This month's newsletter will give you a break from our north country winters.
First... the vacation ideas-
One of the little-known advantages of Novell Certification is that occasionally there are tidbits of relaxation thrown in along with the pages of technical articles. If you know a friend who needs a "virtual" get-away, check out http://www.vrvacations.com. Some other "virtual" getaways can be found at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/adventures , http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/onlinelibrary.html , http://www.goals.com , http://www.nationalgeographic.com and finally http://www.virtualfreesites.com .
Enjoy!!!
Now on to the working part of the newletter...
Reminders....
Update your anti-virus software, backup important data, and don't open email attachments with EXE, COM, VBS endings. Also be careful with Microsoft Office attachments. Also it doesn't hurt to update Internet Explorer and Outlook Express with the latest Microsoft patches.
Windows ME...
Windows ME is a mix between Windows NT (New Technology) and Windows 98. It is quite a good operating system BUT... it maintains it's stability by limiting compatibility with older hardware and software along with operator access to system settings. If you want a new PC for home use and don't need ANY backwards compatibility, ME is a good choice, otherwise opt for Win '98 Second Edition if you can find it.
Networking News...
Prices on network components are coming down. Here's an update on some network terminology that you may find useful.
HUB- Commonly used to connect computers together in Ethernet. It is a box with usually 4 up to 24 jacks that make a "party line" connection for network data. Hubs come in 10 megabits per second and 10/100 megabits per second varieties. If you have a 100 mbs network card, category 5 network cables, and a 10/100 hub, you will communicate much faster than a 10 mbs connection. Do not try to use a 100 mbs connection over Category 3 (older) cabling or you will have many data errors and intermittent problems.
SWITCH- Looks just like a hub, but acts like a telephone switchboard to send data to only those computers that need to receive it. A switch will directly replace a hub and substantially increase performance. Switches usually come in 10/100 megabits per second varieties.
WebRamp- A product manufactured by Ramp Networks that allows sharing of an Internet connection.
ROUTER- Connects one kind of network to another. A WebRamp connects an Ethernet network data set to the Internet to a modem connected to the Internet.
FIREWALL- A device commonly inside a router that "hides" the computers behind it from the Internet.
Internet Speed test...
Your Internet connection speed is determined by many things... use this link to test it. INTERNET SPEED TEST Another interesting thing to try is to go to a DOS prompt, the type TRACERT electronicexperts.com . It will show you the path along the Internet and time each packet takes. You can also substitute any domain name for electronicexperts.com. Another interesting Internet test site is at Internetweather.com.
That's it for this issue... Happy Computing !!!
Our processor fan deal is still on... D & M Electronics, Inc. will sell you a replacement ball bearing (the best one, NOT sleeve bearings) Pentium Processor fan. (for a typical Pentium chip) for only $4.95 if you mention this newsletter. This is a $10.00 savings over Radio Shack's $14.95. This offer is good as long as supplies last and does not include installation. (We have several dozen in stock.)
That's it for this month... if you have a topic you would like me to discuss, just email me!
Until next time... Happy Computing !
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