PCIN, The PC Improvement News logo

Issue 301 - July 21, 2004

ISSN 1488-3163; PC Improvements © 2004
==== 1956 Subscribers in 58 Countries ====

Welcome to the 301st issue of the PC Improvement News. PCIN consists mainly of news and tips. There is something for everyone, and if this is your first issue, I'm sure there will be something for you. If you give me two or three issues, I know that you will come back for more!

You can reach me at editor@pcin.net with any suggestions or comments.

Recommend PCIN at http://PCIN.net/recommend.php

Support PCIN at http://PCIN.net/donate.php

CONTENTS

Opening Thoughts

The site move is complete. We hit quite a few bumps, so if you were trying to send email, subscribe, unsubscribe, or do anything else and weren't able to, you can certainly try again.

I've added about 100 more pictures of Matthew (covering about 2 weeks) to the family web site. You can see them at http://wingfamily.ca/lisagraham/Matthew/

Chris and I still have GMail invitations. Send us tips, a software recommendation, a helpful web site, or anything that you think other PCIN subscribers would find useful and we'll send you a GMail invitation.

Graham editor@pcin.net and Chris chris@pcin.net

The NEWS

Are you flirting with a felon?

"Criminal background checks aren't just for Little League coaches and church volunteers any more. Now they are another way to vet prospective online dates.
Earlier this year, online dating upstart True.com announced it would use technology to protect members from flirting with felons. New members must submit to criminal background checks, and if they fail the test, they're out. The site also plans to add systematic screening for marital status soon.
'I wanted to provide a wholesome environment for courtship,' says CEO Herb Vest, who actually met his wife on a blind date. 'There are a lot of predators in this world. The first thing to do is to screen out people who are married and ex-felons.'"

For more info:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5429902/

Gates to donate $3 billion windfall

"Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates plans to give himself a $3 billion bonus. But unlike many top executives in Corporate America, the world's richest man doesn't plan to keep a penny of it.
As part of a plan announced Tuesday to distribute $75 billion to shareholders during the next four years, stockholders will receive a one-time dividend of $3 per share. As the company's largest
stockholder, with 1.1 billion shares, Gates stands to earn about $3 billion.
Gates said Tuesday that he plans to donate the windfall to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which works to expand access to technology through public libraries and to help fight diseases around the world. The foundation estimates its endowment at $27 billion."

For more info:
http://news.com.com/2100-7343_3-5277369.html

Open-source software running the Internet under the radar

"It powers more than 70 percent of all Web servers and routes much of the world's e-mail traffic. It makes surfing the Internet simple and provides the muscle behind Google Inc.'s search engine and countless e-commerce sites.
It's open-source software, a wide spectrum of programs developed not under the lock and key of a single company but by the communal efforts of volunteers who often start with little more than common interests and e-mail discussion groups."

For more info:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/internet/07/20/open.source.ap/index.html

Lindows Settles with Microsoft, Sets IPO Terms

"Lindows Inc. settled a trademark infringement case with Microsoft Corp., maker of Windows software, and set terms for a $48 million public offering on Monday, the company said.
The San Diego, California-based software company, which develops a version of the Linux operating system for consumers, had been planning to go public over the last few months, even as the dispute over whether its name and products were too similar to Microsoft's 'Windows' tied up senior management.
'We are pleased to resolve this litigation on terms that make business sense for all parties,' Michael Robertson, chief executive of Lindows, said in a statement.
Although Microsoft originally sued Lindows, it will pay the smaller company $20 million as part of the settlement, according to the settlement agreement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission."

For more info:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=technologyNews&storyID=5710004

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POLL of the WEEK

Last Week's Poll

Do you use online photo printing services?

Yes, always 4 % (3)
Yes, but only for large prints 0 % (0)
Occasionally 11 % (9)
No, I print my photos at home 57 % (47)
No, I go to the store for my prints 14 % (12)
No, I don't have digital photos to print 14 % (12)
Total votes: 83

This Week's Poll

Do you shutdown your computers nightly or just let them run?

I turn it off whenever I'm not using it
I turn it off at night only
I reboot my computer every few days
I almost never turn my computer off
I never turn my computer off

You can also vote online at http://PCIN.net/polls/

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PCIN.net UPDATE

Check out these new or updated pages on the PCIN.net site:

Updated Windows Registry Tips and Tweaks Article
http://PCIN.net/help/articles/registry_tips.php

MySlideShow 2.3 by Anix Software Software Software Review
http://PCIN.net/help/software/myslideshow.php

Anyplace Control by Anyplace Control Software Software Review
http://PCIN.net/help/software/anyplacecontrol.php

Inboxer 1.1 by Audiotrieve, LLC Software Review
http://PCIN.net/help/software/inboxer.php

Microsoft Outlook Add-Ins by MAPILab Ltd. Software Review
http://PCIN.net/help/software/mapilab.php

Return to the top Recommend PCIN.net Update

THE TIPS and OTHER STUFF

Protect Your Computer From Internet Explorer Vulnerabilities

Subscriber and co-worker Pat Clary sent me this:
http://www.smallbizpipeline.com/news/23900886
"Over the past few weeks more Internet Explorer vulnerabilities have come to light. Bob Matsuoka, President and founder of Runtime Technologies, offers some detailed advice."

Windows XP A to Z

"Windows XP A to Z - Tips, Tweaks, Articles, Downloads, Wallpapers, Visual Styles and Software Reviews for Microsoft Windows XP
Welcome to WindowsXPAtoZ.com! Here you will find tips and tweaks to improve and customize Microsoft Windows XP."
Check it out at http://www.windowsxpatoz.com/

Pricelessware

"The best of the best in Windows © Freeware, as determined by the readers of alt.comp.freeware "
Check it out at http://www.pricelessware.org/

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PCIN.net AFFILIATED SITES

Both of us have other sites other than PCIN.net. These are all sites that we are actively involved in (they aren't client sites). Don't forget to check them out from time to time for updates:

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DISCLAIMER and OTHER STUFF

PCIN is brought to you by Graham Wing. The opinions expressed are those of the Editor, Graham Wing and the Assistant Editor, Chris Empey. Graham Wing and Chris Empey accept no responsibility for the results obtained from trying the tips in this newsletter.

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  3. Recommend PCIN to others at http://PCIN.net/recommend.php and be entered in a monthly draw.
  4. The only way to become a subscriber is by asking. You have either filled out the subscription form or asked me directly.
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Graham Wing can be reached at editor@pcin.net
Chris Empey can be reached at chris@pcin.net

Copyright 1998-2004, Graham Wing. All rights reserved.

This publication may be reproduced in whole, or in part, as long as the author is notified and the newsletter is presented as is.

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