Steve Bass's Home Office
September 8th, 2004
proudly presented by
PC World
Technology Advice You Can Trust
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/1/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
PC World columnist Steve Bass writes weekly commentary on the
technology products he loves, the strategies for getting the most out
of them, and the gotchas that can cause computing misery.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=
T-Mobile
Introducing the HP iPAQ h6315 Pocket PC only from T-Mobile. The
all-in-one device that lets you go into the office, without going into
the office. Get the most WHENEVER minutes, unlimited e-mail plus get
Wi-Fi assess at thousands of HotSpot locations nationwide.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754771/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
September 8th, 2004
* This week: Upgrade, or Buy New? Part 2
Last week, I provided some advice and links to articles to help you
decide whether to upgrade a system or buy new:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754919/0/
It's a big topic. The question has been plaguing me since the late
eighties. (Didn't know I was so old, eh?) Back in those days, upgrades
were horribly expensive. My first monochrome video adapter for an IBM
PC was $350--and I was outraged when the salesperson said it wasn't
included with the system. A few years later, an 80MB hard drive cost
$800. For an eye-opener, read a 1992 article I recently reprinted in
the Pasadena IBM Users Group newsletter:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754920/0/
The Upgrade Path
Upgrading a PC can be fun--and challenging.
For some rock-solid advice and recommendations, grab a cup of java and
sit down with Eric Dahl's "Your Ideal PC." The article's deck tells it
all: "Whether you're upgrading your machine or building one from
scratch, we show you how to choose the right parts and put them all
together." For example, on the second page of the story, you'll learn
about choosing a case and power supply, and what specifically to look
for in both; you also get some product recommendations:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754921/0/
Later on, Eric shows you how to build a system, step-by-step:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754922/0/
The article starts here:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754923/0/
Next check out Michael Desmond's "A Menu of Upgrades" for more advice,
prices, and product ideas for upgrading components. For instance, he
says that if the screen updates slowly, then new games will fail to
run at full resolution if at all. Upshot: He recommends a moderate to
significant upgrade to your video adapter. Check it out at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754924/0/
Mike also suggests adding USB 2.0 ports to upgrade the way your system
communicates with peripherals. I agree wholeheartedly. Not having
enough USB 2.0 ports is a pain: It means swapping devices when you
want to use, say, a camera but you've already got a scanner and an
external hard drive hooked up. If you want more USB ports on your
system and you're willing to open your computer's case, try an add-in
card. Belkin's USB 2.0 two-port card costs under $15. You can get the
latest prices at our Product Finder:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754925/0/
Dig This: So many of you enjoyed the Crimson and Viridian rooms, you
may never forgive me for the Peasant's Quest. It's a game that sets
you back 20 years to the ancient days of written-language games, such
as Zork. [Thanks, Thom D.]
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754926/0/
Never heard of Zork? Then go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754927/0/
More to Ponder
We have a veritable slew of Expert Buying Guides, and all tell how to
buy key components. Here are a couple of must-reads:
* Hard drives are easy to buy, but understanding the specs will help
you choose the right type. First read "Hard Drives Get Faster,
Smarter":
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754928/0/
Then peruse "How to Buy a Hard Drive":
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754929/0/
* The toughest upgrade component to deal with is the systemboard. Pop
open "How to Buy a Motherboard" for enlightening tips:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754930/0/
BTW, there are few manuals and docs I bother to read. But when a
systemboard is involved, a manual is a must. It's usually written in
an odd language that's somewhere between geek and Chinese, often with
technical jargon that few of us understand. Alexandra Krasne, no
slouch at things geek, had a similar experience with documentation and
wrote "RTFM Part II, Looking Beyond the Printed Page":
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754931/0/
Two great things about the column: First, she sheds some light on how
to circumvent some of the appalling instructions. The other is she got
to use "RTFM," an acronym that gives new meaning to anything Dr. Ruth,
the noted sex authority and author, might have to say in print.
Confused? Go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754932/0/
DVD Drives: a Special Situation
Some people are excited by the thought of backing up onto rewritable
DVDs. That's a good enough reason to buy one for your upgrade (right,
like you needed an excuse). Make your way over to Lincoln Spector's
"DVD-RAM Hits Surprising Speeds," in which he talks about the mix of
vendors hitching up to the new 5X DVD-RAM standard:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754933/0/
What, you say you're confused about the various standards? Well, check
out "How to Buy a DVD-Rewritable Drive" for clues to help you
understand the specs and tips to get the best drive for your dinero:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754934/0/
I know, you finally got a grip on the CD-RW specs; now there's more to
take in, and it just never stops. But understanding the DVD specs
won't help you much when it's time to make a buying decision. The
variables just keep changing. For example, let's say you've picked out
a DVD burner and you're ready to upgrade right now. Well, along comes
an annoying article like "DVD Recorder Prices Expected to Plunge" to
really gum up your plans. Read it anyway (watch out for the gum) at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754935/0/
And there's yet another variable to consider when you're deciding on a
DVD drive. In "Burning Questions," a nifty newsletter from the desk of
PC World's Melissa J. Perenson, you'll learn that you need to be
careful what you buy. OEM drives--"original equipment manufacturer"
models that were destined to be sold to vendors such as Dell or
Gateway, but are instead sold at discount--may not be such a hot deal.
Read "The Perils of Non-Retail Drives," at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754936/0/
You can browse Melissa's other columns right here:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754937/0/
My Wife's Upgrade
Here's what I did: I bought a cheapo PC and shuffled some hard drives.
With Judy's PC on its virtual last legs, I decided not to spend time
or money upgrading it. Instead, I bought a low-cost system from a
local system reseller I've used for a decade. The system has no name
and I got it without a hard drive, putting my wife's recently
upgraded, big and fast drive into it.
One problem I faced is what to do with the old PC. Well, I believe in
hand-me-downs, so I'm going to pop in a hard drive, do a little
fine-tuning, and send the PC to my niece.
OTOH, what to you do if you've upgraded your system and have leftover
components, things that have no practical value? Recycle them. Read
how in "PC Recycling Made Easier":
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754938/0/
And "Where to Recycle Digital Gear," at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754939/0/
If you have something to recycle, can do it before Labor Day, and live
in the Continental United States, Office Depot can accept your
high-tech trash:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754940/0/
Upgrade Me...
To a bigger subscription base and get my editor out of my hair. It's
easy, way easier than upgrading your system, and lots faster. (Whether
it's more satisfying isn't something I'm concerned about.) All you
need to do is forward this newsletter if it's the plain text version,
or pass along this link if it's the HTML version:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/183/0/
Steve Bass writes the Home Office column in PC World's print edition
and is the author of "PC Annoyances: How to Fix the Most Annoying
Things About Your Personal Computer," available from O'Reilly:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/516251/0/
You can reach him at:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
* See Steve Bass's previous Home Office Features at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/237822/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Sponsored Downloads:
* PhotoImpact XL *
PhotoImpact XL is a complete image editing application that lets users
enhance digital photos, create stunning graphics and produce
high-impact Web pages. The software makes it easy to acquire, enhance
digital photos and apply professional digital photography filters and
effects. Theres no need to purchase additional media management
software, PhotoImpact XL includes Photo Explorer 8 to organize and
manage images with useful features such as memory card detection,
auto-file rename, and keyword search and rating. Try it here. PC World
newsletters subscribers: To get a special $30.00 discount, register
PhotoImpact XL before Sep 30, 2004.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754875/0/
* Ricochet Lost Worlds: The most dazzling brick-busting game ever! *
With stunning visuals and sound effects, realistic and gripping
soundtrack and compelling level design, Ricochet Lost Worlds has
already become one of the most addictive game ever made for Windows
XP. This remarkable breakout action game will entertain your whole
family for hours on end! Throw into the mix a slew of innovative
power-ups, a new "Ring Game" and a level editor which lets you make
your own levels and you have an unbeatable combination. Try download
this brick-busting game... it's a blast! Chosen as a previous Windows
XP Shareware Pick of the Week.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754876/0/
Check other exclusive discount software offers for PC World
newsletters subscribers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/237749/0/
=====================================================================
Top News From PC World
* Microsoft Lets the Digital Media Play
Portable Media Center devices, MSN Music store, and Windows Media
Player 10 launched.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754861/0/
* Al Qaeda's Tech Traps
Investigations, arrests highlight how technology aids and weakens
terror network.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754862/0/
* Check out all of today's news...
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/54/0/
=====================================================================
Editors' Picks
Eliminate Duplicate Files on Your Hard Drive
Hard disk space may be cheap, but don't use that as an excuse for
cluttering your PC. Eliminate duplicate files with these tools.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754879/0/
System Cleaner v4.94c
Free space on your hard drive by removing duplicate and unneeded
files.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754880/0/
CloneMaster v2.19
Find and delete duplicate files on your hard drive.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754881/0/
Jv16 Power Tools v1.4.1.248
Clean up your registry, eliminate duplicate files and generally clean
your PC's clock.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/979/0/
Check Identical Files v2.12
Delete duplicate files on your hard drive, but preserve at least one
of the duplicates.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754882/0/
TreeSize Professional v3.03
Hunt down space-hogging files, chart their hard drive use, and
calculate their compression rates.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754883/0/
For a full list of this week's Editors' Picks, go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754879/0/
=====================================================================
* Reviews *
* First Look: Rio's Hot New Carbon MP3 Player
Supersleek 5GB digital audio player is set to challenge Apple's IPod
Mini.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754884/0/
Check the latest prices on MP3 Players:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/237684/0/
* First Look: HP's Media-Savvy DV1000 Notebook
Well-designed notebook lets you play movies and music sans Windows.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754885/0/
Check the latest prices on Notebooks:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/83/0/
* First Look: T-Mobile Sidekick II
The one-time World Class Product of the Year PDA gets a much-needed
upgrade.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/754886/0/
Check the latest prices on PDAs:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/515758/0/
See all Reviews:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/86/0/
=====================================================================
* 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/214836/21421678/516495/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|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/214836/21421678/237406/0/
=====================================================================
* 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/214836/21421678/237590/0/
Or Try PC World in Digital Format. Same Magazine, Now Digital!
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/216/0/
* 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/214836/21421678/601321/0/
* Find Hot Spots
Use this free PCWorld.com service to locate Wi-Fi hot spots around the
corner or across the globe. Search by address, browse a map, check
pricing, search the U.S. by Zip Code and more.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/2628/0/
=====================================================================
* 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/214836/21421678/19/0/
--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/214836/21421678/20/0/
--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/214836/21421678/21/0/
--For a list of all these subscriber services online, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/22/0/
--PCWorld.com Privacy Policy:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/214836/21421678/146/0/
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/214836/21421678/66/0/
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 home_office_text as: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/BCfwlB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
<a href=http://English-12948197573.SpamPoison.com>Fight Spam! Click Here!</a>
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/
