Recently I was approached by an enthusiastic Good Booter.

Ms. GB just bubbled over as she proudly narrated her first experience purchasing computer hardware. She had in her words: "just purchased, a LinkSys model BEFW11S4 router with a wireless access point, a LinkSys model WPCII wireless network card, a WUSBII wireless network adapter and a 10-foot CAT5e ethernet cable."

Then she thanked me for suggesting home networking and apologized for not being able to chat longer as she must get home. Comcast was coming to install cable high-speed Internet.

In all honesty, if she hadn't approached me in the computer hardware section, I might have embarrassed myself by asking what kind of kitty litter she planned on buying for her LinkSys and CAT5e.

Hey, I'm a Boot-It-and-Use-It computer person and haven't in my computing career found any compelling reason to discover what's under the cover of the beast that sits on my desktop, let alone its nomenclature. Quite frankly, I cannot remember ever encouraging His and Her computers as I live in mortal fear that she who must be obeyed should one day consider computer togetherness.

But I do know that home networking has become one of the most popular new adventures among Good Booters. It's an inexpensive way to share two or more computers. And if you go wireless as Ms. GB did, you can have laptops and desktops throughout the house with nary a cord to contend with.

Because they have cable Internet, home networkers can surf the Net and check e-mails at the same time. But know that even with just computer-to-computer cable connections, you can share a printer, scanner, etc. between or among computers.

Home networking is extraordinarily inexpensive. It will cost you about $200 for hardware plus the cost of a technician to go wireless. I suggest you have a tech do the installation as there are some security issues, like not being on the same wireless frequency as your neighbor. If you need a recommendation, e-mail me at fmbigal@embarqmail.com.

Here's a reminder to those who weren't here in December or procrastinated. I've convinced David Keller (Compu-Doctor) to do an in-season repeat of his "Creating Data and Audio CDs Made Easy."

It's a seminar for novice and experienced users interested in understanding and getting the most from their CD writer, using CDs to backup data files and how to create audio CDs from music CDs, phonograph records and cassette tapes.

I'm a Boot-it and Do-it kind of guy.  I rely on Microsoft and my technician to keep my Daystrom M5U a hummin'.

But I'm also a software and hardware peripheral kind of person. Notice I say `person' rather than `guy.'  I've found a passion for computer gadgetry is no longer exclusively a 'guy thing.' Many ladies have abandoned kitchen gadgets for computer gadgets.

The point is, I receive many software programs and hardware peripherals as gifts and from vendors requesting a review. Mr. Brown of UPS is almost family. And I'm sure my definition of a split second is the same as yours — the time it takes to sign for a delivery and perform a slam dunk installation.

The problem is I seldom read accompanying manuals. This cavalier attitude is my Waterloo. It's well known by all acquainted with my addiction to installing everything there is to be installed that it's the stability of XP and that I amuse rather than offend the computer gods with my flagrant disregard for their laws of safe computing which allows me to good boot.

 But alas, last week the computer gods finally became testy over my continued bad behavior and sent me a message. They would no longer allow any additional program or peripheral installations and only one or two more good boots.

It was timed to coincide with Mr. Brown's UPS delivery of my new IRISPen II. Now that got my attention! My anguished cry of despair and plea for help was so pathetic my technician passed up a fishing opportunity to rush to my assistance.

When Doctor David arrived he wasn't surprised to discover that if my registry were measured in miles, the mileage would be that of Fort Myers to Seattle. Or that the number of references to partially uninstalled programs read like a historical who's who of software.

Installed peripherals? Would you believe 10, 12 if you count mouse and keyboard?

David's diagnoses: terminal. His prescription: reformat.

David has hung a sign over my computer with these pearls of wisdom:

• The "Play" in "Plug and Play" doesn't mean playing around with hasty, ill-advised installations.

• Read accompanying manuals.

• When installing new software and hardware peripherals make an XP System Restore point BEFORE installing.  Note: With Me use the Go Back feature. With 98 consider purchasing Roxio's Go Back software.

• Cherish and protect restore disks that came with your computer.

• Don't upgrade software unless there's a feature you cannot live without.

PS: I successfully installed my IRISPen.

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

Over the years, Good Booters have questioned why I have not considered hosting a Good Boot seminar specifically addressing the needs of the most beleaguered of novices.

My answer was always that with a schedule that includes 14 presentations a month, finding time for another was a problem. And quite frankly, I wasn't really sure whether it was a rhetorical question or a sincere interest in having such a seminar.

Recently, however, there seems to be a growing need for someone without a hidden agenda to help novices sort out what they really need to know to begin a safe, successful and enjoyable computing adventure. Perhaps it's because novices, more than at anytime I can recall, are being bombarded with advice — appropriate, inappropriate and often conflicting.

All the advice has one thing in common — it's all too often accompanied with veiled threats of disaster if they don't do what they're told. It's a recipe for paranoia, and in my experience, paranoia is the first step to early computer retirement.

So perhaps it is time for a Good Boot seminar — one that will focus on my collection of the fiction and fact that I've found to be of most concern to the more than 1,000 novices I visit each month.

Concerns like

• How to purchase quality, inexpensive, user-friendly peripherals like scanners and printers.

• How to prevent viruses.

•  What you really need to back up.

• User-friendly and affordable software that will allow the novice to experiment in a variety of computing adventures.

Then we'll have some fun with some of my most popular presentations like "It only takes 3 steps to master browsing the Internet using Internet Explorer." Yes it can be done! And, "Winchell's philosophy on how to purchase a computer."

You're probably thinking how can so much information be presented in one seminar? The answer is: My show and tell includes only what you need to know in a familiar language - English. I also include a pass-out that has all the information so you can relax, listen and learn.

Is there a Q&A? You bet! For as long as there are questions and I won't be distressed if once you've asked your questions, you leave to get on with your real life.

I'm also collecting a bunch of free Good Boot Goodies to be given away to all who preregister — to include a copy of my beginning book for novices "Not for Dummies and Idiots."

The seminar will be at 1230 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at Lee Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information and how to register, call me at 433-0549 or e-mail fmbigal@embarqmail.com.

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

Last week I received a letter from Comcast announcing. "Starting in April, the price of Comcast HighSpeed Internet service will change." Unfortunately I'd just returned from experiencing gas pump plunder and my vision was still blurred from watching the little dollar and cents wheels spin away most of my weekly allowance. So rather than reading the entire letter, I assumed I was about to be plundered again and, are you ready for this, almost reached for an old AOL CD to resubscribe. Ah, but the good news is that when my vision was restored, I read the entire letter and was saved from doing the unthinkable

Folks, high-speed Internet access is still a great deal. In fact, because Comcast reduced the lease price of their modem, I'll only be paying a dollar more per month. Heck, I drip more than a dollar's worth of gas at the pump each month. And by the way, if you're forbidden as I am by your technician to "discover what's under the cover," I suggest you lease your modem.  If there's a problem, they'll promptly deliver a new one rather than you having to be bothered exchanging or buying a new modem.

Before I go on I should mention my cable Internet superlatives also apply to Time Warner's Road Runner. It just happens I'm in the Comcast service area.

I'm sure the new added value Comcast is offering is also offered by Road Runner.

The download speed of cable high-speed Internet access is extraordinary, 50 times faster than traditional dial-up connections. Downloads take minutes rather than hours.

High-speed, uninterrupted downloading combined with an "always connected" Internet access provides perks such as expeditious delivery of Windows XP and Norton Antivirus downloaded updates.

Comcast has also increased its upload speed to 256 Kbps. A significant perk for those who enjoy as I do uploading photos of our beautiful beaches and glorious sunsets to snowbound friends and relatives. And for those who travel, you can now access your e-mail via the Internet from any computer (cable or dial-up) anywhere in the world. Simply go to www.comcast.net and enter your Comcast login and password.

There's no substitute for cable if you're an active e-mailer and surfer. For additional information, contact Kendra Williams at 432-1814.

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

Ask volunteers to check on Internet activities

My response to The News-Press editorial "Locals can police own libraries" was "right on!"

Now, the last thing I want to do is use Good Boot as a political bully pulpit, but I believe my personal association with the Lee County Library System might provide additional food for thought on the subject of policing our libraries.

Over the last three years I've provided monthly Internet seminars at all Lee libraries. This year my presentations concern how to protect oneself from cyberspace pornography.

Notice I say "protect oneself' as it doesn't require government oversight to ensure your computer is pure as Caesar's wife. And I'm not inferring that the government shouldn't police the Internet for those who use it to exploit children.

What I am implying is there are many ways to effectively monitor Internet activities that do not require government intervention. But are there any that would be effective in preventing inappropriate Internet access at our libraries? Yes, I believe so.

Be assured our librarians are doing everything possible to monitor Internet access without creating a big brother is watching you environment. And they're doing it enthusiastically and well, but as diligent they are, there's always a chance some rascal will sneak a peak at "bad stuff."

However, if there were volunteers available to those needing Internet/e-mail assistance, couldn't they also be casual observers of Internet access activities? In my opinion, this is a far better and less costly solution than trying to filter the Internet. Obviously this requires us to support our libraries. Is that too much to ask?

I'm sure most understand how counterproductive filtering Internet access would be for those using it to supplement library research. But I believe there's another reason why we must guard against a big brother environment.

I've been told more than 30 percent of Lee County families cannot afford computers and Internet access. If this is so, one of the most important opportunities offered by our libraries is convenient free access to state-of-the-art computers, the Internet and email. Add an opportunity for those who need it to receive quality computer assistance from librarians and, in my opinion, you have one of our library's most important contributions to our community.

I doubt it, though, that those who need our library's Internet/e-mail access the most would return if we complicate their Internet adventure or create a big brother.

Why not let our professional librarians decide how best to police the Internet? And maybe some of you might volunteer to assist them.

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

I was absolutely astounded and pleased at the response I received from Good Booters registering for my "Good Boot Afternoon" seminar.

But I was disappointed at the number who during their call to register described themselves as stupid because they were having difficulty mastering the beast that sits on their desktop. I've said this before, but I'll say it again: The only thing stupid about those who are making a sincere effort to master "the beast" is they refer to themselves as stupid.

Then there were those who when they called to register apologized for asking a "computer question." Why do you think The News-Press provides space every Monday for me to chat with you about computing and includes in every article my phone number and e-mail address?

Seriously, the purpose of Good Boot is to let it be known there's help for the beleaguered novice. And if I cannot answer a technical question (which is probably more often than not), I do know where or to whom to refer you. For those preparing to return home, a reminder to be safe and keep in touch.

If you miss Good Boot on The News-Press Web site, www.newspress.com, surf by our Web site, www.swfpcug.org, anytime - 2,500 people do every month. And because during the summer I traditionally receive less than 100 Good Boot e-mails a week, I'll have plenty of time to e-chat except, of course, about the cool August weather you're enjoying.

Our Web site also includes links to:

• Subscribe to our free Good Boot Newsletter (currently more than 1,800 subscribers).

• Subscribe to our free Bulletin Board (currently more than 800 subscribers) where expeditious assistance and advice is available from knowledgeable users and our consulting technicians.

• Dwayne Alton's Web site for free advice on what digital camera is best suited for your personal needs and your pocket book.

• Download a free copy of our 56-page monthly Computing Journal.

• Our virus "Heads Up" site that will keep you safe from viruses and virus hoaxes.  [index]

Until the recent fascination with digital cameras and photo editing, I believe most would agree that e-mail and the Internet led the list of reasons they purchased their first computer.

And I'd probably be safe in saying the majority found e-mail all they expected it to be and were able to master it expeditiously.

The Internet, on the other hand, has been quite another story. In fact, I can say without reservation the, Internet has been for too many novices nothing but a source of frustration and disappointment.

At our April Chapter meetings, I'll be presenting a rather unusual approach to Internet enlightenment, entitled "How to Become a Master Surfer in 90 Minutes or Less." Now stop chuckling! I assure you it can be done. But what about those who cannot attend my presentation? Don't worry — you have not been forgotten.

Five years ago, two of our directors, Judy Griffiths and Marilyn Samuel, volunteered to be co-editors of what was to become the most popular contribution to our Computing Journal. Assuming the pen names, M.Y. Browser and A. Lotta Links, they advertised themselves as Internet Travel Agents. By investing hundreds of hours surfing the Web, they were able to find interesting, timely and fun sites to recommend to their enthusiastic readers.

Every month, readers would discover the very best Web sites concerning the most important event of that month, such as April Fools' Day or Tax Day. These would be followed by a potpourri of other sites that over the months would satisfy the specific interest of just about any surfer.

But what made their column so anticipated was their banter. Much like movie critics, they were never shy about critiquing each other's selections. Their column became a "spoon full of sugar" for novices suffering from surfing disenchantment.

However, as popular as Browser and Links became in the journal, there were many novices who complained that because the recommended Web sites often had long complicated addresses, they made typing errors when entering them into their browser. These errors produced the infamous "the page cannot be found."

The solution was to duplicate each month's browser and links on our Web site where addresses could be presented as "no typing necessary, click and go to" hyperlinks. To make their Web site even more enjoyable, Browser and Links added "Best Of", "New Stuff" and video vignettes guaranteed to make you chuckle. Join the more than 1,000 surfers who each month tour the Web with M.Y. Browser and A. Lotta Links at www.swfpcug.org > Browser and Links.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot  [index]