Five Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your New High-Tech Toy (NAPSA)—Getting the gift of a new computer or HDTVis always a turn-on, but to get the most out of your new high-tech toy and avoid headaches down the road there are some things you need to know. The experts at Dell offer eel Er| Ws | these tips: 1. Make sure you transfer ownership. For your security, Dell computers and other products have a service tag number that identifies you with your equipment. If your computer wasa gift, you may needto transfer the ownership to your name to get the support you need. Avoid waiting until you have an issue to take this important step. Check out the manufacturer’s support Web site for more information. 2. Match your warranty to the length of time you plan to own your computer or high-end gadget. Whether you purchased your computer or plasma TV or re- ceived it as a gift, verify the duration of your warranty. Is it what you need? Choose your limited warranty carefully and be familiar with the terms. Warranties can range from 90 days to 4 years, and a longer warranty can help protect your investment and save you money in the long How Lone? Out of warranty com- puter repairs can be expensive, so choose your warranty carefully. run. Out-of-warranty computer repairs can cost several hundred dollars. If you plan to travel with your new notebook computer or digital music player, consider accidental damage protection. Drops, spills and electrical surges aren’t covered by standard warranties, making this a smartbuy. 3. Keep your security software subscription current. All Dell computers ship with security soft- ware, but it is critical to extend the complimentary three-month trial to an annual subscription and renewit each year. At around $79 annually, you can get virus, spyware, spam, firewall and privacy protections. If you get hit by a cyber-pest, you could be facing hours of troubleshooting, additional support charges or may even be forced to buy a new system. For more information on how to help protect your PC, go to www.dell4me.com/security. 4. Get the additional help you need. It is also important to know that “how-to” questions, software issues and virus or spyware infections are not covered by hardware warranties; therefore, you may want added support. You may also want help setting up or learning how to use your new system. Dell offers new Dell On Call services ranging from installation to train- ing to phone-based “how-to” support to help you with your most common technology needs. For pricing and more information, go to www.dell.com/delloncall. 5. Check out the return policy. Return periods and policies vary by retailer and product type, so it is important to try out your new gift before the return period expires. Most retailers charge return shipping and/or restocking fees, so check your packing slip or invoice for return policy guidelines.
