This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in the August 2009 Consumer Reports magazine.

Computer security

I just read Security Software (June 2009), and in addition to using software to protect a computer, a good practice is to create a nonadministrator user account for all programs that use the Web. When you browse a site that tries to install malware, the installation fails since your account does not have enough privilege. Any other malicious changes to your computer will also fail.

Peter Asher
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Shopping smart

My parents have subscribed to CR for years and gave me a subscription when I was recently married. After reading Shop Smart & Save Big (May 2009), I decided to give one of the warehouse clubs a try. I saved $100.94. Thanks, CR. You did it again!

Jennifer Satler
Pittsburgh

Grill of my dreams

I enjoyed the article on gas grills (Lab Tests, June 2009) and the addendum about the Traeger pellet grill. I have used one for years, and my relatives and friends are so impressed by the cooking, some have bought their own. It's almost impossible to dry out meats on it, even well done, and you don't worry about flare-ups or burning. Plus, it's an easy cleanup compared to gas grills.

Jack Dill
Blanchard, OK

Get to know your pharmacist

Lower Your Drug Costs (Health, June 2009) was informative but didn't mention a group of health-care professionals uniquely trained to optimize medication use and lower drug costs for patients and society—pharmacists. By virtue of their drug expertise and clinical knowledge, they can work with patients and their doctors to optimize care, reduce side effects and drug interactions, and lower costs.

Michael Cockerham, MS, PharmD, BCOP
Shreveport, LA

Déjà vu

In your June issue's From Our President, Jim Guest harked back to January 1982: "A new-car buyer has a right to expect reliable, trouble-free transportation—something that domestic automakers have had trouble providing as of late." Page 14 of the same issue listed GM's latest vehicle recalls. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Chris Day
Chesterfield, VA

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