A while back - maybe about 10 months ago, as a relative novice to the computer/internet world, I subscribed to the "At Home with your PC" part-works offer.
This is supposedly sent monthly but appears to be every two months. The initial offer consisted of three free binders for the cards and CD ROMs they supply plus free cards and CD ROMS - after that for £6.95 every one/two months they send you a CD ROMplus 10 'workcards' divided into nine different subject sections - which are as follows:-
1) Up and Running 2) Software Collection 3) Working with Words 4) Sight and Sound 5) Home Planning 6) Leisure and Learn 7) Get Connected 8) Expert Tips and Tricks 9) Computer Doctor
Sounds useful? Well, I can't deny it IS useful, especially if you're a relative newcomer to the computer world. Within those sections the advice and information ranges from the very elementary - the basic parts of your computer and getting on the net - through how to use Word, making websites, spreadsheets, Mp3s, dowloading information, making files, troubleshooting problems with the net, Windows and Word, graphics cards, scanning etc, etc. In fact anything you can think of vaguley connected with your computer and computing is covered.
I have to confess I haven't used the cards much and have yet to try one of their CD ROMS but these promise to guide you by the hand through such processes previously mentioned. A glance through some of the cards I have read or used shows the information is given clearly, in plain English with helpful diagrams and illustrations.
Maybe it is a little expensive compared to buying a monthly computer magazine but it is very comprehensive and you can be sure that eventually your problem will be covered. When I say eventually I MEAN EVENTUALLY!
This is my only bugbear! The cards and CD ROMS are not sent in numerical order - this is obviously to encourage the customer to continue collecting this part-work but it is sooooo annoying. The initial 4 or 5 packs went in order i.e. the cards/packs were numbered 1 - 5 , but since then the cards/packs have been leaping into numbering in the 30s. 40s and 50s with no apparent obvious order.
As I say this is obviously a commercial ploy but I can't help but wonder "When will it end?" do I cancel now and risk missing THE vital information card/CD ROM or do I bear with it and see how long it lasts? I'm not overly bothered at the moment but I imagine to some customers this could be a real problem if you are left endlessly paying for cards and CDs which you don't want or need.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Comprehensive reviews and useful help on getting the best out of your equipment Disadvantages: My hard drive is geting overstufffed from sampling the cover CD
pauljm 16.03.2001 ·
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