Q I installed the free anti-spyware programs Spybot and Ad-Aware on my previous computer. Now I have a new computer and need to reinstall them. However, I've found that there are all sorts of products with similar names and that many have limited usefulness unless you pay for full product versions rather than the free ones. Where can I find the free Spybot and Ad-Aware programs again?
A Spybot Search and Destroy, a free program that is widely used to remove spyware from PCs, can be found at www.startribune.com/a3058. Spybot works with the Windows Vista operating system, an important consideration if you have a new computer. But don't confuse Spybot Search and Destroy with sound-alike programs such as Spyware Search and Destroy and SpywareBot.
Ad-Aware is no longer strictly a free program. There is a free version, but to get important updates you'll need to pay $27 for the full version. Find a comparison of the free and $27 programs at www.startribune.com/a3059.
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Q I have a Sprint cell phone, but I'm researching the other wireless companies to find the best deals. Can you help me?
A For a comparison of cell-phone plans, try MyRatePlan. com, which reviews the costs and benefits of cell phone plans based on your ZIP code.
The Web site covers single, family and prepaid plans, offers comparisons of different phone models and lets you search for cell phones based on features such a camera, MP3 music player or Bluetooth short-range wireless capability (often used for connecting cell phones to wireless headsets).