Dan's Web Spot

Most of us use some kind of anti-virus, anti-malware or both on our computers (hopefully).

Chances are that you are probably using an Internet security suite from one of the big name vendors like Trend, Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, etc. If so, you are aware how expensive these software packages can be.

Even if you purchased a new computer that came with a 90 day trial, you will likely see a renewal notice with a link that takes you to the company’s web site, only to find that they want $60 or so to renew your subscription for a year’s protection.

Check out this useful article posted on CartierConsulting.com. You can save some serious money on your Internet security software subscription(s)!

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"Smart" phones are cool. Phones like the iPhone or BlackBerry let you install both free and paid applications on them that provide some cool or useful (hopefully both) functionality. Let me point out one of the most popular phrases of 2009 (according to a University of Princeton survey): "There's an app for that" -Apple, referring to their iPhone. And cool it is...

Over the past decade, there have been many technological changes, from the prevalence of PDAs to laptops to Netbooks to Smart Phones. Look out, because I don't think things are done evolving quite yet. There are plans for a multi-touch tablet computer revolution. Could we see an end of the computer "mouse" as we know it?

tether for PC

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At long last, we will hopefully get some much anticipated relief from having to jump for the remote to lower the sound volume when a television commercial airs while watching TV.

On December 15th, 2009, the House of Representatives passed The Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (CALM) by voice vote!

The Act enables the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to monitor the volume of advertisements in television programming and determine acceptable levels.

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2009 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD V-6

With all the recent hype surrounding the Cash for Clunkers Program, I had been seriously investigating what kind of "deal" I could get, let alone what kind of SUV or Crossover vehicle would be able to replace my 15-year-old Ford Explorer (with 246,000 miles on it!).

I looked at the Toyota RAV-4, which was too cramped and overpriced. After a test drive, I found that the Ford Escape, which was all plastic, was somewhat of sub-par quality. Finally I found and test-drove the vehicle that was night-and-day above the others as far as quality and comfort at a comparable price: the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe!

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NTIA DTV coupon program

UPDATE: The DTV Coupon Program officially ended on July 31, 2009. Further information regarding background and statistics can be found at at the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) web site.

On February 17, 2009, the television stations that broadcast analog signals over the air will be required to switch to digital. You don't need to worry about this unless you currently use a roof antenna or "rabbit ears" on your television to view TV.

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