Then there are those who are willing to spend lavishly for a computer. Add the expense of subscribing to AOL or a third party provider just so their children and grandchildren will, expeditiously, respond to our correspondence.

Whatever your category, may I suggest my computer buying philosophy

First, sit down, preferably with your significant other, and settle on a firm budget. The reason I suggest a partnership agreement? If your significant other is not an enlighten computer person, he or she may consider your computer purchase a folly and retaliate. I always consult with my wife, Lida, a.k.a. she who must be obeyed. She is a world class shopper and the retaliation could be catastrophic.

You are undoubtedly going to want a color printer. Your best bet is a reputable, local office supply store or electronic super store. Their offerings are usually competitive and their return and exchange policy outstanding. Subtract about $200 to $300 from your budget.

Now, the most important part of my philosophy. Be prepared to spend every penny of the balance of your budget!

Purchase the most powerful computer your budget allows. It is less expensive to buy power in the first place, than it is to upgrade later when you need more power.

Disregard the “what do you plan to do with your computer” question asked by so many clerks. They probably knows less about computers than you do. If this is your first computer, you may have no idea what you will be doing with it in the future.

Be careful when a clerk seems overly aggressive in recommending a particular system. It may be obsolescent. Always get an extended warrantee on your monitor. Ask about their technicians. Are they certified. Check their certification.

I suggest you visit at least three local retailers. Tell them how much you have to spend. Have the “manager” put in writing what will be included. Reputable retailers will have no problem with this.

If the cost of their recommended system is less than your budget. Ask what can be added to increase the power and efficiency of that system. Remember. You can never have too much power, memory or hard drive space!

Keep in mind that you can purchase a quality monitor anywhere that is compatible with any system you purchase. This provides an excellent bargaining tool for a monitor-computer combination at a reasonable price. I do suggest a “senior citizen monitor”. At least 17"..

Do not be timid in showing your bids to other retailers. You can also use bids to renegotiate.

Here’s wishing you a good boot.      [index]

The Internet is one of the most significant reasons for purchasing a computer. Ironically, the Internet can be a User’s greatest disappointments. Why? Let me give you an example.

Let’s substitute “the outdoors” for “the Internet”. You have been locked in a windowless room all your life. Your only knowledge of “the outdoors” is from books or pictures. Or from vivid descriptions provided by friends.

One day, you find the door unlocked. With great anticipation and enthusiasm you step outdoors. But, because you do not know where to go. Or have someone to guide you to all the places you heard or read about. You are lost and experience nothing but disappointment and frustration.

It can be the same with your first attempts to Surf the Internet. You logon, access your Internet browser, but find you have no place to go.

Even if you have the Internet address of a Web site you would like to visit. It may be something like this: http:\www.WhyareallthoseUPPERCASEandlowercaseletter\anddotsnecessary? A required combination of symbols and letters so unforgiving, a single typing error will produce the infamous, “The page cannot be displayed”. And even if you get most of the address right. You must know whether it is a .com (commercial), .org (organization) or .gov (government).

So, instead of an exhilarating Surf. You drown in disappointment and return to another stimulating game of solitaire.

Ah, but right here in Southwest Florida, there is a place of solace for sad surfers. Our User Group Web Master, Larry Mennitt and Web Editors, Judy Griffiths and Marilyn Samuel have created a helpful site for new Surfers.

Go to www.swfpcug.org. Even a typing-challenged User can correctly type this address. Now click on “Browser/Links”.

Browser and Links, our Internet Travel Agents, search the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternating days to allow each other a few hours of sleep. They collect interesting, provocative and timely Web sites.

They post these sites with a description and a hyperlink. You only have to click on the hyperlink to take you to the Web site. No typing necessary.

The sites include fun places to go. Where you can send a cyberspace bouquet of flowers or a box of candy to your significant other. A word of warning. I tried sending my wife a cyberspace birthday bouquet of flowers. It did not work. As far as she was concerned - cyberspace roses are only for computer geeks.

Seasonal sites. Such as Mother’s Day, Veterans day, and this month, December Holiday sites.

And, interesting sites to include just about every hobby and recreational activity.

Not only is this an easy way to begin your surfing adventure. It is a way of collecting favorite sites. For when you arrive at a site you find interesting, that site will, most likely, have hyperlinks to other similar sites.

I hope my suggestion will help you begin a rewarding Internet adventure. If nothing else, you have learned the Internet term “hyperlink”. Mention it at your next dinner party and impress all your friends.

Here’s wishing you a good boot.      [index]

The computer hardware and software industry has traditionally marketed their products as being almost intuitive. Notice, however, that the person they use to present their wares is usually a child, a college student or a professional. I have yet to see an advertisement featuring an enthusiastic novice sitting at a computer, effortlessly sending E-Mail or downloading from the Internet.

And once you have purchased a computer or a software program, you may discover that a manual may not be included. If there is, it was written by Einstein and has less information than came with your electric can opener. You will be told that, to save our trees, we have placed our help files on a CD.

And if you do not know how to access help files on a CD, your mini manual will suggest you go to the help file on the CD concerning how to access help files on the CD”. Huh!

Or it may suggest you purchase a manual written for idiots and dummies or spend the rest of your life waiting for tech support.

So how do you master the Beast on Your Desktop?

I have one simple but very effective way of becoming computer literate. Use your computer to accomplish something you believe might be fun, interesting and worthwhile.

My definition of worthwhile is something you would be proud to show off to friends and relatives. It could be greeting cards, a genealogy presentation or, perhaps, a newsletter for a club or organization. There are excellent, user friendly, inexpensive software programs available for just about any computer project you could imagine.

The reason doing something worthwhile is important is that it encourages you to discover all the features of a software program. To use your imagination and creativity. And, most important, forces you to seek help when the going gets a bit difficult. Even if help is on that notorious CD.

When you become involved in a worthwhile project, the techniques you learn to use in that particular software program can be applied to any other software program. Even Windows 95 and Windows 98.

Copying and pasting is accomplished the same way in Family Tree Maker as it is in an E-Mail.

Workbooks. It took me two years to find workbooks I could recommend to our membership. Workbooks that were appropriated for a novice or an experienced user interested in mastering a new software program. I was not interested in expensive workbooks that assumed you were a dummy or idiot or required a computer dictionary to interpret.

The workbooks I found for Windows, the Internet, E-Mail and other popular software programs are edited for school children. Do not chuckle! How better to lean than from a workbook, written in plain English to teach school children. They open flat and have pictures.

I suggest you find a similar workbook or contact me for information on the workbooks we provide. I will not even ask if you are 8-14 years old.

Here’s wishing you a good boot      [index]

On a trip back from a meeting with one of my favorite Chapters. The Bonita Springs Computer Club. I pondered a question I was asked at the meeting and am often asked.

I have a state-of-the-art computer. I cannot put my finger on why, but it seems that it is not performing like it did when it was new.

My first response was. None of us perform as good as when we were new. Why should you expect your computer to be any different? Then I responded bit more seriously and asked.

Have you recently upgraded Windows, Internet Explorer or any other significant program? Have you added new hardware? Have you been tinkering with your system. Or worse! Have you recently received tinkering suggestions from “your son, the computer expert”? How long has it been since you defragged your hard drive?

In truth, all I could do was guess at the possibilities.

At about Alico Road I had an inspiration. Most have an annual physical and, periodically, tune-up our cars and air-conditioners. Why not a computer tune up?

Now stop chuckling. Think about it a moment. Is the definition of a split second not the time between our receiving a new software program and its installation. As our hard drives become larger do we not install more programs without uninstalling programs we will never again access? Are we not always ready to add new toys to our computer?

And, for most, isn’t the only significant computer commands we know and understand, “setup”, “install” and “plug-in”?

Over time, we tax even Bill Gate’s genius to keep pace with our enthusiasm. We begin to experience the effects of a plethora of fonts, interrupt conflicts and all those other mysterious computer diseases. Too often resulting in the “Window’s Blue Screen of Death” and a very significant repair bill!

I immediately contacted my personal Compu-Doctor, David Keller, a wise and perceptive technician. Oh yes, perceptive. He knows my technical abilities and has forbidden me to even loosen a screw from the back of my computer!

Naturally he was enthusiastic. This could be a source of potential business. But, as I had caught him in one of rare philanthropic moments, he was willing to share a few practical reason why my idea was pure genius.

A periodic computer physical will discover any symptom that, if addressed expeditiously, will prevent future expensive repairs. An at-home tune up allows a qualified technician to diagnose a system with all toys attached. Scanner, printer, zip drive, modem, et al. This can not be done at a remote location.

He suggested that a User carefully research technicians. Seek recommendations. Select a technician who does not sell hardware. One that charges only if he or she can repair your system.

Using this criteria, the chance of your receiving an unbiased diagnoses and a rejuvenated computer is excellent.

If you would like information on qualified at-home technicians, E-Mail me at fmbigal@embarqmail.com 

Here’s wishing you a good boot.      [index]

Recently, I heard a rumor that the telephone lines in North Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva were going to be designated and preserved as historical landmarks. Why? Because it was discovered that they are the last telephone lines in the country that carried the word that General Lee had surrendered.

A bit facetious? Yes. It is true, however, that these locales have phone lines so antiquated that upgrading to a high speed modem can be, at the very least, counterproductive. At the most, prevent any dependable modem access.

Before you consider yourselves lucky that you do not live in those locals, know that many of you live in areas of SWF that are not much better off.

Antiquated phone lines is just an example of one of the many frustrations a user faces when trying to access E-Mail and the Internet. Other frustrations include; once they do get on, staying on and then achieving a connecting speed that exceeds “2".

Many Users seem to blame themselves for their modem problems. How could they not be at fault? They have a new, state-of-the-art modem. They had it installed by a professional. It performed well at the retail store where they purchased it.

However, when they arrived home and connected their modem to their phone line. Disappointment and Frustration. It just must be their fault. I suggest that, in most cases, it is not.

You cannot control the quality of your phone lines, nearby construction that disrupts phone service or electrical storms in the area.

There are, however, a few things you might try. Have a professional technician come to your home and tinker with your system. When your modem was tested where you purchased it, you probably did not have all your toys attached. Printer, scanner, zip drive, etc. Now that they are all attached, you may have a system conflict.

A qualified technician may be able to tweak your dial-up connection and modem settings to achieve maximum efficiency. A technician can insure that your drivers are the most current and your software is updated to the most recent version.

If they are not, he or she probably will be able to download them from the Internet and install them. That is, if he or she can log on using your connection to the Internet. Just joking.

If your preference is to use an Internet Service Provider, a knowledgeable technician will be able to suggest the better providers in SWF.

If nothing else, once a qualified technician has done all that can be done, you will no longer blame yourself for your modems inadequacies.

Our User Group does not claim to know all the good technicians in SWF. We do, however, have a list of those who have received positive endorsements from our membership. I would be happy to provide that list.

There is never a charge for our services. The professional technicians we recommend do charge for their services.

Here’s wishing you a good boot      [index]

Many novices and experienced users have contacted me expressing a common complaint, Their state-of-the-art computer with a processor of unlimited speed, many megabytes of memory and a hard drive with a gaggle of gigabytes, has become alarmingly unresponsive

There are many possibilities associated with this phenomenon. My first question, however, is usually - when did you last defrag your hard drive? More often than not I receive a blank expression and, almost as often, a “huh”.

Programs are made up of files and files are made up of thousands of segments. When placed efficiently on your hard drive, these segments are contiguous. This allows Windows to find all the file segments of a program efficiently and execute the program quickly.

However, Windows is a poor house keeper. When you exit a program it scatters those thousands of segments, indiscriminately, back onto your hard drive into any available space it can find. Much like the way your children undressed at bedtime.

The next time you access that program, Windows must search your entire hard drive and locate each of the scattered segments. In computer time, this search and recovery can be extraordinary. The larger your hard drive and the more programs you have installed, the more exhausting the search.

Enter Microsoft’s mighty maid service, Disk Defragmenter. This utility is located at Start > Programs > Accessories > Systems Tools > Disk Defragmenter. It will realign contiguously, all those scattered segments. Windows will once again be able to access a program efficiently and quickly.

Windows 98 has an added feature. During the Defrag, Windows will survey your programs and position them on your hard drive by frequency of access. Your most frequently accessed programs will be placed at the top of your hard drive, followed by less frequently accessed programs, followed by seldom accessed programs. This sorting and placement translates into faster program access.

Both Windows 95 and 98 will also place all .exe, .com and .bat files at the top your hard drive. These are the files that Windows must locate first to execute a program. By positioning them at the top of your hard drive, Windows can locate them quickly and execute a program expeditiously.

How often you defrag your hard drive depends on how often you use your computer and how often you install and uninstall programs.

I defrag at least once a week and after I install or uninstall a program. Oh, how I enjoy installing new programs! By defragging often, I allow Windows to realign contiguously all my segregated segments and continuously resort and relocate my programs by frequency of use.

If you have neglected good housekeeping, your first defrag may take an extraordinarily long time.

I suggest you avoid Defragging while your computer is unattended. Should Windows discover a problem, you will probably be asked to do a Scan Disk. If you are not available, your computer will run at full throttle until you respond. Practice hands on housekeeping..

Here’s wishing you a good boot      [index]

You have just booted your new computer. You sit mesmerized as lights blink, things click and spin, music plays and a plethora of computer speak is presented on your monitor in a blinding fury.

You sit intimidated, unsure as to whether to... Grasp your mouse in your perspiring hand, close your eyes and attempt to mentally force your computer to boot successfully. Or, perhaps, just hang onto your chair and hope that the Computer Force is with you.

And if the Computer Force is with you, Windows Ta Da’s and a new computing day dawns with a splendid display of graphical color.

Ever so cautiously, you move your cursor. First to your E-Mail icon and then to your solitaire icon. You have done it! You have read your E-Mail and, be still my heart, may have even won a game of solitaire.

But what do you do next?

May I suggest that you join a computer club.

Until recently computer clubs were perceived as a residence for a bunch of guys wearing beanies with spinners. They sat around bragging about the power of their computer. They spoke computer speak. And they consumed extraordinary quantities of coke and junk food.

Today a well managed computer club can be a novice’s salvation. I use the term novice to include even those who may have some computer experience but have recently purchased a new, more powerful and temperamental machine. Note I use the term machine. A computer is just that. It is not intuitive and artificial intelligence is not yet an option.

The average computer purchased today is far more powerful than the on-board computers of Apollo 11 on its trip to the moon. So why should you be embarrassed about seeking reliable assistance from qualified users?

The computer club you should consider joining should have four ingredients.

It should have credentialed computer professionals and experienced laymen who are knowledgeable of all aspects of computing. They should be able to answer your questions and concerns in the “King’s English”. You would be surprised at how few credentialed computer professional there are in Southwest Florida who cannot speak in anything other than computer speak.

It does not suffer from the “my son the computer expert” syndrome. Remember, anyone who knows more than you may seem to be an expert. I have visited many computer clubs that suffer from leadership ego. Never confuse organizational talent with computer expertise!

It provides reliable assistance using state-of-the-art presentation equipment. There is no substitution for visual presentations.

It provides assistance any time you need it. Unfortunately Windows does not allow you to schedule all your problems prior to a club meeting.

How do you find a shelter from the slings and arrows of computer fate. Look to the right. I have listed many outstanding computer clubs.

Better yet, read Hotlink next week. I will introduce you to the SWFPCUG, considered by over 1000 members to be the most reliable source of computer information in SWF.

Here’s wishing you a good boot.      [index]

In the Fall of 1996, Internet and E-Mail were becoming household words. The opportunities they provided attracted many new users and encouraged others to upgrade their computers.

This phenomenon created a need for a unique source of information and assistance. One that catered to the novice user, as well as the user who found themselves confused by the quantum leap in computer technology.

In the Spring of 1997, the Board of Directors of the SWFPCUG made a decision to become that source of information and assistance.

But how?

First, and most important, we created an atmosphere at our meetings that would not be intimidating.

We did this by initiating a novice seminar at each meeting. Professional technicians are available to respond enthusiastically and in laymen terms to any question or concern. Each seminar is prefaced by a guarantee that there is no such thing as a question that is too basic!

What began as a 30 minute seminar with 25 attendees has developed into a two hour seminar with as many as 200 attendees.

We purchased projection equipment to demonstrate on a 10' x 10' screen solutions to problems and computer techniques.

We reedited our newsletter. It became a 44 page monthly Computing Journal. Each issue dedicated to providing articles and lesson of interest to novice and experienced users.

We initiated a free User Group E-Mail Bulletin Board to provide member/subscribers with an opportunity to post problems and questions. Our professional technicians and experienced members monitor our Bulletin Board. Often a solution to a problem or concern will be forthcoming within hours.

A Web site, www.swfpcug.org, was created to include a section dedicated to helping a novice become Internet literate and a section for timely computer topics . “Browser/Links” provides interesting places to visit on the Internet. By using hyperlinks (no typing required), a novice can become familiar with the techniques necessary to successfully Surf the Net. “Virus Info” provides timely information such as virus alerts and computer current events.

And finally, in our monthly Computing Journal, we included disaster 911 numbers. A novice can contact an experienced member. A real person! One who has “been there and done that” and may be able to provide immediate assistance.

We were overwhelmed by the response. But was there more we could provide? We discovered there was.

And that was, assistance to those who are too far away to attend meetings a Lee Memorial hospital. And to those who wanted to participate in a club of their own with friends who lived in their community.

So we decided that “the mountain would go to Mohammed, rather than Mohammed to the mountain”. We associated with and created Chapters throughout Lee, Collier and Hendry Counties.

There are now 17 Chapters. They are welcome to call on our resources to provide interesting meeting and professional assistance. In, fact, we provide many Chapters with monthly meetings, complete with all our state-of the art equipment and expertise.

Mission accomplished.

Here’s wishing you a good boot.      [index]

I have Fonts. I have thousands of Fonts. I probably will only use 50 or so in my lifetime. I am secure, however, in the knowledge that I have more fonts than you have.

True Type Fonts are amazing little fellows. From bold to italic. From formal to script. They can transform words into a graphic reflection of a writers state of mind.

But they can become rascals if you lose control of them.

Every Font in your Windows Font Folder is loaded into memory, every time you access Windows. An application cannot select individual fonts as needed. Windows insists that all fonts must be available, all the time.

The more fonts you have installed, the more memory you are dedicating to them. For many, this can be a waste of valuable resources.

Unfortunately, most software programs, care less about your resources. They want their fonts available for their program. They have to fill up their CD’s with something other than Graphics! Responsible software programs will ask you if you want all their available fonts installed. Others will not. Many will install them without permission.

Open your Windows Explorer and go to the Window subdirectory, Fonts. If you have any more than 150 to 175 fonts, you are wasting memory. I suggest you get rid of as many as you can.

Do not delete them! You may have used one in a document and will want it back. Never delete, move or play with a “FON”. They are system fonts..

Try this. With Windows Explorer, create a Folder on your hard drive. Highlight your C: Drive and click on File > New > Folder. In the panel type, Font Archive. Or any label you want. This is where you will move unwanted fonts.

Return to your Windows Font Folder. I suggest that you start by moving fonts that are specifically bold or italic fonts. Windows will allow you to bold or italicize, just about any regular font. If this does not satisfactorily reduce the number of fonts, move on to your regular fonts.

If a font description is vague, double left click on it. A panel will provide a description and an opportunity to print it.

To reinstall a font, if you need it back. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel, and then double-click Fonts.

On the File menu, click Install New Font. Click the drive, and then click the folder that contains your font archives in the Folder you created. Click the font you want to add. You are back in business.

The first time you house clean your Font Folder, it may take quite a bit of time. If, however, you move a significant number of fonts, the memory you save will be worth the effort.

There are excellent, inexpensive programs that allow you to preview, load and unload a specific font from any source without having to install it into your Windows Font Folder. Contact me for information.

Here’s wishing you a good boot.      [index]

Al’s Axiom for all but the most experienced Users (borrowed from Dave Keller, SWFPCUG’s technical advisor). Never delete anything you did not create. A technician’s best friend is an uninformed User who decides, for whatever reason, to go on a deletion binge.

A complete tutorial on the fine art of deleting and what to delete is a subject that will require several articles, but a good place to start is the difference between deleting a Runs Under Windows 9598 and a Windows 9598 program.

Check a program’s packaging or manual to determine whether it is a 16 bit, Runs Under or 32 bit, True Windows 9598 program.

If you want to take a quick discovery moment, click on Start > Settings > Control Panel. Then click on Add and Remove Programs. In the Panel there will be a list of true Windows 9598 programs that, if you follow the instructions, can be removed with relative safety.

During the installation of a true Windows 9598 program, an installation panel appears. This is the utility Windows uses to record everything a program adds to your system. Its sole purpose is to provide a safe, complete program deletion. Well, almost safe and almost complete.

Obviously if you wrote a letter, created a holiday card, etc., after you installed a program, Windows will not be aware of these files. So, after Windows deletes the program and often after you are told to reboot, you may delete the files you created using Windows Explorer.

Deleting a Runs Under Windows 9598 program is a bit less hazardous. More often than not, you can delete a Runs Under Window program by simply deleting a program’s Folder or Folders utilizing Windows Explorer.

Now here is the point of this article. The procedures required to successfully delete any program cannot be generalized. There are too many variables. So, let me reiterate Al’s Axiom. If you are not an experienced User - do not delete anything you did not create.

And may I remind you of Murphy’s Law concerning deletion of even the files you did create yourself. You will never need the file until you delete it.

Oh and please, do not even think about deleting anything without first backing up everything you cannot replace. You can reinstall Windows and a program, but you can not reinstall files you created.

The safest storage for your irreplaceable files is a diskette, tape. zip or jaz drive or recordable CD. I recommend, without reservation, backup to a CD. Once burned onto a CD, a file is forever. I backup daily to a Rewritable CD and then archive my most precious files to a Writable CD.

Of course all of this becomes academic if, during your rooting around, you corrupt Windows 9598, particularly the Registry. For if you do, you will be privy to the Windows Blue Screen of Death and, more than likely, a significant repair bill from your favorite technician.

Here’s wishing you a good boot      [index]

Of the over 850 e-mails I have received from Hotlink readers, at least 40% are from readers who have experienced Virus disasters.

There is no need to become philosophical on why someone would want to infect your computer. Nor a technical discussion of what a virus is. It suffices to say, the problems a virus can cause you can be. At the least, annoying. At the most, a complete disaster requiring a professional technician to restore your computer system.

If you receive e-mail with attachments (it is the attachment that transports the virus, not the e-mail), download from the Internet or receive files and programs on a floppy disk, zip or jaz disk, you are in harm’s way.

One of the best investments you can make is to purchase a state-of -the-art antivirus program. I recommend Norton and McAfee, but only their stand-alone antivirus programs. I do not recommend their antivirus programs bundled with other utility programs.

It is important to remember that an anti virus program’s protection is only as effective as its last update. Never procrastinate more than a month. I update once a week. Norton and McAfee’s updates (antivirus data files) are free.

Now, this may surprise you. Because most knowledgeable Users are aware of the importance of and have an antivirus program, it is the Trojan Horse that has become the most dangerous guy on the block.

A Trojan Horse, like its mythological counterpart, arrives surreptitiously. Often as an e-mail attachment, under the guise of, perhaps, a “cute little program” or “a screensaver you will just love”. In fact, it is an execution file that when you open an attachment initiates a legitimate DOS command. Windows still sits on top of DOS (Disk Operating System). It is DOS that executes the commands that are sent to your computer via Windows.

Since the command is a legitimate DOS command, its lethal content cannot be detected by an antivirus program. Once executed, a DOS command cannot be stopped. The command might be. Delete *.doc, or delete *.qdf. All your Microsoft Word documents or Quicken data files would be deleted. A combination of DOS commands and Bat files can initiate a format of your hard drive. Without a recent backup, all the files you have created are lost forever.

There is only one sure way to protect yourself from a Trojan Horse. Never, open an e-mail or download from a source you do not know.

Better yet. Even if you have an antivirus program that you recently updated (keep in mind, you could have updated it yesterday and a new virus is on its way to you today). Never accept a floppy disk, zip or Jaz disk, open an e-mail attachment or download from the Internet from an unknown source. Question even a friend about what they are sending you.

Our Web site, www.swfpcug.org, <http://www.swfpcug.org> has a page, Virus Info, devoted to virus alerts and just as important - virus hoaxes.

Here’s wishing you a good boot.      [index]

Since the early days of DOS, computer Users have been fascinated with utility software programs. Quite frankly, in the days of DOS (before Windows) there was a legitimate need for commercial software utility programs. This is, perhaps, why experienced Users are still possessed by the idea they must purchase every commercial utility program that becomes available. Unfortunately, it is from experienced Users that novices inherit this misconception.

One might legitimately question why I, a former utility addict, have become such an anti utility advocate. There are many reasons, but the two most important are that they can cause systems conflicts and Windows registry corruption that have the potential of trashing your system. And, most important - they are not needed.

Windows 95 and, particularly, Windows 98, includes all the utilities most Users will ever need to maintain their system in peak performance.

Software companies try to entice you to buy their utility programs by assigning them exotic names and hinting they have a unique ability to do something for you that Microsoft’s utilities cannot do. Granted, some will make accessing a utility feature more obvious. But, please be aware, that a utility, any utility, can only access what the Windows operation system makes available to it.

Think about it. Do you really believe that a few technicians employed by a non Microsoft software company can create a utility that is any more useful or well written for the average User than the utilities designed by the world class technicians who created Windows in the first place?

And, just as important, can they do it in a way that guarantees the average User that it will not corrupt Windows?

I think not.

And now appearing on the scene are utility programs bundled with an antivirus program that do not allow a User to decide what utilities will be installed. When you install the antivirus program you are required to install all the other utilities - like it or not. Worse yet, if there is a system conflict caused by a particular utility, selective uninstall is not an option.

In my opinion and in the opinion of many professional technicians, utility programs in general are a clear and present danger. Utility programs that do not allow the User installation desecration or that cannot be easily and completely uninstalled are a clear and present disaster waiting to happen.

An embarrassing vignette. I downloaded and installed Norton’s anitivirus 2000 upgrade. As an added feature, it had a disaster recovery utility program that utilized a zip disk. Curiosity enticed me to try it out. The result - disaster but no recovery! I had to have my personal technician, Dave Keller, bail me out.

So please, do as I say and not as I do. Keep away from utility programs and utility programs bundled with antivirus programs. Yes, you should have an antivirus program, but select a stand alone. It is certainly less expensive and defiantly safer.

Here’s wishing you a good boot.      [index]

A common exclamation from a distressed User who has experienced the Windows Blue Screen of Death is. Gosh Al, my computer was working fine the last time I used it.

Know that your System and Windows may not react to an inflicted wound until your next boot. And you may or may not be lucky enough to receive a warning before a serious incident.

I suggest that at least during your first “boot” of the day, you observe the boot process.

The initial boot information is about your computer system. Everything that is being loaded before Windows startup begins.

Learn what it is telling you. Ask, if you are in doubt!

Now do not chuckle at this. Over time, you will get a feel for the “Rhythm of the Boot”. Any change in the rhythm should demand your attention. Maybe the boot is taking longer than usual. Maybe it “hangs” when it never did before. If the boot does not “feel right”, reboot. Confirm your suspicion that something has changed.

If you become concerned. Ask for advice.

Windows is a very curious fellow. When Windows begins to load, I am sure you have noticed the blue-white shadow moving from left to right at the bottom of your screen. That is Windows checking the authenticity of everything in, on and around your computer. If all is well, Windows will load. If not. You may be lucky and be warned of trouble. Unlucky and you are presented with the Windows Blue Screen of Death.

Once you begin the “Windows is starting” process, be sure to have a pencil handy. If a window pane appears that tells you something may be amiss (even if you are able to press “enter” and go on your merry way), take the time to write down the information.

You are not being warned by Windows just because Windows feels chatty. It may be a warning of a symptom that could become a terminal illness. If you do not understand the warning, contact an experienced User.

It is possible that a simple tweak will remedy the problem. Maybe even over the phone. I have been able to do this with a User many times.

It is very important to have a detailed, written copy of the warning or error message you received before a crash. Even if you do not understand what you are copying. If you are a novice, this is extraordinarily important. Have the information available when you call for help. Do not tinker with your system before you get help!

Try to recall your activities prior to your last shut down. Were you tweaking your system with a utility program (shame on you). Deleting or installing a program. Experiencing a loss of power. You can work all day on your computer with a disaster waiting to happen. Waiting, that is, until your next boot.

Remember, a tinkerer is a technician’s best friend!

Here’s wishing you a good boot.       [index]

I can understand the concern Users have about Computer viruses. I can understand why grown men tremble when the hear the words "Windows Blue Screen of Death". But I cannot understand why so many Users are paranoid about computer Cookies.

For the uninitiated, a Cookie is a text file that can be created by JavaScripts or HTML. It can be embedded in web sites you visit.

JavaScripts is a scripting language developed by Netscape. HTML is the acronym for Hypertext Markup Language, the language used for documents on the World Wide Web

Cookies are commonly used to track which Web pages you visit, which ad banners you have seen, whether or not you have registered for information provided on a Web site, etc.

If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer for your Browser, you will find your Cookies in the Cookie Folder under the Windows Folder. If you are a Netscape person, your Cookies are in the Netscape YourName Folder.

Want to take a peek? Open a cookie with any word processor or notepad.

As far as I am concerned, Cookies are pretty harmless. Cookies will not allow website owners to surreptitiously determine who you are. They cannot reveal credit card information or determine if all the software on your hard drive is registered.

If, however, you voluntarily enter personal information into a web page questionnaire or order form, that information can be stored in a Cookie. The key words here are "voluntarily entered".

Oh, I guess a clever JavaScript could discover which browser you are using. What your screen resolution is. Maybe what operating system you have installed. Perhaps, even some other innocuous information. And, it is not unreasonable to assume the information could be stored in a Cookie.

I cannot, however, imagine why anyone would want to store this kind of information on your hard drive. And, if they did - so what.

Any talented Webmaster can try to obtain specific kinds of personal information from your system. To be politically correct, so too can talented Webmistresses. But their method of felonious assault on your privacy will be via holes in browser security. Not Cookies.

Why would they locate their booty in such an obvious location as your Cookie Folder?

In our world of social security identification, credit cards, phone records and security cameras, I would think that a Cookie on our hard drive would be the least of our worries.

On a positive note, Cookies can be of real benefit. They can save you time when you re-visit a site. A Cookie can remember your preferences. And they can let you bypass re-entering information required before you can obtain information.

Microsoft would like to get to know you before they provide a cornucopia of free information.

For a Webmaster, Cookies are the source of information needed to solicit advertisers. Advertising keeps the Internet free of charge. Much the same way as television advertising.

So, do not chuck your cookies.

Thanks for letting me brag a bit.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.       [index]

Why? Because that beast on your desktop is more powerful than the onboard computers on Apollo II when it went to the moon. So unless you are an astronaut, I suggest you refrain from tinkering. You may discover what's under the cover is a potential technical Pandora's Box.

I am not too proud to admit that I am forbidden by my Compu-Doctor from even thinking about peeking inside my computer.

I also recommend on-site technical assistance. This allows a technician to diagnose your system with all your toys attached: Namely; printer, scanner and one of today's most popular toys - the CD-RW drive.

While some may find installing memory or other components to be an easy task, unless you truly know what you're doing, you're apt to do more harm than good. And in computer terms, harm means the possible loss of data - or money when you have to hire a pro to fix your mistakes.

Hiring a good professional installer ensures you received everything necessary for a complete installation and that everything is connected and working properly. A professional will be able to diagnose a problem or potential problem. If it requires vendor tech support, a professional can talk the talk necessary to resolve a problem and even arrange for warranty repairs or, if necessary, a replacement. This is particularly important if you have purchased your computer from mail order vendors like Dell or Gateway.

Upgrading can be just as fraught with danger. Incompatible memory chips. An incompatible modem. Even the simple addition of a printer or scanner can be a source of what is known as a system "conflict." I cannot tell you all the horror stories I have heard from novices who have tried to install a CD-RW.

Even if you are successful installing new hardware, you may not be aware of updated drivers or fixes for problems discovered by the manufacturer. A professional will be aware and be able to update your hardware's software. And, while doing so, demonstrate how to successfully access the features of your new hardware - and check for driver and other updates yourself in the future.

There are other issues to contend with, as well. For some, a computer system - particularly the monitor can be a bit heavy. Bouncing it in from your car or front porch is not the best way to establish a rapport with your computer. Let a technician lift the weight.

There should be no charge if a technician cannot repair your computer. A technician should not be a hardware or software salesperson. You should expect to pay $55 to $65 an hour. Anything less and you will probably be hiring a tinkerer - a choice you may come to regret!

How do you find a qualified technician? Talk to friends and neighbors who have computers and find out if they have a technician they've been satisfied with. Or e-mail me and I will provide the names of technicians who have been endorsed by members of our organization: In any event, solicit several endorsements from trusted associates before allowing anyone to tame your beast.

Here's wishing you a good boot.      [index]

They are not as fast as hard drives or Zip disks. But who cares. You can find 600-megabyte recordible CD’s for under $1.

Think about it. You do not have to be concerned with delicate diskettes, the cost of Jaz disks or the unreliability of tape. And once you “burn” a CD, the data is forever.

And be still my heart. ReWritable  DVD’s are coming.

 I backup regularly to ReWritable CD’s and then transfer my most important files to a Writable CD.

 There is no excuse not to backup.

 Here’s wishing you a good boot.      [index]

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