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CNET's Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets and much more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page. Find more great buys on the CNET Deals pageand follow the Cheapskate on Twitter!

Good morning, cheeps. (Have you ever wondered about the etymology of that word? It comes from "cheapskates," of course, and also "peeps," meaning friends. Cheapskates + peeps = cheeps! Why not "cheaps"? Simple: It looks weird.)

Today I bring you a heaping platter of deals, everything from free software to crazy-cheap LED desk lamps to heavily discounted phones. Let's get to it.

WonderFox is once again holding a summer software giveaway, with seven apps available for free (ending tomorrow!) and seven more coming tomorrow.

First on the list: WonderFox's own DVD Ripper Pro -- assuming there's anybody left who still needs to rip DVDs. Also of note: six months of IObit Advanced Systemcare Pro 10 and one year of Sticky Password Premium. For most of these freebies, you'll download a Zip file containing instructions and/or the necessary license key. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Be sure to check that same giveaway page tomorrow for the next batch of freebies.

I've said many times that I like Microsoft Office a lot -- I just don't like having to pay annually for it. You can buy a license outright, but that's even costlier (at least initially) than the subscription option.

Not today. GamesDeal, for some reason, has a Microsoft Office 2016 Professional Plus 1-user license for $25.33 when you apply discount code GDdealnews25 at checkout. That nets you a license key good for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, OneNote and Publisher -- but not the Skype credit or OneDrive space you get as part of a subscription.

How can this be so cheap? I'm honestly not sure, but GamesDeal has a very high rating at ResellerRatings.com. I've heard stories of "gray market" Office keys that come up invalid after a short period of use, but if that were to happen here, you could almost certainly get a refund via your credit card provider (assuming GamesDeal refused to issue one for some reason). This seems perfectly legit, but as with any/all deals shared in this space, buyer beware.

A Kindle Paperwhite for $50 is a steal, even if it is refurbished.

There are times, like when I'm reading in bed, that I prefer a Kindle to a phone or tablet. It's lighter and easier to hold, easier on the eyes and brain (no blue light) and not in constant need of charging.

Of course, it has to be a touchscreen model and has to have a backlit screen. Like this one: While supplies last, Woot has the refurbished Kindle Paperwhite (2nd gen) for $49.99, plus $5 for shipping. A new, current-gen Paperwhite would run you $120. I don't think I've seen any model, refurb or otherwise, priced this low.

Interestingly, you can also get the 3G version for $64.99, though I can't say I've ever seen much value in having 3G in a Kindle. Are there really times when you need a book right now and there's no Wi-Fi available?

Either way, these are "used - good" stock, meaning they might have minor cosmetic issues. They come with a 90-day Woot warranty.

Speaking of B-stock, last year's premium phones are this year's bargains. Seriously: Just a year ago, an unlocked Galaxy S7 Edge would have cost you well over $600. Even now it retails for $570.

Don't mind a few scuffs or scrapes? For a limited time, and while supplies last, Garage Cell (via Ebay) has the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (32GB) for $274.99 shipped. It's a factory-unlocked GSM model available in your choice of gold, silver or black.

I've seen deals on the non-Edge S7 that came pretty close to this, but I've never seen the Edge this low. The seller has an excellent rating on Ebay, but if there's a caveat, it's the 30-day warranty. What do you think: Worth the risk to get the phone for half the price you'd pay elsewhere?

LEDs are just about the best thing ever. Way cheaper to operate than old tungsten bulbs, and way cooler (in both temperature and design) to boot. Oh, and they last significantly longer. In your face, Edison!

(I kid, I kid. Thomas Edison was a freakin' superhero.)

For a limited time, and while supplies last, Neon Mart (via Amazon) has the Lighting Ever dimmable LED desk lamp for $9.99, with free shipping for Prime subscribers. This long-neck lamp features seven brightness levels controlled by a touch-sensitive panel along the base, and has a 4.3-star rating from over 300 buyers.

Looking for something a little more stylish? From the same seller and company, this curvier LED desk lamp (pictured) is also $9.99 when you apply promo codeU8QSHF49 at checkout. But it has a mere three brightness levels and no user reviews. Decisions, decisions.

And that's it for this thrifty Tuesday.Who's buying what?

Go here to see the original:
Thrifty Tuesday: Free software, dirt-cheap Office and more - CNET

Has your computer been acting strange lately? Maybe your default search engine or other browser settings changed, or youre getting suspicious warnings about your computers performance.

Has your computer been acting strange lately? Maybe your default search engine or other browser settings changed, or youre getting suspicious warnings about your computers performance. Are you are seeing ads that dont seem to belong like ones that cover up parts of the webpage or are on a site that doesnt usually show ads?

If so, you may have unwanted software on your computer. Your next step: get rid of any malware.

But how does unwanted software get on your computer in the first place?

If you installed some free software, you may have accidentally downloaded it at the same time. Extra software and sometimes malware can get bundled together with popular free software downloads, and you might not realize what youre getting. To avoid this problem:

For more tips, read more about malware.

Click here to contribute your news or announcements Free

More:
SCAM ALERT: Beware of Free Software For Your Computer, Tips To Protect Yourself - SpaceCoastDaily.com

Mercedes-Benz is recalling hundreds of thousands of cars in the UK for a software update to reduce their nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

Almost every new diesel bought over the past six years is affected by the move, which the company said was voluntary and would involve owners being contacted to be offered the upgrade.

German owner Daimler said it was taking the action across Europe covering three million vehicles in total.

It refused to give a country-by-country breakdown but said one million were sold in Germany. It is believed the UK numbers are still being finalised.

The UK is one of its biggest customers in the EU - with 170,000 Mercs sold in the country last year alone.

The vehicles affected have diesel engines meeting the Euro 5 standard - implemented in 2011 - and the existing Euro 6 rules which further limited the output of NOx and particulates - blamed for thousands of deaths each year.

Sky News was seeking clarification from the company on whether the upgrade would have any effect on a vehicle's performance such as its acceleration.

Daimler said it was taking the action, at a cost of 190m, to "reassure" customers as many manufacturers move to shun diesel technology in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal of 2015.

VW admitted then it had fitted so-called defeat devices to diesel cars sold in the US to cheat emission testing regimes.

It has since been forced to pay billions in fines and compensation in the US.

The company also remains the subject of criminal and regulatory scrutiny in Europe and is facing civil action by drivers in the UK who are demanding compensation, claiming they were also duped. VW denies it broke EU law.

The controversy prompted VW and its rivals to concentrate their development power on electric and hybrid technology as campaigners demand the brakes are applied to diesel technology on health grounds.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, the head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: "The public debate about diesel engines is creating uncertainty - especially for our customers.

"We have therefore decided on additional measures to reassure drivers of diesel cars and to strengthen confidence in diesel technology.

"We are convinced that diesel engines will continue to be a fixed element of the drive-system mix, not least due to their low CO2 emissions."

Originally posted here:
Mercedes recalls diesel cars for emissions software update - Sky News

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS - Your right to bear arms in Arkansas could be taken away if you apply for a medical marijuana card. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, you can't have both a medical marijuana card and legally own a gun because pot is still illegal on the federal level.

Robert Reed, a Navy Veteran who served his country for 16 year, suffers PTSD along medical conditions which medical marijuana would help.

Reed said, "I will not apply for a med license, and risk my livelihood and my safety."

The Arkansas Department of Health said a question they get all the time is whether or not you can own a gun and possess a medical marijuana ID card. Since prescription pot is a Schedule 1 controlled substance, under federal law, you can't own a gun legally. And federal law supersedes state law.

"If they're a user of marijuana, although legal in Arkansas, it's still illegal on the federal level," explained Robert Brech with Arkansas Department of Health. "It's very clear you cannot be a marijuana user, and pass that check."

Reed, and other veterans who fought for Constitutional rights, will not apply for their medical marijuana cards due to putting the freedom they fought for at risk.

"You've got a law that outlaws the people that defended your right to make a law that puts me in jail," said Reed.

"You won't be denied the medical marijuana card. There's actually a provision in the Constitutional amendment that you can't be denied a license. So they may continue to give a conceal carry license to someone. It's really a problem at the federal level, not the state level," explained Brech.

"How can I have health and freedom by giving up a right? I can't," said Reed.

View post:
Medical Marijuana means Losing Your Second Amendment Right - KNWA

Editor:

Too often when liberals, in general, read the Constitution they pick and choose the wording they want to follow. Armed Teachers a Bad Idea (published in the July 11 edition of the Uinta County Herald) is a perfect example of this. To make my point, in italics is the whole Second Amendment:

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Of course, liberals with their typical big-government beliefs will only see the words well regulated and it stops there.

The first question I have to ask is who are the militia? By definition they are a military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a regular army.

So, we, the people, are the militia, and in order to keep a free state around the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Does it say what kind of weapons I can and cant own? No, it doesnt. A group of men known as the founders had just spent years fighting a tyrannical government with the same weapons the government had.

So, the second the government makes any law restricting people from owning the type of weaponry they can afford and desire, they are in violation of the Second Amendment.

For all of the Christians out there, Luke 22:36 says, Then said he unto them, but now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Its plain and simple that you should own and familiarize yourself with weapons.

And now onto the part that really just confused me more than anything. What about the childs psyche? Most of us have been around or involved with firearms since we were children. Some of us parked off school property so we could leave our rifles in our trucks and go hunting after school.

Guns dont commit crimes and criminals dont care about laws.

I read the comments on the website and I have to applaud most of you for actually giving it traffic. However, there are a few things I would like to clarify.

I took an oath 10 years ago. I was disqualified from serving due to my medical record but I still took an oath; to some people that means something. Secondly, I agree that teachers need sufficient training breach and clear techniques need to be taught.

Finally, I am not a gun nut, I just understand the Constitution as what it is, a legal document.

Patrick Ballinger

Evanston

Read more from the original source:
Letter: Understanding the Second Amendment - Uinta County Herald