July 1998 IN THIS ISSUE:
Surf Offline...Sort of. Don't Twiddle Your Thumbs. Searching Without Search Engines? Quick Everything From Your Desktop IE 4.0 and My Computer Web Pages and Screen Colors What's Your IP Address? Crowded Taskbar? "Open with..." Custom Desktops FEATURE STORY: Window 98: Should You Upgrade? ...also... Internet 101 Unravel the Mystery of File Extensions The Darwin Awards Plenty-O-Reading Tips Galore! FBI Crackdown (news release) HTML Editors For All Platforms Update Your Mac Software Intelligent (ro)Bots Open For Business The sites referred to in this newsletter are only a few of the thousands that exist on any specific topic. We suggest these few, simply to GET YOU STARTED. Future issues of this newsletter may revisit related noteworthy sites. 1. Surf Offline...Sort of. You only have one phone line. The telephone, fax and your computer are all hooked up to it. You're online and you find a site the has enough must read material to keep you busy for hours. Do you see the problem? No problem. Simply click on and load all the pages you want to read, one at a time. Make sure you've got them all by clicking back to the first page. Don't close your browser. Now disconnect your modem, pick up the phone and order a pizza (pizza is optional). You should now be able to revisit each page offline, as they are stored in your browser's temporary folder. Back to Table of Contents 2. Don't Twiddle Your Thumbs Get busy! While downloading a file from the internet, you don't have to sit around and wait. Keep surfing by clicking a link in your favorite or bookmark folders. If you prefer, you can read your unread mail. You can do just about anything else you want. Things might slow down a little, but it's better that twiddling your thumbs! Back to Table of Contents 3. Searching Without Search Engines? If you're in a hurry and want to perform a simple search, simply type "go" and your search term/word(s) in the URL location window and hit return! This will start the search and return the results of your query. If you use Internet Explorer the search is performed by Yahoo by default. Netscape uses Excite. Back to Table of Contents 4. Quick Everything From Your Desktop On a related note, if want to quickly access a site from your desktop, click the Start button, then Run. Now type the complete URL (including "http://") in the window that appears. Your modem will automatically dial up to us, launch your default browser and go directly to your specified site. Think that's neat? You can even send email from the Run command. Just type send to: and the email address. Heck, you can even access folders by typing c:\ and the folder name.This is real time saver if you know what you're looking for. Back to Table of Contents 5. IE 4.0 and My Computer Those of you using Internet Explorer 4.0 will like this neat feature. Open IE and type My Computer in the address window. The exact same contents of the My Computer, found on your desktop, are displayed. Now click the down-arrow at the far right of the address window. You'll see a directory structure similar to what you'd see in Windows Explorer. Use this nifty feature to get quick access to files and folders on your hard drive while surfing, without having to minimize to get to your Desktop or or open new applications from Start menus. This is one of the main features of upgrading to Windows 98 (more on this in our Feature Story). Back to Table of Contents 6. Web Pages and Screen Colors Have you ever noticed that some web pages seem to distort your screen colors? This is sometimes caused by the way colors are "mapped" for display. If you're a Windows user, minimizing then restoring your browser will usually solve this annoyance. Mac users can use WindowShade to roll up then pull down the browser window. Mac users can even try switching between the Finder and your browser. Back to Table of Contents 7. What's Your IP Address? IP stands for Internet Protocol. Each IP Address is a unique identifier for a computer or device on a network (in other words, your computer on the internet). At some time, you may need to know your IP Address. This might be the case if you need to connect to another computer to play a game over the internet. Chances are you'll never need to know it, but here's a neat trick that will give you the info. While connected to the internet, hit Start and type Winipcfg in the Run window. Now you know your IP Address. Back to Table of Contents 8. Crowded Taskbar? If you're the type that likes to work on 10 things at the same time, then you also know that the Windows 95 taskbar can quickly get crowded and hide your application icons. Well, did you know that you can easily resize the taskbar up to half of your screen? Instead of cramming icons in one row, simply grab the edge (look for the double arrow) and drag it towards the center of your screen until all your icons appear. Presto! Back to Table of Contents 9. "Open with..." Files in My Computer or Windows Explorer are by default associated with programs that will launch that program when you double-click the file. But what if you want to open the file with a different program? Try this: press SHIFT and right-click the file. The menu options now include Open with... . Click and you'll get a list of programs for selection. Pick the appropriate program and open your file. Back to Table of Contents 10. Custom Desktops Right-click an open area on your desktop and select Properties. By clicking on the various tabs, you can now change your background, screen saver, appearance, settings and much more. Express yourself! Back to Table of Contents FEATURE: Window 98: Should You Upgrade? Well, Windows 98 is finally here! Not nearly with all the hype and anticipation of Windows 95 a few years back, but nonetheless, it's here. But is it a significant improvement over it's first born sibling? That all depends on who you talk to and what your computing demands are. What follows are a few quick observations and insights and some links to more comprehensive sources of information on the new operating system (OS). The general consensus seems to be that if you're just getting comfortable with Windows 95, don't bother with the upgrade. However if you're fairly new to computers and the internet and you're about to buy a new system, then definitely go with Windows 98. The main features of the new OS are the bug fixes of previous versions and the new Internet Explorer interface that links your file management system and the web in one view. The upgrade is easy and fast and boasts better troubleshooting utilities. On the downside, many of the new features are already free downloads at Microsoft's site, and are even resident in newer versions of Windows 95. So is it worth the $90 - $109 price tag? Furthermore, Windows 98 is a resource hog, requiring more disk space, CPU speed and memory. If you already have IE 4.0, then the new interface is of little value (see Quick Tip #5 (IE 4.0 and My Computer). Larger businesses will likely find more value in the upgrade than individual users. Industry experts suggest though, that corporate users might want to wait for NT 5.0, which is being praised as a superior and more robust operating system. Rumors have it that it is Microsoft's plan to make NT, it's flagship OS. Perhaps that explains the lack of hype in launching Windows 98. Ohhhh...what to do, what to do! For more info and insights, go to your favorite search engine and enter the query Windows 98 reviews or check out the following:
...also... Internet 101 It is estimated that one person joins the internet every 1.5 seconds. That means that over 400,000 people joined in this last week alone. This translates to millions of questions on who, what, when, where, why and how, regarding the use of this wonderful new medium. Well, we try to answer some of these questions each month, but it would be impossible to get to all of them. That's why we point you to sites like Internet 101(www2.famvid.com/i101/internet101.html). This is well thought out and designed site that will answer many of your questions in a non-technical style. Learn what the internet is, how to search, where to find great software and much, much more. The site humorously and appropriately describes its style as "a set of instructions...for people who don't like to read instructions." So if you're new to the Net, sign up for Internet 101 (detentions not included :-) ). Back to Table of Contents Unravel the Mystery of File Extensions A file extension is a set of three letters preceded by a period. For example, you've probably seen a readme.txt file in just about every one of your program folders. This file is usually a plain text file written in Notepad. Extensions are short descriptions of file types, that give us hints about what a file is or does. The problem is, that there are thousands of them! And who can remember them all? If you're ever duped by a file extension then you'll find File Investigator (members.home.net/robzirnstein) a real handy tool (Sorry, Windows 95/NT 4.0 users only). Download this free program and you'll become a pro at figuring out the contents of just about every file you encounter. Once downloaded, the program has has the look and feel of the Properties interface (right-click/Properties). >From Explorer or My Desktop, simply right-click a file, select Investigate and the program is launched. Four tabs appear: Details, Background, Preview and Setup. Here you'll find a vast amount of information on your file type, such as location, size, attributes, compatible platforms, descriptive notes, references and more. There's even a window that will allow you to preview some text file types. Future versions will allow you to quickly view graphic and HTML files. Whether you're beginner or a seasoned pro, File Investigator is terrific and handy reference tool. And of course, if you like the free version, you can purchase the even more impressive full version and updates. Back to Table of Contents The Darwin Awards Warning! If you don't have a twisted sense of humor, this site isn't for you. It's never nice to find amusement in someone else's misfortune. But sometimes you cannot help but wonder What the hell was he thinking? At the risk of sounding insensitive, we'll provide you with the site's own description of what it's about: "The Darwin Awards commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice by eliminating themselves from the species in an extraordinarily novel fashion, thereby improving our genetic pool. This citation is almost always granted posthumously, preferably before procreating." Curious? Then head over to The Darwin Awards (www.DarwinAwards.com) for a closer look. If it makes you fell better, over 38,000 other surfers have visited the site in June alone! Back to Table of Contents Plenty-O-Reading If you're an information junkie, this site will keep you busy for quite some time. Click over to the Top 100 Computer and Software WWW Magazines and Journals (www.internetvalley.com/top100mag.html) for just about all your computing information needs. The entries are organized alphabetically. Each listing offers a link to the MIP (Most Interesting Page on the site) and current quotes and outlines about the each magazine. Whatever your skill level and interest, you'll surely find something here to satisfy your needs. Interested in developing device drivers? Check out Embedded Systems Programming. Are your youngsters using the internet for school projects? Then check out Family PC. You'll also find some interesting publications from interesting sources; for example, HUM - Canada's Government Computer Magazine and Cybersphère - The French leading Cyberculture Magazine. Lots of techie, non-techie, savvy and sleuthful surfing and reading. Check it out! Back to Table of Contents Tips Galore! Can't get enough tips? Then Windows and Mac users beware! Your email volume could easily double, if you use this popular resource. Click over to Tipworld (www.tipworld.com) and quickly subscribe to tip newsletters of all types. How about BabyCenter's Pregnancy and Baby Tip of the Day? Or Games.Net Games Tip of the Day? As you can see there are tips for various interests. Categories include, Lifestyle and Interests, Hot New Technology Tips, News and Gossip, Productivity, The Internet, and Games and Downloads. Mac users will also want to check out Macworld Online newsletters (www.tipworld.com/cgi-bin/sub.cgi/macworld). If you have a habit of only checking your email once a week, again, be careful. Subscribe only to newsletters that you're sure you'll read. Subscription to any or all of the newsletters is quick and easy. Simply ask and you shall receive. Back to Table of Contents FBI Crackdown (news release) It is estimated that the software piracy industry saps US$11.4 billion from the world economy. This translates to higher prices for software (an average of $15 more for every $100 spent) and less R&D funds going to software development (this could the reason why so many applications are riddled with bugs). For a related news release and some scary statistics go here (www.spa.org/piracy/releases/97pir.htm). For Immediate Release CONTACT: Peter Beruk, Director of North America Anti-Piracy, (202) 452-1600, ext. 314, or pberuk@spa.org SPA Cooperates with FBI in Five Raids Software and Equipment Seized from Computer Fair, Residences and Vehicles (Washington, D.C.- June 1, 1998) SPA applauds the efforts of the U.S. Attorney (Indiana) and Federal Bureau of Investigation in its crackdown Saturday, May 30, 1998, against a suspected piracy operation in Indianapolis, Ind., and Radcliff, Ky. The FBI, in cooperation with the Software Publishers Association and its members, Autodesk Inc. and Adobe Inc., performed several raids after a four-month investigation of individuals accused of illegally replicating and selling CD-ROM compilations and counterfeits of SPA members' software. The suspects, working under the business names of "Indiana Micro Systems" and "Atlanta Micro Systems," operated a booth at several MarketPro computer shows in Tennessee, Ohio and Indiana, as well as at an AGI Computer Fairs show in Indiana. On Saturday, May 30, FBI agents served search warrants on the suspects' booth at a MarketPro computer fair in Indianapolis, two residences, a business and the van used to transport the contraband. Agents seized counterfeit software, unbundled software and hardware, including the CD-ROM replicators used to manufacture the counterfeit CDs. The investigation was initiated based on information indicating the suspects were allegedly distributing unauthorized copies of SPA members' software as CD compilations and counterfeits. The suspects allegedly sold counterfeit copies of AutoCad Release 14 (normally a $3,750 product) on CDs without documentation for $75 as well as a CD compilation with more than $3,500 worth of Adobe software for $60. Consumers can often recognize illegal software by looking for software and printed packaging that may appear fuzzy (generally indicating counterfeit software), statements on the CD saying "For Distribution Only With PC" (indicating the software may be unbundled), software from many publishers on a single CD (which generally means the software is also counterfeit) or software sold far below the normal retail price-a deal too good to be true probably is. SPA is the principal trade association of the software industry, representing the leading publishers as well as start-up firms in the business, home office, consumer, entertainment and educational markets. SPA supports companies that develop and publish software applications and tools for use on the desktop, client-server networks and the Internet. SPA's 1200 member companies account for 85 percent of U.S. revenue for packaged and online software. In cooperation with other states' law enforcement offices, SPA is presently conducting investigations into computer crimes. Hundreds of member companies look to SPA to protect their intellectual property rights around the world. SPA combines strong anti-piracy education and enforcement efforts through such programs as its piracy hotline, (800) 388-7478, the Certified Software Manager (CSM) and Internet in the Workplace courses, SPAudit, KeyAudit, videos, posters, direct mail campaigns and other awareness materials. More information on SPA's software piracy efforts can be found at Software Publishers Association (www.spa.org/piracy). -----End----- Back to Table of Contents HTML Editors For All Platforms Homepages, homepages, homepages. Millions of them, in all shapes, sizes and forms. If you're building one for personal or corporate use, you're going to need an HTML Editor. Sure, you can use Notepad if you like, but why not use the latest technology. Todays editors come with just about every feature you can image, that will have your pages up and online in no time at all. They're getting easier to use and you don't even have to know Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). For a well organized and sizable list of available editors, check out Mag's Big List of HTML Editors (it.ncsa.uiuc.edu/~mag/work/HTMLEditors/). Here you'll find editors for numerous platforms including Amiga, DOS, Mac, NeXTstep, OS/2, Unix, VMS and Windows. Looking for non-english language editors? You'll find them here too. How about CGI, Javascript and other HTML resources? They're here too. So if you're just starting on your first page or looking to try out some new editors, Tom Magliery's page is good place to begin. Who knows, some day we might be featuring your homepage! Back to Table of Contents Update Your Mac Software Do you know if you're running the latest version of your software? Not sure? Well now you can quickly find out at VersionTracker Online (www.versiontracker.com). VersionTracker is the self-proclaimed "#1 Source for Macintosh Software". And for good reason! The main page provides a list of updates and upgrades for various software applications, that is updated daily. The most recent 30 day list is quickly available with a click of a mouse. If you're software is not listed at first glance, use the snappy search engine to find it. All software titles are categorized as Commercial upgrade, Update-free commercial, Shareware, Freeware or Beta. A quick click on the Categories menu will take you to an impressive list of Mac freeware and shareware. There's lots more at this site, but don't take our word for it. Check it out for yourself. Come on...take off your coat and stay for a while. Back to Table of Contents Intelligent (ro)BOTs One of the latest and most exciting technologies invented for the internet it the BOT. As you've surmised, the name comes from the word robot. But a BOT is much more than a robot that simply executes pre-defined instructions. Today, BOTs are interactive. They respond to users. They answer and ask questions in an effort to help you find what you're looking for. BOTs are very shrewd. They retrieve, organize and index information gathered from the internet. Unlike search engines that often return information that is not relevant to your query, they can be astounding in their precision. And the place to find, use and learn more about them is The BotSpot (http://botspot.com). Here you'll find "intelligent agents" for just about everything. Clicking on the Search link will provide you with a list of Academic Bots, Bot Descriptions, Chatter Bots, Commerce Bots, Government Bots, News Bots, Stock Bots, Search Bots, Software Bots and more. Each category will return a list of Bots and descriptions of the type of information they retrieve. You interact with the Bot by answering the questions it asks, and your information is returned. To get a feel of how Bots work, you can start a dialogue with Eliza, the original Bot created at MIT. You'll find her on the main page. But be careful, she simulates a psychotherapist and only answers questions with questions. And if you're looking pick a fight, you're going to lose! Back to Table of Contents Open For Business Calling all small businesses, professionals and home office entrepreneurs! Looking for resources to help your venture grow? Then check out BizPro Web (www.bizproweb.com). Just celebrating their first year of business, BizPro Web is packed with over 675 pages of business links, information and resources. The site is organized in six savvy categories: Picks of the Day, Web Sites, Newsgroups, Shareware, Features and Discussion Forums. Each provides some of the best internet resources that will help you manage and grow you business. If you want to share ideas or get some tips, the Forums provide discussions on Small Business, Accounting and Finance, Marketing and Promotion, and Home Office issues. The Shareware link features great productivity tools and utilities. Picks of the Day offers a variety of selected resources that will help you market you goods and services like a pro. This is one of those sites that quickly re-directs you to all corners of the internet universe. So, bookmark this site and visit often. Back to Table of Contents 'Til next month... |
