Announcements

 Weird Subject Lines ???

Please Read!

OK, this week we've been experimenting with different subject lines for this newsletter. We mentioned it in Monday's issue, but we still have quite a few people who aren't noticing the new way we're doing it and accidentally (gasp!) deleting us. We know this because they are discovering their "missing" issues in their recycle bin. (Hence the old style appearing in today's subject line). Don't worry, first time I saw it the new format I almost deleted it too :-)

The reason for the change is twofold. First, although I happen to like it, the name "Steve" is kind of common and a lot of junk mail is coming from a variety of unscrupulous "Steves" out there on the internet. Second, the new format will give you a better look at the topic of the newsletters, since that's now the first thing in the subject line.

Here's what to watch for:

Starting Monday, and forever more, these newsletters will come from "Computer Tips" - not "Steve" - and the subject will start off with the topics covered, then the date. The actual address will remain "steve@worldstart.com", so no need to update any filters you have set.

Remember - watch for it and don't delete us :-) Thanks!

McAfee QuickClean

As you know, this was a sellout earlier in the week. If you missed out, you'll be glad to know we've found a few more - 50 to be exact. Since we blew through 400 the first time we ran this, these 50 are going to go quick. Get to the site ASAP if you want one:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/quick-clean.htm

Microsoft Picture Viewer

Wow, this was huge yesterday! It's going to be a sellout for sure - in fact, by the time you get this they may already be gone.

Again, this software / hardware combo allows you to save "albums" to floppy disks then view them (with the included player) on your TV set. It's really easy to use and very cool. If you want to try to grab one, head to the link below as fast as your mouse will take you:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/microsoft-tv-photo.htm

Ohh, That Font Is So COOL!

Here's a last minute special for ya! We just got an incredibly cool program in called My Type Artist that you're gonna love!

Basically, it allows you to take a word or sentence and turn it into a graphical font. OK, that doesn't sound all that spectacular, so look at this:

Cool huh?

Once you create your "text art" you can then save it in a variety of formats and use it in just about any graphics program ever created. It includes 1,000 different type styles that can be arranged in 90,000 combinations. The possibilities are endless. Heck, it took 30,000 designer hours just to create these fonts! 

Oh, and this software is really easy to use - it takes about 5 minutes to learn the basics. It's way easier than trying to design something in a graphics program, that's for sure. I know it's the best font program I've ever worked with!

Your price is just $9.97 and US shipping is FREE! If you do any kind of print projects, this is a must have. For the price, you can't go wrong. For more info and samples, head to:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/my-typeartist.htm

Whew, on with the newsletter!!!

Computers 101

Q:
What are "shared" files?

A:
Shared files are "general purpose" files 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).

DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files are basically "support" files for certain types of software. They are generally (but not always) found in your Windows System directory.

They work like this: Let's say a program needs to perform an operation. Rather than all the coding being built into the program, it uses a particular DLL file that, with a simple call, can perform the operation for it. Saves lots of programming time, especially since many of the common DLL files are already installed with Windows.

I've also had lots of people ask about deleting these files. Well, the best advice is not to, since many of your DLL files are used by more than one program. 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 you're really concerned about stray DLL files, make sure you run uninstall programs. Most programs include an uninstall program that will (should) take out all the extra DLL's.

There are programs available that will check your shared files to see if they are needed, but again these aren't always fool-proof.

~ Steve

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

Tip of the Day

Deleting Unwanted Programs

It seems like I get questions all the time asking how to remove / uninstall programs. So, here's the step-by-step procedure:

1. The first thing to do is click the Start menu, Programs. Then hunt for the program you want to delete. Oftentimes, you'll find an Uninstall program under it's program group.

2. Another way would be to click the Start button, Settings, Control Panel. Then open the Add/Remove programs icon. You'll see a list of programs that Windows can remove from your system. Just click the one you would like to remove and hit the OK button.

3. If neither of the above works, you can always go to the program's folder and delete it. However, there is no guarantee that the program was confined to that folder. It could have other files distributed throughout your computer.

4. Finally, you might consider a program like Quick Clean. Once installed, it watches which program files go where and can remove unneeded files for you.

As I mentioned earlier, you might get a message during uninstall telling you that there are shared files (.dll) that are not needed--it seems that whenever I delete these, it turns out I DO need them for another program to run, so it may be best to keep those files.

Keep in mind that some of the files that get placed on your hard drive when you install a program are basically updates to some of your existing files. So if you are uninstalling something and get a message saying not all the files from a program could be removed, it may be due to the fact that other programs also use these files.

~ Steve

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

Exploratorium

Welcome to the museum of science, art, and human perception. This site has tons of stuff to see and do. You can find the origins of your DNA, a dose of Accidental Science with some cooking experiments (ah yes, "the sweet science of candy", yum), try the Bubble Bomb out, and much more.

Whether you’re a little kid at heart or a hardcore science fan this site has something that will fascinate, amuse and even educate you.

Explore, Educate and Enjoy!

http://www.exploratorium.edu/

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