Review Chairman's Industry Comments (02/04)
The Computer Buffet
by Herb Goldstein, Review Editor
E-mail comments, suggestions, etc. to Herb Goldstein at: revieweditor@spcug.org
PHOTO PRINTERS. Choice Of printers today can be very confusing. Inkjets are the vastly predominate choice for obvious reasons. Color is more appealing to the eye. If printing text is pretty much all you do, a laser printer is by far the wiser choice. Lasers are considerably faster, produce sharper text, and avoid the biggest expense involved with inkjets, the cost of ink.
Among inkjets there is a plethora of frequently changing makes and models, the most expensive of these being photo printers. Some accept a direct connection to your digital camera and some even present a thumbnail view of each photo. As the name applies, their specialty is printing digital camera photos with better color gradation and with a cost per copy that approximates drug-store film processing. Photo inkjets normally contain 2 to 3 times the number of ink cartridges to produce more accurate color. The amount of ink each cartridge contains is usually less than a standard inkjets and delivers finer droplets of ink to paper. The best results are achieved on special and considerably more expensive photo inkjet papers.
ZDNet recently evaluated photo printers, a summary of their choices follows. Reviews in detail can be accessed from their website at http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/AnchorDesk/4520-7298_16-5114500.html?tag=adss
Epson Stylus C84 (a ZDNet Editors' Choice)
This is the best option if you want one printer for text, graphics, and photos-and with a price tag under $100, it fits into most people's budgets. The C84 delivers good output quality, fast print speeds, and low ink costs.
HP Photosmart 7960 (a ZDNet Editors' Choice)
The industry's first eight-color printer, the 7980 is our pick for a photo specialist. It stands out for its superior photo print quality and extra features, such as a built-in LCD to preview images and direct printing from your camera.
Canon i560 (a ZDNet Editors' Choice)
Like the Epson Stylus C84, this printer is both inexpensive and a solid performer. The i560 doesn't guzzle ink and offers something the C84 doesn't: the ability to print directly from a digital camera.
Canon i70 The i70 is one of the speediest inkjets around-and it's small enough to carry along on trips or to and from the office. It connects directly to digital cameras and can churn out borderless photos and 8.5x11-inch prints.
HP Photosmart 245 Another portable, lightweight option, the 245 costs less than the Canon CP-300, but doesn't come with a battery option. It produces nice-looking photos, but only in 4x6-inch and similar-sized formats.
Canon CP-300 The most compact and sleek of the portables, it's also the most expensive. If you've got the money, it includes a battery and uses the dye-sublimation technology mentioned above. Because of its small size, it only prints 4x6's.
GET RID OF THAT PRINTER RESPONSIBLY. Rather than tossing your old printer, recycle it. Epson and Lexmark take their own equipment back. Epson charges $10 per item; Lexmark does not charge. Dell takes back Dell and other brands. Its charge is $15 for 50 pounds. Check terms with all three before you send anything. Their sites are:
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/Recycle/RecycleProgram.jsp
http://snipurl.com/dellrecycle
http://www.lexmark.com/US/corporate/printer_recycle.html
GOOGLE NOW TRACKS UPS. Google now gives you the option to search based on Federal Express and UPS shipment tracking numbers. When you search on a tracking (airbill) number from either of these carriers (and that's all you have to enter: the tracking number) you get a new screen that offers to track the package. Simply follow that link and you'll see the carrier's current status report.
XP SERVICE PAK 2. The next update to Win XP in the form of Service Pak 2 is due by mid-year. changes in SP2 are focused on security. The update includes a reworked firewall component, now dubbed Windows Firewall, that will be turned on by default to protect PCs from outside threats.
SP2 also turns off the Windows Messenger service by default. Spammers have latched onto Windows Messenger-which is supposed to be primarily used by systems staff to send administrative messages to computers on a network-as a way to deliver unsolicited pop-up ads. In addition, the update tweaks the Internet Explorer Web browser to block pop-up ads on Web sites and to prevent inadvertent downloads of software.
The service pack has a number of security updates aimed at preventing exploitation of "buffer overrun" flaws, an increasingly popular avenue for hackers to use in launching remote attacks on PCs. It also provides more support for wireless networking and for short-range Bluetooth wireless connections, along with a new version of Microsoft's DirectX graphics library.
Service packs typically bring together bug fixes and patches previously introduced in piecemeal fashion. Service Pack 1 for Windows XP, released in May, combined such patches with a handful of tweaks required by the settlement of the government's antitrust case against the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant. But Microsoft has been under increasing pressure to improve the security of its products, after a number of high-profile attacks this year. It has made security a key focus in the development of the next version of Windows, code-named Longhorn. But with Longhorn not due to hit the market until 2006, the company has to rely on Windows XP service packs to address immediate security issues.
FREE POP-UP STOPPER. There are probably at least as many pop-up internet ad stoppers around as there are pop-up ads. Most utilities involved with the internet today seem to have one. But in case you don't already have one, the original pop-up stopper from Panicware is still around and it's basic version that does the job is free. Panicware.com
POWER TOYS FOR XP. Many Windows 95 and 98 users will probably remember the Power Toys (especially Tweak UI) that added so much utility to Windows, but few realize that a new set of Power Toys is around for XP. It provides a useful group of goodies from which you have your choice. Download them at www.microsoft.com/windowsxp//pro/downloads/powertoys.asp
On the right hand side of the page you will see a list of the individual power toys. Right-click the executable file for a power toy, click Save Target As, select a folder, and click Save. Then open the folder you selected and double-click the executable file to install the power toy. After installation, some power toys appear in the start menu. Successively click start, all programs, power toys for windows XP. It's recommended you install and try one at a time. Use Add and Remove programs to get rid of any you don't find useful.
TASK MANAGER IN XP. We often use the keyboard combination Ctrl+Alt+Del in terminating a program that has failed to respond. But there are several other ways to call up Task Manager: simply right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager from the context list; Start|Run and enter "taskmgr" (without the quotes); or, use the keyboard bomination Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
STUDIOLINE PHOTO BASIC provides the full range of filters, effects, and other capabilities offered in their retail product, and manages up to 200 photos in the image archive. Some limitations during import/export, printing, emailing, and Web galleries apply, but otherwise this is a free fully-functional program with no time limitations at http://www.studioline.biz/EN/news/photo-edition-basic-1/default.htm .
CALENDARS, calendars, calendars. Every size shape and variety.daily, weekly, monthly, etc. They are yours free. Print them out at http://snipurl.com/templatecalendar
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC has lots of fascinating stories for you science and nature buffs at their website. Look them over at http://snipurl.com/natgeograph. It's well worth a visit.
A MEDICAL NOTE. If you have an illness that is not responding to traditional or holistic medicine, you might want to take part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that try new methods of treatment. This could be a new drug not yet approved, a drug used for a different illness, a device (like a Pacemaker) or something else. WebMD has a matching service that will help you find a clinical trial. It also has information on the risks and benefits and what to expect if you participate. http://my.webmd.com/medical_information/clinical_trials/default.htm
ONLINE REFERENCE FOR PETS. Here's some good advice for pet owners from Kim Komando. Having a sick pet can be heart-wrenching and frustrating. It's nice to know that there is a reference manual that can answer almost any question. With over 12,000 indexed topics and 1,200 illustrations, The Merck Veterinary Manual claims to be the single most comprehensive electronic reference. After looking at it, it's hard to discount that claim. Has your cat been diagnosed with feline leukemia? Find out the various treatments or future prevention and control. Thinking of forgoing store-bought food for your cat or dog? You might want to read the section on nutrition first. If you have a pet, you might want to bookmark this site. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp
COMPACTING EMAIL FOLDERS. If your email program is running noticeably slower, it may be that you are overlooking the need to clean out deleted files. When you delete a file, for example, Outlook Express and Eudora both mark it as deleted without actually removing it. Periodically compact folders to optimize speed and disk space. In OE, right click on the Deleted Items folder and empty it, then choose File, scroll to Folder, and select Compact All Folders. In Eudora, select Special and Compact Mailboxes.
PC-CILLIN IS TOPS! Trend Micro was recently chosen by Forbes as "Best of the Web" in Security. Forbes' 2003 B2B guide includes profiles of 85 best-of-breed companies in 21 industries. According to Forbes, "Trend Micro is widely considered to offer one of the best enterprise antivirus packages on the market, edging out bigger rivals like Symantec."
BEST DVD FORMAT. CDR-Info, the recording authority, has determined that DVD-R is clearly the most compatible DVD recording format on the market. To assess the compatibility level of DVD Formats we created video content on a DVD writer using DVD-R/RW and +R/RW media. These discs were then played back in other DVD players and DVD-ROM drives -over a 1,000 combinations of drive, media and player were tested.
The content created on a DVD-R/RW writer using a write once DVD-R disc played back in virtually all (96.1 percent) of the DVD players and DVD-ROM drives used in the research. DVD+R discs played back in 87.6 percent of the devices tested.
Since the market for recording to DVD has developed, and different formats have emerged, consumers have been concerned about the compatibility of their DVD recording devices with DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. The findings suggest that for customers who wish to create content on a DVD writer and interchange this with other PC drives and consumer DVD players, DVD-R is the clear format of choice.
ONLINE BIBLES. Here's a great site if you're interested in reading, researching or listening to the Bible. There are many different versions listed. You can also choose from 30 languages. Conduct a search based on passages or keywords. Or, listen to the Bible in five languages. If you are unsure what a passage means, check out the commentaries written by theologians. biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
IT'S O'REILLY..Oh, really!
Some weeks ago, one of our members told me about a book on Windows XP that really turned him on. With praises like, "It's the best software book I've ever seen," my curiosity was aroused. He had purchased it at Barnes & Noble. The name of the book was "Windows XP, The Missing Manual (The book that should have been in the box)," and the publisher was O'Reilly.
Now, I have been doing computer book reviews for 16 years now and have never come across a publisher named "O'Reilly." Osborne McGraw-Hill, Sybex, Peachpit, New Riders, SAMS, Que, and Microsoft Press are all very familiar names, but "O'Reilly??" It took my good friend, PC World's noted columnist Steve Bass, to inform me of a book he had just written and was to be published by O'Reilly Press. Well, now my curiosity was really aroused! Steve provided a contact source and I was off and running.
Sure enough, there really is an O'Reilly Press, and they are not as widely known as they should be. Among their PC related offerings are a number of books that are indeed unique. I will tell you about some of the others in due time, but for the present let's look at "Windows XP, The Missing Manual (The book that should have been in the box)."
It's an unusual title that addresses a common and quintessential problem. When you buy software today, there is almost always no,other than emaciated, documentation (except perhaps the limited amount offered in the help menu) on how to use it. You are expected to have a crystal ball, ouija board or perhaps a guru living next door to sort it all out. That, in fact, is why we have so many subscribers to the various SIG's we offer. It's also why the various publishers of after-market manuals stay in business.
That's not the way it used to be. When the economy pooped out, many software publishers became very chintzy. User group requests for review software that was formally liberally provided suddenly became unworthy of its advertising value in user group publications. Along with the rush to become pennywise and pound-foolish, previously plentiful documentation that used to accompany most software packages became a thing of the past, leaving users in darkness. Well why not, when you can extract an extra buck for the paid technical support that forces you to speak (on your nickel, no less!) in Sri-Lankan to some monk in Tibet in order to figure out how to get the software up and running.
So, the manual that should have been in the box is missing, and that's a particularly vexing problem when it comes to the very basic heart of your computer's operating system, like Windows XP. David Pogue, popular N.Y. Times computer columnist got together with Craig and L.J Zager (two other writer-computer mavens) to crank out the book that most users of Windows XP would find extremely useful to very much essential. O'Reilly publishes it and I strongly urge you to give it a look, after which, chances are you will promptly buy it and live happily ever after.
The book comes in two models, one for XP Home and one for XP Pro. Each is prolific, over 600 pages, and written in the very same easy, plain-English style for which David Pogue is deservedly noted. In 21 chapters and several appendixes, you will learn the ins and outs of XP. Simply explained and with prolific illustrations tips?and screen captures, it will give you everything you need to know about your operating system. Use it as a tutorial or as a reference, it's a masterpiece. It is the one book that every XP user should possess.
It lists for 30 bucks, but you will find it discounted. Look for it locally at Barnes and Noble, or contact the publisher at oreilly.com.
Windows XP Pro. ISBN 0-596-00348-X
In coming issues of the Monitor, we'll tell you more about some of the unique and useful O'Reilly publications. They obligingly have provided us with a 20% discount on any of their directly ordered books. If you do order directly, be sure to include our user group discount code: DSUG where indicated when ordering online at www.oreilly.com. If you order by phone at 800-998-9938, ask for customer service and give the representative your DSUG code. You can also contact our user group rep, Marsee Hennon, at that number.
LOGITECH CLICK OPTICAL MICE
Winding up our series on Logitech's mice, we are looking at their optical cordless "Click" line. As with the others we previously looked at, the two Click mice incorporate Logitech's fast and accurate RF technology into their optical feature. Gone is the nuisance ball found in non-optical mice. A small send-receive unit attaches to either a PS/2 or USB port on your computer to communicate with the mouse and to give you the blessing of its cordless function.
The mouse comes in a basic and a "Plus" model. The latter provides six programmable buttons and the former provides four with the supplied mouse software. Either can be used by both left and right handers. Both provide a quick switch selector button. They are powered by two supplied AA batteries which in normal usage should last up to 6 months before replacement. The Click mouse functions smoothly, easily, and is very comfortable to your hand.
List prices vary from 25 to 40 dollars. Discounts are widely available. Logitech's unique 5 year warranty applies to these mice. In they unlikely event they present a problem, Logitech will provide a brand new no-hassle replacement. Would that all PC hardware manufacturers stood equally behind their products! :
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Copyright 2004. This article is from the February 2004 issue of the Sarasota PC Monitor, the official monthly publication of the Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group, Inc., P.O. Box 15889, Sarasota, FL 34277-1889. Permission to reprint is granted only to other non-profit computer user groups, provided proper credit is given to the author and our publication. We would appreciate receiving a copy of the publication the reprint appears in, please send to above address, Attn: Editor. For further information about our group, email: admin@spcug.org/ Web: http://www.spcug.org/
The Sarasota Personal Computer Users Group, Inc. has 1,100+ members and was established in 1982. We are members of the Assoc. of PC User Groups (APCUG), the Florida Assoc. of PC Users Groups, Inc., and we are members of the America Online Ambassador Program.
See http://www.spcug.org for all reviews from the Sarasota PC Monitor, go to the Newsletter Section.