Hello, and welcome…
Rick’s Daily Tech Tips Update for Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Topics covered in this issue…
• Is the free Malwarebytes offer a bait and switch?
• How to quickly identify scam emails
• How to download your entire Tweet history from X
• Video: Chet Atkins performs “Wildwood Flower”
• January’s Tech Tips Giveaway – Win this ViewSonic VX3276-4K-MHD 32 Inch 4K UHD Monitor
Today’s issue is sponsored by…
Margaret Bourne – Blogging Coach – As your blog coach and blog growth strategist, I’ll help you develop a strategic plan and roadmap to grow your blog, monetize it and grow your online presence as a niche expert to achieve your goals and start making money.
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Monthly Tech Giveaway….
We have a winner for January…
Congratulations to Krysten B. from Bellevue, Nebraska for winning the ViewSonic VX3276-4K-MHD 32 Inch 4K UHD Monitor in January’s Tech Tips Giveaway.
February’s winner will receive a super-compact, but powerful Beelink Mini PC (click for details).
The prizes featured in my Monthly Tech Giveaways include a combination of the best items I have received for testing and review and brand new items provided directly by partner companies.
All winners are selected at random. All Standard subscribers have an equal chance to win. All Premium subscribers have double the chance to win (their email addresses are added to the pot twice).
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Today’s featured tech tip….
Is the free Malwarebytes offer a bait and switch?
Question from Phyllis: In one of your posts you recommend running periodic malware scans with the free version of Malwarebytes.
I clicked the link you provided and downloaded it, but after the program was installed it said I have 14 days left in my free trial of Malwarebytes Premium?
I know for a fact that I clicked the link to download the free version. Why did it install the trial version?
What’s going on? Does Malwarebytes no longer offer a free version? This seems like a bait and switch to me.
Rick’s answer: Malwarebytes does indeed still offer a free version of their (excellent) anti-malware app, Phyllis. And truth be told, even though it appears otherwise, that’s the version you actually downloaded and installed.
A while back they merged the free version of their app with the trial version of their Premium edition. Those two versions are now one and the same.
I agree that it’s pretty confusing. I really wish they’d clearly explain how the download works, but since they have yet to do it I’ll explain it here…
When you download the free version of Malwarebytes you’re actually downloading the trial version of the Premium edition (as you’ve already discovered).
But don’t worry, after the 14 day trial period is over your Malwarebytes installation won’t stop working and you won’t be charged for the commercial version. (They couldn’t charge you for anything even if they wanted to since they let you download the free/trial version without having to enter any type of payment info.)
What will happen is the trial version will automatically revert to the free version and the extra features that are only available in the commercial version will stop working. You won’t have to download and install anything else.
The transition from the trial version to the free version is completely automatic and you won’t be required to do anything to make it happen. Just ignore the offer to opt for the upgrade and all will be fine.
And in case you’re wondering, the free version will do a fantastic job of tracking down and removing any malware that might be on your machine even without all the extra bells and whistles that come with the commercial version. You just have to remember to run periodic scans with it.
Bottom line: You indeed clicked the right download link and you WILL end up with the free version of Malwarebytes after the 14 day trial period ends.
The latest from Rick’s Daily Tips Tech Blog…
• How to quickly identify scam emails
This post explains what to look for.
• How to download your entire Tweet history from X
Just a few clicks (or taps) and you’re done.
• Click here to see today’s ‘Picture of the Day’.
Every morning I post a new photo that I find inspiring, intriguing, or just plain beautiful to look at. Jumpstart your day by checking it out.
Rick’s Daily Pick…
Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5″ SSD
Looking to breathe new life into an older Windows PC? Replace its clunky old hard drive with this little gem and then install Linux on it!
Today’s post from ‘My Daily Smile’…
Video: Chet Atkins performs “Wildwood Flower”
Fantastic performance of a delightful song.
Tech news that caught my eye…
• Microsoft is again prompting Windows 10 users to update to Windows 11
• Snapchat announces layoffs of 10% of their total workforce
• AnyDesk hit by cyberattack that targeted production systems
• Microsoft Outlook December updates trigger security alerts
• 4 issues plaguing Samsung’s new Galaxy S24 smartphone
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Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.
Your tech buddy,
Rick Rouse
https://www.RicksDailyTips.com