Norton AntiVirus SUCKS: Symantec has worst customer service of all time

I have been a loyal customer with Norton Antivirus products for YEARS. Literally so many years I can’t recall how many. A decade? More? I have no idea. I am also one of those over-moral people who doesn’t believe in gaming the system or doing anything like that, so I pay for my subscription and do the same for my wife’s computer or my kids. So I pay. I pay full price. FULL price. I pay full price because I’m a lazy consumer who pays the going rate for what I need, when I need it. I never bitch about price. I just buy what I want, when I want it.

I’ve never complained to anyone about the fact that Norton doesn’t let me turn off the auto updates that pop up a popup window in the middle of my writing projects, even though I have looked around for a way to turn them off and found forums dedicated to how much it pisses people off to not be able to ignore crap that is just supposed to run in the background like they paid for. I just let it interrupt me and break my creative writing train of thought from time to time to time, just stop what I am doing, ignore the fragile whisper of the fickle muse, and click off the pop up message instead, letting whatever train of thought I had going derail in a metallic din of crashing ideas that can be lost forever more. It's fine.

I never complained that it didn’t make auto-updating easy either, even though it just nags and nags and has multiple pop up screens that nag and nag and nag.

I admit I got tired of all that crap this last time and finally just thought, well, you know what, screw it. Money is tight, I haven’t had a virus or other infection in over six years (knock-on-wood), so I’m going to let that annoying thing expire. Maybe I’ll buy something else.

So my dead Norton antivirus pops up over and over to let me know that it’s expired and that my computer is vulnerable to viruses and that my identity is at stake and that little babies in third world countries are going to be sold into slavery because I haven’t renewed my subscription.

I tried to ignore all that, figuring it would just go away, but it won’t. And there is no way to turn that crap off without having a master’s degree in information technology from MIT, so, I had even resigned myself to spending the rest of my life being hounded by this unstoppable Norton antivirus renewal reminder.

But then I was paying my credit card bill today and saw that they had rammed through an “auto-update” despite my not wanting it.

At first I was annoyed, but I’m lazy and just want to drink beer. So I thought, “Fine, it’s worth $60 bucks just to get this crap out of my face.” Granted, it’s sort of extortion, but, you know, we are so victimized by big companies in this day and age, I’m kind of used to just rolling over and taking it. Usually they go fast and are done right away, and once I’m done crying and the pain lessens, I can get dressed and resume my citizenship.

So I opened up the renew screen and went to get my update that I was forced to buy. I saw this little message about how it auto-renews itself all magically or whatever, and was like, “Hmmm, that’s interesting. They took my money, but apparently forgot to deliver the product they jammed down my throat." Auto-money taking but not-so-auto-product delivery. That doesn’t seem fair.

So I poked around the program and their website a little, tried to make it auto-update manually, but, apparently even with assistance from me, the willing victim, auto-update will actually even NOT-automatically update.

So, I decided to call them. I dialed up the phone number on my credit card bill. It answered with this long thing about auto update being, well, automatic, and some other crap, then started in with the jazz, country, pop, classical, big band… eclectic spasm that is their on hold music. That was 57:26 minutes ago.

I’m still on hold. The music is so garbled it is burning my brain like someone just beer-bonged an entire gallon of Clorox into my skull. I want to die. I want to give up and just let them have my sixty bucks and not even have to give me the service. I want to sell babies into slavery. Anything just to not hear it anymore.

But I can’t. To let them win now would be wrong.

So I decided to start writing this while I wait. I smile an ironic, hate-filled snarl at my phone sitting here on speaker lying between my arms as I type every time they break from the horrendous, tinny garble of music to say, “We appreciate your patience. Please don’t hang up; we take calls in the order they are received.”

Gee, why in the fuck do you have that in there, I wonder, Norton?

OMG I am so goddamn pissed I can’t even wrap my head around it.

How can ANY company exist with customer service this F-ing horrible? Really. How does “capitalism” get like this. Where the hell are the F-ing “market forces” that are supposed to mitigate this shit?

1:01:32 now.

That’s fantastic. I just got a second colon added to my wait time.

Apparently destroying my first colon is not good enough.

sGoddamn Norton antivirus sucks so bad you can’t imagine!!!! Don’t ever buy it ever. If you have to choose between a virus that destroys your hard drive and costs you every photograph you ever took of your children growing up, all your videos and music, and the manuscripts to 50 best seller novels you just haven’t worked up the courage to send out yet…. DON’T choose Norton. Give up all the memories, music and manuscripts. No amount of sacrifice is worth the unbelievable contempt this company has for its customers. OMFG.

10 More Free, Awesome Programs to Download For Your PC

Judging by the hub statistics of my last article pertaining to free programs up for download, I take it that you guys would probably like to see more! After further exploration of what the ‘net had to offer, I’ve mustered up yet another list of great, free programs. My original list of free programs was a bit classic and traditional, but this time I tried to mix it up to give you guys some helpful free software you have possibly never tried of before. So here it is, 10+ more free programs for you to gobble up for your using pleasures.

Wordpress – First up, it’s Wordpress! This is a blogger’s paradise as it provides people who love to write with a user-friendly, versatile application written in PHP. When installing this handy tool, you create a database on your web server, upload the necessary installation files, and after a few clicks, BAM – you’re ready to start blogging! Not only is using this platform a piece of cake, you are provided with attractive and clean templates for your blog that don’t look totally awkward and tacky. Can’t beat that for free!

OpenOffice.org – If you’re looking for something similar to the Microsoft Office suite but really don’t have the money to splurge on all the expensive brand names, there is a free program out there designed especially for you. OpenOffice.org specializes in word processing, presentation, graphics, spreadsheets, databases, and any of your other office software needs. It’s multilingual, able to read documents that were created using other Office programs (such as Microsoft), and extremely easy to use. So if you’re still saving up for an office suite that will perform just as well as one for free, forget about that. It’s a thing of the past. Give this a try!

Audacity – Can we say practical? After downloading this audio editor, I was blown away by the user-friendly interface before even working with a single file. If you’ve used other audio editors, then you probably got the uncomfortable feeling as if you were in the control center of a spaceship. Not so with this one. With Audacity, expect to be able to do a number of things such as work with large files quickly, record up to 16 channels simultaneously, import several file types (WAV, MP3, AIFF, AU, OGG, etc.), apply loads of effects to your sounds, and so much more. You can even use plug-ins with Audacity which in turn reveals an endless amount of possibilities. This was a great find in my search for free programs!

Quick Media Converter HD – With Quick Media Converter HD, you are able to convert between almost ALL audio and video formats including DVD, AVI, MPEG, Flash, Quicktime, MP4, MP3, Xvid, DivX, WMA, and many more. Converting multiple files all at once is another great option with this as you don’t have to work with each file one-by-one. One more feature of this program that I particularly love is the fact that you can record desktop activity straight to a video. If you’re into creating tech tutorials, then this is a pretty nice find for somebody like you.

Roboform – Ever get tired of performing tedious tasks such as filling out login forms, registration forms, coming up with clever passwords, etc.? Roboform does all of that for you with the simple click of a button. You use the free program by creating a profile with all of your information specified, and when you reach a screen that prompts you to fill out a form or log-in, you easily press your profile button and everything is magically entered into the boxes. Talk about time-saving! You have the option to create multiple profiles as well, in the case that several people that use the computer want to make use of Roboform. If you are fan of using GPT sites as well, you can possibly see how this tool would be beneficial to you.

Daemon Tools Lite – I absolutely love this program. With Daemon Tools Lite, you are able to insert important CD-ROMs that you want to protect into your CD drive and create ISO images from them on your computer. ISO images, in a nutshell, are files that contain every single thing a CD contains. It’s like a CD-ROM, but in file form. With Daemon Tools, you can open the ISO and the program will create a virtual CD drive on your computer, so it is like running the actual CD-ROM, but you aren’t. ISO’s are also “burn-able,” so if you want to create copies of your CD’s in this particular way, it is possible (depending on copyright laws, of course). Check this free program out!

Google Earth – By now, you’ve probably heard of Google Earth unless you’ve been living under a rock, but I don’t think this list of free programs would be complete without it. Google Earth is great because it allows users to view satellite photos of the Earth and even zoom all the way down to street views of most locations. Rad, right? You are able to view photos of anywhere ranging from the galaxies of outer space to the ocean floors. In addition, the program offers exploration of the moon, recordings of tours, Mars exploration, and so much more.

CCleaner – This multilingual PC optimization gizmo is awesome in that it clears your computer of unnecessary baggage such as Internet Explorer’s, Mozilla Firefox’s, Google Chrome’s, Opera’s, and Safari’s temporary files (history, cookies, cache, URL history), cleans your Recycle Bin, and so much more. For a full run-down of everything that CCleaner takes care of for you (because the list is pretty awesomely extensive), check out the product website by click the link above. Another great addition to the list of free programs!

Spybot Search & Destroy – I wouldn’t consider this a newer free program since it has been around for quite awhile, but it still seems to do an outstanding job of fending off spyware, adware, trojans and more. With a constantly updated database of more than 10,000 baddy entries, you really can’t go wrong. Also, in the event of deleting something you realize later is safe, you are given the option to recover those files! There is even email support as well as forum support in case things get confusing!

YouTube Downloader – You’ve possible never heard of this, but now you have! I know I searched for a long time for some sort of tool that allows users to download YouTube videos straight off the website without the use of other bulky software (such as RealPlayer). And this is definitely the tool for the job, people. By specifying the URL of the YouTube video you want in the tool, the program does the rest of the work for you and shortly you are given a video file of your desired video. There is also a small, useful video converter included so that you can convert your downloads for your iPod, iPhone, cell phone, PSP, etc. This thing is awesome, and it’s definitely a must-have for your free program collection.

Market Street Facebook guide: tips, tricks, hints, hacks, cheats, strategies, how to

Market Street is a new Facebook social game and time management game, but unlike Farmville or Mafia Wars, it takes a little bit of a different tack than other Facebook games. In this one, you build and manage a store, and you help customers, hire employees (can be either temp workers or your friends), and work for your friends! Your goal is to build your store to be the biggest, prettiest, highest-volume store possible, which can be tough - but there are some ways to make it easier! Most cheat involve downloading something like Cheat Engine or to buy some kind of cheat guide, but there are some free tips, tricks and cheats that can help you make your store bigger, make the game easier, and make you more money and experience. Read on...

There are a few cheats that focus on downloading things, such as Cheat Engine or other such outside files, but my specialty is cheats, strategies and tips for within the game itself - stuff you can do that doesn't require downloading anything.

First thing's first - as always, have lots of neighbors. You can either invite your friends, or make it easy and join an "add me" ring such as http://gamersunite.coolchaser.com, add everyone on that ring, and/or let them add you. The more neighbors you have, the more you can expand the store and the more workers you can hire.

Speaking of which, hiring friends vs temp workers - friends will work for free, whereas temp workers will work for wages. So hire friends as often as possible - another reason to have lots of neighbors. And work for your friends to gain more experience points.

Pay attention to your store happiness score, and to the little icons over your customers' heads. Help customers that need help. If anything is dirty in your store, make sure it gets cleaned. Keep track of tasks that need to be completed, and make sure that you're always checking the 'manage clipboard' button.

Keep leveling up and you can increase the number of displays you can put up. The more displays you put up, the more items you can show, therefore the more items you can sell. Work for your friends or work on your own store to build experience points.

You will sometimes get shoplifters in the store - catch them!!!

And keep track of EVERY item you order - don't let anything expire before you put it on the store shelf, or you will lose money. Don't order more items than you can display.

And order items that give you the highest profit - the biggest ratio of selling price to buying price.

Hope these help! If you have more tips, post in comment form!

Mall World Facebook: Cash/Money Tips, Hints and Cheats.

Mall World is a Facebook game that allows players to create their own virtual boutique and sell clothes, shoes and handbags. Each virtual shop can be designed by using different wallpapers, rugs, plants, shelves, clothing racks and more. Even the cash register and counter is customizable. Players can also work towards filling their own closet with trendy fashions.

In Facebook's Mall World, the way to earn money is by selling clothes and accessories. If you're short on cash, read through the tips below to learn how you can earn enough money to create the most glamorous boutique around.

Note: New tips are being found and added all the time! Be sure to bookmark this page and check back often. In the meantime, if you have a great Mall World tip to share, please comment below!

Buying Inventory and Selling Clothes

When you first start playing Mall World, you'll only have a few basic items available from the default items. Look at the clothes that are available and choose the items that will earn you the most. In the beginning, you might be tempted to stock your store with a bit of this and a bit of that-resist the temptation and buy several of the cheapest items that sell for the most.

For example, one of the first collections available is the "Black Rose Collection from Godo." The jeans are only $50, they sell for $60. That's a $10 profit on each pair so buy all 5 pairs with your starter cash. By following this technique, you'll double or triple your cash in no time!

Money Tips

Tip: Avoid splurging on expensive decorating items when you first start playing. The cash you spend on the fancy counter will be better spend on stocking your store.

Tip: Items that take longer to deliver are worth more

Tip: Look at the "Total" of 5 items (the max) to the "Retails For" amount. Subtract the total from the retail price for 5. This is your profit. To earn cash quickly, look for items that sell for $100 more than it costs to buy. Do this a few times a day to earn tons of cash!

Tip: Buying clothes for yourself gains experience points, which helps you level up faster!

Tip: Unlock new fashions to find higher priced items and items that will retail for more

Play the Dressing Room Game

A quick way to earn money in Mall World online game is by playing the Dressing Room Game. In this game, the object to help the customer find an outfit that matches the item in the box on the upper right hand corner. If your customer is happy with the way the outfit looks, the thermometer on the left side of her will go up. TIP: Click through the items quickly before and choose the one that makes the red line go the highest. Once you find it, move on to the next piece of clothing. When you get the red bar as high as it will go, leave it! The timer will run out and you'll win cash.

Mall World F.A.Q's

How do I get mall credits on Mall World?"

Players automatically get 10 free Mall Credits when they reach a certain level of the game. If you want more credits you'll have to pay for them (yes with real money) until the developers (possibly) add more ways of getting mall credits.

• Click on the gold 'credit' icon at the top left hand corner of the page
• Choose a way to pay for the Mall World Credits
• To buy the credits you can use your Facebook credits, Pay-Pal or pre-paid game cards.
• You can also participate in surveys. While there are some 'free' offers on the Offerpal page, they usually require downloads (like the Yahoo toolbar) or long surveys. You'll earn more Mall Credits by signing up for affiliate offers, like applying for a real credit card (722 Mall Credits)

How Do I Get More Friends on Mall World?

If you're looking to add more friends on Mall World, be sure to check out the Mall World Adds group on Facebook! (Psst...they even have contests!)

More Mall World Money: Squeaky Clean Bonus

Be sure to visit your friends boutiques. As you enter their stores, you'll find clothes on the floor (only the first time you visit for that day). Pick up the clothes to earn more Facebook Mall World Money. There is a 5x a day limit to earning this bonus.

Level Up and Unlock New Fashion Collections

As you progress in the game, you'll be able to unlock new fashion collections. To do this you'll need cash, so be sure to have enough on hand. The new wardrobes usually have a higher retail value.

To level up in the game you'll need to buy, sell, decorate and add new friends and neighbors.

Sell Items Like Shelves, Racks and other decor

If you're short on cash, you can sell some of your extra shelves, hanging racks, plants, rugs and other decorational items. Click on the item that you don't want, when you see a green 'recycle' icon/symbol, click it. This will ask you if you want to sell the item and will tell you what the "PROCEED" or value of the exchange will be. You won't get what you originally paid for it, but the extra cash can be put towards something new-clothes or upgraded store decor or hardware.

Become a Fan and Earn Bonus Mall World Dollars

At the top of the Mall World Game you'll see a bunch of options like become a fan (click 'like'), subscribe to emails and similar things. If you agree to all of them, you'll get a bonus of $5000 Mall World Dollars!

A New Game To Check Out

If you like Facebook games, be sure to check out Zynga's new FrontierVille!

Tips & Tricks: Mall World on Facebook

Become a Fan and Earn Bonus Mall World Dollars

At the top of the Mall World Game you'll see a bunch of options like become a fan (click 'like'), subscribe to emails and similar things. If you agree to all of them, you'll get a bonus of $5000 Mall World Dollars!

A New Game To Check Out

If you like Facebook games, be sure to check out Zynga's new FrontierVille!

Tips & Tricks: Mall World on Facebook