What is shareware-4-you.com?
We are a download site that provides access to hundreds of mainly windows-based, quality, software titles that can be downloaded as a free trial (Shareware). We do not produce any of the software. Each product is either submitted by a software company/developer or is selected from the Internet. What we do is review, rate and categorize the software product. If it is of a sufficiently high standard and quality we make it available to you.

What is Shareware?
Shareware (try before you buy) distribution gives users the chance to try software before buying it. Shareware is a marketing method and not a type of software. Unlike software marketed through the usual retail channels (e.g. computer stores etc.), where you must pay for the product before you have seen it in operation, the shareware method lets you try the software product before you consider buying it.

Having used the software product you are then in a better position to decide if it meets your needs before you pay for it. What if I like a software product that I have downloaded?
You can pay for it at the end of a trial period (companies usually offer trial periods that range from 10 days to 30 days). Simply come back and click on the buy link for that product and complete the registration and payment details.

What is the Product Rating?
Each software product is evaluated and given a rating between 1.0 (the lowest) and 5.0 (the highest). No product is made available to you on this site with a rating of less than 3.5. A rating between 3.5 and 3.9 indicates that it is a good quality product that offers reasonable value for money. A rating between 4.0 and 4.4 indicates that it is an excellent product that offers good value for money. A rating between 4.5 and 5.0 indicates that it is a world-class product.

Why should I Backup My Data?
It is very important to remember to regularly back up all your important files. These might include word processing, spreadsheet, email and contact addresses, financial information and other documents. Here are some good reasons to why you should not take the risk of forgetting to perform regular backups:

You can back up your files using a CD ROM writer, Zip Drive or Jazz drive or whichever external storage media you prefer to use. It's a good idea to create more than one copy of your backup disks. For example, you could back up the same files on to three or four disks (sometimes called the son/father/grandfather system.) Then, if one disk fails, you will have two or three more in reserve. Important files should be backed up on a daily or twice-weekly basis and you should record the date of each back up, so that you know at a glance when your last backup was made. To regularly back up the data you are working on to your hard drive, you can use the Windows operating system to auto save basic office programs every few minutes.
Finally, it's still a good idea to regularly print out your most important documents and store them away in a safe place should the backup disks ever fail. So much for the paperless office!

What are Computer Viruses?
They are called computer viruses but it's not always an accurate description of what has happened to your computer. One common description of a computer virus is that it's a program which can attach itself to files to make your computer act in a way you don't expect or don't want. It can reproduce itself when its code is attached to files on your computer. In more technical language, its executable code which attaches itself to, overwrites or replaces another program in order to reproduce itself on your computer without your knowledge. The virus spreads when you execute a virus program or from an infected disc. There are other problems with names like Trojan horses and worms that also can infiltrate and cause problems on your computer.

What is a Benign Virus?
It's one that doesn't usually cause much harm. It usually hides away and then at some stage displays an annoying or stupid message on your computer. A "malignant" virus is one that can do damage especially altering something in your computer so it doesn't work as it should.

How do Viruses Work?
They usually attach themselves to a file in an executable application such as a word processing program. It may be an attachment with .exe in the name.

What are Worms?
These are programs which replicate or copy themselves as they move from file to file. They don't need to be attached to any program to replicate themselves. Most worms spread as an email attachment. Once you opened the attachment, your machine is infected and every time you sent out mail, unknown to you, the worm replicated itself and went out as an attachment as well to the person to whom you were sending mail. Some worms have their own email engine and they do not need your email programs to send themselves out.

What are Trojan Horses?
Named after the famous horse of Troy, these pretend to be programs but actually contain code which can in effect see something of what is going on in the computer and return details to the sender. In the worst scenario, the sender than might be able to figure out a person's password or other confidential information. The programs carry out some covert or malicious act - for example some load obscene graphics onto the hard drive.

What is a Time Bomb?
This is a program which sits on your computer and waits for a specific date - then "explodes' and usually deletes files or tries to create some sort of havoc. How many viruses spread? Not all the 200 or so new viruses every month get very far. Email is now an easy way for them to spread. For companies receiving large volumes of email, regular updating of anti-virus software and thorough scanning of incoming email are essential steps but still viruses slip through.

What damage can a virus do?
This differs from virus to virus. The first thing is don't panic. Some viruses are just nuisances, and make a minor change to your computer. One doing the rounds pops up on a day of the month and tells you that you are a "jerk." Some format or overwrite the hard disc. You may lose some work. The more damaging viruses destroy your backups or make changes that you are unaware of until too late - or confuse you so you aren't sure what data has been changed.

How dangerous is it to exchange/share discs?
Like a medical infection, sharing of something can result in something bad being passed on. Sharing any disk such as a floppy or zip is one of the easiest ways to spread a computer virus. A disk may have picked up a virus from a machine and then put it on your machine when you insert the same floppy. You should first run anti-virus software to make sure the disk is virus free. Also dangerous is pirated software. If you are handed disks containing computer software that has been copied be careful. Not only might they contain a virus but there is also the copyright issue.

How dangerous is email?
Viruses are easily spread by email - when attachments are opened. There are hoaxes which claim that simply downloading and reading a text email letter can give you a virus but you actually have to open an attachment to run a virus risk.

What are the first general precautions you can take?
You can create a boot disc on a floppy or zip disk which is virus free. This enables you to start your computer in an emergency. You need to back up your data files regularly. Buy anti-virus software and keep it up to date. If you have bought anti-virus software, you usually receive free updates or are given some period of time when you can visit the company's Web site and update for free the latest virus protection to cover new viruses. After that period you usually have to pay an annual fee for regular top ups - but it's worth it. Above all, don't be complacent.

What is a Boot Disk?
It's a floppy or zip drive on which has been placed the computer's operating system. It means if something goes wrong with your computer, you can use the disk to "boot " your machine up and attempt to fix the problem.

If you have a virus what do you do?
Don't panic! If you have an anti-virus package run it. If that doesn't solve it, seek expert advice. Take note of the name of the virus if it lists one. If you work in an office, check if other machines are affected and warn anyone if you have recently sent them an attachment or given them a file on a floppy disk.

If my computer plays up, could it be a virus?
Yes but lots of things make your computer misbehave from time to time. A virus may slow your computer, cause unexpected messages to run or cause hardware to run in a strange manner - but because these things happen it doesn't mean the problem is caused by a virus. There are other explanations.

How much damage have viruses caused?
This is not easy to determine because companies often keep news of virus incidents in-house. Many viruses are relatively harmless and are more a nuisance. There is no reporting mechanism if a home owner gets a virus so it's impossible to determine how common they are. While viruses do spread fast these days because of email, they can also be quickly contained because word about them also travels fast.

1. If damage is caused, it can hurt - especially lost data, the time involved in cleaning up the mess and trying to retrieve lost material and even the cost of buying improved anti-virus software.Useful PC Tips1. Buy, install and use a backup device.
The most obvious preventative advice is often the most overlooked. If you don’t have a backup device, get one. Today. Investigate cartridge drives, portable hard drives, rewritable CD-ROM drives and tape drives.

2. Use anti-virus products properly
Many PCs come with anti-virus software loaded. Check the software’s licence. When will it expire? Check what the software does. Does it keep out Trojans and Worms as well as viruses? If not, it’s useless.
Set anti-virus software to automatically download new virus definitions daily from the brand’s Web site. This updates the software’s “knowledge” so newly released viruses are blocked. And remember, anti-virus software licences need to be renewed.

3. Install a firewall
A firewall patrols the “border” between your PC and the Internet and will stop everything it doesn’t like the look of, or what you tell it to stop. The only excuse for not having a firewall on your computer system is if you have no connection to the Internet at all (and that includes no email access.) If you have any sort of Internet access, install a firewall.
If you turn it off to play an online game, remember to turn it back on afterwards.

4. Keep security up to date
Microsoft has discovered some of its software has security flaws, which can be exploited by viruses like the recent Blaster worm. Microsoft has issued patches (software fixes) to resolve these problems. It does this regularly, so to get the latest patches and see if your computer needs any of the previous fixes, go to www.microsoft.com/security If you have Internet Explorer, a shortcut is available by clicking on Tools/Windows Update and then following the instructions.

5. Buy a reputed PC brand with an extended warranty
Don’t expect a second hand PC to be reliable. If it is, it’s a bonus and you should take extra care to regularly back up your files. You’ll have fewer problems with a new PC. Get a brand with local support and take the extended warranty option.

6. Don’t let friends or relatives fiddle inside your PC case
Never! Not even if they claim to have worked on an IT support desk/be a dab hand with computers/have done it a thousand times before/know exactly what they are doing. If they’re really keen, get the locks on your computer room changed – or threaten to disinherit them.

7. Develop a method for installing software
To avoid the problems rogue software can cause, back up your PC registry and system before you install new software. (Do it, don’t just think about it!). Install the software and run it for a week. If it causes your PC to crash or freeze, uninstall it, restore your registry from back-ups.

8. Limit downloads from the Internet
Don’t be a download dodo. Every time you’re tempted to download a program, picture, screensaver, or documents from the Internet ask these three questions: Is my anti-virus product up to date? Have I got an up-to-date back up of my most important files? Do I need this software badly enough to take the risk of it affecting my PC?

9. Use mainstream software brands
Yes, they cost more. You are paying for the brand’s research and development into the product, its testing methodology and support network. Remember this too: Mainstream operating systems work better with mainstream software products.

10. Use “text only” as your email default, not HTML
If used in conjunction with an anti-virus program, eliminating HTML from your email (inbound or outgoing) will limit virus problems and privacy breaches, and discourage spammers.

11. Take care of peripherals and hardware
Computers are electronic, but they are not toasters. They react poorly to power fluctuations, knocks, water, oil, sand, dust, excessive heat or humidity. Keep your PC in a well-ventilated room, dust it regularly with a damp cloth (not a feather duster) and invest in a UPS device to protect it from power surges. Standard PC mice need regular cleaning. Infrared and wireless mice will cause you less grief.

12. Keep a software log book
Record the software you load, and when. Don’t forget Internet downloads. Beside each entry, enter the date, important key codes and support contact information.

13. Don’t remain static
If you decide to install a new hard drive, electronic card or power supply into your PC yourself, remember to observe anti-static requirements. If you don’t know what this means, don’t touch anything. Get expert help.

14. Create a boot disk
A boot disk acts like a “jumper lead” for a stalled PC and you should always have one on hand.
To create a boot disk:

15. Test the restore CD
New PCs come with a restore CD-ROM, which is used to restore your PC to the state it was in when you purchased it. As such, it’s an excellent option to use when a PC crashes and shows no signs of returning to normal.
You should make sure you test your restore CD-ROM when you first get your PC. However, run a full system backup before you test it, because the Restore CD-ROM wipes the hard drive in the process of restoring the system.

16. Don’t hit your PC.
Sure it gets rid of some frustration. But hitting a PC can damage delicate components, and so create more problems. If you feel frustration building, get expert help.

17. Kid Chaos
If you have young children and a PC problem, it pays to start with the obvious. Is everything still plugged in properly? Don't just look at the cables, push them in and make sure they are completely seated. Check each cord, including the monitor. If you use a surge suppressor, make sure the power cord is plugged in to the surge suppressor, and the surge suppressor is plugged into the wall. Finally, check for keyboard obstructions they can affect keyboard commands.

18. Why can’t I connect?
If you use a dial-up Internet connection and can’t connect to the Internet, plug a spare phone into the phone jack on your modem (If your modem does not have a phone jack, unplug the phone cord from the modem and plug it into your phone). You should hear a clear dial tone. If instead there is a lot of static, or a loud "hum," have your phone line checked.

19. The heat is on
If you cannot feel air blowing from the back of your computer or you can see the fan is not turning, your computer is probably overheating. Check: Are the ventilation holes plugged? Can you hear the fan running?
If your computer is too hot it may lock up, or create errors while running programs for no logical reason, and components like disk drives and modem cards may fail to work.

20. Learn error message lingo
If you’re a PC troubleshooter, then the error message is your trusty sidekick. Error messages are now easier to comprehend, and software Web sites are better designed to support error message searches.
Cut and paste any error messages you get into the Google search engine at www.google.com or the Web site of your operating system of software brand (Microsoft’s support is at www.microsoft.com/support).

21. Work backwards
If you’re experiencing PC problems but have no obvious error message, recall when the problem started, then use your software log book (see number 12) to see whether you installed new hardware or software at that time.
By backing up and uninstalling, you can discover if your problem is software related.

22. Let troubleshooting software find the problem
Some people like to load software designed to monitor a PC’s performance and report any pending problems. These products can be very useful, providing they are not rogue software themselves!
The hard part: Solving problems

23. Work that warranty
If you have obvious hardware problems (smoke and grinding noises are fairly indicative!) invoke your PC warranty immediately. If the warranty has expired (see number 4) don’t cut corners; pay to get your hardware seen to by an expert. If the quote for repair exceeds $400, you may want to consider replacing the PC.

24. Use the manufacturer’s restore disk
If your PC is “playing up” and there’s no discernible hardware issue, use the default CD- ROM most PC makers include with a new PC to restore the system. (See number 15). If the restore CD loads but the problems remain, seek expert help. If the CD will not load, you have a hardware problem. If you don’t have the CD, or can’t find it, contact the company that sold you the PC and ask for it.

25. Use a boot disk
A boot disk, which is often just a floppy disk, will sometimes restart a troubled PC when nothing else will. However, you need to create a boot disk before you get problems (see number 14).

26. Follow error message instructions exactly
When you research your error messages on the Internet (see number 20) or through a help desk, follow the instructions exactly. People commonly miss a line or two of a “fix” and then become furious when it doesn’t work.