from my own order, but at this point, I don't care. I read that they scored very low on lab tests.
*Reminder.* The MySoftware offer is good until the end of the year; 1-800-325-3508 and use the P9 code. The Viagraphics discount is less at this point, but if you call now, you might still get the 30% off; call 1-800-233-2332, use code #D-2401-7. Call fast and you might still get the Astound WebMotion special at $44.95; 1-800-982-9888, use code #UG11097.
The CyberMedia deal is still good. Thanks to a member for updating me: You will now get the '98 version of "First Aid" with the same code #. Call 1-800-721-7824, use code for each item as printed last month. This offer ends this month.
*Apology from JE Software.* I called to tell them I had a few E-mails saying when people tried to take advantage of the PrintScreen offer, they were told to call Tigerware and given that number. The spokesman asked me to print their apology to you readers. They said the problem was new people. Sounds like the new hire was a spy from Tigerware.
To make amends, the PrintScreen Deluxe deal for $24.95 including S&H will still be honored. That's a useful program if you don't have it. Not only that, but they will also offer "Macro Magic" and "ErrorScan* for the same $24.95 deal.
"ErrorScan" is an easy-to-use utility to delete troublesome files from your hard drive before causing system crashes and downtime. Exit Windows unexpectedly, such as a crash or power loss, and extraneous files are left behind on your hard drive. Over time they take up much space there.
It examines all the files on your hard drives and, based on your selection criteria, lets you delete them before they do any harm. It identifies the ones it thinks should be deleted and lets you decide if they stay or go. Supports both fixed and removable hard drives. It helped me get 15 megs more on my HD. What a surprise!
"EZ Macros" lets you record any sequence of keystrokes and mouse movements, and play them back whenever you wish, Internet and e-mail ready. Instead of typing in dozens of commands, you simply create a single key command. Even records your mouse movements. There's more description.
One macro printed a message on the screen while my wife was working that we needed a new computer, but no luck there. I'm going to recommend they upgrade that software, somehow, so it is more persuasive. Another macro printed her response. You don't want to know!
To order these programs at $24.95 each including S&H, call J E Software at 1-800-431-1348 and ask for Debbie Knuckles. Mention this column. Sounds like Debbie means business so you better order. They offer other titles: AutoMate Professional which lets your machine perform tasks unattended; Automate 96; Print Screen (regular); and AutoPrint Screen SE. I didn't ask about those prices. Visit their web site at www.janesway.com for limited time downloads.
*Another day at the Beach(Ware)* These are the rest of the BeachWare titles this month with a brief description of each.
"Religion Bookshelf." Enjoy electronic versions of three of the most popular religious texts on one CD-ROM.
"Multiware Multimedia Collection." This incredible collection of license free-media clips bursting with 240+ color pictures and backdrops, 200+ sound and music clips, 140+ quicktime and AVI movies, and a variety of multimedia tools includes a color browser to preview the material.
"Screen Machine." A dynamic collection of unique screensavers and wallpaper according to their description.
"1000 games." CD contains over 1000 shareware and public domain games "Nursery Rhymes." Magical and new playing experience containing 40 nursery rhymes, ten of which include on-screen finger plays. Each rhyme has it's own screen with original artwork, animations, sound-effects and songs.
"Goldilocks Gamebook." CD-ROM presents the Goldilocks story in over 30 interactive screens. Have the story read to you while you watch, or navigate yourself. Play one of 17 separate games that relate to specific scenes in the story.
"World War II Almanac." Extensive resource of information about World War II; it's people, events and machinery. CD-ROM is organized into eight categories including battles, dates, leaders, statistics, and weapons. A myriad of text and pictures.
"Classic Arcade." A new CD out with all your favorite arcade classics reincarnated better than ever. They say great graphics (makes sense they'd say that). Walk through the arcade and choose from over nine different game machines.
All are PC/Mac and on CD-ROM. User group price is just $10 each + $3 S&H. $6 each for 6 or more. What a deal! Call them at 1-760-735-8945 to order. Why not have the club organize a large order at the cheaper price and make a few bucks for the treasury!
*Lotus is Baaaaak.* There is a special deal on "Lotus SmartSuite 97" for a limited time. SmartSuite 97 includes six 32-bit Windows applications: 1-2-3 spreadsheet, Word Pro word processor, Approach database, Freelance Graphics presentation graphics, Organizer time management, and ScreenCam multimedia software.
User group members qualify for an upgrade to SmartSuite if they own one or more desktop applications, Lotus's or a competitors, for $139.95 US. Your user group probably has flyers on this offer. Call 1-800-888-4830 and mention SKU # 293186. FreeLance Graphics is my favorite part of it, but I used it to make a presentation to the IRS and they wanted to know how I got the money to buy it. Now I don't know for sure!
*How about a Computer Bug!* No, not the kind of bug you are all familiar with. This is a bug you stick on the side of your computer or monitor and it appears to have burst out from inside. The special adhesive won't leave a mark and you can even reposition him?/her? (or it; if you prefer) A CD-ROM is shrink-wrapped to the top of a lab beaker container. The CD has over 20 screen-savers, animations, and wallpapers that allow you to see inside your monitor where the Computer Bug lives. You'll find his goofy antics entertaining as he eats computer chips, knocks on your screen, talks to you, and schemes to eat your mouse. He even plays racquetball against the glass. Also fun birthday and holiday screensavers. Oh yes, the lab beaker doubles as a piggy-bank. My piggy-bank is broken already; and so am I.
This is a new Company and I didn't get much of a deal, but I thought the item was cute and a good gift. Street price is $14.95 and the special price is $12.95 by calling 1-888-FUNBUG8. Requires Windows 95 Pentium-based computer. I've seen a couple of favorable reviews on this item.
*PC Novice is still around.* You all know about the magazine "PC Novice," a publication I've always recommended to new users. In fact, even to people who have been at it for a while but need more education. Yes it is still around, but the name has been changed to "Smart Computing." They say the magazine format is still the same.
The publisher assigns your user group a PIN number and will refund $5 of each subscription or renewal back to your user group each quarter when the subscriber uses the ID number to order. Our user group has benefited and so have our members who read it.
For those user groups who did not know about this, I'm glad to be the messenger. Call Katie Peterson at 1-800-334-7458 if you are not already set up, or e-mail her at katie-peterson@smartcomputing.com. Print the number in your newsletter each month to remind members.
*No this isn't for your lawn!* (Windows 95/NT.) Forefront is offering some special deals. "WebWhacker" is a way to greatly speed up Web browsing. No more painfully slow web surfing that makes you wonder if watching grass grow would be more productive.
It lets you save Internet sites; including text, graphics and HTML files, directly to your HD for highly accelerated off-line viewing. Off-line browsing is an effective and speedy way to do Corporate surfing, even presentations or educational demonstrations. Schedules unattended "Whacking." Export an entire "whacked" web site, including all links, to HTML. There's much more explanation.
"WebSeeker" (Windows 95/NT or Mac) gives the capability to utilize the full potential of the Internet for technical searches. Find information on hardware, software or network products; comparison shop for products or services; locate specs, pricing or other information. SearchEngine incorporates the power of 100 search engines that scan technical resources, on-line publications, Usenet newsgroups and more. Much more explanation.
"ClickBOOK" (shouldn't I get royalties?) (Windows 95/3.1 or Mac) intercepts standard-sized pages on the way to the printer and automatically reduces, rotates and paginates them to print as double-sided documents on laser or inkjet printers. Creates professional looking booklets and brochures instantly. Get the best information from different sources (the Internet, CD-ROMs, Windows/Mac programs) and combine them into your own personalized and customized information source.
The "deal" here is if you buy any "two" products, you get them for $89.95, and they will throw in their Anti-Virus free. Don't know about S&H. I would rather have individual prices, but I take the deals where I can get them. All things considered, the deal's not bad. Call Jim Geegan of ForeFront Software at 1-800-653-4933 - ext. 1006 to order or for more info.
Looks like it's still lengthy this month but some deals included several products. I hope to find a bunch of deals at COMDEX, maybe some gift items. Meet me here next month for more deals. Bob (the cheapskate) Click. You can reach me at fax 1-407-382-2781 or E-mail - dealsguy@aol.com.
For more information on the Tulsa Computer Society click here