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Picture This!

Here's one that you'll really love! (I do).

It's Microsoft Picture It Publishing (4 CDs - Silver Ed). We have an incredible price on these - only $12.97 with FREE US Shipping. These have an original retail of $49.95, so this is a phenomenal deal.

If you're looking for an easy to use desktop publishing program that makes putting together projects quick and fun, you've just found it. This is one of the better print programs on the market. Wanna know why? Read on!

You can create greeting cards, e-mail cards, calendars, newsletters, web pages, invitations, announcements, labels, animated greetings, business cards, flyers, signs, stationary, T-shirts, stickers, web photo albums, party sets, recipe cards, awards, certificates, banners, and tons more. Over 5,000 different templates in all!

You can use your own photos or choose from over 100,000 different clipart images that are included with the package! You don't need to worry about finding that perfect image anymore!

This also includes powerful photo editing tools. Remove red-eye, cut people out of photos and put them somewhere else (very cool feature), adjust brightness / contrast, add frames to your photos, turn color to B&W, and choose from different special effects that turn your photos into fine art prints! Oh, you can even print multiple photos on a single page (we've had a lot of requests for that).

Putting a project together couldn't be easier. Just choose the type of project you want, then follow the prompts. You're guided through step by step. Of course, you can also go into "do it yourself mode" and create projects from scratch if you prefer.

One of the coolest features this program has is helpful little movies that show you how to do basic operations. Regular help files are good, but learning by watching is best!

Again, the price for this is an incredible $12.97 with free US shipping.  When was the last time you saw a Microsoft product for that kind of money? Besides, if you don't like it, we have our 30 day return policy and we'll take it back. Check it out:

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

P S- This was a one time deal and we can't get more. Once these are gone, they're gone. You know how we've been selling out lately? Well, this could be another one. Get to the site now, before they disappear forever!

Computers 101

Q: What is Spyware? How do I know if I have it on my computer?

A:
Spyware is basically a type of program that gathers information about you without your knowledge. This information may be distributed to many sources or just a single source.

Note that if a program alerts you that your personal information may be shared it is not "technically" spyware.

Spyware programs can be extremely annoying and can wreak havoc on your system. They can cause slow downs, lockups, and all sorts of other problems.

The bad news is there are hundreds of these types of programs out there. Some common spyware programs include: Hotbar, Comet Cursor, Xupiter, Gator, Offer Companion and BonziBuddy. RealAudio Player can also put "data mining" software on your system to "track preferences" and report back to the mothership. Even free CD games from a cereal box or fast food kid's meal can put "adware" on your system.

After uninstalling a common piece of spyware from a friend's system, I ran an awesome little freeware program called Ad-Aware. It does an amazing job of seeking out and destroying hundreds of different spyware/scumware programs—Even if they are buried in the deepest recesses of your computer. In all, it got rid of 20 different programs on his system!

After a reboot, his system ran so smooth it was unbelievable. It was slick, I’m telling you. He was starting to think that he needed a format and reinstall of the operating system.

There are many programs out there claiming to scan for spyware, but I found that Ad-Aware is the best free one (and it does not charge you to remove the files). To get Ad-Aware 6.0, follow the link below. I've included a few basic instructions on how to use it under the link.

First, download and install it from this location:

http://download.com.com/3000-2094-10045910.html

Once you’ve installed it, open the program up and click "Scan Now". You can use default scanning options, select just the drives and folders you want to scan, or perform a quick system check. On your left pane the program gives you a list of different places to scan. Then click the “Start” button.

The program will scan your entire system. Just sit back and relax and let it do its job. Once the program has finished, click the “Next” button and it will present you with a list of programs that it has discovered. You can double click to find out what the file is and the risk level. Check the boxes you want to remove, then click "Next" for Ad-Aware to remove those components.

Reboot and Voila! Your system is now free from problem causing Spyware, Adware and Scumware... Well, until you download another suspected program at least. It may be a good idea to re-download and run this program every few months, as they constantly update the software.

~ David (updated from an article originally written by Jonathon)

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

Tip of the Day

You Might Want to Keep those Shared Files

Sometimes when uninstalling a program a message comes up telling you that there are shared files that may not be needed on your system, "Would you like to remove?"

All of us want to conserve space on our hard drive, so of course, the natural impulse is to click "yes". Guess what? You may have actually removed files that another program does need. I get so many calls from readers who experience "***.dll file not found" errors after uninstalling software.

Shared files are "general purpose" files that more than one program can use. They usually come in the form of DLL files, and should be automatically installed with the software that needs them (assuming the setup program for the software includes them—most good setups will).

So, if you are asked if you want to remove a shared file, it may be best to click "no". Going through and deleting the ones you *think* aren't being used anymore is a lot like getting under the hood of your car and yanking wires that don't look important.

What happens if one of those shared files gets deleted or corrupted and one of your other programs will no longer run? Easy—just re-install the program in question and you'll be back in business. No big deal. If this still doesn't put back the missing .dll file, check out today's Cool Site.

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

Amanda's Cool Site of the Day

www.dll-files.com

We have all seen the error message "Could not find ***.dll" and wondered how to get the file back. Here is the place to go for free downloads of the most common files that are missing from your computer.

Simply type your missing file name into the search box to find if it is available, then download it. You can also go to the "dll-files downloads" page and scroll down the alphabetical list to find the file you need.

I have found this site very useful.

www.dll-files.com

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