Computer Magazine Subscriptions

from WinCustomize Forums
At some point in time we have all subscribed so that we could feel we were getting the cutting edge information before everyone else. With the advent of the internet it didn't make much sense to subscribe if you could go to the magazine's web page and get the information for free.   

I currently have two subscriptions, both from the same publisher Future Publications. They are Maximum PC and Microsoft Windows XP The Official Magazine. Apparently they really are the only office magazine authorized by Microsoft. They recently started a Vista magazine. By the way Stardock and Wincustomize have both been in articles in these publications.   

As I all ready stated it didn't make sense to subscribe to the magazines if they didn't offer more and they do. A CD with Maximum PC and a choice of CD or DVD with Windows XP. Maximum PC is reasonable priced, Windows XP comes to somewhere between $.50 to $.75 U.S. a day. If you do the math it's not cheap.   

The CD's and DVD's usually have a variety of software on them from trial amd demo versions to full free versions with discounts to upgrade. The free stuff always gets me hooked. That's why I have too many clean up and maintence programs on my computer. Must stop downloading free software.   

So, do you subscribe? Which publications and why (we all know why)?   





35,149 views 23 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have been getting Maximum PC for a few years now. I don't subscribe. They just keep sending them. Every issue has a big orange cover saying "THIS IS YOUR LAST ISSUE UNTIL YOU RENEW".
This happens EVERY month.     
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Night Train - What's your thoughts on the magazine? Do they send a copy that has a CD?   
Groupy 2 - Organize multiple applications into grouped tabs on your Windows desktop
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I only use the free subscriptions online..about 7 a day ....Windows Secrets...Pc World..& Daily Tips, Bootlist, Byte update, Computer Hope, Steve's computer tips, Techweb, Cnet, Gizmo Richards plus a few others ..Do they count?

It's My Secret
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
My Secret - Everything counts in Horseshoes! Wait a minute..............this is about computer magazine subscription.  

Do any of the sites you visit offer free software downloads? The reason I ask I may want to visit some of these sites too. I really am hooked on free downloads.   
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Maximum PC


My favorite
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I get all of these in my e-mail daily lol...Pc daily downloads subscription does...plus I use File Hippo

WWW Link

plus majorgeeks

sourceforge

& I get different links for programs in the subscriptions I have

I always do a google search for at least 2 or 3 different reviews on programs before I download any too....plus do a system restore before installing...

It's My Secret

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
have been getting Maximum PC for a few years now. I don't subscribe. They just keep sending them. Every issue has a big orange cover saying "THIS IS YOUR LAST ISSUE UNTIL YOU RENEW".
This happens EVERY month.


Before the internet as we know it came along, I used to sell Word Book encyclopedias, trained for three weeks, then tried to sell for about a week, never sold one set.. they sent me a check every two weeks for nearly 5 months

As far as Magazines, I dunno, too much info online and WAY too much free software already to bother with those anymore, I will however admit that its hard to read a webpage from the bathroom   

oh almost forgot.. I have a laptop now too   
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
hehe...magazine info is always 2 months out of date...
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
My Secret - I don't know how I forgot majorgeeks, love it, visit it everday. Thier reviews seem to be always no nonsense.  
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

An English mag called PC Answers ....ever since it began [almost].

There was a particular section called 'Extreme Customizing' which was about GUI mods [skinning] that was penned by a guy with a particular aversion to all-things Stardock [which was patently stupid, their being significant movers and shakers in the skinning world].

Stardock/Windowblinds/Wincustomize still gets mention from time to time...though fortunately the twit moved on...

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Jafo - I think PC Answers is published by Future Publishing also. I almost started a subscription to it except something or someone hit me in the back of the head and said "Wake Up Fool".   
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Been making my living in the printing industry since I was in High School. Thanks for supporting your local printer.

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't subscribe to any of them, but I do buy Windows XP mag, and now the Vista mag each month. Usually have good articles & references in them.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Erk - If that's the one that I mentioned I think its a good choice. How does the Vista version compare to the XP version?   
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Time will tell, Philly0381 ...this month's was the inaugural issue, but so far so good, imo.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Appreciate the replies, hopefully there will be somemore that identify other sources. If not maybe the ones that were posted here will give others some sources.   
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm in the same camp as the member "mysecret" is *mmmm perhaps that's not quite how i should word it..lol..* i'm talk'n about free subs to emails

PC Mechanic newsletter
Stardock
TechRepublic-daily digest=excellant for any tips or registry tweaks and all sorts of downloads or there's the IT Digest email
Zdnet
download.com
infopackets gazette

If your after new sites to visit install this http://www.stumbleupon.com/ ,it's a configurable toolbar,cnet should have a rating for it you'll find it rates well,best of all you select the sites you want to visit,so if it's software tick that box
there's a version for IE & FF


edit: ps I distance myself from mysecret *thinks to self better lay low for a bit till mysecret cools down if he spots this post*
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
till mysecret cools down if he spots this post


"He" won't

...."SHE" might
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Oops.....! With that I'll say that it's time for me to shut it down and get some sleep. Really enjoyed the replies. For those of you where the sun in coming up, good morning and keep posting.   

Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Maximum PC and PC world are the only two I buy. Have no subs for them. So far most of what I have is from Max PC or CNET.com. Got a nice collection of Max PC cd's.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm in the same camp as the member "mysecret" is









Would you like some marshmallows?

It's My Secret

Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have subscriptions to most of the major PC and Mac magazines.  You can find great deals on eBay for subscriptions.

 
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That'll teach me not to check the member profile... :evoraz: