Brand New Computer? Read Me First!

Did you think I was going to start out by telling you all to install WinPatrol as soon as you opened up your new computer? Guess again.  I always try to write my articles from a different point of view and today may not be what you expect.

For the 2nd time I’ve had to return the Dell All-in-One Multi-Touch computer system that I’ve been dreaming about for months. The first unit had to go back because Dell shipped the wrong configuration. The 2nd system had to go back due to internal hardware failure. I should have known something was wrong when I could hear loose parts when I took the computer out of the box.

My point today is take a little time to insure your brand new computer is everything it should be or you may be sorry. Before you install your favorite software on your brand new system I have a few  recommendations.

1) Create a physical folder for documentation.
This folder should include your invoice, Service Tag number, your customer number, Order or Purchase number and any information required to identify your purchase. Keep your original DVD’s in the folder. At some time in the future you will need them and want them handy.

Write these numbers down before your computer goes under the desk or so you don’t have to keep tipping it upside down to find it again.

If you ordered your computer online you probably created an account. Copy down your log in name and account password.

2) Know and understand your Return Policy.
Go online and print out the return policy for your computer.  If you think you have 30 days think again. 

I recently experienced the Dell return policy so I have some specific tips to pass along.

“You must contact Customer Service within 21 days of the invoice date.”

That’s not the date your computer arrived. If the computer is a gift or not planned to be used immediately you should keep reading this article. 

“Unless the product is defective or the return is a direct result of a Dell error, a restocking fee may apply of up to 15% of the purchase price paid, plus any applicable sales tax.”

My inappropriate tip is on your first call tell them there was an error in the system configuration. Imply that you ordered a more expensive configuration and you want to return quickly so you re-order a new system online. If you tell them the computer is broken you’ll be forced through a time consuming series of phone calls with technical support to document your system is really broken.

Lenovo says “Lenovo will accept the return or exchange of a product in its original, sealed package (except gift cards) for a full refund in cases of Lenovo error. Returns allowed for any other reason will be subject to a restocking fee equal to 15% of the purchase amount. All returns must be initiated within 21 days of the invoice date.“

Apple requests your attention immediately. “For eligible Mac, iPod, and third-party products, you have up to 14 calendar days from the time you receive your item(s) to initiate a return. A 10% restocking fee will be assessed for opened items. Shipping fees are not refundable.”


3) Keep all your packing materials.
Keep all the baggies and even the little twist ties available and pack them in the original box. Keep the original box somewhere safe “just in case”.


4) Run Available System Tests
Before installing any new software, including the final installation of the operating system, verify your hardware is working. It should meet the same test requirements it passed before it left factory no matter how many pot holes it hit along the way. 

I know you’re excited but trust me, you never know what could have happen during shipment. If you know from the start that all your hardware works as expected you’re in a good position. You can probably be confident it will continue to work correctly for many years to come.

One of the improvements computer OEM’s have made over years has been to include diagnostic tests directly in the firmware. These tests are typically available by pressing one of the function keys while the system boots. Memory and hard drive tests may be time consuming but knowing you don’t have a hardware problem will make you feel better if your system dies after installing your favorite software.

5) Run all Windows System Updates
After you complete the installation of the operating system and before you start surfing the net, before you install your favorite programs like WinPatrol, you’ll want to run all available system updates. There are two reasons why this is important.

First, until you’ve run all the security updates your system is wide open for possible security breaches. Running updates will be a multi-step process. Once you run your first set of updates, there will be another set that depend on the previous updates before they can run. You should expect multiple re-boots during this process.

Secondly, running system updates may result in your system becoming unstable. I’ve written about my hatred of system updates before but on brand new machines updates bring an added dilemma.

Prior to shipping, your computer company will usually do a good job at testing the configuration you’ve requested. They want to make sure all the default hardware and software work together. That doesn’t mean they’ve tested your system with all the current updates including any new hardware drivers.  This is specially a danger with new Windows 7 systems. I had one company update their drivers and software three times within an eight day period. You’ll want to know if your brand new computer is still like new and compatible after it’s been updated.

 

6) Have Fun
Isn’t it great to know you have a brand new system and everything works perfectly? Now you can follow everyone else’s advice and install all your favorite software like WinPatrol.

Results of 99 Cents Software Experiment

I had hoped to spend this weekend posting a complete evaluation of my crazy 99 Cent Software Experiment but the data is still coming in. I can tell you I have thousands of new WinPatrol PLUS members who will now have safer computers.

I regret I under estimated both the server traffic and a high volume of questions in my Inbox. For now, my main priority is to respond to Email. There were some peek times where folks did not receive their PLUS codes. I’ll be spending my time this weekend working to make sure everyone is happy with their WinPatrol experience.

I am very happy with all the positive comments especially from folks who had never heard of WinPatrol. The cost of WinPatrol PLUS will return to normal and I hope our new fans will let people know it’s still a good deal. I’m sure I will have some kind of specials in the future but I can guarantee you’ll never see another 99 cent experiment. :)

Great 99 Cent Software Experiment Initial Results

Many of you have been patiently waiting to hear how my Great 99 Cent Software Experiment is going. It’s probably no surprise that most folks seem pretty happy with the concept. I have some good and bad results to report so far.

It appears obvious that people like the idea of software for 99 cents. Some people will spent 99 cent even if they don’t know what they’re buying. Many of our new customers had never heard of WinPatrol. I’ve had many comments like Mark who said, “This is great. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of WinPatrol. Thank you LifeHacker for making me aware of this great software”.

The bad results is due to my under estimating the popularity of this offer. Normally I would be able to handle the support for thousands of new users. WinPatrol is easy to use and understand so my support Email is usually simple. Unfortunately, a failure in the step that creates PLUS codes has increased my Email today.

When folks purchase the PLUS upgrade it’s via a 3rd party storefront or PayPal which can easily handle the traffic. At the completion of the order they’re sent back to WinPatrol.com where we create a PLUS activation code. Unfortunately, this is the point where our web traffic is backed up.

If you’ve purchased WinPatrol PLUS but didn’t get your PLUS code just Email support@WinPatrol.com. I’m working as quickly as possible to make sure everyone receives their PLUS code so they can activate WinPatrol PLUS.

As I mentioned, many of our new fans have never used WinPatrol. If they haven’t already, they also need to download the free version of WinPatrol. This process also uses up some of our web traffic so I’ve been recommending alternate download sites like Download.com or
SoftPedia. Users can download the free version of WinPatrol from other sites but get their activation code from WinPatrol.com.

So, it looks like I’ll be busy responding to Emails for a long while. If for some reason I hear that folks who weren’t able to purchase Plus today, I will extent the experiment an additional day.

Note, support@winpatrol.com gets priority to replies to comments on the blog. So if you have a critical question it should be sent via Email.

The Great 99 Cent Software Experiment of 2010

Have you noticed that most of the software you’re buying these days is only 99 cents?

The traditional software industry, like many, has been hit hard by slumping economic times. At least that’s what appears to be happening. I can’t help but notice traditional software distribution is in a state of flux not unlike the media and publishing industries.

The music industry which dealt with the downloading of free music has created a successful 99 cent per song model. Using mobile devices we’re now downloading decent software for as low as 99 cents. Who can’t afford an impulse purchase of $0.99. The Apple App Store made many new millionaires almost overnight at 99 cents a pop.

What about the rest of us who have spent years developing fully featured software on the Mac or Windows platform. Are customers going to revolt against prices which range from $30 like my own WinPatrol PLUS to programs like Photoshop which retails for $700?

I’m curious and thinking a crazy single day experiment could be fun and may be worth the risk. So what the hell. If you want to upgrade to WinPatrol PLUS on January 29th, I’ll give you a lifetime WinPatrol membership for less than a dollar. Instead of the regular price of $29.95 I’ll provide a coupon on WinPatrol.com that brings the price down to $0.99 USD. That comes out to approx. .70 € to our international friends

This will be a one-day only “experiment” starting at 12:01 AM EST on Jan 29th and will last 24 hours. Will over 30 times the normal number customers upgrade to WinPatrol PLUS? If so, will other software developers notice?

Like our current $30 plan, the 99¢ license will be good for life. Like sales in the App Store or Droid Market however, this license is only valid for a single computer. Sales are also limited to one per customer. Sound fair enough? If you’ve been someday planning on upgrading to WinPatrol PLUS, January 29th is the day to remember. Just go to www.WinPatrol.com this Friday and you may be a part of history.

Do you think the traditional software industry is in danger? If you think 99 cent software is coming or I’m just crazy than write about this on your blog. I will need enough people to know about this experiment to make it valid. That’s also why I had to pre-announce a special offer which may kill sales between now and Friday.

Contact Support@winpatrol.com for questions or confirmation this is real. To all our fans who paid $29.95 I hope you’ll understand that this is just a crazy experiment and does not diminish the value of WinPatrol PLUS or how much I appreciate all your past support. This weekend I’ll evaluate the experiment and post the results.

If you’ve forgotten why WinPatrol fans are so loyal see "Top Ten Reasons to Try WinPatrol Again".

New F.A.Q.
How will I receive my special coupon?
Originally, a coupon was going to be made available and valid for one day only. To make the transaction easier all upgrades on Jan 29th will see the same 99 cent special.
Just go to http://www.winpatrol.com on Friday and click on "Upgrade to WinPatrol PLUS".

Can I use my 99¢ WinPatrol PLUS on multiple computers.
This experiment is meant to compare a software purchase to those purchases from the Apple App Store or Droid Market. Unlike our $29.95 license or $49.95 Family Park, this purchase is good for one computer at a time.

I heard a new WinPatrol version is coming soon. Will I have to pay again for this version?
No way. The PLUS activation you purchase for 99¢ will work with all future versions. You'll love the new custom Registry Lock feature coming with WinPatrol v18.

Can I purchase 1000 copies.
I'm sorry but purchases on 1/29 are limited to two per customer.

Do I need to download anything in advance?
If you already have the free version of WinPatrol no additional download is required. If you don’t have WinPatrol you can download and become familiar with WinPatrol at http://www.winpatrol.com/download.html. On Friday you can purchase your activation code which will convert the free version into WinPatrol PLUS.