Announcements

Virus Hoax

There's another virus hoax going around. This one tells you to find and delete a file called:

jdbgmgr.exe

Don't delete it. It's a Java debugging file (some Java applets may not work correctly without it ). Although it's not the most important file on your computer, it's still probably best to leave it intact.

This gets passed around by an e-mail that warns the file is a "dormant" virus and automatically activates on a certain date. It also claims that anti-virus software can't remove it. Big time hoax.

Why is this a tip off?

If the file is a virus and on your computer, then AV software can get it. Think about it, if you can find the file, then your AV software can too. If it was really a problem, it would alert you.

Anyhow, that's my bit for today. Remember, just because it's in a forwarded e-mail, doesn't automatically make it true.

Unless, of course, it comes from me ;-)

Computers 101

Q:
What are drivers?

A:
Drivers are mini-programs (instructions) that tell your computer how to use its hardware. Each hardware device has a driver. Some, like drivers for a keyboard or mouse, are built into the computer itself. Others, like video card drivers or modem drivers, need to be installed when you get a the new hardware device. Without the proper driver, your stuff won't work.

If you're having trouble with a particular hardware device, chances are that an updated driver may solve your problem. Where can you find them? Best bet is the web site of the manufacturer who made the component.

Believe it or not, your second best bet may be Microsoft . They have lots of drivers on hand, but it may take a bit of searching to find them. Newer versions of Windows can look online for drivers, so you may want to try that option if all else fails.

Have a question for the newsletter? Submit it at the link below:
http://www.worldstart.com/submitquestion.htm

Tip of the Day

Update Your Drivers!

Note - updating your drivers is normally a good idea if you're having problems, but in rare cases it can cause more difficulties than it fixes. So, as always, do this at your own risk.

How do you update your drivers? Well, depends on the manufacturer.

The most common (and easiest) driver update is simply an ".exe" type file that runs a little setup program. You download it, double-click it, the setup program runs, and it's a done deal. The most you'll have to do is re-start your computer.

Another way is through the use of an "inf" file. Some of these, when right-clicked, will give a menu option to install the driver. Others (most) inf files don't. You have to update the driver manually. Here's how:

1. Right-click My Computer, Properties.

2. Next, go to the device manager tab and select the hardware item you would like to update (Win 2000 & XP users, head to the Hardware tab and hit the Device Manager button). You'll probably need to click the plus sign next to each category in order to actually get to a specific piece of hardware.

3. Right-click the item you want to update and select Properties from the resulting menu (XP users can select "Update Driver" from that menu)..

4. Click the Update driver button on that tab. A wizard will start and help you install your new driver. Click the Next button.

5. Click the "Search for a better driver..." radio button. Click Next.

6. Finally, tell the computer where the new driver file is using the "Specify a Location" drop box and the Browse button. If you're using Win ME, it will automatically start looking for the new driver at this point. If it doesn't find it, you'll have to tell it where to look.

That's about it. Once the driver is located, you'll be able to finish up with the wizard. You'll probably need to re-start your computer, but that's about it. Not too terribly hard.

Have a tip for the newsletter? Submit it below:
http://www.worldstart.com/submitatip.htm

Amanda's Cool Site of the Day

Netives

Welcome to Netives, a place to relax and have some fun. What kind of fun am I talking about? The kind that can only come from playing a game. Here at Netives, you can play Gems, Invasion, Jroids, Jalaga, Marbles, Speed Marbles, and Wormz.

And best of all its free. You just pick a game, read the instructions if you need them, and then click "play". The game loads and you are on your way to hours of fun. For those you who like Spore Cubes, you’ll want to try your hand at Marbles. For anyone who enjoys Tetris, have fun playing Gems. All in all, enjoy!

http://netives.com/Games/index.njsp

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

amanda@worldstart.com

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