Announcements

Follow-up to Last Week's Tips

7/21/03 Downloading: Bill had a suggestion for finding the most recent file that you downloaded if you forget the name, "Go to View/Arrange icons. Click on "By Date". Now your most recent file appears at the top of your list."

"On my computer, I get the option when downloading to "Close this dialog box when download completes." If I uncheck this box, when download is complete I can click 'Open folder' and My Computer opens to the folder the file was saved to and the file is highlighted. Makes it very easy to find."

7/22/03 Briefcase: If you have Windows XP, you will probably not see a briefcase on your desktop. For once, Uncle Bill didn't make something a default! All you need to do if you want to use the briefcase feature is right click an empty area of your desktop, choose "New" then "Briefcase". It should appear on your desktop.

7/22/03 Power on/off debate: Damien B., an electronic technician, offered support for the leave-it-on camp, "Turning an electrical device on and off all the time, even if it is off for a few hours or longer, actually uses more electricity to turn it back on than it would if you had just turned it off for that few hours. When you turn the computer off all of the electrons (electricity) bleeds out of the components. When you turn it back on, there is a massive in-rush current (the spike you mentioned). This in-rush current uses more electricity than just leaving it on would use."

On the other side of the aisle, Jackie H. shares this warning, "My monitor fried one night, luckily soon after we had gone to bed. We heard popping and strange noises, then smelled that 'something electrical is on fire!' smell. We pulled all the plugs in the office, felt the walls to make sure it was not in the walls, then spent an uneasy night. In the morning, as we started plugging things in one at a time, my (less than one-year-old) monitor started to arc and spark and pop. If we had been asleep when it started the night before, it definitely would have started a fire with all of the papers and things on my desk. So turn your MONITORS off at night, as well!"

7/24/03 Color Code Email: Just about every Outlook Express/Netscape Mail tip we give requires a disclaimer for the web-based email users out there (AOL, Yahoo, Hotmail/MSN). Sometimes there is a way to do the tricks we mention for POP3 mail clients with web-based email, but every service is different. I'm sorry that many of you feel left out.

~ David

WOW! Digital TV From Your PC!

(Note this is NOT for novice users. You need to open your computer's case and install the card in order for this to work. We recommend only intermediate to advanced users purchase this item!!)

We have something a little different for you today. It's a high-end digital TV card for your PC that lets you receive digital or analog TV signals and play them on your computer's monitor - But that's just the beginning!

In addition, it lets you output the signal to your TV screen via an S-video cable! So, you can use your computer as a digital TV receiver and watch the output on your TV. Oh, and it can decode the audio signal for a 5 speaker surround system too. Heck, it even includes a remote control!

It gets even better...

It has two RF connectors so you can connect both digital cable and a digital antenna to the computer. Then you can actually use your PC to record your TV shows!! Who needs a VCR anyway? (I know I won't anymore :-)

This is a current item and retails for $300. Most online stores are selling it for around $275-$295. Your price is incredible - just $149.97, free US shipping. OK, I know it's about the most expensive item we've ever offered, but it's a very high end, cutting-edge-technology type item. If you're interested in something like this, you already know this is a fantastic deal. For more info, head to:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/wintv-d.htm

On to the newsletter!!

Computers 101

Q:
I have Windows ME and don't want anyone to get into my computer. It has a log in screen, but it can easily be bypassed. Is there another way to set up a password that's harder to crack?

A:
You can password protect the whole computer by putting a password into your computer's system settings. No, these aren't Windows settings, these are your computer's motherboard settings.

*This tip is for advanced users only. If you try it and mess your computer up, don't come crying to me.

Now, for some systems, this may not work. Your system will need to have an option in it's settings for password protection. If it ain't there you can't do it.

To setup a system password, do the following:

1. When you boot your computer, look for instructions for running or entering setup. They are usually at the bottom of the screen. In most systems you press the delete key and it enters setup right after the memory test. Again, this is WAY before windows even starts running.

2. OK, now all these setup screens tend to be a little different. You'll probably scroll through items using your tab, pageup / pagedown, or arrow keys (sorry, no mouse support here). Look for something about system security or passwords and head there.

3. From here, there is probably some kind of password setup. Select it and you should be able to put in a password (probably with a confirmation password).

4. Finally, exit the system settings. There should either be some kind of menu item or you just hit the escape key. Either way, you'll probably be asked if you wish to save the new settings, say yes.

Your computer should re-boot and ask you for a password from now on. These are probably the most difficult types of passwords to get through. The only way I know of bypassing it is to clear the CMOS memory from the motherboard, and you would need the specs on the board to do it.

For Windows XP users: your security settings are harder to bypass. If you want to require that users log in, go to the Control Panel, select "User Accounts" then "Change the Way Users Log on and off". If the "Use Welcome Screen" box is checked, click to de-select. This will bring up a password protected logon screen for all users.

Keep in mind that even this is not 100% foolproof. After all, if I really wanted the info on your computer I could always take out your hard drive and put it into another computer. Oh well, at least it keeps most people away.

~Steve

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

Tip of the Day

Are you preventing others from getting their email?

"Of course not," you answer, "How dare you even accuse me of such a thing!"

I just found out that our newsletters were being blocked by a major ISP because there were too many bad addresses on our mailing list. After their system recieves a certain amount, it blocks all additional mailings even to legitimate addresses. I have a suspicion that more ISPs will be doing this soon (if they aren't already).

So, how might the average person accidentally cause such a problem? By not unsubscribing their old address when they get a new one.

If you're changing your ISP or email address, keep this in mind. Be sure to find out how to change your subscription with all mailing lists and newsletters that you recieve so that you don't clog up the system.

Our process is simple: go to the change of address web page, unsubscribe the old address, re-subscribe with the new address, reply to the confirmation email. Voila! You're back on the list.

Here is the link to our change of address page...
http://www.worldstart.com/newsletter-chngsub.htm

Just a handful of dead addresses can stop newsletters to thousands! Do your part to keep the email stream flowing.

~ David

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

Engines 101

Have you ever wondered how a jet engine works? Here's the place to find out. If you choose the "how a jet engine works" section, you can learn about jet propulsion,or ven how they are actually built. Not to mention you can test drive jet engines on their site and see what planes fly with GE Jet Engines.

This site is educational and informative, and beautifully crafted. You can switch between topics with the click of a button and the graphics are gorgeous. You can learn how jet engines effect the environment and learn the history of innovations, starting way back in 1917. How far have they come since then? Well quite far actually, what will the future hold? Check it out!

http://www.geae.com/education/engines101/

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