Upgrade Report
August 17th, 2004
proudly presented by
PC World
Technology Advice You Can Trust
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/1/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Upgrade tips, tricks, and how-to's that will help you get the most
from your existing computer gear.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=
Dell
Fast. Easy. Online. Dell Biz E-Catalog. Updated savings. One click
purchasing. Click here for more information.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/601347/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
August 17th, 2004
Step By Step: Power to Your Browser
by Contributing Editor Stan Miastkowski
If you spend hours in front a computer--whether at the office or at
home--chances are a good chunk of that is Web-surfing time. Web
browsers are such ubiquitous tools that people take them for granted.
You shouldn't. They can use substantial amounts of computer resources,
and their temporary files can hog huge amounts of disk space. Plus,
there are those occasional browser security issues that require
patches and updates.
Microsoft Internet Explorer is the most common Web browser for the
simple reason that it's included with Windows. But substitutes for IE
are becoming more and more popular because of their advanced features
and their relative--albeit not absolute--freedom from security
problems. Dozens of different browsers exist, but two--the free,
open-source Mozilla and the $29 Opera (free with ad banners)--are
probably the most widely used alternatives to Internet Explorer. You
can download these browsers from PC World:
Mozilla v1.7:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722255/0/
Opera 7.5:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722256/0/
Read on to see how to manage temporary files and cookies in these Big
Three browsers, and, as well, take a look at some other choices and
add-ons that can improve your surfing experience.
1. Keep Your Browser Updated
For safe and fast browsing, make sure you have the latest security
patches and updates. Because it's the default Windows-based browser,
IE is the most targeted, and Microsoft issues security patches
regularly. If you use IE on a Windows XP machine but don't have
automatic updates enabled, go to Start, Windows Update and follow the
directions. If you're a Mozilla or Opera user, check the maker's home
page regularly.
2. Sweep Away Temporary Files
All browsers create temporary files that speed up your Web surfing by
caching components (illustrations, banners, and so on) of Web pages
you access so they don't have to be downloaded at each visit. Over
time, those files can eat up lots of space. In IE, click the Tools
menu and choose Internet Options. In the "Temporary Internet files"
section, click the Delete Files button.
In Mozilla, select Edit, Preferences. Click the plus sign next to
Advanced in the left-hand panel, choose Cache, and click the Clear
Cache button. Note the option for setting the cache size.
In Opera, choose Tools, Preferences. In the left-hand panel under the
Network section, click History and cache, and click the Empty Now
button. Opera not only lets you set the maximum size of the cache, it
also lets you specify what types of data you want cached. In addition,
you can choose to automatically empty the cache every time you exit
Opera by checking the "Empty on exit" box.
3. Control Cookies
Let's get this straight: Cookies--the small pieces of data left on
your PC by many of the Web sites you go to--often serve a positive
purpose, identifying you on subsequent visits. If you frequently make
purchases from the same site (Amazon.com, for instance), cookies allow
content customized to your buying preferences. But cookies can also be
used for more nefarious purposes, such as tracking and reporting your
Web surfing habits. Although blocking all cookies sounds like one way
to go, some Web sites don't display correctly if cookies are blocked.
So you'll want to selectively keep and delete cookies. Alas, IE's
cookie control abilities are rudimentary: It doesn't allow you to
selectively block incoming cookies, only to keep or delete all
cookies. If you want to delete them all, select Tools, Internet
Options. In the "Temporary Internet files" section, click the Delete
Cookies button.
If you'd prefer to keep some, click Settings instead and note the
current location of the "Temporary Internet files folder" on the
following screen. Cancel those dialog boxes and navigate to the
temporary files location in Windows Explorer--you may need to be able
to view hidden folders and files to find the correct folder. Once
there, click the Internet Address tab to sort the files. Cookies
appear as text documents with names in the format
"Cookie:[EMAIL PROTECTED]". Feel free to delete any from sites you
don't recognize.
Both Mozilla and Opera offer much more sophisticated cookie
control--so sophisticated, in fact, that covering them in detail would
take all the space in this column. Copious assistance is available in
both browsers' Help sections. Here's how to get started:
In Mozilla, select Edit, Preferences. Click the plus sign next to
Privacy & Security in the left panel, and choose Cookies. By default,
the level of privacy you've set controls cookies. Mozilla also has a
Cookie Manager that lets you analyze cookies and keep or delete them.
In Opera, choose Tools, Preferences. In the Network section in the
left-hand panel, click Privacy. From there you can set Opera to accept
or reject all normal or third-party cookies (ones not served by the
site you're visiting). Selecting Tools, Cookies launches Opera's
cookie manager, which lets you delete individual cookies, block
cookies from specific servers, and even edit the data inside a given
cookie.
* Browser Alternatives and Add-Ons *
You don't need to stay wedded to the features and abilities of the
major browsers. Numerous alternative browsers and add-on utilities are
available. Here's a look at some of our favorites.
Mozilla has released Firefox, a small and fast next-generation
open-source (meaning free) browser. Firefox is an alternative to
Mozilla, but won't replace it. For additional details, see "First Look
at Mozilla.org's Firefox":
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722257/0/
You can download Mozilla Firefox here:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722258/0/
Some new browsers essentially sit on top of IE, using its core engine
to extend and improve your Web experience. Avant Browser and MyIE2 are
similar packages, but each has its unique flavor and features. And the
price is right: Both are freeware, though donations are requested.
Avant Browser and MyIE2 add considerable security, cookie, and
ad-blocking controls to Internet Explorer. But the biggest feature in
both packages may be tabbed browsing, which lets you open multiple Web
pages within a single browser window and quickly move among them by
clicking on tabs. In IE, by contrast, you need to open a new copy of
the browser every time you want to add a new page. Tabbed browsing not
only uses computer resources much more efficiently but it also makes
keeping track of multiple pages easier. (Both Mozilla and Opera also
feature tabbed browsing.)
You can download Avant Browser from our Web site:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722259/0/
MyIE2 is available for download, too:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722260/0/
And now for something completely different. Wymea Bay's IRider costs
$29, also sits on top of IE, and also allows you to open multiple Web
pages at once:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722261/0/
Instead of tabs, though, IRider presents hierarchical thumbnails to
give you a visual way of accessing multiple pages. Because IRider
takes a different approach from all other browsers, using it
effectively entails a learning curve. But once you're used to it, it's
unmatched for fast Internet browsing. Another unique feature is
something called "surf-ahead," which lets you open a link from a Web
page in the background by right-clicking the link.
One caveat: IRider, unlike most of its competitors, offers no way to
stop banner or pop-up ads (although pop-ups appear under the Web page
you're viewing). You can add blocking capabilities by using a utility
such as the free Pop-Up Stopper:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722262/0/
Have a question or comment? Write to Stan Miastkowski:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Read Stan Miastkowski's regularly published "Step-By-Step" columns:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/364369/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Sponsored Downloads:
* 1 Click Fix It - Cleans your registry easily and safely. *
With 1 Click Fix It for Windows you can safely clean and repair
Windows registry problems with one simple mouse click, thus keeping
your PC running faster, cleaner and error-free. With a few easy steps,
1 Click Fix It will scan your entire registry for any invalid entries
and will provide a list of the registry errors found. Choose to
selectively clean each item or automatically repair them all. Running
1 Click Fix It regularly will keep your registry clean and correct and
your PC will be optimized for superior performance! $5.00 discount off
purchase for PC World newsletters subscribers.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722174/0/
* Secure IE: Browse Safer and Faster *
Stop Hackers in Their Tracks! Today, spyware and hacker attacks are as
common as viruses and are causing severe damage to consumers. Once on
your machine these intruders can gain access to your personal data,
such as your credit card information, passwords and financial
information. Secure IE protects your computer at the main point of
external contact--your Web browser--and tightly restricts what Web
sites can and cannot do to you. It stops spyware at the point of
entry, blocks hackers from entering your PC and seals potential
security leaks.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722175/0/
Check other exclusive discount software offers for PC World
newsletters subscribers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/237749/0/
=====================================================================
Top News From PC World
* Microsoft Updates Works
Works 8 adds utilities to productivity suite that delivers all the
basics.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722235/0/
* Newest Ad-Aware Exposes Some Users
Earliest adopters of updated program should download again to ensure
full security.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722236/0/
* Check out all of today's news...
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/54/0/
=====================================================================
Editors' Picks
Free Utilities: Lean and Mean Office Apps
For those of us who don't use 90% of the features in Microsoft Office,
here are some lean and mean alternatives.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722237/0/
PureText v2.0
Strip unwanted code and formatting from text you're
cutting-and-pasting.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/1541/0/
ATNotes v9.41
Create Post-it style reminders on your desktop.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722238/0/
NoteTab Light v4.95
Replace your plain old NotePad with this feature-laden alternative.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722239/0/
KeyNote v1.6.5
Free personal information manager for notes, to-do items, contacts,
and passwords.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722240/0/
OpenOffice.org v1.1.1
OpenOffice.org apps include a word processor, a spreadsheet, a
database, and drawing and presentation programs.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722241/0/
AceMoney Lite
Track your spending habits, manage budgets, and track the performance
of investments.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722242/0/
For a full list of this week's Editors' Picks, go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722237/0/
=====================================================================
* Reviews *
* First PCI Express Graphics Cards Arrive
Cards based on the new bus perform well, but early tests offer no
clear reason to upgrade just yet.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722243/0/
Check the latest prices on Video Cards:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/238577/0/
* Top 10 Digital Cameras over $500
A powerful 8-megapixel camera from Canon leads a trio of newcomers
onto this month's chart.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722244/0/
Check the latest prices on Cameras:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/681/0/
* Pick Your Backup Software
Dantz's Retrospect Professional does it all, but the interface takes
time to master. We also liked the budget Argentum Backup 2.1, for its
straightforward approach to backup.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722245/0/
Check the latest prices on Utilities:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/722246/0/
See all Reviews:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/86/0/
=====================================================================
* PC World Weblogs
PC World's Techlog is Editor-in-Chief Harry McCracken's unique take on
the world of technology, with incisive commentary on the products and
services from PC hardware to mobile gadgets to wireless services.
Presented daily in weblog format at PCWorld.com, Techlog will also
give you an insiders' view of of happenings at PC World, early
intelligence on the hottest gear and trends, and no-spin skinny on the
technologies that will soon be coming your way.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/238476/0/
In Today @ PCWorld, the PC World staff editors' weblog, get the
hottest skinny on new products and trends. You'll be the first to know
about exciting new technologies straight from our experts, including
on-the-spot, daily reports from trade shows and vendor demonstrations.
Don't miss out. Visit Today @ PCWorld every day.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/600972/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Shop Now Online
*XEROX
Get productivity to burn, without burning a hole in your budget. Enter
to win a 50" HDTV or a Xerox Phaser(R) 8400 Color Printer.
Visit this link to enter:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/237406/0/
=====================================================================
* PC World Picks and Promotions *
* PC World Magazine: Get 15 free Power Guides instantly plus Bonus
CD-ROM! Get 2 trial issues of PC World--the world's leading monthly
computer publication. Plus, you'll get PC World's 15 Power Guides and
Bonus CD-ROM free when you enter your trial subscription! Order now
to receive this exclusive Power Guide Collection from our
award-winning editors. Here's what you'll get--Upgrading Your PC,
Multimedia/Gaming, PC Hardware, A Trouble-Free PC, Windows XP, The
Internet, Using Windows and more! Don't delay. Order today.
[Note: Adobe Reader version 5 or newer is required to view Power
Guides.]
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/237590/0/
Or Try PC World in Digital Format. Same Magazine, Now Digital!
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/216/0/
* PCWorld.com's New Bargain Finder!
PCWorld.com has launched a new service that offers a daily list of hot
bargains on computer gear, gadgets and other cool stuff. Youll find
deals that combine coupons, rebates, discounts and free shipping.
There are closeouts, price reductions and special offers, all in an
easy-to-scan format. Our deal spotters have a special knack for
finding the products you may want to own at pretty unbelievable
prices. A fresh list of deals is posted every day. Some of these deals
only last a day or two so be sure to come by often; you never know
what youre going to find there.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/516495/0/
* Save 15% on Steve Bass's PC Trouble-shooting Book
O'Reilly and PC World are pleased to present a book by PC World
contributing editor Steve Bass, "PC Annoyances, How to Fix the Most
Annoying Things About Your Personal Computer." PC World newsletter
subscribers get 15% off the cover price, *and* a free Windows Secrets
Super Guide PDF download.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/601321/0/
=====================================================================
* Newsletter Subscriber Services *
If you cannot "click" on the links in this newsletter, please try
copying the complete URL and pasting it into your browser's address
field.
--To unsubscribe from this or all newsletters, to sign up for new
newsletters or to change your newsletters format from text-only to
HTML, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/19/0/
--To change the e-mail address to which we send your PC World e-mail
newsletters, please visit our change of address form at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/20/0/
--PC World will occasionally send e-mail announcements of special
deals, new products, and other third party product and service offers
to newsletter subscribers and PCWorld.com Registered Members who have
asked to receive them. To update your preferences and be excluded from
these mailings, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/21/0/
--For a list of all these subscriber services online, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/22/0/
--PCWorld.com Privacy Policy:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/146/0/
If you have questions or comments regarding PC World e-mail newsletter
subscriptions, please contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Interested in PC World RSS feeds? Please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/195042/21421682/66/0/
PCWorld.com newsletters may contain links to sites on the Internet
which are owned and operated by third parties. PC World
Communications, Inc., is not responsible for the availability of, or
the content located on or through, any such third-party site.
2004 PC World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written
permission of PC World Communications, Inc., is prohibited. PC World
is a registered trademark of International Data Group, Inc. All other
trademarks used on PC World and PCWorld.com are the property of their
respective owners. PC World Communications, Inc., 501 2nd St., San
Francisco, CA 94107.
---
You are currently subscribed to upgrade_report_text as: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/BCfwlB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kumpulan/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
