Announcements

Tip Update

Yesterday's tip was about how to make an internet shortcut by dragging an icon from the browser to the desktop. Well, as many of you pointed out, you can also right-click any webpage and select "Create Shortcut" from the little menu. Thanks to everyone who reminded me :-)

XP Advice Part 2

OK, yesterday I told the world how I just love Win XP and think it's the best thing since CD ROMs. I received a ton of e-mail about this - both positive and negative. However, the overall XP opinion seems to agree with mine. It's good and stable. However, nothing it perfect, so...

Like The Force, XP has a Dark Side.

# 1 - Multiple Copies -You need to buy a copy for each computer you own. You can't simply buy one and put it on all your machines (and your friend's machines, etc). If you only have one computer, no big deal. If you have several, the price adds up quick.

If you think you can get around this, you really can't. MS uses an "activation" system that only lets you install the software on one computer. That said, activation really isn't all that bad. It only takes a few seconds, you can still swap out cards, add memory, and such without needing to re-activate Windows. In fact, Microsoft claims that if you swap out too much (over 60% of your computer if I recall), you can still get re-activated without a hassle. So, I wouldn't sweat it too much.

# 2 - Driver Issues - OK, this one can be troublesome. Most of the problems people e-mailed to me involved driver issues - their old hardware doesn't work with XP.

Before you upgrade, it's a good idea to check and see how compatible your old hardware is with XP. MS has a "compatibility checker" that lets you check your system to see if there are any potential problems. Here's the link:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp

Bad thing with the upgrade advisor is its size - the thing is about 50 meg. If you're using a dial up connection, it'll take forever to download. XP setup includes it and will check your computer before the upgrade takes place. I don't know what happens if you find you don't want to upgrade. I guess you call Microsoft and try to get a refund from them???

Oh, you may want to check with your printer, scanner, and digital camera manufactures too. I'm not sure if this gets covered with the Upgrade Advisor. I do know that those areas seem to be the most problematic.

# 3 - Software Issues - Not all software will run on XP. I've had readers tell me that it seems the majority of their old software doesn't work with XP, but I can get just about anything to run on it. I'd say 90% of the software I test on XP runs just fine. As for the other 10%, who needs it anyway? Just kidding. I'll show you a trick Monday that you can use to trick most software into running on XP :-)

Anyhow, those are the major points. If you're thinking of upgrading, it's a good idea to check around and make sure you're going to be able to use your favorite hardware and software. Your best bet for this is the manufacturer of the hardware / software in question. Another place to ask is our message board. Lots of folks there are already running XP and may know if your hardware / software will work. Here's the link for that:

http://www.worldstart.com/ctmb.htm

Even after all of the above negatives, I still think that XP is a good way to go. One of my biggest grips is working on a project only to have the computer lock up and lose everything. XP hardly ever locks up, freezes or misbehaves for me (and the vast majority of folks who have written me about it).

Thanks for reading and I hope my comments have been helpful.

Computers 101

Q:
My mouse is acting funny. Sometimes I have to move it a few inches before the cursor starts to move. Is it time for a new mouse?

A:
Probably not. I'm guessing the problem is your mouse guts are dirty. Don't worry, you don't need to get in touch with some sort of computer vet to fix the little guy.

Turn the mouse over. Normally, there is a removable piece that holds the mouse ball in. It usually comes off with a little twist. Pull the ball out and remove any excess dirt, fur, hair, gum, pop, spare change, etc. Usually just wiping off the ball with a lint free cloth will do the trick. If it's extra grimy, rinsing it off under running water would be a good idea (the ball - not the mouse) - just make 110% sure that it's dry before you re-assemble things.

Next look inside the mouse. You'll probably need to take a pair of tweezers and (carefully) pluck the hair / fur / lint off the rollers (they act like a magnet for it). Finally, I would try to blow it out with some of that canned air stuff (in case you're tempted, it's probably NOT a real good idea to wash it out with water :-).

Tip of the Day

Exploring Fun

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

Ever wish you could control the folder or drive that Windows Explorer opens to? Well, you can. Here's how:

1. Right-click the Desktop and select New, Shortcut

2. In the command line box, put in one of the commands below:

- To have this shortcut open Explorer with focus on the My Documents folder, use this in the command line (probably a good idea to copy and paste the line):

explorer /e,/n,/root, c:\My Documents

It should look like this:

Note that XP users will need to do a little more for a My Documents shortcut. Your command line needs to look like this:

explorer.exe /e,/n,/root, C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR USER NAME\My Documents

Note that you'll need to fill in your user name where you see it in red above. For example, here's what it looks like on my machine:

explorer.exe /e,/n,/root, C:\Documents and Settings\Steve\My Documents

- If you would like to just have focus on the C: drive, use the line below:

explorer /e,/n,/root, c:\

- If you would like the shortcut to open to a "My Computer" view, use this line: (Note - if you right-click My Computer and select Explore from the resulting menu, you'll get the same effect. This is quicker though)

explorer /n,/e,/root,,/select,C:\

NOTE-
As you can see, you can put in any path you like where you see the "c:\" at the end of the line. You could set up Explorer shortcuts for any frequently used folders and or drives.

3. Once you've decided on the command line, click Next and name the shortcut (something like "Explore My Stuff" or Explore My Docs") and click the "Finish" button.

Cool huh?

Amanda's Cool Site of the Day

Peep Research

Ah yes, more of those fabulous little peeps. This time we look in on both Basic Peep Science, Peep Health, and we even get an insider edition of the Quintuplet Peep siblings who were conjoined at birth and the surgery to separate them. Watch as those resilient little Easter treats go through rigorous testing. Enjoy!

http://www.learnlink.emory.edu/peep/

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.