So I perk up every time the notion of a free PC or free Internet access is brought up.

Computer companies offer to give a "free PC" to consumers, then charge them for monthly Internet access fees.

So several months ago, she started surfing the Net in the school library, looking for "free PC's."

And Mr. Gross might also want to state the company's intentions for the data submitted by the million-plus applicants who will not receive free PC's.

Not only that, but consumers who want to register for a free PC will have to answer some 20 questions about themselves, involving income, education and the like.

Richard Latman believes there is no such thing as a free lunch - or a free PC.

"Steve [Ballmer, that is], please give us a free PC!"

There will always be some other Web site offering consumers a better deal than Amazon--get a free PC with the purchase of your next book!

As it turns out, there is no such thing as a free PC.

More than a million people applied to get the free PC's, but as of yesterday the company had delivered only 30,000 machines.