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Ben's Help For Surviving December 2001: From Computer Viruses To Holiday Shopping & Shipping Tips
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Hey Ben: I heard you discussing the expense associated with shipping holiday gifts from one of those franchised, neighborhood postal centers on your radio show last week...but apparently you upset a listener that owns one of these businesses. I thought you said that all of your personal experiences dealing with these types of businesses were positive; why was he so upset?
-Lisa via e-mail
Dear Lisa: He was ticked off because I explained how expensive using a neighborhood shipping center can be. I clearly stated that convenience has a price, one that many of us (even after understanding the price we're paying) will gladly pay to avoid a long drive or an even longer wait in line. I wrote a story three years ago for this paper followed by a segment on News 8 At 9/Good Morning Texas (weekday mornings 9-10 am on WFAA-TV/Channel 8). I analyzed the Big Three delivery companies: UPS, Federal Express and the U.S. Postal Service, comparing cost, shipping reliability, level of Internet access to create airbills or track parcels and delivery guarantees. I also analyzed the cost of shipping through the Big Three by way of one of these Franchised Neighborhood Postal Centers [FNPC] and noted then that [altogether now]: Convenience Has A Price. I found that shipping from one of these FNPCs could add an additional 80% - 103% more to the cost of shipping your holiday packages. I don't begrudge anyone making a profit, I just think you need to know how much more you'll end up paying if you decide to utilize their services. I've already crunched the numbers: you be the judge
Dear Ben: Why do computer users continue to open e-mail attachments and spread viruses across the Internet? Haven't they figured out the obvious dangers of doing this yet?
-K.W. in Grapevine
Dear KW: Hmmmm...naive? Gullible? Uninformed? Some of the above? All of the above? It continues to amaze me how so many computer users think that an e-mail sent from a familiar/friendly address is the same as a safe, virus-free e-mail. Equally amazing? The number of computers without anti-virus programs, or anti-virus programs that were last updated when Troy Aikman was the Cowboys' starting quarterback. Time to get smart and wake-up; my easy-to-understand list of do's and don'ts and the latest virus information is free for the taking.
Holiday Dose of Dover:
Insight & Info That'll Make You Smarter As We Close Out 2001
#1 Remember that cold weather (as well as hot weather) will end the life of a car battery already on the replacement edge. Forget how many months remaining under the warranty; battery manufacturers have the game figured out and know that the best way to make you a (captive) repeat customer is by creating a battery that still has many months left under warranty so you'll come back to them to replace the old battery on a pro rata basis. In other words: Don't be blinded by the number of months left on your warranty; if your car won't start, always have the mechanic check the battery, FIRST!
#2 As your holiday emotions kick in and you start thinking about charitable donations - from old vehicles to cold cash - it's worth reviewing the rules of the game to avoid getting stung by the IRS later, or let your kind intentions end up in the hands of the bad guys: www.bendover.com/charity.asp
#3 Laptop computers for prices as low as $400!?!?! and someone to disinfect [or install or update] an anti-virus program on your computer? Ben's easy choice: www.takeithomecomputers.com
#4 Now quit your whining! From wonderful cakes to uncut sheets of U.S. Currency...Here's Ben's 2001 Holiday Picks
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