Free Today Only - Laplink PCmover Download
Today only, in a promotion celebrating their 25 years in the computer connecting business, LapLink offers the download version of their PCmover software (usually a $50 program) for the just right price of free.
That’s Great. What’s A PCmover?
PCmover facilitates copying files, program settings (e.g., browser settings, e-mail accounts, etc), some operating system data such as those that govern the appearance of the desktop, and - this is the big deal - programs from one computer to another, an otherwise arduous task. According to the blurb on the LapLink site, the program can even handle moves from a PC to a Mac.
Of course, to physically move the files, one must connect the two computers but PCmover can function regardless of how the files are actually transfered: via a network, an external hard drive, a two-way USB cable, … .
LapLink has a good to excellent reputation for their products, and while I have never used this program, I snarfed it up first thing this morning based on my experience with their software and hardware over the years. The most recent review I could find in a hurried search this morning was an article in the November 2007 PC World, which was summarized in the final line
But I Don’t Need …
I realize that not everyone bought a new computer yesterday and needs to copy the files from the old machine onto the replacement today. Even if you don’t need this program today, download it and tuck it away on your hard drive or, better yet, burn it onto a data CD so that you can find it 8 months from now when you do bring home that new laptop and realize the next hours of your life are going to be sucked into the whirlpool of tedious and treacherous tasks: moving files, resetting email accounts, entering passwords, re-installing programs, and abusing your intoxicant of choice. Or you can buy PCmover that day for $50. Or you can get it now - for free - and feel smug as all get-out when you rev it up for the job.
Is There A Catch?
The download is indeed free as is the needed serial number. Unless one is careful to uncheck two boxes requesting LapLink marketing be sent and check the third box (unchecked by default) requesting they NOT send advertising, one is, I suspect, likely to receive a sales pitch or two - or a gazillion.
To access the download one must to open a LapLink account, a process which asks for name, street address, email address, and phone. No credit card info is requested.
One should also be aware that only the download version of the software is free. Buying the program on CDs with a paper manual is not free although it appears that even that format is available at reduced costs.
How?
The offer is displayed on LapLink’s home page. Just click on that link and follow the directions.
