Web User blows all other Internet magazines out of the water (Web User)

Member Name: buckhysen

Product:	Web User
Date:	05/03/09 (130 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Invaluable advice, cheap, great articles and features.

Disadvantages: Nothing

From the moment I first got on the internet back in 1996 I have bought so many PC and Internet magazines when I'm out and about. Years ago I would usually buy the more expensive £4.99 magazines such as Computer Active, etc simply for the free disk on the front, which I always thought would be useful to have, but most of the time it remained on the front cover... never used. Only to then open the magazine to find it full of adverts and useless articles.

Then one day in WH Smiths I saw a brand new magazine called Web User, which was advertised as being the first all Internet magazine at the time. I wasn't all that interested at first until I saw the price of 99p.

I bought the very first issue what must have been 7 years ago now and even now I truly believe this is by far the best internet magazine currently on the shelves.

After buying the fortnightly magazine for a few weeks I fully expected the price to rise quickly, but for several years Web User remained at 99p and it wasn't long before I decided to subscribe... which I think was around £5 for 12 issues back then. Excellent value at only 40p per magazine.

Now, after 208 mostly fantastic issues and still only paying around half the cover price per issues (Cover price is currently £1.99 if you don't subscribe) I have to say this is probably one of the best value for money products I have ever bought, the benefits, advice, free software, general tips and website links it has given me is just amazing.

I have read more experienced Internet users suggest that this magazine is useless to anyone who has any knowledge of the internet but to be honest that is absolute rubbish. There are so many great articles and fantastic advice in this magazine that there is always tips you can pick up or websites you've never seen or heard of which makes subscribing worthwhile.

So what makes Web User so good?
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As with every magazine you have regular features and articles, in web User these include Readers letters, expert tips, practical features, readers tips, practical workshop, ask the experts, readers help desk, news, letters, everyone's clicking on, best new websites, best free software, instant expert, essentials, classifieds, competition and lots more.

Most of the above are self explanatory, which is why I've not included individual summaries, but basically from the above regular features you can read tips and letters from readers, check out all the new and best websites, see which websites are currently most popular, read latest internet news and gossip, from anything from websites to companies who are in the internet sector.

The regular segments really are a minefield of useful information every fortnight. And if that's not enough then you can visit the website at www.webuser.co.uk to check out articles, features or to chat on the forum.
Web User boast that every website ever reviewed in their magazines is also on their forum, which is extremely handy if you don't want to keep old magazines, etc.

The only part of the magazine that really strays from the internet is the 'New Products' section, which really can be about anything new that is out, or about to be released... This could range from new mobile phones to laptops... gadgets to usb storage devices. Although a lot is in some way connected to the internet.
I must admit I love this section as Web User not only inform you of what is new and out there to buy, but they also give a short unbiased review, along with prices and when and where it's available.

Every fortnight there are also practical features which are different every week, so of these include....

News feature
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An extremely useful and interesting read which features something that's happening on or to do with the internet which will effect readers.
For example the feature a few weeks ago was 'Recession - Will the Web cope?' and in the latest issue the article is called 'What will happen to my online data when I die?'

What I like about these news features is that they raise questions about the internet that you probably never thought of, or simply would not know the answer to. Not to mention that they are mostly a very enjoyable read with lots of good advice.

Cover feature
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Probably the biggest and best articles/features in Web User are the cover features. Which cover almost anything internet related.
The current issue is titled 'Boost your Broadband - Top 30 tips', whilst previous issues have included...
Disc Burning masterclass - Convert all files
Save money online - Top 50 tips
Prevent PC errors - 49 problems solved
Stay safe online
5 minute PC fixes - 30 instant answers to PC problems
200 brilliant websites

The advice in these features are probably worth the cover price alone and would save you hours of searching online for similar advice.

Web User Gold award
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Another helpful feature are the gold awards. Every issue Web User choose a website, product or service (Online related), which readers can also write in and suggest and choose the best in that category. With gold, silver and bronze stars going to the best three and others in that category also being reviewed... which includes a best of the rest section.

In an issue a few weeks ago the stars were awarded for 'Book a cheap hotel online'. 8 websites were reviewed, with Hotels.com receiving the Gold award.
Within the feature Web User rate 'What we liked', 'How it can be improved' and 'Our verdict'
This is probably one of the best resources anywhere to find out the very best websites and services on the net.

Random features and tips
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Another invaluable set of articles and features which are certainly a must for anyone who is not used to the internet. These alone could save you so much future heartache with regards to advice, tips and privacy issues online. I know a lot of people who make the mistakes that are often highlighted in these segments of Webuser and it's one of the main reasons I often tell friends and family they should get this magazine.

Featured in the last few weeks have been....
Privacy tips - Edit your online footprint
Desktop themes - Customise your desktop
Office alternatives - Free office tools
Self sufficiency sites - Get a greener life online
PDF tips - Get more from PDF files
Weird Web - Online oddities
GPS - An instant experts guide

The subjects covered regarding using the internet are almost endless and it always amazes me where they find these things to review and give advice on.

Along with all the above features, articles and advice there are also other smaller/one page segments which offer advice, questions and answers, information and general tips and links.

Although Web User is generally aimed at newer Internet users, it certainly isn't just for new users. I have been on the net since 1996 and use it every day through my work, running websites and forums and for leisure, and even now Web User still offers me value for money when I consider everything I get from the magazine each fortnight.
At the very least it is an invaluable resource if ever I need to look back and find something in particular.

The cost
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At the moment the current cost per fortnightly issue is £1.99.
A 6 month subscription by direct debit is £18.10, which is a saving of 30% on the cover price. (Although I am paying less than this so I can only assume it's because I've been subscribing almost from the start).
A yearly subscription with a cheque or credit card is £38.80, a saving of 25% on the cover price.

Negatives
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Almost everything you buy nowadays has a negative but to be honest I've yet to find it with Web User.
My fortnightly issue drops on my mat every single time without any problems whatsoever, my direct debits are taken every 6 months and I've not once had to ring or contact Web User for late issues, issues not turning up or payments being wrong. In fact the process is so easy and hassle free I don't even remember I have a subscription until the magazine drops through my door every two weeks.

My views
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Quite simply this is so far ahead of other internet magazines I'm amazed any of the others stay in business. Other's may offer something different to more experienced web users but Web User in my opinion caters for everyone, and with so many great articles and useful information it is so far ahead of the rest in my eyes, it's unreal.

And if the magazines not enough then you have the totally free website and forums if you should need anymore advice.

Personally I can't think of anything with better value for money over 6 months than a subscription to Web User.
And if you are new to the internet or need advice then this magazine really is a must.

Summary: A must have magazine if you are new to the internet, want to learn more or just want valuable advice