Announcements

Virus Alert

Keep an eye out for the New Years Virus, also known as w32.maldal.c.

It basically sends itself to everyone in your address book, resets your homepage, and disables your keyboard (yeah, it's kind of nasty). Here's how it comes in your e-mail:

Subject:
Happy New Year

Message:
Hii
I can't describe my feelings
But all i can say is
Happy New Year :)
bye

If you get this, just delete it. Do not run the attachment. If you still don't have anti-virus software, check out our Favorite - Norton Anti-virus at:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/nortonav.htm

We have both the 2001 & 2002 versions on sale.

Also, be sure to read through our online virus guide - it'll help you outsmart these viruses!

http://www.worldstart.com/guides/virus1.htm

Finally, for more info on this virus, head to:

http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.maldal.c@mm.html

More Days Off

With New Year's coming up next week, we're going to wait until next Thursday (Jan 3) to send out newsletters again. After that, it's business as usual. Oh, and since Christmas is over - Think Spring :-)

Also, we've updated our software deals on the side bar (to the left) - make sure you check 'em out before they're gone!

Oh, and don't miss our updated Bargain Bin. Remember, all titles are $3.97-$7.97 with free shipping in the US!

http://www.worldstart.com/store/bargainbin.htm

Speaking Of Deals...

Our Ultimate Human Body & 3D Skeleton bundle went over huge yesterday. We still have some of these in stock, so if you missed out, now's the time to take advantage of this special. Again, the retail on both titles is almost $100.00, we have the bundle on sale for just $19.97 - with FREE shipping if you live in the US!

Again, both are 3D interactive tours of the human body and are exceptionally well done. They are like an interactive medical encyclopedia with audio, video, 3D models, and tons more. If you've ever been curious about how this part or that part works, this is a must have CD set. It's loaded with information, is extremely easy to use, and is about the best software of this type I've ever seen. I highly recommend it.

Here's a link with more information:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/dkdeal.htm

Don't hate yourself for missing out! Get to the site ASAP!

And Happy New Year Everyone!

Computers 101

Q:
What is a "Buffer?"

A:
A buffer is basically an area of memory a hardware device or software program uses when it needs a constant, uninterrupted flow of information.

For example, if you ever listened to any kind of streaming audio, the program you use probably "buffers" the signal a little before the music starts to play.

Here's how it works. Your audio program "collects" a few seconds of audio then starts playing them. If there is a split second interruption, you don't notice it since the audio you're listing to is already a couple seconds old. Since you're not listing as the audio at the same instant it comes in, it gives the program a few seconds to compensate for any slight interruptions (and there are lots of those). Doesn't always work if the connection isn't good, but it does help.

Tip of the Day

Window Hunting

Web Link - http://www.worldstart.com/tips/winhunt.htm

Ever have too many open windows? So many that you're not sure which button is which on your toolbar? Read on.

An easy way to switch between them is to hit ALT-TAB. A small box will pop up with icons for all the currently open programs (even settings windows that don't display on the tool bar - like display properties for instance).

Simply hit TAB (keeping ALT pressed down) until the window you're looking for is highlighted. Notice that as you tab, the title bar information is displayed below the icons.

Oh, also - hold down the ALT & SHIFT key while hitting TAB to go backwards through the list.

Open a couple of programs and try it. Happy hunting :-)

Amanda's Cool Site of the Day

Are You a Space Nut?

If you like space travel, than you need to be checking out NASA Today on a regular basis. Find out what NASA is doing today and what's next. I've just finished an interesting article I found on that site all about the International Space Station. And you thought Star Trek was interesting (OK, maybe you didn't).

http://www.nasa.gov/today/index.html

Do you have a cool site that you want to share? Send it to Amanda! Here's her address:

amanda@worldstart.com

Oh, and we're looking for non-commercial sites. We generally don't run sites that are strictly for shopping.