20 Things They Don't Want You to Know

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.

Comments

Re:Extended Warranties Aren't Worth It

[Monte]

I would agree that extended warranties on PCs aren't worth it, but my rule is:

1) If it's something that goes on the shelf/table and just sits there, forget the warranty: TV, DVD player, stereo, laptop, PC, etc

2) If it's something you carry around, small, expensive and likley to break when dropped, consider the warranty: CD player, tape system, mini-disc, PDA, etc

This has served me in good stead, the two or three extended warranties I have gotten have definitely paid for themselves. But then I'm a klutz.

Re:Expensive Printers and warranties

[bladernr]

I've found that printers typically only last a year

I've had an HP 4000 since 1997. I've printed lots, and I've never had a problem. I know someone who still has an HP 4si (circa 1993). Its not cheap to buy a quality laser printer, but, since I've only bought one printer in 8 years, I think it works out cheaper to buy quality.

Or, as with anything else, you get what you pay for.

Locked Cell phone / DRM crap

[SynapseLapse]

If you don't want to pay the ridiculous rates that cell phone companies charges for the luxury of putting .jpg/.png/.mid/.mp3/whatever on your cellphone, try out this site:

http://www.phoneuploader.stellernet.com/

I've spent the last couple hours uploading Mario .mid files to my phone, it's way too much fun.