------------------------------------------------------------ THE NEW COMPUTER UNIVERSE EZINE The Zine for Newbies (In Business & Computers) 6/3/03 Vol 2 Issue #1 Matthew Zator, Editor, compuniversezine@yahoo.ca ------------------------------------------------------------ By subscription only! Welcome to your next issue of "The New Computer Universe". You are receiving this newsletter because you requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions are at the end of this newsletter. ------------------------------------------------------------ IN THIS ISSUE ------------------------------------------------------------ => Editor's Forward (I'm Back!) => Course: Saving Troubleshooting Time => Home Networking (Very Easy To Do!) => Comparing WindowsME TO WindowsXP (Which One To Buy?) => Troubleshooting: How To Revive A Dead Computer => Business Section: (NEW!)- How To Avoid Home Business Scams => Interesting Website Of The Month => Classifieds => How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist => Coming Next Issue! => Subscribe/Unsubscribe information ------------------------------------------------------------ EDITOR'S FORWARD ------------------------------------------------------------ Hello Again Loyal Subscribers! I'm back from my hiatus and here is the first issue packed with new sections and new articles. First I would like to start out with saying, this ezine will now be consistant and valuable reading. It will come out in the first week of every month, (This one being June 3rd) and it will have articles that will be very useful. I am also introducing a new section called, "The Business Section" which will probably always contain tips on how to avoid a scam. Most of the ezine will still be about computers, but I'm throwing in this to help you even more. There is also a "Comparing" section, which will compare two software/hardware products and tell you which one is the better one to buy. I hope you enjoy this new version of the ezine and I hope you will continue reading! Happy Reading! Matthew Zator Editor PS: I'm also debuting a new paid service, check it out here: http://problemsolver.iwebland.com or see the classifieds. ------------------------------------------------------------ COURSE: Saving Troubleshooting Time Matthew Zator, Editor ------------------------------------------------------------ This has happened to me many times and I think it deserves some address. When you got your computer, you got many disks and cds with it. These pieces of hardware are very valuable since they contain software that was installed when your computer was manufactured. If you lose these disks, you can't get that software back no matter how much you complain to a technition. So make sure you keep those disks in a SAFE place that is easy to find in a computer emergency. These disks will help the technition fix your computer and get it back to working order with all the software that it had before you brought it in. Also, make a backup CD-RW disk that has alot of your downloaded programs, updated drivers, and other useful software that didn't come with a disk. *Doublecheck you have every piece of software backed up, even your OS. Although you should have gotton a CD with your computer that contained your OS on it. But if it didn't, back that up too. The last thing I'm going to say is, you should also make a systems disk. (START > SETTINGS > CONTROL PANEL > Add/Remove Programs > Windows Startup > Create Systems Disk) If you do all this, your troubleshooting shouldn't take as long as it would take if you didn't have these valuable disks. ------------------------------------------------------------ Home Networking: The Easy Way Matthew Zator, Editor ------------------------------------------------------------ When people hear "networking", they always think of routers, hubs, wires and a bunch of technical mumbo jumbo about how to program them to work properly. All this may be true many years ago, but now home networking is a piece of cake with the right guidance. Many routers are now programmed automatically and most of them do all the commands internally without the user typing in anything. Now you can be a newbie to computers and network two computers together in your home. First of all, you've got to look at where your computers are in your house. If they are more then 100 feet away, you can't use wireless routers, you have to use a router that needs wires, and that can be a pain. So move one computer closer to the other. One can be in the basement and one can be in your upper floor and a wireless router would work perfectly. (Remember, the signal can go through walls and floors) Once that is done, make sure both of your computers have network interface cards (NIC). To find out, go to the back of your computer and see if there is a port that looks like a phone jack, but a little bit bigger. If you find one, you have a network interface card. If one or both don't have one, you've got to add an adapter to your shopping list. (Don't worry, they're only about $20) Then go to your favorite computer retailer and look for a wireless router. Most routers only cost under $85, so the cost probably isn't a problem. And if you need an ethernet adapter, look for that too. You only need one wireless router, so don't buy two. And you only need one or two adapters, depending on if your computers have network interface cards. Next, once you get home, install them according to the instructions and you have successfully finished networking your two computers together! And you can plug your internet connection into your router so both computers can use it! OR If you want to get the stuff fast, order them online: at Future Shop: Wireless Routers: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/ proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=1&WLBS=fs%2Dweb3& sku_id=0665000FS10025720&catid=&newdeptid=1 **If any of this doesn't make sense, email me with your problem at compuniversezine@yahoo.ca ------------------------------------------------------------ COMPARING: Windows ME to Windows XP Home (Which Is Better?) Matthew Zator, Editor ------------------------------------------------------------ Windows XP Windows ME Price Range: $94-$109 $67-$109 Compatitble With: PC PC Architecture: StandAlone StandAlone Min OS Windows 98 Windows 98 Min Space 1.5 GB 295 MB Min Processor Pentium II-300 Pentium-150Mhz Min RAM Size 128 MB 32 MB Interface Mouse, CDROM Soundcard, mouse, Devices CDROM Service/Support Support By Phone/ Support By Phone Website Review: Has many petty annoyances This OS is a great like, paying for seperate product that can licenses for other PC's. easily outplay XP But overall, it's a great but if you want OS. Very fast, reliable reliability, XP and cost effective. is the one. OVERALL 8/10 7/10 RATING **So overall, I recommend you get Windows XP because of its quickness and reliability. But if you have a computer that is pretty old, I recommend Windows ME because it can support older systems. Buy Windows XP here: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp ?sku_id=0665000FS10009464&catid=10922&logon=&langid=EN&dept=3&WLBS= fsweb9 Buy Windows ME here: http://www.staples.com ------------------------------------------------------------ TROUBLESHOOTING: How To Revive A Dead Computer Otis Cooper ------------------------------------------------------------ Its not something we like to think about but your computer will fail, if you keep it long enough.It may be a simple problem,such as the floppy drive not reading the disk to a major system crash. Because computers are run by operators, User Error is the most common cause of computer malfunction.When the user is at the computer,he or she may add or delete certain files.Or he/she may remove or exchange certain hardware features. When we look at user error,we must remember that since we're human,the user error may be easy to solve by simply asking the last user if he/she installed any software,re-configured any software or hardware settings,etc. A large percentage of computer malfunctions are due to environmental factors such as power surges caused by lightning, resulting in overvoltage. Another cause for failure may be room temperature being too high or low,as well as dust,dirt,or sunlight. If you're in business and heavily dependent on your computers,such fators as room temperature,sunlight and protection against power surges is of the utmost importance and simply cannot be overlooked. The most common pc problem is when you can't access your PC at all.When you turn on the power switch,NOTHING HAPPENS. Here is a quick checklist of troublshooting procedures you should follow if you encounter this problem .We also have videos you can download from the Internet should you need assistance in just how to perform these procedures: Try the Power Switch a second or third time.If nothing happens.. Check the wall outlet for power.If the outlet has power. Check the power cord itself from wall to computer. http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/files/outlet.mpg Check the Power Supply inside the System Unit. http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/files/powt.mpg Replace the Power Supply rather than trying to repair it. http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/files/inspower.mpg If the system make those click noises,but the screen is blank, check the Monitor. http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/files/mont.mpg If the monitor proves to be good,check the Video Card, even in a new system. http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/files/vid4.mpg Another big headache you will most likely encounter if you're a regular user of your computer system,is the fact that Windows will fail to load or the system's POST will fail to run.Download the file below to learn much more about the Power On Self Test.Don't forget those preventive maintenance procedures that can be done to keep your PC running at peek performance. Running such Windows ultilities as Scandisk,Disk Defragment,and Disk Cleanup will help your computer performing at its best.Using a can of compressed air removes dust that could build to the point of causing a short. If you get the computer to boot but it does not want to read from the hard drive'the Master Boot Record on the hard drive may be corrupted or even missing. To verify that the master boot record has not been damaged... Boot from the floppy disk that contains the FDISK program and type the command " fdisk mbr " to restore the master boot record onto your hard drive. Otis F. Cooper is solely dedicated to boosting the knowledge and confidence of every computer user that is serious about knowing computers.Use his informative articles and videos to understand every aspect about the PC.Read more about his formula for pc training at http://www.pcbyvideo.com ---------------------------------- About the author: Otis F. Cooper is solely dedicated to boosting the knowledge and confidence of every computer user that is serious about knowing computers.Use his informative articles and videos to understand every aspect about the PC.Read more about his formula for pc training at http://www.pcbyvideo.com ------------------------------------------------------------ BUSINESS SECTION How To Avoid Home Business Scams Susie Michelle Cortright ------------------------------------------------------------ The email inboxes of net-savvy parents are often flooded with home business scams. We're prime targets. We know our way around a computer keyboard, and we love to spend time with our kids, so we're marked for every home-business opportunity in the book. And it's true: a lot of us would love nothing more than to make money and stay at home. That's why even though we know we can smell a rat a mile away, we're sometimes tempted...even by those less-than-reputable (and less-than-ethical) companies that rely on SPAM to get the word out. Here are a few tips to avoiding the scams and finding the right home-based business opportunity for you. IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE... It probably is. If you find an opportunity for which you can make a lot of money without spending any time working, move on to the next opportunity. VAGUE HEADLINES "Tammy made $4,000 in her first month. So can you." First of all, who is Tammy? Testimonials that are difficult to verify may not be legitimate. If the ad only gives first names and photographs of people holding scads of cash, be careful. If Tammy is a legitimate home-working entrepreneur, it's possible that she made that $4,000 in her first month...and significantly less after that time period. Also be wary of companies that offer to sell you lists of companies that are looking for homeworkers. A friend of mine once shelled out $95 for such a list, which turned out to be a listing straight from her yellow pages. When she contacted these businesses, she discovered that they were neither looking for home-workers nor did they agree to be listed in such a book. THE OVERHYPED Be leery if there is a strict time limit for investing in a business opportunity. Scammers know that the faster you act, the less you think (and research). And if this is a fly-by-night company, these time limits provide a better opportunity to take the money and run. Also, don't get too excited about deep discounts on starting costs. More costs may come later. And keep in mind that, in many states, the government does not regulate business opportunities with investments of less than $500. Some of the worst scams may fall into this category. RESEARCH Use your knowledge of the internet to avoid being scammed. Check for listings with the National Fraud Information Center (http://www.fraud.org/) as well as the Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org) You can also conduct a search for the business opportunities on Google Groups (http://www.groups.google.com) Here you'll find an archive of newsgroup postings. If someone has been scammed, chances are they'll want to warn others. IF YOU DECIDE TO SIGN... Get everything in writing, including business expenses-- from fees to equipment to supplies. Will the company refund any of your initial investment if you change your mind? Keep detailed records. Some online opportunities are lucrative and legitimate, and--armed with a few online resources--it's never been easier to sort the good from the bad. When it comes to working from home, "when there's a will, there's a way." Now it's up to you to find the way that best suits you and your lifestyle. -------------------------- About the author: Susie Michelle Cortright is the founder of Achieving At Home http://www.achievingathome.com, an online support center for parents who want to work from home. She is also the editor of Momscape (http://www.momscape.com) and the author of More Energy for Moms. ------------------------------------------------------------ How to be a guest columnist instructions ------------------------------------------------------------ In the next issue & issues after that, I will feature a guest columnist. So please send me your articles! Email them to, compuniversezine@yahoo.ca with the subject, "Article For EZine" Thanks! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Interesting Website Of The Month: http://www.bored.com *If you bored, this site has many websites that are humorous and interesting. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ------------------------------------------------------------ CLASSIFIED ADS ------------------------------------------------------------ Problem Solver Online Debuts! This service is a service that enables the user to submit a computer question and get it answered within 24 hrs. No waiting. If you want a reliable computer consulting service, go with Problem Solver Online. It's only $15/year! That's less then $2/month, one coffee! So don't delay and subscribe today! For a limited time, you will receive FREE bonuses when you subscribe! Go here: http://problemsolver.iwebland.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright 2003 Matthew Zator ------------------------------------------------------------ Online issues can be found at http://compuniverse.bizhosting.com/archives.html Do you like the ezine? Recommend it to a friend! ----------------------------------------------------------- Matthew Zator Editor, Computer Universe EZine & Problem Solver Online compuniversezine@yahoo.ca