Frequently Asked Questions
How can the software be free?
Why aren't the Bertha Guides free then
Couldn't they be a little cheaper though
Are these really the best programs available?
Why do only some of the recommended programs have a Guide available?
I've installed a program and now the computer is misbehaving.
That hasn't cured it what now?
I've followed the Guide to the letter and the program isn't working, what next?
Why are you raising money as well as selling the Guides
OK but what will it be used for?
Advertising
Surely parents don't need tell how important it is?
How much does it cost to help?
£100 is a bit steep isn't it?
So what do I get out of it then?
How can the software be free?
Have a quick look at the Software types page where all will be revealed.
Why aren't the Bertha Guides free then?
Here at Berthanet we have costs to meet like writing the guides and running the site.
Couldn't they be a little cheaper though?
I suppose so but
the dog
insists on being fed and if you have paid £5 you are going to follow the instructions carefully.
Are these really the best programs available?
All computer programs (or software) are always a compromise. Take photo editing programs as an example. Picasa is simple to edit photos with and is very simple to use, but it isn't the worlds best editing program. Paint.NET has a more extensive range of editing options but is more complicated to use. The GIMP is by far the highest specked of the free photo editors being good enough for professional use. The only downside is that it takes a lot of learning to use to its full potential.
All the programs recommended by Berthanet are a balance then of usability against effectiveness.
Why do only some of the recommended programs have a Guide available?
Put simply, time - there isn't enough of it! Guides are published based on the importance of the program and the difficulty in setting it up and running it.
Important programs like Parental Control and password management can't wait so are available now as are complicated to use programs like Picasa. Easy, straight forward to setup and run programs like AVG Free need little guidance to install so, no guide yet.
As we have time more guides will become available.
I've installed a program and now the computer is misbehaving.
99% of all computer problems are cured by turning off, waiting a minute or two and then turning back on. Give that a try first.
That hasn't cured it what now?
Windows have a "get out of jail free" feature called System Restore. The instructions can be found HERE. Its always a good first try whenever anything goes wrong.
I've followed the Guide to the letter and the program isn't working, what next?
E-mail details of the problem (make sure you use the same e-mail address you bought the Guide with though) using the Contact form and we'll see where you've tripped up.
Why are you raising money as well as selling the Guides?
Here at Berthanet we feel that protecting children from the darker side of the Internet is essential. To do that we have to get the word to as many people as possible. Word of mouth will only go so far. This means we need a "fighting fund".
OK but what will it be used for?
Two separate fields, advertising and publishing a printed version of the Parental Control Guide.
Advertising?
A full page advert in the Mail On Sunday isn't just expensive, it also wouldn't be effective. No the kind of advertising needed is working with schools and other places parents meet distributing leaflets, posters and showing why Parental Control is no important. While none of this is hugely expensive it still costs money.
Surely parents don't need tell how important it is?
As with anything technology based things change fast. Research by the Anti Bullying Alliance shows that almost 1 in 4 children under 10 are allowed unsupervised Internet access. Meanwhile 40% of 10 and 11 year olds use social networking sites despite there being a lower age limit of 13. Clearly parents do need help.
How much does it cost to help?
Look at the Support Berthanet page and you'll see lots of little red squares (2,500 actually). The aim is to turn each one of those red squares green by donating £100 per square.
£100 is a bit steep isn't it?
Not when you consider the dangers the Internet has to offer today's children. Don't worry though, if you can't spare £100 to show parents how to keep their children safe get together with a group of friends. Alternatively, buy a Guide or two, not only will you learn how to use some pretty good programs but you'll also help get the message about the importance of Parental Control out too.
So what do I get out of it then?
Other than a feeling of doing something good, you get your name up in lights as being someone who cares. Alright, not exactly up in lights but if you hold your mouse over a green square on the Support Berthanet page you'll see just who has supported us so far.
You'll also be listed on the Berthanet Supporters page as a thank you for being concerned enough to contribute.
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