Announcements

Hey You! Watch Your Language!

Do we have an awesome one for you this week! You'll love this :-)

We have Transparent's "Learn Now" language series in stock. It's probably the best way to learn a new language. In fact, it's used by both educational institutions (over 10,000 of them!) and our military to help teach new languages.

Yes, it really is that good.

This would be a fantastic way to brush up on your language skills for any upcoming vacations you may have. It would also be a great way for students to get a jump start if they are studying a new language next year in school (one of the ladies who works with is going to have her daughter use this over the summer).

Anyhow, this uses a lot of interaction to help you learn a new language. There are videos, games, dictionaries and more. The whole premise behind this software is that most people tend to learn better by doing than by reading a topic in a book. Is that you too? Then this software is going to be a perfect match.

One of the coolest features was the "interaction" segment of the program. You actually have a conversation using a microphone with a video simulation in the computer. (If you don't already have a microphone, we can sell you one for $4.00 w/ purchase. It's a nice headset mic.)

For example, you can carry on a conversation with a shop clerk, a hotel manager, bank employee, taxi driver, and a whole host of people you would encounter on a trip. It's fantastic. After all, it's one thing to study a language, but when you actually get in a situation where you need it, you want to know how you'll do. With this software, you'll have already practiced for it. Isn't that just the coolest idea?

In addition, it will pronounce any word for you with a quick double-click of your mouse. It can teach you words, phrases, sentences - whatever you need. It addition to audio, it also includes video and pictures to help make things more interactive and enjoyable.

Do you like games too? Then you're going to love the interactive games they have with this one. Not only are they addicting, but they'll help you learn your new language in a big hurry!

OK, now for the price. Retail on this is $49.95, your price is only $19.97 and shipping is FREE if you live in the US! Good deal huh? I mean, you have to admit, it's a lot cheaper than taking a college class, plus you do it at YOUR convenience and YOUR speed. That's the best way, right?

Anyhow, here's the link. There are a total of 9 different language to choose from:

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

PS - Please don't wait on this one. Some languages we were able to get a good supply on, some we have a VERY limited supply on. So, get to the site ASAP for the best selection!

Computers 101

Q:
I was looking inside my computer and I noticed that I have several types of card slots. Some are short white ones, some are longer black ones.What's the difference?

A:
The short white ones are PCI slots and the black ones are ISA slots. You may even encounter an AGP slot (usually looks like a displaced PCI slot, brown in color)

What's the difference? Here's a run down:

ISA (Industry Standard Adapter) - These are the long black slots. They are the oldest and slowest of the bunch. They support 8 and 16 bit cards (usually stuff like sound cards and modems). You usually won't even find these on newer computers.

PCI (Peripheral Connect Interface) - These are the current "standard" expansion slot. They support 32 bit cards, transfer data quickly, and take up less space on the motherboard. Usually white in color.

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port ) - This is a newer type of slot and it's designed for video cards. It bypasses the slower PCI & ISA slots and provides better / faster 3D video.

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

Tip of the Day

Having modem problems? (Part I)

This simple test will help you determine where exactly your modem problem lies. You may want to try this before you take your computer in for repair.

Go to the Start menu, Settings, Control Panel, and click on Modems. Then in the Modems Properties window, click on the Diagnostics tab at the top of the window.

Select your modem’s port.

Click on More Info... and a window similar to the one below will pop up.

This automatically tests your modem and gives you an indication as to whether it is working properly.

(For XP Users, it's the same idea, just different window names... Go to Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware. Select Phone and Modem Options. Select the Modems tab at the top of this window. Then click on the Properties button. Select the Diagnostics tab and click the Query Modem button. After a few seconds, you should see “success” in the response field. )

All Users: If you do not see anything in the window or if the “Couldn’t Open Port” window pops-up, you may have a modem driver problem. Troubleshooting these problems will be discussed in tomorrow’s tip.

-- Greg Barnett

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

Amanda's Cool Site of the Day

Truth or Fiction

Truth or Fiction - that is the question…

This is a site where you can find out whether that rumor you got in your e-mail is true, find out if there is merit to a warning, find out if it’s really a virus or a virus hoax, and so much more.

If you start by reading the ‘About Us’ section of this site you can find out about their labeling system, Truth, Fiction, Reported Truth or Reported Fiction, Unproven, Disputed, Truth & Fiction, Previously Truth Now Ended or Now Resolved, which is a tremendous help in understanding which each category means.

So when you run across that next burning question like, “ Is this really a virus?” You can find that out here, or if you receive that ever-popular plea, “Help me find my missing child.” You can find out if that child is truly missing or if it is a money ploy. Check it out.

http://www.truthorfiction.com/

Do you have a cool, non-commercial site that you want to share?
Send it to Amanda at amanda@worldstart.com