The end of the free year is rapidly approaching for most of us and when it comes we will be responsible for updating our anti-virus programs as well as having to pay for Internet access. This page aims to answer the most frequently asked questions.

This is based largely on what is reported by readers, you can really help by telling me what happened to you when the year ended and what you decided to do. Use the form below and let me know if you got a reminder from Freeserve etc.

Have Argyll & Bute extended the free Internet access? No, they might have been able to but unfortunately just about everyone surveyed was willing to pay something for Internet access so the Scottish Executive could not justify subsidising another year.

When does the free year run out? One year after it was installed, the installation date is on the sheet the installer left. So if yours was installed on the 10th of October 2002 the year runs out on the 9th October 2003.

What do I do about renewing my Internet access? As the day approaches you should receive emails from Freeserve warning you that your subscription is about to run out. If you want to renew just follow the links in it and use either a credit or switch card to pay the £14.99 per month.

What if I can't afford or need the Anytime access? You can switch to a pay-as-you-go deal which costs 1p per minute and "Hometime" which allows you to surf at evening and weekends.

Will Freeserve send me an email warning me about the cut off? They might. Some people are getting emails, some are not. Whats more the email is slightly confusing because it refers to the "end of your free month" and the cost quoted is wrong. The instructions in it still apply to us and a copy of the email is available from the link below. Some people have reported getting the email early, I'm not sure what can be done about this but if this happens to you send me a copy.

What if I do nothing? According to the Freeserve customer support line you have seven days grace to go online or phone them with the direct debit/ credit card details. However this not exactly true. If you recieve the email you have seven days to go online and renew, after you get cut off you have seven days to phone them (or go online via another connection) and reactivate the account. After that it will be deleted, including any uncollected email. 

If you do absolutely nothing your Freeserve access will be cut off and the only way to get online again will be to phone them on the number below.

The Freeserve customer support number is 0870 872 0099

For more on this and information on alternative ISPs, the Freeserve email you should have got click HERE 

Can I change to another Internet Service Provider and keep my Freeserve address? Yes and as long as the Freeserve details are still in Outlook Express the email will still be picked up.

Do you have any recommendations? No, there are to many alternatives but if you are a light user it might be a good idea to try to time your Internet access to see if what deal would suit you. I will be posting a guide with various alternatives in the next couple of days.

Why do I have to renew my anti-virus subscription? Because if you don't your computer will be infected by a virus and it will cost more to get rid of than the renewal does.

The Anti-virus (Norton Internet Security) subscription is running out before the free year is up! This is because it was installed in the factory sometime before the computer arrived at your house. We tried and failed to get something done about this.

How much does it cost? £17 to renew Norton Internet Security for a year.

Where can I find more information on this? By clicking HERE.

Will there still be free support available? Argyll & Bute are committed to keeping the support going and have established an office in Tobermory which will take over from the PC World helpline.

What about repairs? The PC warranty is up but minor work will still be cartried out by the Digital Champions where possible. More on this to come.

If you have any questions or experiences relating to the end of the free year please use the form below to send them in.