Kellie Parker, Online Community Manager
PC World
Saturday, October 7, 2006; 7:10 PM
Welcome to the first edition of Community Scoop! My name is Kellie, and I manage the blog comments, user reviews, and message forums here on the site.
This column presents a sample of what has been going on in the PCW community. There are more great comments and conversations happening on the site than I could ever feature here. I encourage you to follow links and explore what everyone is talking about.
PC Worldrecently named the " 25 Worst Web Sites ," and there was a lot of discussion and disagreement with our list. In particular, our number-one worst site, MySpace, generated some pointed discussion on both sides.
There was also a discussion of where you like to readPC Worldmagazine, and what you think about paid vs. free antivirus and antispyware tools. Don't forget to check out our community poll on gaming platforms, and the recent product reviews made by members like you.
animesux says: MySpace is not only as bad as you say it is, but far worse. MySpace and Facebook, even properly used by adults, serves no purpose other than keeping dead friendships on life support.
jeffbot says: Fun article ... however, in regards to number 14, bidforsurgery.com, I've got to say--I looked at the site and I think they're on to something, actually. Millions of people get elective surgery annually--why not have a tool to compare/contrast services/price?
jackK1 says: How is it that you've overlooked Wikipedia in all this? ... the site where bored school kids and bored net nerds compete to see who can deface or clean up an article the fastest.
jasmine2501 says: I'm confused as to why MySpace is included with these miserable failures. It doesn't belong in the same group. Most sites listed were there because they offer nothing of value to the user, or they commit some act of abuse on their users. MySpace is quite useful. It's the users that make MySpace suck.
Read all the posts in this thread.
learning2baGURU says: Most of the time at work during boring teleconferences, and before bedtime.
ptrcrowder says: I read it during long 12-hour night shifts when things are not busy, usually around 2:00 to 5:00 a.m. in the morning.
HVMDesign says: I readPC Worldwhen I am eating. I love eating turkey and ham sandwiches, so that can be a common lunch item being digested with the help ofPC World.
Read all the posts in this thread.
AuroraManson says: The good paid ones are probably worth it. Don't discredit the free ones though (many of which have pro versions) I use all free things.
SpiritWind says:All the security programs on my computer are free (as well as good ) and includes Avast Antivirus Home Edition Best to use a "layered" defense.
dacohenz says: As with anything, if you surf with safety, the free programs will do a good job, if you are careless and download software from say a porn site, then even if you have paid software, you are headed for trouble.
TheNameless says: Paid programs pick up a lot more on average. But if you're not using a P-to-P program, don't download porn, don't run un-trusted executables, etc. then you're probably just as well off with free.
Read all the posts in this thread.
Which gaming console will you be using next year?
Vote now in thePC Worldforums.
RenWiz: "Don't install this program. It adds items to the context menu without permission, and they remain after you uninstall it."
XFX GeForce 7600 GT XXX Edition: "All in all, this card provides amazing performance for budget users. I see no reason to spend 300-500 dollars more for slightly better performance on my games."
HP Officejet 7410 All-in-One: "Beware! The ink level indicators will not work if you remove and then reinsert a cartridge. The equipment is superior except for the ink level indicator system."
AVG Free Edition 7.1: "Outstanding. Catches viruses. Is fast."
Spyware Doctor: "[This] has been a valuable piece of software on my computer. I can't put a price on my personal information security and I have no doubts in the extra security."
AV 700 100GB Media Player: "[This] is by far a definite winner in my eyes. I will definitely give the AV700 2 a thumbs up, no questions asked."