PC tune-up over the Web
TuneUp.com launches a PC service station on the Web, pledging to keep PCs running virus-free and at peak performance for $3.95 a month.
The company, founded last year, said subscribers may log on to its Web site and download its Serviceware, then run the tools offline "in the security of their own hard drives."
The basic subscription entitles users to four services. A tune-up tool for Windows 95 uses a version of Symantec's Norton Utilities to scan for viruses, repair damaged files, and defragment disk drives. TuneUp.com 's staff also answers PC care questions and gives technical support, while a chat area lets subscribers communicate with each other.
The basic fee is also good for special discounts on Ziff-Davis computing publications and updates on new products announcements, delivered via voice mail, by participating software and hardware makers.
For an additional fee, customers can sign up for an online data back-up service. Storage is available in 5MB, 10MB, and 30MB increments and starts at $2.95 a month, the company said.
The service is designed for users running Windows 95 with at least a 9,600-bps modem and 1MB of free hard disk space.