Issue 195 - July 10, 2002

ISSN 1488-3163; PC Improvements © 2002
==== 2301 Subscribers in 57 Countries ====

Welcome to the 195th 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.shtml

CONTENTS

OPENING THOUGHTS

I was in Toronto today attending Comdex Canada 2002. They say that the PC Industry is in a slump right now. Well the problem is that there are no companies creating anything new and interesting for the PC so we have no reason to get a new PC. All of the exhibits were using the same tired, old marketing phrases and were promoting the same tired products. There were a few things that we might take a look at for work, but other than that, it was very uneventful.

I think my web hosting problems are solved. I have found a new provider and this newsletter is the first one to go out from the new provider. Hopefully you are all reading this the way you are expecting. Please email me at editor@pcin.net with any problems you are having with the newsletter.

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

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The NEWS

Court cuts off deep linking

"In one of the first legal decisions to ban so-called deep linking, a Danish court has ruled that a news site cannot provide hyperlinks to certain Web pages without the permission of publishers.
Under the ruling, news aggregator Newsbooster is banned from providing some deep links--or links to Web pages other than a site's front door--from its site or newsletters."

For more info:
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105-942212.html

The record labels' new target--Joe Blow?

"Record labels hell-bent on strangling unauthorized music copying on the Internet are considering widening their legal efforts to include lawsuits against individuals, according to industry sources.
The move comes as the industry wrestles to contain the effects of peer-to-peer software applications that allow consumers to link their PCs into massive cooperatives where millions of music titles can be found and copied for free. Despite legal rulings that have helped the labels shut down some of the most popular providers of file-swapping services, such as Napster, such networks have grown unabated."

For more info:
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1106-941590.html
http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/1380591

Microsoft changes tune on Linux

"Microsoft appears to be changing its tactics in its ongoing spat with the Linux and open-source world by taking a booth at this August's LinuxWorld Expo for the first time.
The Windows giant has never ignored the Linux show, often sending executives along to scope out the terrain and pitch Microsoft's point of view, but it has never taken the step of renting a booth. Senior executives, including chairman Bill Gates, have long preferred a more caustic form of engagement with open source and its underlying philosophy, calling it a 'cancer' and arguing that 'Free Software' goes against everything that capitalism stands for.
Last week, however, Microsoft finalized its plans for establishing a small presence in the 'Rookery' area of the conference, which showcases first-time exhibitors. On display will be Microsoft's embedded offerings, including Windows CE .Net and Windows XP Embedded; the former is aimed at handheld devices, and the latter is a modular form of Windows XP that can be customised for everything from cash registers to Internet fridges."

For more info:
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-941951.html

eBay buys PayPal for $1.5 billion

"Like many of its customers, auction giant eBay has decided to use PayPal as its electronic payment system.
On Monday, eBay said it is acquiring online payments company PayPal in a deal valued at $1.5 billion. eBay will also phase out its own competing service, eBay Payments by Billpoint.
PayPal, which went public earlier this year, allows consumers to make and accept payments over the Internet without using a credit card. The bulk of its business comes from eBay auctions."

For more info:
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1106-941980.html

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POLL of the WEEK

Here are the responses from the last poll:

How many email accounts does your ISP allow?

None           0.00 % (0)
1             10.53 % (4)
2              2.63 % (1)
3              7.89 % (3)
4              2.63 % (1)
5             28.95 % (11)
> 5           28.95 % (11)
I don't know  18.42 % (7)

Total votes: 38

Visit http://pcin.net/polls/ to participate in the new poll this week:

Does your ISP limit the bandwidth (speed or transfer) you can use?

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FREEHELP FORUM

Visit the new and improved PCIN FreeHelp Forum at http://www.pcin.net/help/forum/index.php to post your questions or answer others.

Question

How do I configure my Windows 98SE system so that it prompts for Mandatory Login every time it boots?

Response

No Replies Posted Yet

To post a response, visit the Hardware forum at http://www.pcin.net/help/forum/index.php?board=4 and click on the "securing Windows 98SE" subject.

Visit http://www.pcin.net/help/forum/index.php to post a question of your own.

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PCIN.net UPDATE

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

Updated Registry Tips (now 142)
http://PCIN.net/help/articles/registry_tips.shtml

New and Improved PCIN.net Links section
http://PCIN.net/links/

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THE TIPS and OTHER STUFF

Open Acrobat Reader Independently

Some people like to have PDFs open in their browser window. Others prefer to download the file and view it later. If you want to reconfigure Acrobat Reader so that it opens in its own window, visit http://www.statcan.ca/english/public/trouble.htm

WebPhone Jack

I received a press release from Sabeena Taharally, the Director of Industry Relations at MicroElectronicDesign that claims they have a perfect product for talking over the Internet. I haven't tried the product, but I thought I'd share some of the press release:
"MicroElectronicDesign has created the ideal PC accessory for anyone who wants to clear up their voice quality on the Internet. The device is called "WebPhone Jack" and uses advanced proprietary digital signal processing algorithms with audiophile class components to clear up conversations over the World Wide Web.
Originally designed to interface Microsoft's Netmeeting product with speakerphones in the corporate environment; this stand-alone hardware DSP based device happily interfaces with all H.323, SIP and other VoIP software including Microsoft and Yahoo Messenger programs.
Unlike competitive units, which use simple, out-dated echo cancellation circuits, WebPhone Jack's DSP automatically adjusts for variations caused by Internet traffic and telephone set quality in real-time."
Check it out at http://www.microelectronicdesign.com/

Helpful Excel Tips

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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.

  1. If any of the links are too long to fit on one line, you may have to cut and paste.
  2. You can only win one contest every 30 days.
  3. To subscribe another address or unsubscribe, please visit http://www.pcin.net/ and follow the appropriate links.
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  5. There are only 2 ways to get on the subscriber list. You have either been subscribed by filling out a subscription form on any of the pages on my site, or you have requested FreeHelp from me in the past.
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Graham Wing can be reached at editor@pcin.net
Chris Empey can be reached at chris@pcin.net

Copyright 1998-2002, 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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