Recently I was asked why EUG doesn't have a web site yet. We do! I just need some help programming it. When I've got the hang of it, it'll get a lot better - I just need someone to help me get started.

The EUG web site address is: 'x-stream.fortuncity.com/prodigy/40'. [Now defunct]

The EUG e-mail address is: 'electronuser@x-stream.co.uk'. [Now defunct]

In February, I noticed a debit on my credit card statement for $24.95; paid on 14th January to a company called DMR* INFI@4HLP.COM.

I didn't recognise it but assumed I must have forgotten as I was quite busy on the internet throughout December.

However, in March the same company took the same amount again (on the 14th February). Now I knew I hadn't authorised this one so I contacted the card company. They said they would look into it and try to recover the money.

In April, the same company took two payments of $24.95 on the same day! I immediately 'phoned the card company. Now they told me that if a registered dealer had my card details, they could take (and continue to take!) money from my account "until I wrote telling them to stop". I pointed out that I didn't know who they were! And, even if I did write, would they pay any attention?

I also pointed out they had taken two payments on the same day. They can do this apparently. In fact, they can take whatever they want so long as it's 'reasonable'.

I cancelled the card.

Now this raises an interesting possibility for a scam. If someone was to get a dealership for the credit card companies, they could, just as these people have done, get hold of people's card details and simply pull in the money. The card companies just aren't interested and by the time the victims realise what is happening and cancel the card, quite a bit of money has been acquired. In my case, almost $100.

Someone can easily get your details by offering a genuine product or service. It seems like easy money. The card company certainly didn't seem to believe me when I said I didn't know anything about the company!

I contacted several card companies. All said that under similar circumstances, they would act in the same way.

I understand that this is not an uncommon problem. Apparently, the main offenders are the 'adult' sites. Well, as a warm-blooded Englishman I must confess to having visited an occasional adult site (for research purposes only, you understand). But I don't understand why the card companies think it's ok to let companies with card dealerships take what they want with the holder unable to do anything about it. Especially when so many people are complaining.

Free internet service providers are expanding in number all the time.

I read an article in a newspaper recently where some chap was regaling against the free ISPs. His two main points were that free ISPs are both difficult to log into and are full of advertising.

What planet is he on? Free ISPs are generally easy to log into (with one exception) and the internet is already 90% advertising anyway!

The exception is 'x-stream.co.uk'.

X-stream is so successful that, as well as being free to log into, it is now offering some weekends (and even some Fridays and Mondays) with 0800 free telephone calls as well! It's so busy that you really need to be lucky to get in.

X-stream is especially good because as well as offering access to the internet, it has a great home site with chat rooms, games rooms and a few other facilities.

Virgin.co.uk has now started its own free ISP and offers some great facilities as well. Though not as yet free telephone calls. I am still waiting for a CD so that I can join.

One experience I'm pleased to say I haven't had is viruses. I did think about installing some anti-virus software at first and noticed a few companies offering free copies of McAfee Anti-Virus. Anything free I reckoned couldn't be that bad so I had a go. Soon after, my PC began to lock up. I took the McAfee software out and the problem disappeared.

I decided that it must be something to do with the software being free so I went to PC World and bought the McAfee System Tools for about forty pounds.

After installing this, my machine started locking up once every hour!

Despite being told by several people that all software shops will rarely take back software unless there is something definitely wrong, I took it back - determined not to take no for an answer.

In store, the assistant loaded the McAfee into his own machine. After a few moments, it too locked up. Wow, instant money back!

I have since been told that McAfee have a poor reputation for software. Although the shop said that no-one had complained earlier, I wonder how many people think there is no point in complaining because the shop will refuse to listen!

Now I have Norton's System Works. Although it cost a bit more, I have had no problems at all and it has a number of facilities making it very handy.

I have been asked if I have any advice for anyone buying a PC. Well, as everyone knows, I've only had my PC since October so I can't claim extensive experience. But one thing I will say is try and buy from a local shop promising tuition and after-sales backup. I bought mine from a mail order company. I saved several hundred pounds but the help line will only advise me on problems I may have with hardware. If something else goes wrong, I have to post it to Nottingham to get repaired.

Also, I was given a pile of free software, mostly games. None of it will work. It is designed for older operating systems.

Some shops offer good deals with printers, scanners and even camera thrown in. Check exactly what price you will have to pay in total, and where you will need to take your machine for repair. Home repairs usually need a hefty extra payment.

Losing the extras may be worthwhile if you get good backup.

And one final point, send me your e-mail address.

Gus Donnachaidh, EUG #43