Get rid of trial and “crapware” pre-installed on your computer

Getting a new computer is always fun. Its like starting with a clean slate without the blips and glitches that come with use. However, new computers are not actually a clean slate. They come with a host of trial programs that many people don’t use. PC Decrapifier is a free program that will scan your machine (old or new) and uninstall many of the common trialware and annoyances found on many PCs from big name OEMs (here is a list of current programs it scans for).

After installing, PC Decrapifier runs a wizard in which you can tell it how long you’ve been using the machine as well as check for updates on the software. Before running the scan, take advantage of the program’s option to create a restore point just in case something goes wrong. Finally run the scan to discover a host of trailware and OEM programs lurking on your computer. If you’re not sure what the program is, you can click on the item for more information. Then just mark the items you want to remove and click the “Next” button.

To learn more or download the program, visit PC Decrapifier.

Surf and Work Safely in Wi-Fi Hot Spots

The ability to access the Internet from anywhere, whether its your favorite java joint or a hotel in Maui, is one of the best ways to beat the rate race and work wherever you want.  However, it doesn’t come without risk. Free and even fee-based wi-fi access while on the road doesn’t guarantee security of your private information. If you access your bank account, buy something using your credit card or access private membership sites, all your login and password information can be stolen from hackers.

But now there is a solution. Hotspot Shield from Anchorfree offers a free security application that creates a VPN (virtual private network) between your laptop or iPhone and the Internet thereby preventing hackers from seeing and stealing your information. Hotspot Shield is easy to install and runs on:

• Windows Vista
• Windows XP
• Windows 2000
• Mac OS X (10.5 Leopard)
• Mac OS X (10.4 Tiger)

To get your free copy or to learn more, visit AnchorFree’s Hotspot Shield page.

Free Voicemail Box

Have you ever wanted to supply your customers with detailed messages about your product or service? How about collecting testimonials? Would you like to receive an email each time you receive a message? Simple Voice Box offers an fast, easy and free way to set up a voice mail and messaging system.

Simple Voice Box can operate as a traditional voicemail or as an information broadcaster. It offers a host of features including multiple configurations (do you want your listeners to be able to leave a message or not), online management tool, RSS Feed capability, email notifications and extended message time. The best part is that you can get instant activation, its private and secure, there are no set-up fees, and no committments or contacts.

The free service comes with a toll dial-in number, private access code and unlimited use. Simple voice box also offers fee-based services that can include a toll-free or private number and no access code.

To learn more, visit SimpleVoiceBox.com.

HalfOffDepot.com Saves You 50%

“Why live life at full price?” is the mantra at HalfOffDepot.com which provides full-value vouchers at half-price. Obtaining vouchers is simply a matter of finding your city in the HalfOffDepot.com database, select the vouchers you want, and purchase them for half price. The vouchers are delivered by mail and can then be taken to the business and redeemed for its full value (twice what you paid).

HalfOffDepot.com is a great service receiving kudos on Yelp sites throughout the county. The drawback is that there are many cities and states that aren’t represented. For example, for me to take advantage of the discount, I’d need to shop in Washington, D.C. or North Carolina, which is second to Texas in having the most cities representated.

Visit HalfOffDepot.com for details.

Better Business Bureau for Charities

Hardly a day goes by without a call or direct mail piece from a charitable organization wanting money. All sound like worthy causes, but how can you really know if your money is being put to good use? The answer is to check out the Better Business Bureau, which has a list of charities and a variety of information that you can use to determine if you’d like to support the cause. Not only can you learn more about the organization, its services and history, but you can see what percentage of monies are used towards the cause, and whether or not it meets the BBB’s Standards of Charity Accountability. The BBB offers a resource library with information on make the most of your charity giving and if you’ve had a problem with a charity you can file a complaint.

To learn more, visit the Better Business Bureau’s Charity information.