If you have more than one disk installed on your computer it is not always obvious how to configure them. When deciding which disk to make the master (or boot disk) and which the slave, it is usually a good idea to use the faster one as the master. there is always information on the label about how to set the jumpers to set master/slave. You can leave both as masters if you have more than one IDE connector on the mother board and the computer will automatically select the drive on IDE-1 as the boot disk. It is usually preferable to keep CD ROMs and DVD players on the second IDE bus as they can slow down the master drive especially if both hard drives are configured as master.

Inexpensive mouse pads:

Here's an idea for an inexpensive mouse pad. Look in the fabric or craft section at discount department stores for the colorful, (albeit thin) 9"X12" sheets of craft material called "Foamies". They sell for about 99 cents each. If you feel you must have a thicker mouse pad, glue two together. Sure beats shelling out $4 for a smaller regular pad! -- "Tim and Cheryl"
Always back up important documents. Have one, preferably 2 backup system for your data. We were burgled and the thieves took the backup tapes as well. It is a good idea to keep a set of data at home or at another location.

AntiVirus Software For anyone needing AntiVirus software from an experienced company works brilliantly regular updates and to top it all it's FREE go to Computer Associates Site which is www.cai.com and you can download INOCULATE PERSONAL EDITION a top professional version which gives top class protection all for FREE.

Have good virus protection, Replace the fan every couple of years, Use "Uninstall", most programs make some changes to your operating system control files, deleting the program files will not remove these changes. Use "defrag" frequently

Subject: Programs that start up when you switch on:

Programs load-up automatically if they are in the Start-up folder of Windows 95 or Windows 98. Simply remove the program from the Start-Up folder (this will not remove the program all together) and you'll be OK. To remove the program from the Start-up folder: Right mouse click on Start. Click Explore. Double click on Programs. Double click on the folder named "Start Up". The programs listed in this folder automatically start when you're computer is booted up. Remove the program by clicking on it and pushing the delete key.

For more detailed control of start up configuration, go to "Start", " Programs", then "Accessories", System Tools ,"System Information", "Tools", "System Configuration Utility" then "Startup". Be careful what you delete, many of the programs are essential. If you clear out the programs you do not need at start-up then you will find that your computer will load up much faster.

Subject: Avoiding Spam:

My first one is one that your site could probably use. There are spiders (internet programs) which collect email addresses by searching all web pages email addresses or for a mailto: link. These are added to the CDs of "over a million internet addresses" which are sent to spammers. A better idea now is to use a form or CGI which does not have the email address on the html page. Another option is to make your email address a gif image so that it can be easily be read by real people but including “nospam” or something similar inside your e-mail address can reduce not automatic programs -Spamming. I frequently do it on Usenet or when I think that the spiders are likely to scoop me up.Two Anti-Spam software tools are Spam Buster and Spam Killer. They check new messages against a blacklist of known spammers and subject lines.

Subject: Deleting programs from your hard drive (Windows95/98) Better safe than sorry! Always use the Utility that you will find in the “Settings” Panel (Start/Settings/Add-Remove Programs) or the “undelete” utility that came with the program. If you get messages asking if you want to delete components of the program that may be used elsewhere, then in my experience we you should say no and leave them there. They may be taking up some space on your drive but there is a probability that your system will crash if you remove them. You can get rid of all the programs you don’t want the next time you do a low level format on the drive.

Use a Kitchen timer to tell when you have reached the end of your planned session on your PC. Your productivity will improve if you plan in advance what you intend doing in session. Schedule all of working time spent on your machine

Slippery mouse?

Sometimes it is not enough to just remove the dust from your mouse. Wash and scrub the ball with detergent and an abrasive pad. I found that even on poor "mousing surfaces" that there were no more problems with slippage. Don't you just love the term "mousing surface"?. I found it on one of my partner's computer magazines - had me chuckling all afternoon.

Subject Mouse cleaning:

If your mouse misbehaves don't just clean the ball. Clean the 3 rollers as well. A cotton bud dipped in alcohol usually works. If the deposits are really stubborn use the end of a matchstick to scrape them off.
Sound:

You can made complicated echo sound effects using the pretty basic sound recorder program that comes with Windows . To do this open the WAV file that you want to enhance, and then choose Edit, Copy. When you do this move the slider to the right a little. To get a mild reverberation effect set the slider to about 0.05 seconds (see the exact time in the box). To make a larger echo move the slider even further. Then choose Edit, Paste Mix to finish it. Click the play button to test it out.

DOS Web browsing:

If you have an older computer- or just want speed and no frills web browsing - Operasoftware (http://www.operasoft.com) have a web browser that does not use Windows. Another advantage is that it is considerably less memory intensive -- Dave Edmunds Security: keep all of your computer gear away from prying eyes. Keep it all away from the window to deter burglars.

If using a computer several hours a day you run the risk of developing painful hand and arm troubles, i.e. repetitive strain injury. I managed to recover from an extremely painful right forearm simply by transferring the mouse to the left hand side of the computer and changing over to a left hand mouse on the settings panel. Wrist rests on the keyboard and mouse help too.

Windows

Windows: when cutting and pasting text or images in any windows software a quick shortcut is to highlight the text you want to use and then use on of the corresponding keyboard shortcuts. CL + X is cut, CL + C is COPY, and CL + V is paste. -- Anon.

Graphics: to copy an image of the screen onto the clipboard in windows you can press the PRINT SCREEN button (called 'Prt Sc' or something like that on you keyboard). This only works for non-Windows applications only if they are running in text mode.

Windows: Do you get annoyed whenever you insert a compact disk into the CD-ROM drive and it automatically plays. Bypass the auto-play by holding down shift whilst inserting the CD-ROM. -- Gareth Richards, Essex UK

Passwords

Be original, make it as difficult as possible for the potential intruder. Don't use obvious ones and change them frequently. If you find it difficult to remember them don't write them down on a piece of paper you keep in your desk drawer or in an easily accessible file. Using the one you used last time reduces the security of your information significantly, as does using the same one on more than one system or application. You are often given a choice about how many letters you can use, use them all. Letters and numbers are better than just letters. If you are given the option of using upper and lower case then do so. Be original. If you are like me and have a failing memory then if you have them written down then use a code to keep them safe.
Children and Computers

AOL has good Parental Controls. It is a good idea to take advantage of them and others like it. There is no substitute for good over-the-shoulder supervision, and there are some pretty nasty sites and lots of scary people out there. Always stay involved with their surfing activities. Teach them never to share passwords or give out personal information. Ensure that they only ever go into chat rooms using a screen name that does not accept e-mail.