Hello, and welcome…
Rick’s Daily Tech Tips Update for Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Topics covered in this issue…
• Is Malwarebytes pulling a bait and switch on us?
• How to protect your Amazon account with Two-Factor Authentication
• How to edit a PDF without Adobe Acrobat
• Is it time to adjust your sails?
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Today’s quick tech tip….
Is Malwarebytes pulling a bait and switch on us?
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?
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 also downloading the trial version (as you’ve obviously 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.
Note: 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 (including the real-time protection the Premium version provides).
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.
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 protect your Amazon account with Two-Factor Authentication
It’s easy to do, and it’s extremely effective at keeping hackers out of your account.
• How to edit a PDF without Adobe Acrobat
This post offers several easy solutions.
• 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…
Hiearcool 7-in-1 USB-C Hub / Multiport Adapter (#ad)
Are you frustrated with the lack of ports and connectors on your MacBook Pro or other modern USB-C device?
This handy hub will let you connect several of the most common types of legacy devices to it.
Today’s post from ‘My Daily Smile’…
Is it time to adjust your sails?
Only you can know for sure.
Tech news that caught my eye…
• Fake online recruiters are looking to scam job seekers
• Microsoft announces new Bing and Edge browser powered by ChatGPT AI
• Zoom layoffs impact 15% of staff
• Can TikTok convince the US it’s not a national security threat?
• Samsung reportedly preps fix for embarassing SSD issue
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Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.
Your tech buddy,
Rick Rouse
https://www.RicksDailyTips.com