Computers 

  The computer user's high-tech survival guide 

• The Bill Gates giveaway: Why it doesn't matter to you, Gene and me (1999)
• Cheapskate's guide to bargain PCs (1998)
• Cheapskate's guide to software for bargain PCs (1998)
• The truth, and nothing but the truth, about choosing a new PC (1998)
• Those 'bargain' PCs have long strings attached (1999)
• What Microsoft forgot to tell you: Tricks you can do with Windows (1999)
• Running Linux: Big improvements over Windows in many ways (1999)
• Installing Linux: Smooth going, few problems (1999)
• Linux proves that Microsoft is superfluous after all (1999)
• Yes, it's a Windows world, and that's why Linux is more important than ever (1999)
• Microsoft's dilemma: Fix Windows or give up trying? (1999)
• Mandrake Linux installs well and comes with 1,900 extra programs (1999)
• Web sites of Linux groups in upstate New York (1999)
• Web and e-mail software for Linux (1999)
• New operating system runs Windows programs without needing Windows itself (1999)
• Major Windows graphics program comes to Linux (1999)
• Why Linux matters: An admiring essay (1999)
• A Linux Q&A, biased and unapologetic (1999)
• Apple turns into the Comeback Kid with the iBook notebook computer (1999)
• Why Apple may be the big loser in the Linux onslaught (1999)
• What's wrong with Windows? Here are 5 big flaws (1999)
• The real problem with Windows (1998)
• Coping with the real problem with Windows (1998)
• U.S. Gov't Approved Windows? Give me a break (1998)
• The real cost of your first PC (1997)
• What to look for in your first PC (1997)
• What you get free in software on that first PC, and what you need to add (1997)
• Exclusive report: Making dual Windows installations, Part 1 (1997)
• Exclusive report: Making dual Windows installations, Part 2 (1997)
• How to reinstall Windows, Part 1 (1998)
• How to reinstall Windows, Part 2 (1998)
• How to reinstall Windows, Part 3 (1998)
• Finding the hiding places of programs that automatically start up at bootup (1998)
• Dealing with Windows' annoyances, Part 1 (1998)
• Dealing with Windows' annoyances, Part 2 (1998)
• 'Typical' is the wrong choice when installing software (1998)
• How to get rid of the junk Windows leaves behind (1999)
• That 'other' temp folder is for the browser, and you should leave it alone (1999)
• Want the best image viewer for Windows? There's no contest. Get ACDSee (1999)
• How to view (and even alter) any kind of image, for free (1998)
• Good image editors don't need to cost a lot (1998)
• Connecting computers of all kinds is easy with Ethernet (1999)
• Nshare gives easy Internet access to all the computers on a home or office network (1999)
• $25 NAT32 can give Internet access to your network (and to other PCs and Macs) through one PC (1999)
• Many PCs can share one Internet connection with WinGate (1998)
• Profiles: How to set up one PC for many users, Part 1 (1999)
• Profiles: How to set up one PC for many users, Part 2 (1999)
• What you really need to know about Y2K (1999)
• Y2K worries? You might be too late (1999)
• Windows 98: Stable and fast, as well as 'new and improved' (1998)
• Windows 98 jousts with a doubter, and Windows wins (1998)
• Windows 98 can heal itself (1998)
• Hidden features of Windows 98, Part 1 (1998)
• Hidden features of Windows 98, Part 2 (1998)
• Microsoft's latest foolishness: Windows 'update' program runs itself 288 times a day (1999)
• Your computer can help look for signs of life in the universe with SETI@Home (1999)
• SETI@Home project uses an old technique of neighbors helping neighbors (1999)
• Flat-panel monitors have more growing up to do (1998)
• Monitor madness: Brightness' and 'Contrast' actually control something else (1998)
• Free for the asking: A competitor for Microsoft Office (1999)
• The hidden power of Microsoft Word, Part 1 (1999)
• The hidden power of Microsoft Word, Part 2 (1999)
• TV listings: Windows 98 feature the experts missed (1998)
• Plus! 98: You don't need it, but it's full of fun stuff (1998)
• Stiletto lets you customize and automate Windows (1998)
• Get WinSize while you can -- it's an essential fix for window size and placement problems (1999)
• Control window placement and size with WinSize (1998)
• Fix-It 99 from Mijenix lives up to its name (1999)
• LiteStep 'shell' makes Windows more stable (1999)
• Get it while you can: AltaVista Personal for your own search engine (1998)
• AltaVista search program for your own PC (1997)
• Keep track of all your files with Where Is It (1999)
• Outlook 98: Nothing else comes close—and it's free (1998)
• Net Folders make Outlook 98 unbeatable (1998)
• Latest virus scares should wake us up (1999)
• Norman antivirus software is powerful stuff (1999)
• The dangers of File and Print Sharing over the Internet (1998)
• How to turn off File and Print Sharing in Windows (1998)
• How to turn make File and Print Sharing safe (1998)
• Have Microsoft Office? Fast Find is slowing down your PC (1998)
• How to put real scrolling into Word 97 (1999)
• Snappy 3: Better than a digital camera for a lot less (1998)
• Now that you have that new computer, you need help! (1998)
• Toast of the town: A parable for PC owners (1999)
• Personal toolbar tricks for Netscape and Internet Explorer (1999)
• At Mozilla, volunteers are creating the next-generation Web browser (1999)
• Internet Explorer 4.0: A free preview of Windows 98 (1997)
• Internet Explorer 4's big advantages (1998)
• Internet Explorer 4's Power Toys (1998)
• Microsoft's gorilla knocks on Apple's door (1997)
• Microsoft, the Justice Dept. and the 'Netsbrake' syndrome: A true tale of our times (1997)
• Norton Utilities 3.0 vs. Nuts & Bolts 98 (1998)
• Nuts & Bolts: Best utility software yet for Windows (1997)
• How to install Win95B (OSR2) as an upgrade (1997)
• The benefits of Win95B (OSR2) (1997)
• How to install FAT-32 (in Win95B-OSR2) without reformatting (1997)
• Inexpensive enhancements for Windows 95, Part 1 (1997)
• Inexpensive enhancements for Windows 95, Part 2 (1997)
• 5 great new freeware and shareware programs (1998)
• My top 10 downloads in a single list (1997)
• Freeware, Part 1: ClipCache extends the clipboard (1998)
• Freeware, Part 2: Where to find files on the Web (1998)
• Great screensavers you can download (1998)
• Free replacement for Windows File Manager (1998)
• Is your PC really THIS dumb? You bet (1999)
• Repeat after me: 'Beta' means buggy (1999)
• Speed up your PC by tweaking the BIOS (1998)
• Multi-program launcher: Do it yourself, Part 1 (1998)
• Multi-program launcher: Do it yourself, Part 2 (June 7, 1998)
• Mijenix FreeSpace: Disk and file compression champ (1997)
• Fine Print for Windows saves paper and ink (1997)
• Can your computer handle high-speed cable access? (1998)
• Is cable access really 100 times faster? Yes and no (1998)
• Don't let the Road Runner installer take away your choice of software (1998)
• Tests show cable modem up to 286 times faster than dialup (1998)
• Setting TCP parameters for cable modems in Windows 95 and 98 (Special article, 1998)
• Setting up WinGate for cable using only one network card in each PC (Special article, 1998)
• Secrets of using fonts in Windows' display schemes (1998)
• WillowTalk lets Windows read to you (1998)
• TV-based big-screen PCs have even bigger drawbacks (1997)
• How to do shareware right (1997)
• Getting Windows 95 passwords to stick (1997)
• Navigating menus without using the mouse (1998)
• A no-mouse, no-effort way of working with dialog boxes (1998)
• Little-known keyboard shortcuts in Windows (1997)
• Using keyboard hotkeys to open Web pages, Part 1 (April 11, 1999)
• Using keyboard hotkeys to open Web pages, Part 2 (April 18, 1999)
• Another Windows 95 secret: DMA for hard drives (1998)
• Heresy! Files and folders do NOT belong on your desktop (1998)
• Viruses, Part 1: Beware of hoaxes (1997)
• Viruses, Part 2: Where the danger really comes from (1997)
• Secrets of installing software safely, Part 1 (1998)
• Secrets of installing software safely, Part 2 (1998)
• Norton Uninstall Deluxe: Best uninstaller by far (1998)
• Hurricane: Finally, a way to fix the problems of Windows 3.1 (1997)
• Hurricane 98 huffs and puffs and dies under Windows 98 (1998)
• Replacements for Windows Notepad, Part 1 (1997)
• Replacements for Windows Notepad, Part 2 (1997)
• Help when you need it, Part 1: Windows 95 Resource Kit (1998)
• Help when you need it, Part 2: Knowledge Base (1998)
• Snippets of life on the e-mail highway (1997)
• The aging population is a computer-savvy one, too (1998)
• Good books for Net and computer fans (1997)
• JVC digital camcorder takes stunning videos and digital stills, too (1999)
• Real Player G2 is a 'must-have' program (1999)
• RealVideo makes a splash (1997)
• Making your own RealVideo files (1997)
• MPEG: The future of digital audio for computers? (1997)
• MOD audio still thrives on the Internet (1998)
• A sound idea: MPEG Layer 3 keeps improving (1998)
• Are auto-update programs worth the trouble? (1997)
• Updating and patching Windows 95 (1997)
• USB is a dream come true for PCs (1999)
• 10 myths about Windows, and why they're false (1998)
• Microsoft's Outlook holds surprises in Office 97 (1997)
• Outlook 97 secrets, Part 1 (1997)
• Outlook 97 secrets, Part 2 (1997)
• PC media player from Willow Pond has it all (1998)
• QSound puts 3D audio onto your computer (1997)
• DVD recorders are a long way off (1997)
• DVD is coming! Here's what to expect (1997)
• DVD: At last, video lives up to its potential (1999)
• DVD: On a PC, the video quality is stunning (1999)
• CD-R follies, or why humility is a virtue (1998)
• The world's first really fast CD-ROM drive (April 11, 1999)
• Networking Windows 95, Part 1 (1997)
• Networking Windows 95, Part 2 (1997)
• Windows networking's big flaw, and how to fix it (1999)
• My utilities for Windows 95 (1997)
• How to get Explorer windows to behave (1997)
• How to get more choices of DOS window sizes (July 4, 1999)
• Even a klutz knows when to salute Big Blue (1997)
• Digita: Best PIM money can't buy (1997)
• Adjusting your computer monitor, part 1 (1997)
• Adjusting your computer monitor, part 2 (1997)
• How to make backups, Part 1 (1999)
• How to make backups, Part 2 (1999)
• Backing up is hard to do—but you'd better start now (1995-'96)
• Backups: Do as I say, not as I do (1994)
• CD recorders, Part 1: Why they're such cheap backup devices (1998)
• CD recorders, Part 2: 3 ways to ensure good results (1998)
• Why you need an uninterruptible power supply (1994)
• The right (and wrong) ways to choose a computer (1994)
• When buying locally makes sense, and when it doesn't (1993)
• Windows 3.1 tips for office users (1996)
• Just start using that computer, whatever it is (1992)
• Who killed the Atari ST? A drama in three parts (1998)
• Xerox learns its lessons and comes up with a new kind of PC (1993)
• The word game that hides the real virus threat (1988)
• Nationwide virus attack leaves me wondering: Who's in charge? (1988)
• When my fancy PC died, macho man knew the solution, right? Guess again (1998)
• Sociology, rumors and the big virus scare (1989)
• Kodak introduces Photo CD (1990)
• Can your computer hurt you? (1990)
• Is radiation from your PC hurting you? (1993)
• Why you'll always need more storage space (1994)
• Out of the jaws of floppy-disk defeat, a lesson in poetry (1984)
• What bits really are, and why they're not characters (1989)
• Plain talk about computers, Part 1 (1997)
• Plain talk about computers, Part 2 (1997)
• Plain talk about computers, Part 3 (1997)
• Mopy fish: Take the plunge into artificial intelligence (1997)
• Using a telecomm service as a disk drive (1993)
• The sitcom that would never sell: How your computer really stores things (1993)
• LIST: Best file browser for PCs (1994)
• How IBM messed up IBM-compatible PCs forever (1993)
• Drag and drop: The secret power of Windows 3.1 (1994)
• Helpful tricks with the Windows File Manager (1994)
• SoftRAM is a bust (1995)
• Can computers really think? Only if they have a sense of humor (1997)
• As the Amiga starts to fade, its fans speak out (1994)
• Revisiting the Mac: Impressive but still quirky (1999)
• Macs will always cost more than PCs -- and here's why (1999)
• Apple finally brings down the prices of Macs (1990)
• My view of Apple's ill-fated Newton (1993)
• Happy birthday, Mac! (1994)
• More bad news from Apple and its clone makers (1997)
• A new Mac, and yet another new operating system: Do they matter? (1998)
• Running Windows on a Mac: It works, but it's slow (1999)
• Project Gutenberg: The world of literature on a CD-ROM (1994)
• Spinoffs from video games: A touchpad that works (1993)
• Gary Kildall and the origins of the PC (1990)
• Z88: Forerunner of modern notebook PCs (1988)
• Letters to the editor by computer: How we did it (1990)
• How user groups kept the Atari ST alive (1991)
• Tiny new ST notebook computers from Atari (1991)
• Apple and IBM team up to make the Power PC (1991)
• Faster than a hard disk? It's a ramdisk (1990)
• Testing the Portfolio, first DOS-compatible palmtop computer (1990)
• Time for schools to retire those old Apple IIs (1991)
• My first taste of MIDI: A revolution in the winds (1988)
• Leading Edge saga: A foreigner to PCs takes on an IBM clone (1988)
• Gobledegook demystified: A no-jargon guide to computer terms (1989)
• Making a NeXT interface for my ST, more or less (1991)
• In early days of Windows, a few big cautions (1990)
• Floppies left out of the storage race (1990)
• How Dave Small made miracles for the Atari ST (1991)
• Say goodbye to an old friend, the 8-bit computer (1989)
• Apple's laptop is big, but it's an even bigger mistake (1990)
• I test DOS archivers, and tell you how they work (1990)
• Batch files for newcomers, Part 1 (1990)
• Batch files for newcomers, Part 2 (1990)
• Afraid of computers? Help is at hand (1990)
• A brief history of computer speed (1990)
• Can Big Brother tax your shareware? (1991)

Return to top

---

 technofile: [Articles] [Home page] [Comments: afasoldt@dreamscape.com]