28 December 2008

Time to update your AV?

If you are still using commercial AV software, they all seem to be free 3 user licenses this week.

You might be interested in FreeAfterRebate.info.

I say "still" because personally, I am using a corporate version of Symantec from my company on my desktop and my laptops all use "avast!" now. AVG is also free and well recommended. And my servers of course run ClamAV.

18 December 2008

Lighter in a Blender

This is delicious. And a reminder that electric motors are ignition sources!

You might be interested in YesButNoButYes: Lighter in a Blender.

Some GREAT Credit Card law changes

http://consumerist.com/5113129/new-rules-kill-credit-card-industrys-most-abusive-practices

That third one makes me think I will never ever get a balance transfer again... ah, the good ol' days when Discover gave me 0% for the life of the balance and I put 1/3 of my truck and the remainder of my school loans on it... ;)

Unfortunately, they don't take effect until July, 2010. Here's what they are:
  • No more raising rates on existing balances
  • No more double-cycle billing.
  • Any payment above the minimum must automatically apply to the part of the balance with the highest interest.
  • Minimum time before notice of change of terms takes effect goes from 15 to 45 days.
  • Borrowers need reasonable time before a payment is due, at least 21 days
  • No excessive fees for exceeding credit limit because of a hold placed on the account
  • Subprime credit cards that have a $500 credit limit but a big upfront fee will have that fee capped at no more than 50% of the credit limit, and it can be paid off over a year, rather than immediately.