Consumer News

Safeguard Your Computer

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Losses from computer viruses and other computer threats are more than $13 billion a year. Consumer Reports just tested 25 different software programs that promise to protect computers. Some just target one threat. Others, called... Full story

Sneakiest Scams

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The FBI estimates scam artists rip people off to the tune of $80 billion a year. Law enforcement can help after the fact. Consumer Reports has some tips that can help protect you before you become a victim. Home contractors garner the most... Full story

Lawn Tractors for Less

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Consumer Reports tested 29 lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers, including ones from John Deere, Toro, and Craftsman. Prices range from $1,000 to $4,200. The $3,400 Cub Cadet claims to be able to make extremely tight turns and provide good hill... Full story

Healthier Hot Dogs

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While hot dogs can taste great, they're not the greatest food for you. A hot dog can contain 16 grams of fat, lots of sodium, as well as nitrites and nitrates as preservatives. Consumer Reports just tested more than 600 hot dogs from 23 brands to... Full story

Outstanding Airlines

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Plane travel isn't as much fun as it used to be. You have to take off your shoes just to get onboard. Food is practically nonexistent. And the seat in front of you often ends up in your face. Consumer Reports just published its survey of 23,000... Full story

Pet Insurance

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Keeping our pets happy and healthy is big business. Last year we spent over $9 billion on vet care, and $230 million just on pet health insurance. More and more businesses are offering pet insurance, but is it a good deal? You can get lots of... Full story

SLR Problem Solvers

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Industry forecasters predict 25,000,000 digital cameras will be sold in the U.S. this year--many of them SLR cameras. Those high-performance digital cameras are getting smaller, lighter, and less expensive. And they solve a lot of problems people... Full story

Super Sunscreens

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When you buy a sunscreen, you assume it will protect you from the sun. But Consumer Reports' latest tests of 20 creams, lotions, and sprays show some come up short. The products ranged from SPF 15 up to SPF 58, which refers to the protection from... Full story

Wish You Got Email?

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People addicted to e-mail can't fathom life without it. But what about seniors who don't have, or even want, a computer? From time to time, companies come up with e-mail devices that work without a computer. The latest is called Printing Mailbox... Full story

Shake Off Weight Claim

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Wouldn't it be great to get a workout by just standing around? The Soloflex Whole Body Vibration board claims to do just that. It says it will make every exercise more productive. The platform sends g force, or acceleration, through your body, which... Full story

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