Sun Microsystems has provided a dandy of a FREE Java-based office suite, OpenOffice.org, which is a kick in the pants to the hugely expensive Microsoft Office.

Finally, a true productivity package for the home (and office) user with a price-tag that cannot be beat. The package includes: Word Processor (Writer), Spreadsheet (Calc), Presentation (Impress), Database (Base), Equation Editor (Math), and Publisher (Draw). What's great is that OpenOffice can open and edit Microsoft Office formats, and files created in OpenOffice can be saved in Microsoft Office format! Seamless!!

NOTE: If you already OWN Microsoft Office, there is no need to download this...

I recommend the Beta 2.0 Version!

Call your friends, tell your family, the Rent-A-Geek Team is heading to Kelowna. We are now accepting appointments for the Kelowna area and all places in- between.

We are offering on-site service, on-line service, and will provide free pickup/delivery for those that want their PCs serviced in-shop.

Rates for Kelowna are $75/hr for onsite service, and $65/hr for on-line or in-shop service. These rates are slightly higher than Vernon, and better reflect the market pricing of Kelowna and allow for greater travel-time and fuel-costs between locations in Kelowna.

We have created a page of free downloads, as featured recently in our tech column in the Daily Courier. Click here to get to the download page...

The downloads include tools for virus protection, spyware cleaning and office productivity. There is also a link for ZoneAlarm software firewall protection; but caution is advised on this one if you are installing it on a multi-user (family) computer. In fact, we recommend getting a hardware firewall (router) instead...

If you haven't downloaded and tried Google Earth, do it NOW!

What is this Google Earth? It is a new Windows satellite photo, 3-D mapping, driving directions program which, once downloaded and installed, allows you to type in a location or address anywhere in the world and zoom in with amazing ease.

As a full-time geek who is passionate about technology, it is rare that I come across a product with the triple-play of price (FREE), ease of use, and just plain FUN. Google Earth provides all of these in bucketloads, and so much more. It is spellbinding. Get it HERE.

Many of you have asked for info on what "spyware" is and what "purpose" does it serve. Here are a couple of informative articles to educate you and your family how it gets in and why it's out there...

Spyware Firms Targeting Children!

The End of Spyware ? Fat Chance!

Microsoft Information and Videos on Spyware