Selling Software At Online Auctions

Computer software is one of the biggest sellers online, everyone using a computer uses software, don't they? There can be problems, however, if you try to sell certain kinds of software that auction sites doesn't allow. Used software is a minefield, and you could end up buying something dodgy to resell without even realising it.

Here are the various kinds of software that you're not allowed to sell on most auction sites, and how to spot them. You should always try installing used software before you sell it, as this might give you a few clues.

Pirate Software.

This one is reasonably obvious, but pirate software can be hard to spot. The biggest things to look out for are auctions that don't have pictures or only have pictures from catalogues, unrealistically low prices, and come with no manuals or documentation. Microsoft software comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, which you should check. Software that is on recordable media such as CD-RWs is usually pirated. If you see software that offered for download only, it is often pirated but not always. Some small software developers allow download licenses for their software to be resold on other auction sites. Type the name of the software into a search engine, and go to the manufacturer's site to check. Remember that software you download is very unlikely to come with resale rights, though.

Visual Pills Are Excellent For Everyone Not Just Developers And Artists

Whenever a new gadget appears on the market or you come across a smart piece of technology you've never seen before, the 'See-Must-Have syndrome can so easily take over rational thinking and before you know it, yet another piece of junk makes its way home. Used for a while then into the cupboard then out to the garage, then finally a thrift shop or into the bin.

However, every now and again you find something groundbreaking, at least to you it is and it changes the way you execute tasks or maybe it improves your system of working forever.

Now graphic tablets or a computer drawing pad as they are sometimes known, are one of those technologies or gadgets and if you haven't tried one yet you really should consider it. Cheap graphic tablets are coming in at under $30 for the more basic models, $50 for a larger computer drawing pad. There is a whole world of benefits to be had for a wide range of people, if only they realized these aren't just for designers and artists, they can solve other issues too.

Something not necessarily obvious to non techie folk is the new way graphic tablets allow users to communicate with their computer by using a pen, not a mouse and some of us really do get on better this way, the author included. If you're worried they might be difficult to operate, please don't be. These are among the most user-friendly technologies out there and they have been developed with inexperience in mind.

Computer Experts Expose Security Flaws But Experience Backlash

Computer experts have long known that poor digital security can result in identity theft, credit card fraud, and a number of other crimes. The news that a person or organization needs to make changes to the way computer security is handled isn't always met with a good reception, however.

While these experts offer good quality advice, many people simply aren't interested in taking it. Here's a look at some of the things technology experts say that individuals and companies should do to protect their information, plus a little of the backlash they experience for giving that advice.

Protective Programs

Individual users who protect their computers with anti-malware programs are about 50 percent less likely to suffer from identity or credit card theft. The protective effect is greatest for people who are running anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware programs on their PCs, with protection levels falling for people who ran only one or two of these programs, according to criminologists at Michigan State University.