Announcements

eXPloading PC?

We had a number of people asking about Tuesday's XP Disaster Recovery tip. Everyone wants to know what program I installed that caused such havoc on my PC.

Before I tell you, I want you to know that I use the computer in question for both my regular tasks and testing software. As such, there were well over 100 programs on it (in fact, it may have been closer to 200). In addition, it had "forgotten" what type of CD-RW it had, was in desperate need of a reformat and re-install, and was basically getting squirrelly.

Since XP "lost" the CD-RW drive, I decided to see if Nero or EZ CD Creator could find it. First, I tired Nero. No problems, but it didn't see the writer either. Then I tried EZ CD Creator, and that's when my problems started.

Needless to say I was able to get everything running. After I did, I made a backup, did a reformat / re-install, and things have been fine ever since. It was more XP's fault than EZ CD Creator's since that program (and Nero) both work fine on the computer now.

So, that's why I didn't say which program was the cause. Although it did cause the "disaster", I really don't think it was the program's fault - EZ CD Creator was probably just a victim of circumstance in this case. Normally, we see no problems with it at all, so please, don't think it's a bad piece of software when it really isn't :-)

Havin' Fun and Tellin' Time!

Wow, we had an incredible response to our Monopoly offer yesterday! If you missed out, we have the Monopoly CD ROM game for only $14.97 (retail $49.95). Now, that's a good deal, but we also have an awesome bonus - a FREE Monopoly Collector's Watch with purchase (retail value $29.95)!

Is that cool or what?

We had hundreds of orders come in for this deal yesterday, and we are starting to run low. If you want in on this, it would be best to act today.

Again, the game is really a lot of fun. I spent lots of enjoyable hours testing it :-) The graphics are great, the animations are fun to watch, and even the sound effects are cool. It plays really well and I highly recommend it.

As for the watch (we had some questions about it) it's really nice too. It has a very comfortable strap, looks great, and feels nice on the wrist. Everyone here loves 'em!

All of this is only $14.97, but it isn't going to last. This was another one of those one time deals, so I can't promise how much longer we're going to have them. So, please get to the site right now if you want in on this special offer!

http://www.worldstart.com/store/monopoly-create-board.htm

PS - Again, this is a $49.95 program with a watch that's worth $29.95. Since you're cost is only $14.97, it's a super deal. Oh, and it would also make a terrific gift (had a lot of that going on yesterday too)!

Computers 101

Q:
What is the difference between Downloading, Uploading and Installing?

A:
Here's a blow by blow:

Downloading - This is moving a file that's on the Internet (or over a network) onto your computer. For most of us, downloading is just a matter of clicking a download link on a web site and saving the file to disk. If you want more info on downloading, be sure to check out our download guide at http://www.worldstart.com/guides/download.htm.

Uploading - This is the opposite of downloading. With uploading, you take a file from your computer and send it to a computer on the internet (or a computer / server on a network). Usually this is done with an FTP client, but some web sites you'll come across will allow you to send files to them with your web browser.

Installing - This is often confused with downloading, but it's a different animal. When you install something, you basically "put" the program on your computer so you can use it. Normally this is done via a setup program or "wizard" to make installation easy. Once you're finished installing a program, you can usually run it from your Start Menu, Programs area.

For more definitions of various computer terms, go to http://www.worldstart.com/tips/computer-terms/index.htm.

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

Tip of the Day

Finding Your MS Product Codes
(not for XP)

Warning: This tip accesses the registry and MUST be used with extreme care!

Ever notice how Microsoft likes to put "product keys" on all their software? Well, what do you do if you've lost yours and you need re-install the software? I suppose you could call Microsoft and ask them for help. Yeah right!

Here's another solution: If the program is still on your machine (or at least still has entries in your registry), there may be hope. The info you need may be tucked away in the Windows Registry! Here's how to find it:

1. Click the Start button, Run. Type in regedit and click OK. Your registry editor program will start.

2. Next, head to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Microsoft. Make sure you open (double-click) the Microsoft folder.

3. Now, scroll down to the program you want to re-install. Double-click its folder and look for another folder called "Current Version."

4. Double-click that and look for an entry for "ProductKey" or "ProductId" in the right windowpane. If you find it, you've found your code!

It can be a bit of a pain to hunt through the registry like this, but at least you don't have to buy the software again!

-- Steve

Have a tip for the newsletter? Submit it below:
http://www.worldstart.com/writers-guidelines/index.htm

Amanda's Cool Site of the Day

Diary Smart

Need another place to get birthday alerts? Well, here’s another one you can try - Diary Smart.

For more info on how it works, you can visit their "How it Works" section. To join, you need to give them an e-mail address, password, first and last name, and birth date. Feel free to not give them your real name, I haven’t found that it matters; just make sure it’s a name or nickname your friends will recognize. And follow e-mail etiquette – let the people you send it to know that it’s coming. That way they don’t just delete it.

I like this one because you can checkmark the type of gifts you might like for your birthday on your profile and your friends can do the same. Sure makes birthday shopping easier. Enjoy!

http://www.diarysmart.com/

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