| This software locates, downloads and installs new updates
and drivers for your PC automatically. Well, you do have to help it a little
but it is pretty easy to use.
It is designed for Windows 95 users who want to have the assistance and time savings that OC offers when updating software and hardware drivers. It is made by Cybermedia. The package I received included a 16-page booklet describing what OC does, how it does it, system requirements, installation instructions, comments about OC, instructions on doing your first update, how to start OC after the initial installation and trouble shooting information with a chart of 4 common problems. The booklet is well done and I like the fact that the material states what the software will do and briefly describes how it works and tells you how to work it. The program came on a CD. As a bonus a virus checker was included on the disk I received. The price I found was $29.95. For this price you have a paid up subscription for one year which can be renewed. You may be able to do better on the price; check with Alamo PC advertisers. You may get a discount if you show your membership card when you buy. System requirements as listed in the booklet that came with the software, Windows 95 US & Canada only, IBM PC or compatible 80386 or later, 8megabytes of RAM minimum, and 6MB of hard disk space, and a mouse or compatible pointing device. You MUST have a connection to the Internet to access the updates OC locates, downloads and installs for you. The customary online/on screen help found with Windows programs is part of this program. Also, there are NON-toll free voice, fax and BBS numbers. Voice help is from 7AM to 5PM PST per the "read-me" file, probably M-F but the days of service are not stated. Oil Change inventories your equipment and software. The literature that came with the with the program states "The list of hardware and software never leaves your computer." . It then contacts "CyberMedia HelpCentral" which is described as being "a secure database that only OC can access". At this point OC does its thing and contacts the sites it identifies as having updates for your particular system and software and takes you through the update process which you can control, i.e. stop if you want. You select the updates you want to install. It really is easy and OC locates the sites for you. On at least two occasions when I used the software the CyberMedia site installed updates to OC, so CyberMedia seems to be keeping the product current. Oil Change definitely reduces the time and hassle of finding and installing updates for the experienced and the inexperienced. I like it. You can download Oil Change from the CyberMedia web site and give it a try before you make your buy decision. Check it out. |