Well, the Best Buy story is over, but I can't talk about it. In order to settle, I was required to sign a nondisclosure agreement that my attorney says is standard. I refused at first, but finally agreed because of a conversation recently with another attorney who told me something disturbing.
He mentioned that our Florida lawmakers have passed legislation preventing you from collecting for attorney fees if you sue and warned that I'd better take what I could get. If this is true, it's like the song says, "there goes the little guy." I decided to settle the best way I could if it was within reason. I disliked the length of time it took, and the attitude I received (I have letters) until settlement day, but it's over.
Some shareware programs containing Spyware are named in an article written by Don Singleton in "APCUG Reports" about "Aureate." He suggests you go to Steve Gibson's Web site [http://www.grc.com/optout.htm] and download OptOut to look for and clean that garbage from your hard drive. By the time you read this, there may be a charge for a newer version that finds more, but it's worth it in my opinion. It found nothing on my machine.
Users Group members might enjoy reading the quarterly APCUG Reports I spoke of. It's interesting, so log on to [http://www.apcug.org] to find it. You need the Acrobat Reader.
Of course you realize that DSL is not available in all locations because of phone line limitations. I didn't see details about the installation. I've heard there is a catch, so if you check it out, look carefully.
Hang2000 is "secretly educational." It has a new "knowledge area" including information associated with the guessed word or phrase. For example, if the word chosen is from the States or Countries category, the knowledge area will show the capital of the State or Country. If the category is Authors or Composers, the knowledge area will show facts about, or famous works of, the author or composer. You can also make your own lists (unlimited in number) and include your own associated information.
There's more info and I have the "secret" URLs for users group people. Mums the word on these URLs. Users group pricing and other details are available there. Since I'm not a game person, I have not tried it.
Or for more info (available to everyone): [http://www.winograd.com]
We're happy to announce that Corel PHOTO-PAINT for Linux), Corel's photo editing, image-composition and painting application, is now available as a free download. It lets you create incredible special effects with Artistic Media brushes, filters, precision retouching features and more. Whether for print or the Web, your images will be captivating! Download Corel PHOTO-PAINT for Linux at [http://www.linux.corel.com]. The exciting features included in this download are just a hint of what will be included in CorelDRAW Graphics Suite for Linux, slated for release later this summer. Stay tuned for more details in the near future.
I checked and these files are very large.
"Friendly Robotics" makes a mower that looks like a big yellow bug running around mowing your lawn all by itself. I'm not kidding! The first thing to do is stake down a "perimeter wire" around the zones you wish it to mow so it knows where to stop, hook up the perimeter switch, charge the mower battery and you are in business. After some initial calibration, just run it into position and press start. Then sit back and relax with your favorite beverage, read the paper, have a snooze, or whatever because the lawnmower knows what to do, even if it bumps into something.
Installing the perimeter wire is easy (just stake it down on top of the ground). If you didn't do it right, it's easily changed. The machine is a 21" cut with three rotary blades and can mow a lawn of 2500 to 3200 sq. ft. on a battery charge. It starts by mowing (also mulches) around the perimeter, then back and forth for the duration you program it for. You'll find you must mow more often, but who cares, you're not doing it! You can go back inside and watch TV it you prefer. Can you spell "It's Miller Time?"
There's a "Sizzlin' Summer Sale" on their Web site ending July 31, 2000, but they have extended it just for the Deals column through September 31, 2000. Check mower details at [http://www.friendlyrobotics.com]. The MSRP is $795, but this sale gets you a $100 rebate. That's $50 off the MSRP + free S&H. Also, a $100 gift certificate for a national retailer or home improvement store bringing the total rebate to $200, but I'm not sure about how long for that coupon after July. If you have a problem ordering, ask for Scott Slaughter at Friendly Robotics. Also offers a money-back guarantee.
I'm working out some problems using mine as I close the column so check my Web site for further details. However, right now it looks like a "keeper." Maybe with next year's model you can just yell, "go mow the lawn" without even getting out of your chair.
That's it for this month. Meet me here again next month if your editor permits. 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 might sound. Bob (The Cheapskate) Click [dealsguy@mindspring.com]. Visit my Web site at [http://www.dealsguy.com] for past columns. Also check out the distribution page.
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