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20 Things They Don't Want You to Know

Posted by Zonk on from the they're-seekrit dept.

theodp writes "PC World spills the beans about a bunch of things technology companies would rather you didn't know, including the lowdown on exploiting Windows' bad security, unlocking cell phones, using an IPod to move music and useless specs." Nothing groundbreaking, but might be a good primer for the non-techie in your life.

3 of 403 comments (clear)

  1. Extended Warranties Aren't Worth It by squoozer · · Score: 5, Insightful

    We all know this but I can't believe that PC World are actually saying it. They are one of the hardest sellers of extended warranties that I know. They once tried to sell me a warranty for a £10 mouse. IIRC the warranty was £15 but covered me for 3 years! No I don't shop there on a regular basis I just needed a mouse quickly.

    As far as I can tell they make their money from running virus scanners on ill informed customers PC's. Their customer service is awful at best even when they are taking large sums of your money. I suppose that is the result of them being the only show in town. The last thing that really bugs me though is that they always have a security guard on the door.

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    I used to have a better sig but it broke.
  2. Re:Mostly useless. by ruebarb · · Score: 5, Insightful

    every hacker or geek had to start somewhere -

    maybe learning how to copy Ipod tunes to multiple computers is just what the Dr. ordered to start someone down the road to unlocking the next propritary file format -

    RB

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    ah honey, we're all resplendent - Bill Mallonee
  3. Re:Not clever by B1ackDragon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I like the other replies, but I think the answer is less "the user doesn't care" and more "it trains the user not to care." The operating system crying wolf every 10 minutes for things that aren't problems (yes, Windows, anti-virus is updated) only serves to mask real security concerns.

    I guess, as always, if you want it done right don't leave it to Windows.

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    The snow doesn't give a soft white damn whom it touches. -- ee cummings