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<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd"> <html> <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://www.consumeraffairs.com:80/computers/computers.htm","20091218085436","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1261126476"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <title>Consumer Complaints about Computers and Software</title> <meta name="description" content="Consumer Complaints about Computers and Software"> <meta name="keywords" content="consumer, complaint, computer, software, dell, gateway, apple, bestbuy, emachine, compusa, circuit city, sony, tiger direct, toshiba, mcafee, intuit, problem, defect, warranty, refund, service, review, rate, sue, dispute, lawyer, attorney, class action, lawsuit"> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/web/20091218085436cs_/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/ca.css"> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">  </script>  <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436js_/http://partner.googleadservices.com/gampad/google_service.js"> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> GS_googleAddAdSenseService("ca-pub-0200629403145096"); 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</script>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td>  <script type="text/javascript"> GA_googleFillSlotWithSize("ca-pub-0200629403145096", "CA_ROSBTFLeftSky160x600", 160, 600); </script>   <script type="text/javascript"> GA_googleFillSlotWithSize("ca-pub-0200629403145096", "LowerLeftROS", 160, 600); </script>  </td> </tr> </table>  </td> <td width="430" valign="top"> <img src="/web/20091218085436im_/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/images02/laptop.jpg" width="200" height="150" align="right" hspace="10"> Computers are essential but remain a mystery to many and the slightest problem can seem a disaster. All too often, the computer industry is its own worst enemy, with minimal customer service and technical support. With more consumers buying laptops these days, it's important to <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/12/laptop_shopping.html">study your needs</a> to ensure you don't pay too much, or buy too little. Frankly, many of the problems consumers blame on their computers are really the result of software that is buggy, insecure and downright bloated. A simple and free solution is open-source software. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/ubuntu_review.html">Ubuntu</a> is a flavor of Linux that is getting highly favorable reviews. If your needs are relatively simple (or even if they aren't), it is definitely worth looking at. <table border="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="100%" colspan="2" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <a name="systems">Systems</a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="50%" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <li><a href="acer.html">Acer</a></li> <li><a href="alienware.html">Alienware</a></li> <li><a href="apple.html">Apple</a></li> <li><a href="asus.html">ASUS</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/retail/best_buy.htm">Best Buy</a></li> <li><a href="compusa.htm">CompUSA</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/retail/circuit_city.html">Circuit City</a></li> <li><a href="compaq.htm">Compaq</a></li> <li><a href="compuserve.htm">CompuServe</a></li> <li><a href="dell.htm">Dell</a></li> <li><a href="edgemicro.html">Edgemicro.com</a></li> <li><a href="emachine.htm">eMachine</a></li> <li><a href="epson.html">Epson</a></li> <li><a href="frys.html">Fry's</li></li> <li><a href="fujitsu.html">Fujitsu</a></li> <li><a href="gateway_2000.htm">Gateway</li> <li><a href="hewlett_packard.htm">Hewlett Packard</a></li> </td> <td width="50%" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <li><a href="lenovo.html">Lenovo</a></li> <li><a href="newegg.html">Newegg.com</a></li> <li><a href="palm.html">Palm</a></li> <li><a href="pcnextday.html">PC Next Day</a></li> <li><a href="proteva.htm">Proteva</a></li> <li><a href="samsung_monitor.html">Samsung Monitors</a></li> <li><a href="samsung_printer.html">Samsung Printers</a></li> <li><a href="systemax.html">Systemax</a></li> <li><a href="sears.htm">Sears</a></li> <li><a href="specialized_semiconductor.htm">Specialized Semiconductor</a></li> <li><a href="sony.htm">Sony</a></li> <li><a href="tiger_direct.htm">Tiger Direct</a></li> <li><a href="toshiba.html">Toshiba</a></li> <li><a href="tronix_country.html">Tronix Country LLC</a></li> <li><a href="umax.htm">Umax</li></a> <li><a href="video_comp.html">Video Computer Store</a></li> <li><a href="viking.html">VikingComputers.net</a></li> <li><a href="viewsonic.html">Viewsonic</a></li> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" colspan="2" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <a name="software">Software</a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="50%" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <li><a href="adobe.html">Adobe</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/antivirus_2008.html">Antivirus 2008</a></li> <li><a href="antivirus_pro_2010.html">Antivirus Pro 2010</a></li> <li><a href="as4you.html">As4You</a></li> <li><a href="corel_software.html">Corel Software</a></li> <li><a href="dilloware.htm">Dilloware</li> <li><a href="diskeeper.html">Diskeeper</a></li> <li><a href="ea_sports.html">EA Sports</a></li> <li><a href="intuit.htm">Intuit</a></li> <li><a href="mcafee.html">McAfee</a></li> <li><a href="microsoft.html">Microsoft</a></li> </td> <td width="50%" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <li><a href="norton.html">Norton</a></li> <li><a href="nuance.html">Nuance</a></li> <li><a href="pcdocpro.html">PC Doc Pro</a></li> <li><a href="registryrepair.html">Registryrepair.net</a></li> <li><a href="software_direct.html">Software Direct</li> <li><a href="systemdoctor.html">Systemdoctor</a></li> <li><a href="symantec_rebates.html">Symantec</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/education/video_professor.html">Video Professor</a></li> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" colspan="2" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <a name="access">Accessories & Components</a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="50%" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <li><a href="acusharp.html">AcuSharp Power Supplies</a></li> <li><a href="asante.html">Asant</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/baysoftgames.html">Baysoftgames.com</a></li> <li><a href="belkin.html">Belkin</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/consoleshop.html">Consoleshop.com</a></li> <li><a href="dlink.html">D-Link</a></li> <li><a href="lacie.html">LaCie External Drives</a></li> <li><a href="linksys.html">Linksys</a></li> <li><a href="mvix.html">Mvix USA</a></li> <li><a href="nvidia.html">Nvidia</a></li> </td> <td width="50%" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <li><a href="power_sentry.html">Power Sentry</a></li> <li><a href="roxio.html">Roxio</a></li> <li><a href="sandisk.html">Sandisk</a></li> <li><a href="seagate.html">Seagate</a></li> <li><a href="siemens.html">Siemens</a></li> <li><a href="thecus.html">Thecus</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/thenerds.html">Thenerds.net</a></li> <li><a href="trendnet.html">TrendNet</a></li> <li><a href="tripplite.html">Tripplite</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/tomtom.html">TomTom GPS</a></li> <li><a href="verbatim.html">Verbatim</a></li> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" colspan="2" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <a name="service"></a>Service </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="50%" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <li><a href="elaptoprepair.html">eLaptopRepair.com</a></li> </td> <td width="50%" valign="top" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" colspan="2" bgcolor="#ffffff"> Computer News</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/12/ny_myspace_fb02.html">More Networking Sites Agree To Weed Out NY Sex Offenders</a> Pressure increases after Facebook and MySpace agree. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/11/xbox_suit.html">Microsoft May Face Class Action Over Xbox Live Ban</a> Up to 1 million gamers barred for pirating games.</li> <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/11/bn_nook.html">Barnes & Noble Enters E-Book Wars</a> But Nook is in short supply until January, dampening its holiday prospects. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/11/snapnames_suit.html">Class Action Filed Against SnapNames.com</a> Company VP may have submitted thousands of false bids to inflate sale prices. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/10/rogue_security.html">Cybercriminals Use Fear, Anxiety To Push Rogue Security Software</a> Users lulled into false sense of security while exposed to greater risks. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/10/sidekick.html">Sidekick Phone Users Lose Data In Server Crash</a> Huge setback for new Microsoft phone. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/09/ny_dell_fraud.html">Dell To Pay New York $4 Million In Fraud Charges Settlement</a> Court finds Dell used "bait and switch" advertising tricks. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/09/facebook_beacon.html">Facebook Turns Off Beacon</a> System assailed by privacy advocates is casualty of class action. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/09/active_video.html">Effectiveness Of Activity-Promoting Video Games Measured</a> Non-'couch potato' games shown to have some health benefits. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/08/netbook_popularity.html">For Computer Shoppers, Small Is Beautiful</a> But consumers should do homework before buying a netbook. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/08/ms_word.html">Microsoft Blocked From Selling Word</a> Patent dispute halts sale of popular software. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/08/kindle_class.html">Amazon Faces Kindle Class Action</a> Student lost notes attached to deleted "1984". <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/07/dell_prices.html">Dell Flubs Online Prices</a> Online Taiwanese prices drastically below retail values. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/enix.html">Final Fantasy Suit Alleges Hidden Fees, Penalties</a> Gamer sues Square Enix on behalf of online players. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/ms_msft.html">Microsoft Settles With Mississippi For $100 Million</a> State had accused software giant of anti-trust violations. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/e3expo.html">E3 Takes Los Angeles By Storm</a> Gamers flock to trade show for unveiling of latest offerings. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/circuit_city4.html">Systemax Buys Circuit City Name, Web Site</a> No retail locations planned but name will survive online. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/mac_adapters.html">Lawsuit Alleges Apple Power Adapters Are Faulty</a> Second suit alleging negligent design. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/windows_class_action04.html">Vista Class Action Reaches End of the Road</a> Judge denies amended class, prohibits additional filings. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/church_scam.html">Computer Scam Dampens Easter for African-American Churches</a> 'Free' information kiosks cost churches $50,000 and up. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/worm_turns.html">Computer Worm Set To Evolve April 1</a> DownAd worm morphs, dives more deeply below the surface. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/kindle2.html">Curled Up With the Kindle 2</a> Latest ebook can save you time and maybe even money. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/radio_shack_att.html">Radio Shack, AT&T Face Class Action Suit</a> $99 Acer notebook deal really was too good to be true, suit charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/02/teens_web.html">Experts Worry About Web's Impact On Teens</a> Social networking sites seen as potential hazard. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/02/windows_class_action02.html">Judge Nixes 'Vista Capable' Class Action Against Microsoft</a> No proof of class-wide causation, judge rules. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/01/video_game_family.html">Video Games Blamed For Poor Family Relationships</a> Researcher disappointed by his findings. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/01/video_netbook_notebook.html">Video: Getting Bang For The Buck In A Portable PC</a> Netbook vs. notebook comparison involves more than price. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/01/windows_class_action.html">'Vista Capable' Lawsuit Could Cost Microsoft $8.5 Billion</a> Were consumers misled by 'Vista Capable' program? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/01/sex.html">Sex In the Digital Age</a> Internet changing sexual attitudes among the young. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/12/laptop_sales.html">Notebooks Outsell Desktops for First Time</a> Not all laptops are alike, a veteran reviewer notes. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/12/obama_broadband.html">Obama Promises to "Renew Information Superhighway"</a> Broadband expansion included as part of public works program. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/12/laptop_shopping.html">Know Your Needs to Choose the Right Laptop</a> Not all laptops are alike, a veteran reviewer notes. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/11/dell_white_spaces.html">Dell Introduces "White Spaces" Capable Laptops</a> Broadcasters say more power is needed to make frequencies usable. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/11/fcc_white_spaces.html">FCC Votes to Open "White Spaces" for Use</a> Unlicensed spectrum could power new Internet devices. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/11/kids_videogame_violence.html">Researchers Claim Link Between Video Games and Violence</a> Study tests kids in both America and Japan, finds higher aggression. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/10/windows_class_action.html">New Twist in 'Vista Capable' Class Action Lawsuit</a> Lawyers want to use Windows Update to notify eligible consumers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/nvidia.html">Graphic Card Problem May Affect Millions of Computers</a> Nvidia admits problem but doesn't alert consumers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/broadband_congress.html">Communications Industry Urges Congress to Act on Broadband</a> U.S. is falling behind, unions, businesses warn. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/iphone_intro.html">Apple Has a Bad Day</a> Glitches plague 3G intro. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/comcast_vonage.html">Comcast Cuts Deal With Vonage on Internet Traffic</a> Companies to work togther on "network management". <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/broadband.html">Report: U.S. Broadband Adoption Slowing</a> Price, lack of access remain barriers to new customers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/china_malware.html">China's Exports Include Dangerous Web Sites</a> Majority of 'badware' comes from Chinese sites, study finds. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/netflix_player.html">New Netflix Instant Movie Player Redefines Television</a> Order movies and watch them 20 seconds later via streaming Internet connection. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/bd_live.html">Disney, Panasonic Preview BD-Live Technology</a> Interactivity is the new video buzz word. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/fcc_broadband.html">Critics: FCC Inaction Slows Economic Development</a> Agency continues to rely on faulty data while promising to improve. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/hp_touch.html">HP Introduces 'Touchy-Feely' PC</a> New line of computers controlled by touching the screen. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/iphone_nexgen.html">Apple Unveils New Generation iPhone</a> Third-generation phone costs one-third the original price. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/bandwidth_limits.html">Internet Providers Ponder Bandwidth Limits For Heavy Users</a> Comcast, Time Warner will experiment with metered usage. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/ny_dell.html">Judge Rules Dell Deceived Consumers</a> Dell 'strongly disputes' decision; judge will determine restitution. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/wifi_allergy.html">New Mexico Allergy Sufferers Want Public Wi-Fi Ban</a> Could wireless Internet signals have adverse health effects? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/broadband_report.html">U.S. Continues To Lag In Broadband Penetration</a> New international rankings released; U.S. is 15th in the world. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/romanian_phishers.html">Feds Bust International Computer Scam Ring</a> Internet phishing scam centered in Los Angeles & Romania. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/comcast_cox.html">Comcast, Cox Caught Blocking BitTorrent</a> Researchers detect cable companies' Internet traffic jams. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/video_game_violence.html">Study Questions Effect of Violent Video Games</a> Incidence of violence has declined since the games were introduced. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/blackberry.html">New BlackBerry Will Take On iPhone</a> Business-oriented phone adds new consumer features. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/neutrality_antitrust.html">Will Antitrust Law Save Net Neutrality?</a> Congressman wants to use old regulations to prevent Internet discrimination. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/facebook_ags.html">Facebook Agrees to Upgrade Safety Measures</a> States pressure social site to increase protections for minors. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/blue_hippo_gateway.html">Gateway at Risk in BlueHippo Class Action</a> Computer maker had exclusive contract with BlueHippo for years. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/hr_net.html">Few Are Neutral in Net Neutrality Battles</a> It's content providers vs. ISPs as Congress mulls legislation. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/tx_nexus.html">Texas Charges Nexusmedia Deceived Web Users</a> Screensaver software was bundled with spyware, state charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/fcc_google.html">Google Petitions FCC Over Verizon's Use of Wireless Spectrum</a> Search giant wants telecom to commit to truly 'open' network. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/computer_germs.html">Study Gives Whole New Meaning To 'Computer Virus'</a> Toilet seats were cleaner than keyboards. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/internet_future.html">Senate Committee Debates Future of the Internet</a> FCC chairman, net neutrality supporters square off. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/fcc_wireless_auction.html">House Committee Grills FCC Over Wireless Auction</a> Failure to sell spectrum for public safety network criticized. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/ct_craigslist2.html">Craiglist Bites Back, Answers Connecticut AG</a> Blumenthal has his facts wrong, craigslist argues. 'Freedom trumps prudence,' an online publisher argues. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/apple_colors.html">Apple Sued Over 'Millions of Colors' Claim</a> MacBook actually displays only 262,144 colors. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/fcc_wireless.html">FCC's Martin: No Opening Of Wireless Networks</a> Dismisses Skype's challenge to enable all devices. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/ct_craigslist.html">Connecticut Wants Craiglist to Pull Prostitution Ads</a> Popular site violates its own rules against promotion illegal activity, state alleges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/comcast_relents.html">Comcast Agrees To Stop Blocking Internet Users</a> Will work with file-sharing companies and change network structure. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/wa_spyware.html">Washington Sues Alleged Spyware Spammer</a> Arizona man bombarded consumers with ads for pornography, Viagra. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/verizon_spectrum.html">Verizon Wins Wireless Spectrum Auction</a> Company forced to open network to all devices. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/fcc_broadband.html">FCC Releases Broadband Report, Admits Data is Faulty</a> But agency proclaims U.S. broadband competition is healthy. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/fcc_exclusives.html">Feds End Exclusive Telecom Deals in Apartment Buildings</a> Landlords must open buildings to all providers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/nj_social.html">New Jersey Investigating College Gossip Site</a> JuicyCampus.com publishes anonymous gossip about students. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/fai2.html">Virginia Goes After Financing Alternatives Founder's Assets</a> $7 million in consumer layaway payments may be missing. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/id_theft_xbox.html">Xbox or PC Stolen? Don't Forget to Cancel Your Credit Cards</a> Credit card information may be in your machine's memory. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/myspace_impostors.html">No Easy Remedy for Imposter Postings on Social Networking Sites</a> Like grafitti, phony postings are offensive but hard to control. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/craigslist_bias.html">Craiglist Cleared in Biased-Postings Suit</a> Latest in a series of rulings protecting free speech on the Web. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/ipod_fires.html">Japanese Investigate iPod Fires</a> Lithium-ion battery tentatively blamed. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/games_exercise.html">Active Video Games No Substitute for Exercise</a> Wii's better than nothing, but only a wee bit. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/fai.html">Virginia Tightens Screws on Financing Alternatives Founder</a> State seeks to hold George Christian personally liable for consumers' losses. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/comcast_hearing.html">Comcast Blocks Public From FCC Hearing</a> Cable company pays thugs to keep public out of public hearing. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/ftc_blue_hippo.html">Blue Hippo Pays $5 Million To Settle FTC Charges</a> Consumers complain computer layaway purchases went awry. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/net_neutrality_markey.html">Congress Gets Net Neutrality Legislation</a> Bill would bar ISPs from blocking or delaying content. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/starbucks_wifi.html">Starbucks Serves Up Free Wi-Fi</a> Coffee shops switch from T-Mobile to AT&T.; <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/love_bug.html">Love Bug Hits the Internet</a> Those seeking love online may wind up with a virus instead. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/courthouse.html">Web Surfers Seek Justice Online</a> Dispute resolution Web sites offer quick settlements. <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://news04/2008/02/internet_gamble.html">Congressman Gambles on the Internet</a> Regulating online gambling could generate billions in taxes, fees. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/social_sites.html">Social Networking Sites Not the Biggest Danger for Teens?</a> Study finds instant messaging, chat rooms more threatening. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/gamers_men.html">Why Are Men More into Gamesmanship?</a> Study finds physical differences in men's brains. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/nature.html">Instant Messaging Doesn't Include Communing with Nature</a> Outdoor activities on the wane as time online increases. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/ny_microsoft.html">Judge Extends Microsoft Anti-Trust Oversight</a> Judge rules as CEO Ballmer pursues Yahoo! takeover. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/ntia_broadband.html">Bush Declares Broadband 'Connection Accomplished'</a> New report touts accomplishments for Internet connections in US. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/hdtv_guide.html">High-Definition TV Doesn't Have to be Expensive</a> We build a 125-inch projection system for $1,650. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/dell_sales.html">Dell Closes Sales Kiosks</a> Kiosks didn't fit into new retail strategy. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/palm_suit.html">Palm Settles Defective Phone Suit</a> Will close retail stores to defray costs. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/wii_exercise.html">Is Nintendo's Wii Really Good Exercise?</a> Study finds health benefits may be oversold. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/fcc_open.html">FCC Not Ready to Pry Open Wireless Networks</a> But agency warns carriers its plans could change. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/myspace_openness.html">Keeping Teens Safe Online</a> Navigating the treacherous streets of MySpace. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/tw_bandwidth.html">Time Warner To Test Metered Pricing For Broadband</a> Leaked memo reveals testing of new price scheme in Texas town. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/myspace_states.html">MySpace Agrees To Toughen Security For Young Users</a> Abuse-reporting to be made easier; age verification tools studied. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/ca_myspace.html">MySpace Harassment Case Takes Odd Turn</a> Localities looking at 'cyber-harassment' laws. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/fcc_house.html">House Committee To Probe FCC</a> FCC instructed to retain e-mail records for use by investigators. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/comcast_blocking_fcc.html">FCC To Investigate Comcast For Blocking Net Traffic</a> Decision could shape future of net neutrality legislation. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/ny_peoplepc.html">PeoplePC Settles Deceptive Marketing Case</a> Earthlink subsidiary will refund hidden charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/netflix_tv.html">Netflix To Deliver Movies Straight To TV Sets</a> Wal-Mart quietly abandons its movie-download service. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/travel_lithium.html">New Rule Limits Lithium Batteries in Baggage</a> Batteries can start hard-to-fight fires. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/holiday_email.html">Hackers Lurk In Many Holiday Emails</a> Your computer could take up a life of crime. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/wii_buzz.html">Nintendo Wii: The Buzz Goes On</a> Wii still a most-wanted but hard-to-find gift. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/fai.html">A Bleak Holiday for Computer Layaway Victims</a> Restitution for Financing Alternatives victims is in doubt. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/tx_blogger.html">Court Ruling Protects Anonymous Bloggers</a> Texas appeals court upholds rights of Internet bloggers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/noisy_toys.html">Noisy Toys Can Be Dangerous Too</a> Electronic gadgets can quickly damage young ears. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/top_ten_scams.html">Top Ten Scams of 2007</a> Old reliables and nervy newcomers fleece rich and poor alike. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/tx_web_sites.html">Texas Sues Kids' Web Sites</a> Sites allegedly collect personal information on children. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/video_prof01.html">Video Professor Goes After Critics</a> 'Professor' claims consumer complaints are fabricated. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/google_auction.html">Google Will Bid In Wireless Spectrum Auction</a> Tech giant will "put our money where our principles are," CEO says. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/verizon_open.html">Verizon Wireless Opens Network to All Devices, Software</a> The 'walled garden' will be no more. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/itunes_upgrade.html">iTunes Upgrade Hits Sour Note With Users</a> Music disappears, iPod transfers fail. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/comcast_suit.html">Comcast Sued Over Internet Blocking</a> Lawsuit alleges deceptive marketing and misleading of customers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/va_financing.html">Virginia Seeks Victims Of Computer Layaway Scam</a> State hopes to get restitution for Financing Alternatives customers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/sony_warranty.html">Sony: Dust Voids PlayStation 3 Warranty</a> Dust damage falls under 'Act of God' clause, Sony claims. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/bestbuy_warranties.html">Think Twice Before Buying an Extended Warranty</a> Service contracts depend on the retailer's whims. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/manhunt2.html">Manhunt 2: Pushing the Limit of Gore and Violence</a> Video games deliver new levels of realism and sadism. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/verizon_search.html">Verizon Overrides Internet Searches With Its Own Results</a> Web search "tinkering" raises net neutrality concerns. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/video_games_time.html"> Kids Spending More Time Playing Video Games</a> Boys spend more time, gravitate towards console-based games. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/mo_scalpers2.html">Missouri Scalping Crackdown Gets Results</a> Online scalpers buy out entire concerts in some cases. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/comcast_blocking.html">Comcast Blocks Subscribers From Some Services</a> Illustrates need for 'net neutrality' legislation, activists allege. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ny_facebook.html">States Keep the Heat on Facebook, MySpace</a> Attorneys general demand stricter measures to protect children; feds silent. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/wa_spyware.html">FixWinReg Settles Washington Spyware Charges</a> Company sent bogus 'security alerts' to computer users. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/fa.html">Financing Alternatives Runs Out of Options</a> Court freezes computer layaway scheme's assets. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/google_verizon.html">Google Challenges Verizon Over Lobbying Of FCC</a> Rollback of 'open access' requirements faulted. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/downloading_verdict.html">Music Industry Wins Suit Against Fan</a> Minnesota woman ordered to pay $222,000 for downloading songs. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/nj_facebook.html">New Jersey Subpoenas Facebook</a> Investigators looking for known sexual predators on networking sites. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/wii_holidays.html">Nintendo Says It Can鈥檛 Meet Wii Holiday Demand</a> Supply hasn't caught up with demand since the game was introduced. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/media_motor.html">Feds Shut Down Media Motor Spyware Scam</a> More than 15 million computers infected. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/kerry_broadband.html">Sen. Kerry Wants New Broadband Policy</a> U.S. falls further behind global competitors, he argues. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/verizon_abortion.html">Verizon's Abortion Block Raises Net Neutrality Concerns</a> Telecom reverses course, blames "incorrect interpretation" of its policies. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/ct_facebook.html">Facebook Has 'A Long Way to Go,' Investigators Say</a> States probing social networking site's safety and security measures. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/tx_myspace.html">Predator Who Used MySpace Gets Seven-Year Sentence</a> Texan arrived with handgun, rope restraints to meet 14-year-old girl. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/ny_facebook.html">Cuomo Charges Facebook Ignores Sexual Predators</a> New York investigation could cool Microsoft's ardor <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/ea_games.html">Gamers Irate Over NFL Madden 2008 Glitches</a> Bugs make nation's most popular video game "unplayable," fans complain. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/camera_hazards.html">Online Camera Stores: Take a Close Look</a> Rigged reviews, bait-and-switch tactics common. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/ftc_movieland.html">Movieland Defendants Settle FTC Charges</a> Pop-ups sought payment, claiming consumers had used up their 'free trial' <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/verizon_fcc.html">Verizon Wireless Challenges Spectrum Auction Rules</a> Telecom giant opposes "open access" conditions supported by Google. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/blue_hippo.html">Federal Court Strikes Blue Hippo's Arbitration Clause</a> Decision opens the door to class action suits against the company. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/xbox_scam.html">Phishing Scam Targets Xbox Live Users</a> Email claims to be about changes in the target's account. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/xm_fowler.html">XM/Sirius Merger Gets a Boost</a> Former FCC chair says merger would spark competition. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/iphone_price.html">Apple Cuts Price of Most Expensive iPhone</a> Also introduces new, lower-priced iPod 'Classic'. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/states_msft.html">Microsoft Maintains its Monopoly, States Argue</a> Report finds court-imposed remedies inadequate. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/acer_gateway.html">Taiwan's Acer Buys Gateway, eMachines</a> Deal creates a new No. 3 in the U.S. computer market. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/radio_royalties.html">Webcasters, Music Industry Reach Accord On Royalties</a> Agreement averts a shutdown of smaller Web broadcasters. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/comcast_ban.html">Comcast Cuts Off Heavy Internet Users</a> Customers complain bandwidth limits are secret. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/dell_fire.html">Georgia Man's Dell Laptop Bursts into Flames</a> Latest in a series of laptop fires blamed on lithium-ion batteries. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/internet_addiction.html">Internet Addiction Redefined, Treatment Outlined</a> Study finds 10% of all Internet surfers suffer from addiction. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/paypal_problems.html">PayPal Buyers, Sellers Still Steaming</a> Frozen funds still bedevil users of unregulated payment service. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/nokia_battery.html">Nokia Joins Battery Recall</a> Cell phone batteries can overheat and catch fire. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/video_violence.html">Parents Urged To Monitor Kids' Video Games</a> Court overturns California law banning violent games. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/google_wireless2.html">FCC Passes Compromise Rules For Wireless Spectrum Auction</a> Google had pressed for an "open" system that gave consumers maximum choice; AT&T objected. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/va_financing.html">Virginia Sues Financing Alternatives</a> Company allegedly took consumers' money but did not deliver the computers they ordered. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/rootkit.html">Virus Spreading Through Emailed Screensaver</a> "Realy cool" screensaver is really a dangerous rootkit. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/google_wireless.html">Google, AT&T; Square Off Over Wireless Broadband</a> Google wants "open" system that encourages innovation, competition. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/senate_broadband.html">Senate Wants Better Data On Broadband Deployment</a> Lobbyists fudging the numbers, some activists claim. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/sunrocket.html">SunRocket Fizzles</a> Second-largest standalone Internet telephone provider abruptly closes its doors. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/video_manhunt.html">Fight Over Manhunt 2 Could Get Nasty</a> Banned in England and Ireland, gruesome video game heads for the U.S. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/internet_radio02.html">Last Minute Stay Of Execution For Web Radio</a> Retroactive royalty increases on hold for now. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/internet_radio.html">Dead Air Ahead: Court Denies Webcasters' Appeal</a> Internet radio faces huge royalty rate hike. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/iphone_congress.html">Congress Slams AT&T; Over iPhone Contract, Fees</a> Subscribers pay high price for phone, then face stiff termination fees. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ca_aol.html">AOL Pays $3 Million, Promises to Clean Up Cancellation Process</a> AOL also agrees to straighten out its billing practices for add-on accounts. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/iphone_nano.html">Apple Denies iPhone Nano Reports</a> Reports from Asia indicate cheaper iPhone may be in the works. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/ecard.html">Virus Lurks In Bogus E-Card Greeting</a> It looks innocent enough but phony ecard can mean big trouble for the unwary. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/nj_myspace.html">New Jersey Targets Sex Offenders With MySpace Profiles</a> More than half were on probation and can be hit with tougher penalties. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/xbox_snags.html">Microsoft To Spend $1 Billion On Xbox Repairs</a> Company extends warranty on troubled units to three years. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/ftc_net.html">FTC Nixes Net Neutrality</a> Consumers should trust the marketplace, regulators purr. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/iphone_rollout.html">Apple Readies iPhone For Release</a> Expensive, unproven gadget relies on sleek styling, fervent fans. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/wa_surfsafe.html">Privasafe, SurfSafe Settle Washington Charges</a> Settlement may cost companies more than $1 million. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/ca_microsoft.html">Google Wins a Round Against Microsoft</a> Microsoft agrees to make changes in "instant search" function in Windows Vista. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/fbi_botnets.html">FBI Finds 1 Million PC鈥檚 Have Been Hijacked</a> Most users don't have a clue their machine's been taken over. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/wii_injuries.html">Injuries Grow Along With Wii Popularity</a> Movement is good, but too much movement can cause problems. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/wireless_spectrum.html">Wireless Spectrum May Hold Key To Net Neutrality</a> Transition to digital television opens up space that could support wireless broadband. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/computer_antibiotics.html">Free Antibiotics for Your Computer</a> You could pay more for virus protection, but why would you want to? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/dell_walmart.html">Wal-Mart To Sell Dell Computers</a> It's Dell's latest attempt to get sales back on track. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/ct_bestbuy.html">Connecticut Sues Best Buy</a> State charges stores with deceiving, overcharging customers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/spyware_house.html">House Passes New Anti-Spyware Bill</a> Bill prohibits consumers from suing spyware distributors. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/myspace_sex_offenders.html">States To Get MySpace Sex Offender Data</a> Web site agrees to handle over its database to state attorneys general. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/image_spam.html">Image Spam On The Rise</a> Unpleasant surprises await those who take the bait. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/ny_dell.html">New York Sues Dell on Consumer Fraud Charges</a> Suit accuses Dell of false advertising, bait and switch, failure to provide promised services. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/myspace_ags.html">States Press MySpace For Data On Sex Offenders</a> "Staggering" that company has not acted to remove known offenders, Connecticut AG charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/md_blue_hippo.html">BlueHippo Funding Settles $1 Million Case</a> Company agrees to refund consumers' money, pay a penalty, clean up its act. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/internet_radio_senate.html">Senators Throw Support Behind Internet Radio</a> Strong signal: Bipartisan bills in both houses. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/ubuntu_review.html">Ubuntu: Too Good to be True?</a> We review the popular new Linux flavor that has the computing world dithering. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/internet_radio_reprieve.html">Temporary Reprieve for Internet Radio</a> U.S. Copyright Board agrees to delay new charges to allow for court appeals. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/dell-ubuntu.html">Dell Breaks Microsoft Stranglehold On PCs</a> Coming soon from Round Rock: Linux-based Ubuntu, a free open-source operating system. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/gaming.html">The Addictiveness of Virtual Violence</a> Does the violence spill over into real life? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/wifi_safety.html">How Safe Is That Free Wi-Fi Connection?</a> "Hotspots" at airports, hotels and restaurants are handy -- but are they safe? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/neutrality_coalition.html">Net Neutrality Coalition Marks a Milestone</a> Public awareness, pressure on Congress has kept more draconian measures at bay. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/acer_batteries.html">Acer Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries</a> Sony-made cells can cause overheating and possibly fires. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/wifi_kids.html">Scientist Worries WiFi May Harm Children</a> Wireless Internet becoming more widespread than cell phones, heightening the risk, prominent Brit argues. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/vonage_patent03.html">Appeals Court Gives Vonage a Reprieve</a> Internet telephone company can keep signing new customers while its appeal is pending. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/congress_spyware.html">Congress May Outlaw Spyware</a> House committee considers Spy Act, which would outlaw malicious spyware programs. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/fcc_broadband.html">FCC Takes a Closer Look at Broadband Deployment</a> New inquiry looks at whether broadband is adequately deployed in rural areas. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/internet_radio.html">Web Broadcasters Lose Music License Appeal</a> Internet music stations say the ruling will put them out of business. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/best_buy_shower_cam.html">Best Buy Sued Over "Shower Cam"</a> Geek Squad technician allegedly planted camera in bathroom. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/vonage_ceo.html">Vonage CEO Exits as Company Struggles to Survive</a> Verizon's court victory puts Vonage on the ropes. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/porn_cong.html">Senate Bill Aims at Web Porn Sites</a> Senators admit the bill's shortcomings but say it's a start. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/wireless_broadband_competition.html">Groups Urge FCC To Create Wireless Broadband Competition</a> Upcoming spectrum auction creates opportunity for FCC to push the telecom companies away from the trough. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/vonage_patent02.html">Vonage Gets a Reprieve but its Future is Murky</a> Appeals court stays earlier decision ordering the company to stop signing new customers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/vonage_patent.html">Judge Orders Vonage to Stop Signing New Customers</a> Decision in Verizon patent case is a major blow to Internet phone company. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/microsoft_patch.html">Microsoft Issues Patch To Plug Seven New Windows Holes</a> "Critical" update needed to close animated cursor vulnerability. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/batteries_sugar.html">Batteries Could Run on Sugar</a> New technology could cut risk of laptop, cell phone fires. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/vonage_class_action.html">Class Action Charges Vonage Deceived Consumers</a> Company's "Money-Back Guarantee" and "30-Day Free Trial" advertising claims disputed. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/fcc_neutrality.html">FCC Takes Another Look at Net Neutrality</a> Under fire from consumers, agency opens inquiry into Internet access. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/crb_internet_radio.html">Feds Agree To Rethink Internet Radio Royalties</a> Web broadcasters and NPR say royalty fee increase threatenes their existence. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/symantec_underground.html">Identity Theft Supports a Vast Underground Economy</a> Study finds cybercriminals taking a much more professional approach to their "business." <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/technology_overload.html">Therapist Sees Signs Of "Technology Overload"</a> Time with "real" people is essential, Menninger Clinic therapist cautions. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/freeconference.html">AT&T; Blocks Calls To Competing Conference Call Service</a> Giant telecoms, with friends in high places, use their power to block competing services from their networks. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/wv_blue_hippo.html">West Virginia Sues Blue Hippo</a> Company violates state telemarketing laws, suit charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/congress_fcc_cable.html">FCC Chair Grilled By Congress Over Favorable Treatment of AT&T;, Verizon</a> Republican-led commission gets a rocky reception in the Democratic-led Congress. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/macbook_fire.html">MacBook Battery Suspected in Australian Fire</a> Latest incident involving lithium ion batteries widely used in cell phones and laptops. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/net_neutrality_study.html">Study: Ending Net Neutrality Would Hurt Consumers</a> Telephone and cable providers would be the big winners. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/fcc_video_franchise.html">FCC Rolls Out New Rules On Video Franchising</a> Verizon, AT&T; get fast track around franchise rules that bind cable companies. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/airlines_batteries.html">Feds Consider New Lithium Battery Restrictions on Airplanes</a> Recent fires aboard airliners may mean new rules for transporting laptops, cell phones, etc. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/internet_radio.html">The End Of Internet Radio As We Know It</a> Ruling by federal copyright board may mean the end of most music radio on the Internet. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/spam_rates.html">Spam E-mail Increases Worldwide</a> Russia, China, U.S. are major sources of spam. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/phishers_google.html">Hackers Map Phishing Expeditions with Google Maps</a> Scammers can identify their victims' physical location in latest twist on an old idea. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/xm_sirius.html">XM, Sirius Agree to Merge</a> Satellite radio competition goes from slim to none. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/ny_consumers.html">New York Upholds Consumers' Right to Criticize</a> Computer security firm agrees to stop stifling its customers' free speech rights. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/feds_neutrality.html">FCC, FTC Challenged To Protect Net Neutrality</a> Consumer groups, Congressional Democrats turning up the heat on neutrality, telecom issues. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/ia_microsoft.html">Microsoft Agrees to Settle Class Action</a> Iowa antitrust case cast a cloud of Vista debut. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/ink_cartridges.html">Planned Obsolesence Comes to Ink Cartridges</a> Some HP and Lexmark cartridges designed to shut down after a predetermined time. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/wa_net_send.html">Washington State Sues "Net Send" Internet Advertisers</a> Messages warned of "critical errors" in victims' computers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/video_games_vision.html">Study: Video Games May Sharpen Vision</a> Researchers find 20 percent improvement in test subjects who played action games. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/ny_samsung.html">Samsung to Pay $90 Million in Price-Fixing Settlement</a> Samsung agrees to provide evidence against other computer chip makers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/teens_online.html">Survey Finds Teen Behaviors Linked with Victimization</a> Some types of online behavior raise the risk that teens will be targeted, study finds. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/ftc_sony_bmg.html">Sony BMG Settles FTC "Rootkit" Charges</a> Consumers whose computers were damaged eligible for up to $150. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/ny_adware.html">Advertisers Fined for Deceptive Use of Adware</a> Priceline, Cingular, Travelocity agree to clean up their act. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/ia_microsoft.html">Iowa Antitrust Case Clouds Microsoft's Vista</a> Class action claims the company is continuing to violate antitrust laws. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/ftc_free_software.html">FTC Halts "Free Software CD" Internet Scam</a> Consumers found they were billed for software they thought was free. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/google_data.html">Google Anti-Phishing Feature Accidentally Reveals Too Much</a> List designed to safeguard against phishing scams reveals some user information. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/congress_xm.html">Record Companies, Congress Take On Satellite Radio</a> Big government and big industry team up to squash consumers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/iphone_price.html">Look For Early iPhone Price Cuts</a> Analysts say Apple leaves itself plenty of room to cut prices. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/myspace_zephyr.html">New MySpace Security Measures May Be Too Late</a> Lawsuits and legal challenges pile up as teens are molested on Rupert Murdoch's site. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/cell_fire.html">Cell Phone Ignites, California Man Severely Burned</a> Victim was sleeping in a motel equipped with sprinklers, which may have saved his life. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/dell_batteries_lawsuit.html">Dell Sued in Canada Over Exploding Batteries</a> Class action suit says company knew of problem but kept selling the affected laptops. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/netflix_video.html">Netflix Moves To Online Movie Viewing</a> Video streaming brings selected movies directly to customers' computers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/bluehippo_clones.html">BlueHippo Has Many Clones</a> Watch out for layaway schemes promising no credit check. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/zombie_computers.html">Zombie Computers Clog the Web with Spam</a> Wonder where all that spam comes from? It may be coming from you. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/cingular_att.html">AT&T; Trashes Cingular Brand</a> Dilberts take the wheel, leave Cingular standing, desolate, at the side of Information Row. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/iphone.html">Apple iPhone Wows MacWorld Audience</a> Apple's latest all-in-one gadget plays music, makes calls, checks email, surfs the Web. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/ces.html">New Music/Video Players, Cell Phones Take the Stage</a> If it moves, it must be a multimedia device. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/congress_net.html">Net Neutrality Back on Congress' Agenda</a> Senate Democrats re-introduce measure that would ensure equal Internet access. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/blue_hippo_pitch.html">BlueHippo Funding: An Extreme Layaway Plan</a> Poor Americans pay top dollar for cheap merchandise, which many never even receive. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/nintendo_mayo.html">Mayo Clinic Study Endorses Concept Behind Nintendo's Wii</a> Researchers say any movement is better than none. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/malware_sophos.html">New Years Email Greeting Is Actually Malware</a> Be careful -- that greeting in your inbox may be the Dref-V virus. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/sony_bmg_states.html">Sony BMG Settles Root-Kit Suits for $4.25 Million</a> Settlement with 39 states wraps up litigation resulting from the root-kit issue. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/att_fcc_approval.html">FCC Approves AT&T-BellSouth; Merger</a> Merger creates a telecom giant four times larger than its nearest rival, Verizon. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/att_fcc.html">AT&T; Offers Net Neutrality Concessions To Win Merger Approval</a> But is there more to AT&T;'s last-minute offer than meets the eye? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/video_game_addiction.html">Researchers Find Video Games Addicting</a> Study concludes that games fulfill basic psychological needs. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/xbox_warranty.html">Microsoft Extends Xbox 360 Warranty to One Year</a> Company finally responds to rising tide of consumer outrage. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/wii_mishaps.html">Nintendo's Wii Spreads Mayhem as Wiimote Goes Flying</a> Straps break and the Wiimore becomes a projectile, gamers discover. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/nintendo_suit.html">Nintendo Sued Over Broken Wii Strap</a> Suit charges company was negligent. Recall already underway. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/fcc_franchise.html">FCC Plays Santa for AT&T;, Verizon</a> Feds throw out local rules for telephone companies wanting to invade cable TV markets. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/ca_bmg.html">Sony BMG Settles California Case</a> Consumers will be eligible for reimbursement of computer repair costs. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/franchise_battles.html">Consumers Sidelined as Broadband Battles Rage</a> Telecom companies paint themselves as champions of competition, but the story's more complicated. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/laptop_lockdown.html">Locking Down Your Laptop</a> Theft recovery systems are available, but they don't work if they're not installed. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/nintendo_recall.html">Nintendo Recalls Straps For Wii Controller</a> The controllers can break, sending parts flying. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/cbis_video_games.html">Report Finds Progress in Keeping Violent Video Games Out of Kids' Hands</a> Target and Best Buy lauded, others need to do more. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/fl_aol.html">AOL Settles Florida Fraud Charges</a> Usual litany of consumer complaints -- double-billing, cancellation difficulties, disputed charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/video_games_research.html">Researcher Urges Parents To Reconsider Giving Video Games</a> Too much gaming can cause problems for kids, researcher warns. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/video_games_sales.html">Gamers Favoring Wii over PS3</a> Xbox lead narrows as new players take the field. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/xbox_petition.html">Angry Xbox Owners Signing Recall Petition</a> Gamers want Microsoft to recall or replace faulty units. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/myspace_sentinel.html">MySpace Builds Database to Target Predators</a> National "blacklist" will be used to delete sex offenders' personal pages. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/wa_secure_computer.html">Washington State Hits Secure Computer with $1 Million Penalty</a> Popup Padlock, Spyware Cleaner didn't do the job, state charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/12/nj_save_here.html">New Jersey Sues Online Electronics Retailer</a> Save Here Distributors accused of violating state's consumer protection laws. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/nintendo_fye.html">Nintendo Purchasers Complain of Gamesmanship</a> Long waits, forced add-ons, dishonored prepayments rile gamers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/wireless_comparison.html">Wireless Broadband Still Expensive, Service Still Spotty</a> In our tests, Sprint comes out on top while Cingular struggles to get into the race. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/nintendo_sony.html">Nintendo, Sony Offer Competing Visions Of Video Games</a> Nintendo offers a gentler gaming experience, tries to appeal to nostalgia. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/video_violence.html">Violent Video Games Leave Teens Emotionally Aroused</a> Researchers find lingering effects of violent games, compared with games that are exciting but not violent. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/laptops_gps.html">GPS Tracking Adds Layer of Security to Laptops</a> Security programs can track lost laptops, automatically delete sensitive data. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/nwnt_intro.html">The Cram Artists: How Congressionally-Sanctioned Crooks Scam Consumers</a> We investigate Northwest Nevada Telcom, a small player in the big leagues of scamming. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/ftc_guidance.html">Guidance Software Settles Federal Charges</a> Computer security company failed to secure customers' data. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/playstation.html">PlayStation 3 Takes the Field</a> Sony's new PlayStation hopes to overtake trouble-plagued Microsoft Xbox 360. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/playstation_ebay.html">PlayStation 3 Brings Big Bucks on eBay</a> Bids range up to $15,000 on the first day Sony's new toy becomes available. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/holiday_online_shopping.html">Spammers and Scammers Gear Up For Holiday Assault</a> How to stay safe while shopping online. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/free_ipod.html">iPods Make Good Bait</a> Marketers find that dangling a free iPod gets results. Whether consumers ever get the iPod is another matter. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/ftc_spyware.html">Court Shuts Down "Media Motor" Spyware Operation</a> Consumers hit with spyware they could not get rid of. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/election_privacy.html">New Congress Faces Technology, Privacy Issues</a> Net neutrality, cramming, privacy, domestic surveillance issues await action. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/smishing.html">"Smishing" Emerging As New Threat To Cell Phone Users</a> Phishing techniques moving to the cell phone networks. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/ftc_vishing.html">Scammers Use Technology To Stay Ahead</a> "Vishing" combines email and voice technology to swipe your account data. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/11/ftc_zango.html">Zango Will Pay $3 Million to Settle Fraud Charges</a> Company placed pop-up ads, adware on consumers' computers without permission. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/jobs_internet.html">Survey: Employers Scrutinizing Internet Postings</a> Hiring managers frequently reject candidates based on what they find online. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/pa_myspace.html">Pittsburgh Man Arrested in MySpace Sex Case</a> Suspect allegedly propositioned a 14-year-old girl. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/limewire.html">Denver DA Probes LimeWire</a> Peer-to-peer software enables identity theft, cops claim. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/dell_settlement.html">Dell Settles Class Action Over Financing Practices</a> Consumers who took "90 days same as cash" deals found themselves socked with interest anyway. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/firefox_google.html">Firefox/Google Team Up To Fight Phishing</a> Some privacy advocates worried by the data collection process. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/sony_batteries.html">Sony Battery Recalls Continue</a> Japanese giant recalls another 340,000 fire-prone laptop batteries. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/wi_microsoft.html">Microsoft Settles Wisconsin Class Action</a> Suit alleges company gouged consumers for its software. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/internet_addiction.html">Stanford Study Seeks to define Whether Internet Addiction is a Problem</a> Some Internet users may be excessively fixated on the cyberworld, researchers find. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/ipod_virus.html">Apple Warns Of Virus On Some iPods</a> Video iPods were infected by a Windows PC, Apple reports. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/bully.html">Judge Lifts Injunction Against Video Game</a> Miami judge had blocked release of "Bully" until he could review it. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/scam_myspace.html">New Scam Targets MySpace Users</a> Supposed "free music" link leads to bogus site seeking to mine personal data. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/google_youtube.html">Google Buys YouTube -- And So?</a> What's the deal mean to your average Web surfer? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/hitachi_battery.html">Add Hitachi to Battery Recall List</a> More than 10 million Sony batteries recalled because of fire hazard. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/ca_cable.html">California Authorizes Statewide Cable TV Franchises</a> Telecoms roll right over cities, consumers, cable providers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/sony_batteries.html">Sony Battery Recall Tops 10 Million</a> Fire hazard prompts growing recall of lithium ion batteries. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/panasonic_settlement.html">Panasonic Offers Replacement Lamps for Some LCD TVs</a> Class actioin settlement provides relief for some Panasonic owners. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/canon_judge.html">Canon Class Action Denied</a> Judge refuses to certify class action over defects in Canon digital cameras. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/fcc_att_bellsouth.html">FCC Clears the Way for AT&T-BellSouth; Merger</a> FCC Chairman wants merger on the docket at next meeting. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/jd_power_high_speed.html">High-Speed Internet Overtakes Dial-Up in Market Share</a> J.D. Power finds higher satisfaction levels with DSL than with cable modems. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/net_neutrality_pr.html">Net Neutrality Opponents Step Up PR Blitz</a> Senate sings telcos' tune as days dwindle down. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/toshiba_laptop.html">Toshiba Recalls Sony Laptop Batteries</a> Computer maker insists that, unlike Dell and Apple, there is no overheating problem. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/cfa_broadband.html">U.S. Still Lags In Broadband Access</a> Telecom-cable stranglehold leaves U.S. stuck in 16th place worldwide. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/xbox_capcom.html">Gamers Complain "Dead Rising" Fatal to Microsoft Xbox</a> Microsoft tech support, press spokesmen offer conflicting explanations. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/att_tv.html">AT&T; Trumpets New TV Service</a> Critics suspect it's a net-neutrality killer. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/murdoch_jamster.html">Murdoch Adds Jamster To Media Empire</a> Mobile content service has come under fire for its billing practices. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/xanga.html">Xanga.com Fined for Children's Privacy Violations</a> Social networking site hit with $1 million fine. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/second_life.html">Hackers Make Off With "Second Life" Data</a> Personal data on 600,000 members exposed to hackers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/batteries_thin_film02.html">"Thin-Film" Batteries May Reduce Fire Danger</a> Huge laptop recalls energize development of safer batteries. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/chase_tapes.html">Chase Trashes Tapes Containing Circuit City Customers' Data</a> Missing tapes contained personal data on 2.6 million consumers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/ftc_spyware.html">Feds Quash "Search Miracle" Spyware</a> "Free" software was actually spyware, FTC charged. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/09/panasonic_recall.html">More Laptop Batteries Recalled</a> Panasonic recalls laptop batteries sold in Japan. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/dsl_increases_verizon.html">Verizon Joins BellSouth in Retreat From Unexplained New DSL Fee</a> How do telco tubbies show their thanks for regulatory relief? With new "regulatory recovery fees," of course. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/dell_battery_summit.html">High Tech Summit To Address Hot Battery Problem</a> Industry committee hopes to set standards to head off future problems. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/xbox_gamers02.html">Gamers Say Microsoft Understates Xbox Problems</a> Even Microsoft spokesmen ask for anonymity. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/aol_data.html">AntiSpyware Group Targets AOL Release As Dangerous</a> Online titan's latest free software bundle is dangerous, StopBadware.org charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/xbox_gamers.html">Xbox Failures Irk Gamers</a> Microsoft dismisses complaints as the work of a few malcontents aided by reporters. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/sony_batteries.html">Sony: No More Battery Recalls Expected</a> Design modifications should prevent future problems, company claims. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/dsl_increases.html">FCC Nudges BellSouth Into Giving Up New DSL Fees</a> Verizon insists it has "new costs" it needs to recover. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/apple_batteries.html">Apple Recalls iBook, PowerBook Batteries</a> As in earlier Dell recall, batteries were made by Sony. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/ftc_neutrality.html">FTC Head Urges "Caution" On Net Neutrality</a> Level playing field might impede competition, Platt claims. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/aol_firings.html">AOL Heads Roll Over Data Leak</a> Chief technology officer, two others, fired after member search records revealed. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/dell_house_fire.html">Dell Laptop Blamed for House Fire</a> Florida man left recalled laptop on couch, awoke to find it in flames. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/dell_battery_folo.html">Dell Battery Recall May Not Be the Answer</a> Computer architecture may be the real culprit, engineers say. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/municipal_wifi.html">Municipal Wi-Fi: The Internet's Next Step?</a> Phone companies oppose cities' attempts to provide low-cost Internet access to all. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/dell_batteries_history.html">Insider: Dell Knew of Battery Problem for Years</a> Company received hundreds of burned laptops, tried to hide the problem. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/movieland.html">Movieland.com Sued for Spyware</a> Company lured consumers into a "free trial" that wasn't free, Washington charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/dell_battery_recall.html">Dell Plans Huge Recall of Troubled Batteries</a> Company will announce recall of 4.1 million batteries. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/dell_china.html">Chinese Consumers Sue Dell</a> Inspiron laptops did not meet published specifications, class action charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/aol_free_sortof.html">AOL Now Free ... Sort Of</a> Paying customers finding it difficult to switch to new free service. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/aol_sux.html">AOL Takes More Hits In Press, On Internet</a> Company inadvertently published data on Internet searches, continued billing dead subscribers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/dell_fire.html">"Exploding" Dell Laptop Destroys Truck, Imperils Outsdoorsmen</a> Latest reported laptop fire left fishermen stranded in 110-degree heat, did not involve a previously recalled computer. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/08/net_neutrality.html">Net Neutrality May Derail Telecom Bill</a> Grassroots opposition frightens Congress as elections approach. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/07/email_fading.html">The Death of E-Mail?</a> Consumers fed up with spam, scams and viruses turning to instant messaging, text messaging. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/07/verizon_unlimited.html">Verizon Limits Its "Unlimited" Wireless Broadband Service</a> Customers cut off with little notice and no appeal for exceeding limits on "unlimited" service. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/07/dell_laptop_batteries.html">Dell Denies It Knew of Overheating Battery Problem for Years</a> Industry publication says Dell kept quiet about the problem, but company denies it. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/07/dell_rebates.html">Dell Cuts Rebate Program Amid Complaints</a> Company says it will simplify product promotions to smooth consumer relations. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/07/microsoft_player.html">Microsoft Eyes iPod Market</a> Company rumored to be building an iPod challenger in time for Christmas. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/07/wawa.html">Brooklyn Camera Store Generates Complaints Nationwide</a> WawaDigital uses bare-knuckle "bait and hook" tactics to upsell customers seeking bargain-basement prices. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/07/google_neutrality.html">Google: No Net Neutrality Means Antitrust Fight</a> Company warns it will challenge any carrier that impedes access to its content. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/aol_nosedive.html">AOL's Problems Worsen as Consumer Complaints Mount</a> "Retention consultants" still try to browbeat customers into withdrawing their cancellations. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/neutrality_wyden.html">Lone Senator Holds Out for Net Neutrality</a> Oregon's Ron Wyden objects to telecom measure that deletes neutrality amendment. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/tech_support_woes.html">Tech Support Woes Worsen</a> More consumers are asking friends, family or strangers for help rather than putting up with tech support. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/aol_cnbc.html">AOL Embarrassed by CNBC Report On Its Business Practices</a> Cable channel airs report on problems consumers have known about for years. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/net_neutrality_senate.html">Senate Prepares for Net Neutrality Showdown</a> It's unclear whether both houses will agree on the issue before adjournment. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/yahoo_worm.html">Yahoo Worm Doesn't Require Attachment To Be Opened</a> Sprightly worm will crawl right onto your desktop. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/net_neutrality_house_vote.html">House Scrambles to Deliver Telecoms' Fondest Desires</a> House scraps net neutrality, gives telecoms free ride to enter cable business. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/net_neutrality_versions.html">Net Neutrality Gets Its Day In Congress</a> House prepares to vote while Senate mulls its version of telecom reform bill. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/aol_mail.html">AOL Glitch Leaves Millions Without Mail</a> Unexplained problem slows email delivery to a crawl. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/ca_cable_competition.html">California Bill Seeks to Jumpstart Cable Competition</a> New cable entrants would not need to go through franchising process. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/ftc_mp3.html">File Sharing Site Settles FTC Charges</a> Site turned its customers into felons. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/neutrality_vote.html">Net Neutrality Wins a Small Victory In Congress</a> Measure survives committee vote, goes to full House. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/sony_bmg_settlement.html">Court Approves Sony BMG CD Settlement</a> Music fans will finally get the music they bought without illicit spyware. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/myspace_video.html">MySpace Debuts $1.99 Video Downloads</a> Fear of expensive downloads may displace parents' fear of predators. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/neutrality_allies.html">Net Neutrality Attracts Surprising Allies</a> Supporters range from James Sensenbrenner and the Christian Coalition to Moby and R.E.M. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/fl_cramming.html">Florida Opens "Cramming" Probe</a> Charges placed by Axcess Internet Solutions through ILD Teleservices called into question. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/gao_broadband.html">GAO: Broadband Access Difficult To Measure</a> Phone companies get big favors from Congress but have they fulfilled their promises? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/directv_contractors.html">Fired DirecTV Contractors Say They Refused To Lie To Customers</a> Installers say they were told to "say anything" to get customers to upgrade. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/ftc_spyware.html">Court Halts Spyware Operations</a> Perpetrator ordered to pay more than $4 million. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/mpaa_loss.html">Movie Piracy Rising Faster than Predicted</a> Studios losing $6.1 billion in ticket and DVD sales annually. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/neutrality.html">Congress Wrestles with Net Neutrality</a> Competing measures circulate as public pressure grows. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/05/blackberry_suit02.html">Another Patent Suit Against Blackberry</a> California company says four of its patents were infringed. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/canon_flaw.html">Canon Leaves Camera Customers in the Dark</a> Canon fixes flaws in cameras sold in Asia; U.S. customers on their own. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/net_neutrality.html">Building A Better Internet ... Or Not</a> Whatever happened to the promise of inexpensive broadband for all? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/rebate_maze.html">Rebates: Discount or Lotto Ticket</a> Consumers are being robbed of millions of dollars in rebate scams. Does anyone care? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/taxes_online.html">Feds, States Eye Internet Taxes</a> States gang up to go after online sales while feds sharpen their gaze. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/myspace_czar.html">MySpace Names Security Czar</a> Microsoft executive will take charge of safety, education, privacy and law enforcement oversight programs. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/wa_software_online.html">SoftwareOnline.com Settles Suit</a> Washington State chaged that company misrepresented InternetShield and Registry Cleaner. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/movie_suits.html">Hollywood's Revenge: Studios Sue Alleged Counterfeiters</a> Moviemakers sue individuals selling DVDs on eBay. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/verizon_neutrality.html">Congress Retreats from Guaranteeing Internet Neutrality</a> Congress goes negative on net neutrality. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/eff_att.html">Class Action Challenges AT&T/NSA Surveillance</a> AT&T diverting Internet traffic into hands of NSA in violation of the Constitution, suit charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/verizon_spam_settlement.html">Verizon To Pay Customers Who Missed Their Emails</a> Proposal settles class action suit over aggressive spam-filtering. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/yahoo_click_fraud.html">Yahoo Implicated in Spyware "Click Fraud"</a> Spyware and false "clicks" may be contributing to Yahoo's bottom line, report finds. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/ny_spyware.html">New York Sues Major Spyware Distributor</a> Direct Revenue Inc. accused of "drive-by downloads." <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/laptop_thefts.html">Laptop Thefts: The Latest Form Of Identity Theft</a> Sloppy handling of corporate and personal laptops leads to loss of crucial data. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/telecom_bill.html">Net Neutrality Gets Short Shrift in Congress</a> Telephone companies get most of their shopping list, including "national franchise" for cable TV service. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/sbc_att2.html">SBC Buys AT&T</a> Now what? Does Verizon have to buy MCI? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/dell_alien.html">Seeking Sizzle, Dell Goes Alien</a> Dell buys producer of high-end multimedia machines. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/net_neutrality_heats_up.html">"Net Neutrality" Battle Heats Up</a> Telecom giants use shock and awe to confound consumers, non-profits as they push for toll booths on the information highway. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/ct_myspace.html">Connecticut Asks MySpace to Provide Blocking Software</a> State also wants minimum user age raised from 14 to 16. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/badware.html">First Badware Report Fingers Four Firms</a> KaZaa, MediaPipe, SpyAxe, Waterfalls 3 top stopbadware.org's first list. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/google_word.html">Google Buys Web-Based Word Processor</a> Free Web utility would free consumers from Microsoft's grasp. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/blackberry_settles.html">Blackberry Settles Its Patent Dispute</a> Research In Motion (RIM) agrees to $612 million settlement. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/myspace_inside.html">What's Inside MySpace.com?</a> Murdoch's latest media marvel may be his biggest yet. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/cell_phones_planes.html">Study Warns Cell Phones Could Cause Airliner Crash</a> Carnegie Mellon researchers warn dangers are greater than commonly believed. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/03/aol_under_fire.html">AOL Responds Aggressively to "E-Mail Tax" Critics</a>Opponents turn up the heat. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/email_postage02.html">E-Mail Taxation Without Representation</a> Advocacy groups rail against AOL, Yahoo email charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/blackberry_tro.html">Judge Refuses to Shut Down Blackberry</a> Court likely to impose a solution on warring parties. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/lenovo_olympics.html">Lenovo Sheds its IBM Skin</a> Chinese manufacturer skates into the limelight at Olympic Winter Games. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/autosurf.html">Autosurf Sites the Latest Scam Sensation</a> Consumers told they can make 12% daily returns from sites like 12dailypro.com. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/ipod_suit_ftcr.html">Apple Faces Another iPod Lawsuit</a> The Nano is cool but too delicate, suit charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/starbucks_digital.html">Some U2 With Your Brew?</a> Starbucks plans to get into the digital download business. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/net_neutrality.html">The Battle for Net Neutrality</a> Congress considering system that grants "preferred access" to some Web content services. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/myspace.html">Connecticut Opens MySpace.Com Probe</a> Teenage girls allegedly assaulted by men they met through Rupert Murdoch's site. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/identity_theft_offline.html">Privacy Threats Are Everywhere, Not Just Online</a> Offline theft and carelessness are bigger threats than Internet. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/email_postage.html">AOL, Yahoo Planning Postage Charges for Email</a> Supposed anti-spam move likely to meet a strong backlash. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/ipod_hearing_suit.html">Suit Charges iPods Can Damage Hearing</a> Consumer's lawsuit claims iPod's headphones are unusually dangerous. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/wa_spyware.html">Washington, Microsoft Pursue Alleged Spyware Scammers</a> Suit charges New York company sells spyware "removal" program under false pretenses. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/harvard_spyware.html">Harvard, Oxford Team Up To Squash Spyware</a> Academics form "neighborhood watch" to stamp out badware. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/emoticons.html">Cingular Patents the Emoticon :(</a> Like those little smiley faces? So does Cingular. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/internet_survey.html">Survey: Internet Should Remain Open to All</a> Verizon, AT&T eyeing extra charges for content providers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/blackberry.html">Future May Be Bleak for Blackberry Owners</a> Supreme Court won't hear appeal in patent dispute. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/tv_logos.html">TV Logos Blamed for Plasma Screen Burn-In</a> Australian sports fans complain of burned-in logos long after games are over. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/movieland.html">MovieLand Denies It Pipes Spyware Onto Users' Computers</a> But companies buy search engine ads promoting their MovieLand removal programs. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/konica_minolta.html">Digital Revolution Too Much For Konica Minolta</a> Company announces it's shuttering its camera business. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/il_evil_twins.html">"Evil Twin" Attacks Reported at Wireless Hotspots</a> Wireless computer users beware! Public places aren't the safest. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/movieland.html">MovieLand Pipes Spyware Onto Users' Computers</a> Intrusive adware and pop-up windows can't be easily removed. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/camera_defects.html">Companies Ignore Defects in Digital Cameras</a> Major manufacturers refuse to recall cameras, which can fail without warning. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/apple_ispy.html">iTunes Includes "iSpy" Feature</a> Latest version tracks listening habits, sends info back to Big Apple. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/symantec_rootkit.html">Symantec Hides Rootkits In Software</a> Norton Systemworks includes files hidden from computer user that could pose security risk. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/ftc_antispyware.html">Two Anti-Spyware Promoters Settle FTC Charges</a> Companies sold phony spyware removal software. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/windows_flaw02.html">Microsoft To Patch Windows Flaw Next Week</a> Company says no major attacks have occurred. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/coldplay.html">Coldplay Can't Play: Band's New CD Comes with Onerous Limitations</a> Restrictions prevent users from copying, or even playing, CD on some machines. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/sony_bmg_settle.html">Sony Reaches Tentative Settlement in Spyware Cases</a> Offers $7.50 or a free album to those affected by illicit spyware. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/windows_flaw.html">Security Firm Warns Of Massive Windows Security Flaw</a> Millions of computers running nearly every version of Windows are at risk. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/sony_mediamax.html">New Charges Against Sony's Use of Stealth Software</a> Lawsuits charge spy software endangers users' computers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/too_much_technology.html">Too Much Technology, Too Fast?</a> Surveys find us increasingly dependent on Internet access, even during supposed family time. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/current.html">Dallas Area to Get Power-Line Internet</a> Largest deployment of Broadband Power Line service set for 2006. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/directv_ftc.html">DirecTV Fined $5 Million for Do-Not-Call Violations</a> Federal penalty follows a $5 million settlement with 22 states. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/cell_santa.html">Cingular Rolls Out High-Speed Wireless, Verizon Promises Live Video</a> Carriers ramping up wireless broadband to answer Wi-Fi challenge. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/xbox_suit.html">Class Action Charges Xbox Overheats</a> Consumers claim Microsoft's new Xbox 360 has a flaw in its design. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/fbi_virus.html">"FBI Virus" On The Loose</a> Latest email virus claims to be from the FBI or CIA. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ny_sony.html">New York Joins Sony CD Investigation</a> Attorney General's investigators find hacker-prone CDs still being sold in stores. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/video_games.html">Video Game Industry Gets a D+</a> What not to buy your child this year. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/fcc_cable_bundling.html">Cable a la Carte, After All</a> In surprise reversal, FCC chief backs "unbundling" cable tv packages. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ftc_spam.html">FTC Declares Progress in Spam Wars</a> Technology, heightened security helping to trim spam. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/xbox.html">Problems Plague Xbox 360 Users</a> Sudden shutdowns, error messages reported by early purchasers of Microsoft's new gaming console. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/sony_eff.html">Consumer Group Sues Sony BMG</a> Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) wants Sony to repair damage to 24 million computers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/tx_sony.html">Texas Sues Sony for Violating Spyware Law</a> State charges Sony used cloak-and-dagger tactics in hiding copy-protection software on customers' computers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/google_security.html">Google Fixes Security Flaws</a> Gmail, Google Base hacking, hijacking vulnerabilities. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ftc_spammers.html">Spammers Settle Federal Charges</a> Spammers who sent millions of illegal e-mail messages have paid $621,000 to settle federal charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/sony_withdraws.html">Sony Withdraws CDs With Copy-Protection Software</a> Facing a firestorm of criticism, an unapologetic Sony temporarily retreats. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/canon_class02.html">Canon Addresses Some Camera Problems But Not Others</a> Canon Asia offers to fix digital camera, camcorder problems; no relief for U.S. customers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/extended_warranty.html">Five Reasons Not To Buy An Extended Warranty</a> Based on the experiences of our readers, we'd have to say extended warranties are a bad idea. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/verizon_privacy.html">Verizon Wireless Sues To Protect Customers From Telemarketers</a> Private investigators were trying to obtain customer data. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/aol_im.html">Instant Messaging Up 19 Percent, Study Finds</a> IM replacing email in many applications, study finds. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/google_scam.html">Scammers Impersonate Google To Steal Identity</a> Email says you've won $400? Look out! <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/sony.html">Sony Slammed for Hidden CD Software</a> Copy-protected CDs insert hacker-prone software on users' computers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/privacy_microsoft.html">Microsoft Wants Federal Privacy Law</a> Protecting consumers would help online business fluorish, company claims. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ags_identity_theft.html">States Want Congress to Act on Identity Theft, Data Security</a> Forty-six state Attorneys General call for national security breach and credit freeze legislation. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/dell_slump.html">Dell Sales & Earnings Down, Complaints Up</a> Sluggish sales may be due at least partly to consumer dissastisfaction. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ipod_suit2.html">Class Action Suit Charges Apple iPod's Screen is Defective</a> Apple knew of defect but chose to ignore it, suit charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/apple_challengers.html">Sprint, Samsung Take on Apple's iPod</a> Sprint Nextel will charge $2.50 for songs downloaded to its wireless phones. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/nj_circuit_city.html">Circuit City Settles Advertising Complaints with New Jersey</a> "Zero percent interest" and other claims challenged. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ftc_p2p.html">Court Order Closes File-Sharing Site</a> MP3DownloadCity.com claimed its peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs were legal. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/computer_sales.html">Computer Sales Booming; Dell Still #1</a> Dell's growth rate slows, however, while H-P gains. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/web_spat.html">Consumers Adrift as Web Titans Argue</a> Level 3 cuts off Cogent communications, leaving millions of Internet addresses unreachable. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ftc_odysseus.html">FTC Sues to Stop Alleged Spyware Scam</a> Spyware infects computers, produces rigged search engine results. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/palm_treo.html">Consumer Lawsuit Challenges Palm's Treo Claims</a> Palm Inc. allegedly concealed defects in its Treo cell phones and failed to honor its warranty. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/computer_warranty.html">Computer Vendors Charge More For Less Service</a> Extended warranty plans add cost, often provide only spotty service. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/keylogger_scam.html">IT Firm Uncovers Identity Theft Scam</a> Keylogger spyware records users' passwords, credit card, bank account numbers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ny_aol.html">AOL Agrees to Clean Up Cancellation Procedures</a> Agreement with New York Attorney General technically applies only to NY consumers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/returns.html">Not Many Happy Returns</a> Consumer dissatisfaction with retailers' return/exchange policies growing. Complaints up 11 percent in one year. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/broadband.html">U.S. Lags in Broadband Access</a> Report ranks America 16th globally in deployment of high-speed Internet. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/microsoft_spam.html">Microsoft and "Spam King" Announce Settlement</a> OptInRealBig.com LLC agrees to pay $7 million, cancel its bankruptcy filing. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/cr_web.html">The Web's A Dangerous Place</a> Consumer Reports has some tips to protect home computer users. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/fcc_broadband.html">FCC Scraps Rules Protecting DSL Competition</a> Cable broadband and DSL now effectively deregulated; consumers are on their own. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ftc_adcom.html">Advertising.com Settles Adware Charges</a> America Online subsidiary offered free security software, but failed to disclose that adware was bundled with that software. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ibm_spam.html">IBM Says Gangs Now Behind Most Spam</a> Organized criminal gangs are now the primary spammers, computer giant warns. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/fishman/2005/video_terminals.html">Do Video Terminals Hurt Your Eyes?</a> The jury's still out but there are things you can do to reduce the risk. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/worm.html">Worm Has Some Computer Users Singing The Blues</a> The Opanki worm makes the target believe they are clicking on a link to Apple's popular music site, iTunes. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/dtv.html">Consumers Could Benefit from Transition to Digital TV</a> But Congress must not let incumbents grab all the spectrum, consumer groups argue. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/google_powerline.html">Google Buys Stake in Power-Line Internet Company</a> Current Communications transmits broadband Internet over electricity lines. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/sprint_evdo.html">Sprint Introducing Wireless Broadband Service</a> Will reach half of U.S. population by year's end, company says. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/evdo_test.html">A Test of Verizon Wireless Broadband</a> We spend months trying to find a spot where this service will work for even a few minutes. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/broadbandless.html">Up the Broadband Creek Without a Signal</a> Millions of Americans can't get broadband Internet easily. What are their options? <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/spyware.html">Fear of Spyware Plagues Millions</a> Survey finds Americans increasingly edgy about viruses, worms, spyware and other Internet hazards. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/gartner.html">Consumers Losing Confidence in Online Commerce, Banking</a> Gartner survey finds phishing, data security lapses could slow or reverse growth of e-commerce. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/scotus_broadband.html">Supreme Court Hands Cable Edge In Broadband Marketplace</a> Cable television operators do not have to open their systems to competitive Internet service providers, court rules. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ftc_spyware.html">FTC Halts "Anti-Spyware" Scam</a> "SpyKiller" program falsely claimed to identify and remove spyware, agency charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/md_web.html">Maryland Court Hears Internet Anonymity Case</a> Drug company wants newsletter's subscriber list. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/oh_aol.html">Ohio Settles Lawsuit With AOL</a> Company once again promises to do a better job of honoring customers' cancellations. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ipod_suit.html">Apple to Settle iPod Battery Suit</a> Apple Computer has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit involving the rechargeable but nonreplaceable batteries in early iPod models. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/sbc_dsl.html">SBC Cuts DSL Price to $15</a> Company hopes to push back cable TV competitors as it prepares to enter cable market later this year. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ftc_zombies.html">Feds Target Spam Zombies</a> FTC leads effort to shut down illegal spammers who tap into consumers' home computers and use them to send millions of pieces of illegal spam. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/aol_netscape.html">Netscape Forced To Update New Browser</a> Security flaw in supposedly safe new version embarrasses AOL. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/aol_mail.html">AOL Adds Free Email to IM Accounts</a> Company hopes to create an all-in-one communications portal. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ma_spammers.html">Masssachusetts Judge Shuts Down Spam Ring</a> Huge spam operation allegedly peddled unapproved counterfeit drugs, pirated software, and pornography. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/new_worm.html">A New Worm Crawls the Web</a> Computer security firm Trend Mico says WORM_MYTOB.ED is spreading fast. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ny_intermix.html">NY Sues Alleged Spyware Distributor</a> Los Angeles-based Intermix Media accused of secretly infecting consumers' computers with spyware and adware. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/online_banking.html">Online Banking Needs Stronger Security</a> Research group warns that user ID and password no longer sufficient to protect consumers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/hp_inkjet.html">Class Action Challenges HP's Inkjet Replacement Warnings</a> New York man charges that HP is misleading consumers with alerts that their inkjet cartridges are about to run out. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/internet_tax.html">Congress Considers Permanent Ban on Internet Tax</a> Federal, state and local Internet taxes would be banned. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/wimax.html">Intel Introduces New WiMAX Chip</a> WiMAX promises wireless broadband over greater distances and at higher speeds. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/optin_global.html">FTC, California Sue Spammers</a> Millions of e-mails touted mortgage loans, other services. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/va_spam.html">Virginia Sentences Spammer to 9 Years</a> Defendant remains free on bond pending appeal of nation's harshest anti-spam law. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/blogs.html">Warning: Toxic Blogs</a> Some blogs may carry viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, security experts warn. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/aol_voip2.html">AOL Launches Internet Phone Service</a> Service is $29.99 the first six months, $39.99 thereafter. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/vonage_sbc.html">SBC, Vonage in Stand-Off Over 9-1-1</a> Bell companies reluctant to let Internet phone carriers into 9-1-1 system. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ftc_spanish_computers.html">Promoters Defrauded Spanish-Speaking Computer Shoppers</a> Unicyber Technology, Inc., and Latin Shopping Network settle FTC charges. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/sony_playstation.html">Sony Loses Playstation Suit</a> Distribution of Playstation to continue during appeal. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/fcc_dsl.html">FCC Disconnects Stand-Alone DSL Service</a> Commission overrides state rules that allowed consumers to get DSL without subscribing to land-line telephone service. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/ftc_compusa.html">CompUSA Settles FTC Rebate Charges</a> Computer chain agrees to promptly pay all due and overdue rebates on QPS products. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/aol_voip.html">AOL Dives Into Internet Phone Scramble</a> Links to e-mail and instant messaging likely to propel AOL to top of the VOIP heap. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/dell_suit.html">Class Action Accuses Dell of Defrauding Customers</a> Suit accuses Dell of using bait-and-switch marketing tactics and false promises of low-cost financing to deceive customers. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/google_tv.html">Google Introduces TV Search Feature</a> Beta version searches PBS, C_SPAN, Fox, among others. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/internet_trust.html">Study: Internet Users Too Trusting</a> Researchers find users know little about how search engines operate. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/tx_spammers.html">Texas Sues Spammers</a> State targets one of the world's largest spam operations in its first anti-spam action. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/ibm.html">Lenovo Buys IBM PC Business</a> Looking for IBM? It's Been Moved. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/alyon_settle.html">Alyon Technologies Settles FTC Charges</a> Company will drop its claim to $17 million in charges for adult videotext services. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/aol_broadband.html">AOL Abandons Broadband</a> Existing customers will revert to dial-up if they don't find another provider. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/spam_felony.html">Spammer Faces Prison in Virginia</a> Jury recommends nine years in first test of Virginia's tough anti-spam law. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/cyber_risks.html">Computer Users Unaware of Risks, Study Finds</a> Although most users think they're safe, most have taken no precautions. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/akimbo.html">Akimbo Launches Web Video-On-Demand</a> New venture uses set-top box to link TV to Web-based video library. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/direct_tv_web.html">DirecTV Abandons Satellite Internet Plans</a> Will shift satellite capacity to HDTV projects. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/google_desktop.html">Privacy Issues in Google Desktop?</a> New search tool could expose users' private information if they use shared computers, observers fret. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/ny_samsung.html">Samsung Settles NY Rebate Case</a> Company agrees to pay wrongfully denied rebates to consumers nationwide. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/voip_fcc.html">FCC Chair Wants VoIP Free of State Control</a> State regulation will doom new technology, Michael Powell argues. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/sbc_wireless.html">SBC Enters Wi-Fi Race</a> SBC is offering its broadband Internet subscribers $2-per-month access to its network of 4,000 wireless hotspots, including UPS Store locations. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/google_search.html">Google Invades Microsoft Turf with Desktop Search Tool</a> Beta roll-out puts Google a step ahead of Microsoft and others hoping to dominate search. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/spyware_war.html">Feds Declare War on Spyware</a> FTC asks court to close SmartBot.net and order refunds. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/lcd_glut.html">LCD Glut Means Falling Prices</a> Manufacturers producing flat screens faster than consumers are buying them. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/senate_spyware.html">Senate Considers Spyware Ban</a> Measure prohibits companies from surreptitiously installing spy software. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/bonzi.html">Bonzi Settles Federal Charges - Agrees to Release Subscribers and Make Refunds</a> Feds charge "security" softwear doesn't live up to claims. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/dell_growing_pains.html">It's Not Easy Being Dell</a> Computer maker says it's addressing service and rebates problems. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/xp_sp2.html">Windows XP Service Pack 2: Ready for Prime Time</a> Experts advise waiting a few weeks. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/acsi.html">U.S. Automakers Slipping in Consumer Satisfaction</a> Survey finds satisfaction with personal computers at four-year high. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/pop_up_blocker.html">Pop-Up Blocker Pop-Ups Blocked</a> Square D agrees to stop using Microsoft Windows Messaging for pop-up spam. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/aol_im.html">Security Risk in AOL Instant Messenger</a> Hackers can take over a user's machine. <a href="/web/20091218085436/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/microsoft_minnesota.html">Microsoft Settles Minnesota Case for $240 Million</a> Microsoft settles during seventh week of trial. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://consumeraffairs.com/news04/dell_jobs.html">Dell Ships Out</a> More than half of computer-maker's workforce now overseas. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://consumeraffairs.com/news04/gateway_closes_stores.html">Gateway Closes Stores</a> Struggling computer maker retreats from retail market, pins hopes on eMachines. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://consumeraffairs.com/news04/news04/ipod_suits.html">Apple iPod Lawsuits Multiply</a> Batteries last for only 500 recharges; replacement expensive. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://consumeraffairs.com/news04/gateway_emachines.html">Gateway Buys eMachines</a> Combined company will be third-largest U.S. computer maker. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://consumeraffairs.com/news04/spamiam.html">Are You A Spammer?</a> Feds remind consumers to safeguard their home and small business computers. <a href="apple_ipod.html">Apple Offers Battery Replacement for iPod After Consumers Complain</a> Underground movie takes its toll. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://consumeraffairs.com/news03/apple.html">Apple Hardware Glitch Mars Birthday</a> Repeated systemboard failures vex the faithful. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://consumeraffairs.com/news03/ie_hole.html">Flaw in Microsoft Explorer Endangers Data</a> Consumers should disable active scripting or use a different browser. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://consumeraffairs.com/news03/ibm_drives.html">IBM Knew Drives Were Defective, Documents Indicate</a> Class actions pending in Texas, California. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://consumeraffairs.com/news03/hp_suit.html">H-P Wins Inkjet Suit</a> North Carolina jury finds company did not deceive consumers with "economy" inkjet cartridges. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091218085436/http://consumeraffairs.com/news03/dell_recycle.html">Dell Breaks Out of Prison Deal</a> Environmental group had criticized Dell for using cheap prison labor to break up old machines. </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="center">  <script type="text/javascript"> aster_cloud_id = '2417581'; 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