Announcements

System Works Blowout!

WOW!

We had an incredible response to our "Free after rebates" Norton System Works 2002 deal yesterday! Thanks to all who ordered! 

We are almost out, so if you want in on this deal, this is probably about your last chance. Again, this program includes Norton Anti-Virus, CleanSweep, Utilities, and Roxio GoBack. It's a heck of a deal and we've had hundreds of people taking advantage of it over the last two days.

For all the details and one last chance at this, head to:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/nortonav2002box.htm

Don't Miss Out!

Bugbear Virus

In response to our Bugbear virus warning the other day, we had some people e-mail and tell us that you can add 000@0000 to your address book. Supposedly, when a virus goes to send an e-mail, you'll get an error message from your e-mail program since 000@0000 isn't a valid address. When you see that, you'll know something is up and that your computer may be infected.

Well, that may work on some viruses, but not this one.

First off, that trick only works if your e-mail program will actually let you enter an invalid address - most won't.

Second, most newer viruses, including the Bugbear, have their own SMTP engine. This means that they send the e-mail themselves, and I really doubt that they will bring up an error message if they run across an invalid address :-)

So, although that "000@0000" trick can sometimes work, for the most part it's not really worth messing with. Your best bet is a good anti-virus program like Norton in the above deal or McAfee.

Computers 101

Q:
My mouse is acting funny. Yes, it's one of those ancient roller-ball mouses and 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 that 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.

Gently turn the mouse over (sometimes they frighten easily; however, if you've had him declawed, you should be OK). Normally, there is a removable piece that holds the mouse ball in. (Insert own joke here.) 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 sure that it's 110% dry before you re-assemble things.

Next look inside the mouse where the ball was. 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 this stuff). You might even 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 :-)

Finally, I'd make sure that your desk or mouse pad surface is clean and free of lint, hair, mouse droppings, etc. And that should do it!

~ Steve

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

Tip of the Day

Shifty Little Tabs

Most people know if they hit the Tab key, they can hop from control to control in a program. What most don't realize is that if they hold the Shift key while they Tab, they can go backwards through the controls.

Now, before you ask... Controls are the "objects" you interact (play) with in a program. Stuff like buttons, checkboxes, text boxes, lists, etc. are all controls. Basically, if you can do something with it, it's considered a control.

For example, say you're filling out a form on a web page. You fill in your first name and, in all your excitement, accidentally tab right past the last name box. You can easily get back to the last name field by holding down the Shift key and hitting the Tab key.

So, next time you get a little wild with your tabbing, don't grab your mouse - just press your shift key.

~ 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

A Peep Show

Oh, those Easter treats we all love. Yes, here’re more of those fabulous little Peeps. This time we look in on both Basic Peep Science and Peep Health We even get insider news on the Quintuplet Peep siblings who were conjoined at birth and the surgery, which separated them. Watch as those resilient little Easter treats go through rigorous testing. Enjoy!

http://www.peepresearch.org/

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