Sunday, April 26, 2009

Computer Tips [ Fix Your Internet Connection + Is Your Copy Of Windows Illegal? + About Time ] 04/27/2009

Computer Tipswww.worldstart.com

Quick Tips

In Another Time...

Do you have a need for an additional clock on your desktop? Maybe you have a son or daughter in the service overseas, or perhaps relatives living in Europe? It's always good to know what time it is where they are, so you're not calling them at 3 o'clock in the morning and disrupting their rest. So, let's learn how to pin another clock up today!

1.) Right-click on your clock in the taskbar and select Adjust Date/Time
2.) Click the Additional Clocks Tab
3.) Check Show This Clock to add a clock (you can add one or both, by the way)


4.)Select the time zone you want.
5.)Enter a display name for your new clock and click OK.

How Timely!

~Andrew

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Announcements

1.) Quick Tip - In another time....in another place... it's 2:45 am.
2.) Computers 101 - What's all this I hear about Windows Genuine Advantage?
3.) MS Office - Confused by Microsoft Excel? Join the club! Then read this tip!
4.) Tip of the Day - Broadband troubles? Want to fix them yourself? Give this a shot!
5.) Today's Feature - It's the Monday Video Tip! Let's Alphabetize!
6.) Cool Site
-
Your short-term goal for today? Visit our Cool Site!

Announcements

 

You'll NEVER Touch MS Office Again!

Amazing New Software Blows It Away - For A Tiny FRACTION Of The Price!

Don't Spend Hundreds On MS Office - Try This Instead!

Fast, Quick To Learn, And Takes Easy To Use To The Next Level!

Full Featured - Everything You'd Ever Want And Then Some!

Discover What All The Excitement Is About!!

You know, we've offered some pretty amazing software in the past, but just wait till you see what we have for you today!! When it comes to bang-for-the-buck, our newest title, Office Suite 2008 just blows everything else away! I can't tell ya how absolutely impressed I am with this amazing software! It's a phenomenal MS Office alternative that has EVERY feature you'd ever want or need in an office suite at a price that's almost a give-away!!! PLUS - this is 100% MS Office compatible!

First off, I can tell you that MS Office no longer has a place on my computer - or any new computers that we get for the office! Office Suite 2008 is not just an alternative to MS Office - in my opinion, it's actually a WAAAAYY BETTER alternative! It's easier to use, faster, and just way more user-friendly! Seriously - just wait till you spend your first hour or so with it - you'll wonder why you haven't been using it all along! You won't believe how impressive this software is!

OfficeSuite 2008

In fact, most of the articles you see here in the newsletter were written either with one version or another of this software! Why shell out up to $800 for MS Office when these does everything it does - and then some - for a FRACTION of the price? Heck, I just installed this on my new laptop for an upcoming trip! I can tell you this - once you give this a try, you won't be back to MS Office and their insane prices - EVER!

What do you get? Well, EVERYTHING! This includes an absolutely fantastic word processor, a spreadsheet program on steroids (it just stomps Excel), presentation software that makes PowerPoint all but obsolete, an incredible drawing program (think easy to use TurboCad), an advanced calculating program, and even a souped-up, high-end database! PLUS it can even create PDFs with the push of a button from most applications! WOW! To get even close to that with MS office you'd be looking at a small fortune!

OK, So how close is this to MS Office, really? 

Well, I was editing a document with a friend and for first half-hour he thought we were using MS Office. Finally he looked at it a little closer and said, "Hey - what program is this?" I told him about it - and how inexpensive it was - and he was blown away! He couldn't believe that you could get a program like this for less than $15!! In fact, at first he thought I was kidding around. Well, he's got a few on the way for himself now! Why shell out $400 - $800 for MS Office when you can get this for a small fraction of the cost? Check it out:

The 2 of the main components are a top notch Word Processor and a Spreadsheet Program. Both look a LOT like MS Word and MS Excel - in fact, if you just open it up and ignore the title bar, you'd swear that you were using an improved version of MS Office! It's THAT good. Oh, and like I said, this also comes with a phenomenal presentation program, drawing program, database and MORE! Let's look at the main two everyone use though - I just want to give you an idea why this program is sooo great!

The Word Processor is just fantastic! I mean, it really has everything - a spell checker, grammar checker, thesaurus, auto text, tables, password protection, mail merge, easy font selection, auto numbering, etc. Plus, everything is very intuitive - it just seems like things are where you expect them to be and work the way you'd expect them to work. It's like the person who wrote the software actually uses the software! Here's just a taste of what you can create with the word processor:

OfficeSuite 2008

Oh PLUS ~ You can turn your document into a PDF file with the click of one button ~ this is a terrific feature!!

Oh, and wait till you see the Spreadsheet Program! It looks and functions just like MS Excel! Even the menus are virtually identical - everything you're used to doing in Excel can be done just as quickly here. TONS of built-in formulas, formatting, and functions at your fingertips. Create charts in just a few mouse clicks, filter data easily, send spreadsheets via e-mail, you name it, this can do it! You'll never need Excel again (or wan to use it for that matter)!!

The really cool thing is that all of this is 100% MS Office Compatible. It not only opens MS Office files (.doc, .xls) but can also save in that format! That way, you don't need to have MS Office to create or save MS Office documents. Cool huh?

I tell ya what - I could go on and on about this one - it's really one of the most - if not the most - powerful office suites I've ever had the privilege of using! I'm really excited about having it on my computer and I can't recommend this highly enough! If you need office software, you just gotta give this a try!

Oh, your cost? Glad you asked! Just $12.97 and US shipping is FREE!  It's almost a give-away for that kind of money - especially when you think that MS Office is $400-$800!! Try it, you'll thank me later :-)

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4950

PS - These always FLY outta here, and this newest version is the best ever! Make sure you zip on over to the site and get yourself a copy before they sell out! It's really amazing that you can get software this powerful for just $12.97! Check it out!!


A Webcam With A Headset!!

Webcam

This Will Solve Some of Your Audio Problems!!

If you've used a webcam, you may have had some problems with the quality of your audio being transmitted and it wasn't as clear as you hoped it would be. If that's the case, don't feel too bad...that's a common "technical" issue a lot of people have. What happens is, the microphone that's pickin' up your voice is attached to the webcam, which is sittin' on top of your computer. So if you think about, your voice has to travel probably a couple of feet (or better) to get to the microphone. And it's in making that loooong stretch where the problem comes in!

If you raise the volume, you might get feedback. Or maybe there's just some static creepin' in along the way. But if there's bad voice quality issues goin' on, it's often caused by the distance you're voice has to travel to get to the microphone. (Either that or maybe you just have a crummy voice and ya need singin' lessons, which we can't help you with.) But we can help you with that distance problem and here's just the thing to fix that.

This is a USB 2.0 Webcam and the big difference is that it has a headset with a microphone! So, instead of your voice having to travel all that distance to reach the webcam, you just speak right into the microphone attached to the headset! That way, your voice having to travel several feet to reach the microphone, it only has to travel about six inches...big difference!!!

This headset just slips over your ear, the microphone goes in front of your face and then just start yackin'! Plus you've got a headset you've got hands free voice communication!

So now you can connect on the Internet with friends and family with this affordable SOPU CA-51 380K USB 2.0 Webcam!

And you'll be happy with video from the webcam. It has an image sensor of 380K pixels, 640 x 480 resolution and a 52° viewing angle. (Bunch of fancy talk for, "the video looks real good!")

And this will work with your favorite instant messaging applications including MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo and Windows Messenger! You can record videos and post 'em on YouTube, heck some people are even sending "video emails"!

And installation is easy - it's all "plug and play"! Just be sure to install the software first (just like most webcams), connect the webcam to any USB enabled notebook or desktop computer, and it's just like Hollywood! (Well...sort of. You'll still have the family screamin' in the background and all... but your videos sure will look and sound great!)

Webcam

So if you're lookin' to solve those audio problems you have when recording video, and if singin' lessons don't help, this definitely will!! But better grab this how while it's only $16.97 and US Shipping is FREE!!!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=5061

P.S. Give this a whirl and see if it doesn't improve the audio on your webcam transmissions a bunch!!!


Awesome Wireless 3D Optical Mouse - With A TWIST!

If The Batteries Die, Pull Out The Retractable Cord!

Ingenious Back-Up Retractable USB Cable Hides Inside The Mouse!

Amazing Quality Too - Feels GREAT In Your Hand!

Perfect For Both Desktops and Laptops!

WOW! Best Mouse You'll Ever Own!

ONLY 99 Available!!

Sick and tired of all those pesky wires on your desktop? Me too! Well, grab this mouse today and help unclutter that rat's nest of wires! You'll wonder why you kept that old, annoying wired mouse for so long!

Here's the exciting part about this one! You know what the number one problem is with wireless mice? The stupid batteries ALWAYS die at the worst possible time! I hate that! Having a wireless mouse is fantastic, until it's late, you need to finish something up, your mouse is belly-up, and there's no "AA" batteries to be found. Well, these guys thought of that and created a backup plan - this has a retractable USB cord that you can plug in!

You read that right! Next time your batteries die, just pull out the retractable cable and plug into any free USB port and get right back at it! FINALLY - someone designed a wireless mouse with a brilliant backup plan! When you get new batteries, just retract the cord and you'll never know it's there!

With that said, the above problem is gonna be rare for you because this guy is a big-time battery saver! When this mouse is not in use, it will actually turn off, saving you tons of battery juice! Replacing the batteries will no longer be a weekly ordeal - these batteries you will you a LONG time!

In addition, this mouse uses amazing optical technology! You know what I hate about regular "ball" mice- they collect dirt and dust. Do you remember always having to dig out a Q-tip, take apart the mouse, and delicately clean out that area so it would "roll" correctly? DO you still do that?? Not with this guy - no cleaning necessary!

Now so far this mouse is sounding pretty awesome- but you gotta check this out too! This mouse has a fantastic three button design with a scroll wheel that acts as the third button! This type of design really provides the fastest, most proficient navigating ever! It's like driving a Lamborghini down the information super highway!

Plus, this mouse is extremely comfortable on your hand! You'll be able to use it for hours and never have to worry about your hand cramping or being uncomfortable! Oh, and talk about great quality! Last time we featured this, we got TONS of comments about the amazing quality of this mouse - it feels solid in your hand like it was really built to last! I like it so much I replaced my Logitech mouse with it - I absolutely love the quality and the optional cord has been a life-saver! Wait till you get your hand on it :-)

Think setting up a new mouse is going to be a pain? With this mouse you have absolutely nothing to worry about because it is truly plug and play. There is nothing to install! Just make sure the mouse has two working AA batteries, plug in the USB receiver, and you are all set! It really couldn't get more easy!

And your cost is unbeatable! Get this sweet mouse for just $16.97 and US shipping is FREE! Try it for a few days and you'll agree it's worth 3X that much! Hey, and if you don't love it, send it back to me within 2 months and I'll give you a refund! Nothing to lose - treat yourself to this amazing mouse today!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4752

PS: This mouse is sooo cool! Once you try it, you are going to wonder what you did without it! Order yours now!

Computers 101

Q:
What exactly is Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage? I had a problem with it the other day and I would like to know more about it. Please help!

A:
Yes, this happens quite often. I'm sure you're not the only one who has been struck by the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) pop up balloon and I know you won't be the last. Basically, the WGA is an anti-piracy program that Microsoft created in 2005. The program is set in place to require Windows users to validate that they have a genuine "real" copy of any Windows operating system.

The WGA comes to your attention through a little pop up bubble in the system tray on your desktop. Even with all of those pop ups annoying you to no end, this one could top them all. So, let's say you're trying to access a program within a Windows service. Maybe you're trying to do an update and you're getting that update from the Microsoft Download Center. Well, expect a WGA pop up, because it will happen. This is true with any Windows program you try to use.

So, why is Microsoft doing this? Well, they're trying to cut down the number of pirated copies of their operating systems that are still being used today. Unfortunately, some people are using "fake" copies and as with everything else, it ruins the fun for everyone. So, even if you know you have a genuine version of your operating system, you'll probably still be required to prove it. And although it's a pain that you have to go through that, you have to think about Microsoft's view on the whole thing.

Yes, they already have a lot of money embedded in everything that they do, but they're losing out with all the people who are using pirated versions. It's not fair to everyone to let those certain people get away with it, so as a result, they have to question all of their users. If you get caught by the WGA pop up bubble, Microsoft just wants you to verify that your computer's hardware matches up with the 25 character product key that came with your Windows installation CD.

The bubble will say something like "You may be a victim of software counterfeiting. This copy of Windows is not genuine. Click this balloon to resolve now." To fix the problem, just click the balloon and you will be asked to manually enter your 25 character code. This code can be found on your Windows installation disk that came with your computer when you bought it. This will work for whichever version you use. You can also usually find the code on the side or on the back of your actual PC. So, be sure to check there as well.

Just enter in the key and click OK. If your copy is genuine, Microsoft will leave you alone and you can go about your business. Now, if you decide not to resolve the issue right away, you will continue to receive error messages when you go to download something from a Windows service. This message will say something like "This copy of Windows is not genuine and you have not yet resolved this issue. This computer is no longer eligible to receive select security upgrades from Microsoft. To protect your copy of Windows, you must click Get Genuine now." So, as you can see, you need to take care of this issue as soon as it comes about or you'll risk missing out on important security updates for your computer.

Older versions of Windows may not have as many problems with this, but Windows 2000 and XP users can expect to see it. You can also check the validity of your operating system by running the Windows Validation Assistant. You can do that right now from this Web site if you'd like. It's not a bad idea to do this as well.

Keep yourself safe from any piracy acts and set yourself straight right away!

~ Erin

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MS Office

When to Use What

Do you find that referring to cell ranges in Excel formulas is a difficult task? Confused by the use of the colons, commas and spaces?

These characters are definitely a part of formula writing and if they aren't used correctly, you'll probably run into some problems.

So, here's the information that can make formula writing with ranges a much more manageable task.

  • A colon ( : ) names a single range. A1:C2 names the range of cells from A1 to C2. Like this:

  • A comma will result in the union of two ranges. (A union will be all cells in both ranges named). A1:C2, B1:B4 will result in this:

    I should note here that when I did a sum formula using the union it used any overlapping cell values twice - once for each range they're in. So as a friendly warning, be careful and double check that it's doing what you intend it to do.

  • Finally, a space will result in the intersection of the ranges. (An intersection will include only the cells where the named ranges overlap). A1:C2 B1:B4 will result in this:

I've shown you the results of the identified ranges as highlighted cells, but obviously, when you actually go to use them in formulas, it's the values within those cells that are put to work.

Now, go forward and confidently use ranges in your formulas to your heart's content!

~ April

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More Cool Stuff

These 9 LED Flashlights Are Sellin' Like CRAZY!

Did You Get YOURS??

RUN To The Site And Grab A Couple Today!!

Blindin' Bright 9 LED Flashlight - Just $6.97!!!!

That's No Typo - Just $6.97!

Grab As Many As You Can! 

Rock-Solid, Heave Duty, Aluminium, Super Bright!! WOW!!

WOW!!! One of our suppliers just scored a jaw-droppin' deal on some fantastic 9 LED Flashlights - and we're passin' the savings on to you! We're talking just $6.97 for a 9 LED Flashlight! We've never had 'em that cheap! Heck, I'm not sure anyone has ever had 'em that cheap! It's a knock-out deal, that's for sure!

Oh, and wait till you try 'em! Turn it on BUT don't look into it - this baby is really BRIGHT! It's absolutely amazing how much light those 9 LEDs throw out! You wouldn't think a flashlight this small would be this BLINDIN' BRIGHT!!! WOW!!

Speaking of size - wait till you feast your fingers on this little guy! It's super-compact and easily fits in the palm of your hand! Makes it super-easy to take anywhere! I already have one in each of my cars, and my wife keeps on in her purse. It's so small you don't even know it's there - till ya need it! Grab one for each of your cars, your camper, boat, house, garage, camera bag - anywhere you need a small, bright, reliable light!

Plus, this thing is REALLY well built too! Don't let the price fool ya! These aren't some cheap plastic lights - this bad boy is SOLID! We're talking a heavy-duty all aluminium barrel that can really take some serious pounding! Plus, the grip is just fantastic and I can personally attest that even when your hands are dripping wet (or snow covered), it's easy to keep ahold of!

Get this - since this is an LED flashlight, it seems to run FOREVER on a set of batteries! Changing batteries or running out of juice is going to be a very RARE thing now! Oh, PLUS don't forget that you won't ever have to worry about the LEDs burning out - Heck, even if you kept it on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it would take 11 YEARS before they would burn out! WOW!!!

If you've looked at LED flashlights, you know they are the pedigree of the lighting world - for a light like this, you're looking at least $20-$30 easy. Your cost? Again we're talking just $6.97 and US Shipping is FREE!! It's the BEST DEAL we've ever offered on an LED Flashlight! Give it a try, you'll be glad you did!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4299

PS - At this price, you'd better grab a few! Can't go wrong for $6.97!! Not sure how long these will be available to us at this kind of price, so RUN to the site and get in on this as soon as you can! The price may increase without notice - get 'em while they're $6.97!!!

 


Special Promotion - Huge BLOWOUT!

WOW! Webster's CD ROM Dictionary &Thesaurus

Just $3.97!!Today ONLY!!!

Best CD-ROM Dictionary Ever!

Fast, Simple, And Easy To Use!

Free Bonus - 1001 Essential Letters!

WOW- We just scored an absolutely amazing deal for you! We have a very limited quantity of Webster's New World Dictionary & Thesaurus on CD-ROM for the killer price of just $3.97! Really!! And frankly, once you see it you'll think it's worth 10X that amount! You gotta check this out!

First off, this makes looking up words really easy, even, dare I say it, FUN! Just start typing the word and a drop down list appears. Once you see your word, simply click it for a comprehensive definition! You'll love the way this works, because even if you're not sure on the spelling of a particular word, as long as you're in the ballpark, you're gonna find it! Oh, and the definitions are incredibly complete - much more than you get with a standard desktop dictionary, that's for sure! Heck it even keeps a history of your lookups to make it easy and find the same word again.

PLUS this is also an excellent thesaurus! I don't know about you, but I absolutely hate the lousy thesaurus included with most word processors. Until I installed this program, I kept a real paperback thesaurus on my desk, but not anymore! This thesaurus is just fantastic - you'll be using it all the time! More synonyms than you can shake a stick, shoot, twig, rod, or wand at! (See it works :-)

You've gotta get a dictionary on your computer, and this is the best deal you'll ever see to grab one! Word processors only have spell check - no real dictionary, and we all know the typical word processor thesaurus is just a lackluster afterthought. For this price, you'd have to be taking crazy pills not to grab it!

FREE BONUS!! Get this! The CD also includes 1001 Essential Letters too! You know how it is - you need to send a professional sounding e-mail or letter to someone and you end up spending an hour trying to compose something that sounds perfect and professional. Maybe it's a follow-up for a job interview, maybe it's a problem with a product or service, maybe it's a legal or government matter. Hey, we've all been there - agonizing over the right words, rewriting, revising - it's never any fun!

Well, that's where this is gonna sweep in and save the day (and your sanity)! I love this thing! You just pick the type of letter you're looking for, and you'll find all sorts of sub-categories and topics - 1001 of 'em in fact! Let me tell ya, there's really and truly something for EVERY occasion in here! I'd give you a list, but it's a little long! Trust me on this one, if you need a letter, this has a prefab one that's absolutely perfect! I couldn't come up with any subject this didn't cover!

I tell ya, between the Dictionary, Thesaurus, and 1,001 Essential Letters, this is one CD ROM no computer user should be without! We're almost givin' 'em away for just $3.97 and FREE US Shipping! Run to the site - best deal of the year!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=143

PS - You don't want to miss this one - price only guaranteed for today! Hurry!



 

The Perfect Sized USB Extension Cord

USB Extension Cable

Whenever You Need A Little Slack!

If you're like me, you've probably got all kinds of extension cords that you can plug into the wall sockets. But when it comes to your USB drives that connect to your computer, I guess we're just "suppose" to work with those short USB cables that always come with every USB device! We buy all these expensive, high-end electronic devices and then we're suppose to balance them on the sides of our desk in order to plug 'em into the computer. And all because the darn USB cable is too short? I don't think so! Sounds like an accident just waiting to happen, doesn't it? Well, let's fix that once and for all!

Instead of dealing with all that, you might just want to make your life a whole lot easier and give this a shot.

This USB extension cable is a simple, practical solution. (Don't you wish all problems were this easy to fix!) So, just think of this as an extension cord for your USB devices! We all have extension cords for our electrical outlets...its just common sense to do the same thing with your USB devices when you need that extra room! All you have to do is plug this into the USB drive of your computer and then plug your USB drive into the other end of this cable and that's it!

And this extension cable is 30 inches long. That's 2.5 feet of extra cord when you need it. And take a guess at what's the average height of a "standard desk"...If you guessed, 30 inches, you'd be right! And that's why I say this is the ideal size USB extension cable!

You see, if you think about it for a second, in all likely hood the longest reach you're gonna need is to reach from the top of your desk to the floor. If a cord is much longer than that, chances are you're gonna have too much slack and then it's just gonna get in the way. But 30 inches...not too long, not too short. Just about perfect! This is just one of those "no-brainer" things to have with your USB devices. It's just one of those accessories that are good to have around when you need it. And especially when you can get it at a good deal. Well, we're gonna make it a great to make sure everyone can grab one of these. Today you can put up one of these little necessities for only $6.97 and US shipping is FREE!!! So grab one when you can get 'em at a low price!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4433

P.S. Besides, it's always good to have a little slack now and again!

Today at WorldStart.com

ISO Images?

What is an ISO image exaclty? I know it has something to do with CDs and DVDs, but much beyond that, my mind is a total blank! Perhaps if I hit myself on the noggin with my mouse the answer will come to me? *ThUnk* Nope....better head over to the Worldstart site and get the real story!

Dub Selector

This Cool Site falls under the "what the heck?" category. No explanation can be given other than there is no educational value at all and it's just a waste of time. Yet, I must say that it's one of the more creative wastes of time I've engaged in lately. Give it a look over at the WS site.

Here's the link you need: http://www.worldstart.com/ Enjoy!

Tip of the Day

Broadband Trouble

Here's your problem: "My broadband has stopped working and I can’t get it going again. What can I do"? Believe it or not, but that’s not an uncommon problem and there are a few tips I can give you to solve this annoying problem!

But, troubleshooting should really be called "trouble prevention," because there are a number of steps you should take now before disaster strikes, which will make the whole process a whole lot more painless. So, first of all, let's list some prevention methods.

Prevention

Take a pen and a pad of paper and take a tour of your installation, making notes of the following:

1. Router: What lights on the front are on when the broadband is working? Which blink and which are steady?

2. Connections: Which cables go from where to where? (For example, computer, router, telephone or satellite connection, etc. (Draw a diagram or two if you need to).

3. Go into your router settings (see Appendix below) and write down all the settings under the various headings.

4. Open up your network connections on your computer (see Appendix below) and make a note of the modem/adapter settings and the TCP/IP settings. (You don’t need to know what they mean, just make a note of what they are).

5. Go into your browser and check the connection settings there (see Appendix below).

Having done all of that, you are now in a much better position to check out what is happening when you have problems without making disastrous changes to your setup, which could make matters worse and not better.

So, now disaster has struck. Everything is at a standstill. What do you do?

Problem Solving – Hardware

Let’s start with eliminating potential problem causes one by one.

1. Is it just a power cut? Are other electrical appliances working?

2. Is it a faulty telephone connection if you have ADSL broadband? Pick up your telephone. Can you hear a signal? If not, trace all of the connections and see if anything has become loose or disconnected. If this is the case, once the telephone is working again, your broadband will too. (Although, you may have to reboot in some cases).

3. Are the same lights on or off on your router as before? If not, which ones are different? They could give you a clue as to the source of the problem.

4. Are the connections in to the computer secure? Take them out one by one and put them back in again. Does this solve the problem?

Problem Solving – Software

Let’s move on to possible settings and software problems.

1. Are all of your broadband connections down? (For example, is it both your e-mail and the Internet?) If it’s only one, suspect the settings on the non-functioning one. It’s unlikely to be much else.

2. Go to your router and run through all the settings you have previously noted down and check and/or rectify any that have been changed.

3. Go to the modem/adapter settings and check these out (especially the channel selected and any passwords. You should have them written down from when you got the equipment).

4. Now, let’s move on to the TCP/IP settings. Have there been any changes. Can you rectify?

5. Next, check the Internet connection settings in your browser.

6. If still no solutions are forthcoming, go to the little Network Connection icon in your system tray (bottom right of screen) and right click. You should see an option to “Repair.” Select that and let Windows try to solve the problem for you.

If you have found settings that have changed and you have been able to change them back, make sure you save everything before exiting. Then reboot your computer before trying again.

If all this fails, it’s time to call your broadband services supplier.

You may find that you are greeted with a recording telling you that there is a breakdown of services in your area. At this point, you are permitted to throw the computer through the window or you may get through to your friendly helpful technician who will talk you through the various checks on their side (don’t be surprised if he goes through many of the steps you have already taken above, but doesn’t it sound impressive when you say, “Yes, I’ve already done that”?!)

Appendix

Now, here are some more detailed explanations of how to do some of the things listed above.

Router Settings

Your instruction book should give you detailed information about how to access the settings of your router. Usually you have to enter an address in your Web browser, enter a username and password (often admin and admin or admin and 1234 by default, but do change this as soon as possible).

You will then see something like this (varies according to manufacturer):

So, as we suggested, take down all the settings and keep them safe somewhere.

Modem/Adapter Settings

You access your settings via Control Panel / Network settings.

If you right click on the icon, you will see a little box in which you can select Properties (see picture).

This will lead you to a page like this:

Take the top part first: “Connect using” and click on Configure.

Again, what you see will vary from one supplier to another, but basically you should work your way through all the tabs and note down the various settings.

Exit this and then move down to the bottom box and highlight the TCP/IP line (often the last row). Click Properties, which will then bring you to a box like this:

Make a note of the numbers on this page (or maybe the box “Obtain an IP address automatically” is checked. If so, make note of that too).

Browser Settings

Fire up your browser, click on Tools and then Internet Options, which will lead you to this screen:

Select the Connection tab and then write down all the settings here too.

There you go! Hopefully now you are out of the broadband blues and back on the right track!

Happy broadbanding!

~ David Woodford


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Today's Feature

Monday Video Tip

Alphabetize your Programs!

If you're anything like me you like to keep things in order. If you're not like me, that's fine, too, but think about this tip next time you can't find something in your program list. Alphabetization, folks! That's the secret to organization! So, today's video tip should be a welcome submission for all those who have a little obsessive compulsiveness to their nature. Check it out below!

Alphabetize Your Programs

Or, if you're the readin' type, go here:
http://www.worldstart.com/tips/tips.php/549

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Amanda's Coolsite

Get Goaling

Do you ever feel like you set a goal for yourself and at first you’re gung ho to get it done and then your enthusiasm peters out and you only get half way there before you quit? I know I do. I’m quite the procrastinator. I’ve been meaning to rake the leaves out of my yard, well since, this fall. It’s now the middle of spring and I’m just waiting for the rain to stop. But I’m sure, once it dries up, I’ll find another reason not to rake, then it will be time to mow… see what I mean, it’s a vicious cycle.

Get Goaling can help you set goals (smartly), as well as, track your progress, and help keep you on track. You can take the tour before your sign up and I recommend it. You’ll learn about the Goal Chest and how you can track your progress. To move forward in the Tour you’ll need to click the link above the Create Your Account button. It took me forever to figure that out, and I thought I’d spare you the frustration.

I’ve got some very good reasons that I’m going to use this site. I want to be a little more on task with writing my papers for school. Doing it the night before and winging it by the seat of my pants is working, but it leaves me feeling anxious and uptight. If I just spent a little more time planning it out beforehand, then I could skip all the anxiety.

Registration is easy – just fill out the form with the usual name, e-mail address, create a password and username, and then prove you’re human and click the Sign Up button. Make sure you check your e-mail for that verification letter; you need it to get started.

Once you’ve confirmed and logged in (with your username – not your e-mail address, Firefox saved my e-mail address and I couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t let me in) you’ll be taken directly to the Add New Goal page. I recommend reading the information below the forms you have to fill out – it will help you really focus your goal and determine your motives for accomplishing the task before you.

The form asks for you to describe your goal – take the time to write out what you’re shooting for. This will help you focus on getting it done. Then fill out the Significance box with the real reasons you want to accomplish your goal. No one has to see this but you. You’re in complete control of sharing your goals. Then set the time limit you are giving yourself.

You can also click the Are Your Goal SMART link below the form – to find out about what makes a goal smart. I recommend checking this out too! It’s a lot of great information.

Are you ready to set goals and get stuff done? I know I am, and with Get Goaling, I think I can really accomplish it in a timely manner and stay focused. I hope that this site can help you accomplish your goals too!

http://www.getgoaling.com/

~Amanda

Did you enjoy this Cool Site? Want some more? Give us your feedback or add to this tip here:
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Do you have a cool, non-commercial site that you want to share?
Send it to Amanda at
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Monthly Wallpaper

Whatever You Do - Don't Buy An External Hard Drive!

Make One Yourself And Save BIG!

Super Easy! Anyone Can Do It!

Great Way To Give Your Old Hard Drives A Reason To Live!

SimpleDrive 3.5 I'm so excited! We just got a jaw-droppin' deal on some do-it-yourself External Hard Drive Cases! I've used these in the past (a lot, actually), and I've saved literally HUNDREDS over buying the "prefab" deals at the stores! Super easy too - my 7 year old can do it!

OK, so how's this work anyway? Glad you asked! Really easy - we sell you this great little case, you take an internal Hard Drive (IDE connection) and just plug it in. Put the case back together (a few screws - not hard), then plug it in! That's it! When you plug it into your computer's USB port windows will AUTOMATICALLY install the drive and list it under MyComputer! It's just like plugging in a GIANT flashdrive! It's THAT easy!

From there, just use it like any other drive! It's an absolutely fantastic idea for extra storage or backups!

PLUS, like I say, this can save a TON on money! There are two ways to do this - The first is to watch for a sale on internal Hard Drives at your local electronics store. You can get HUGE drives for less than $100 all day long! I've seen them for less than $40 after rebates and such! You get them for WAY less than external drives since you're not buying some snazzy case.

The second way these save money is letting you give new life to old hard drives! You know how it is - you have that old computer sitting in your closet - there's nothing on it you need anymore, it's really not worth anything, but you're worried about throwing it away. Why not salvage it's old HD and stick it into this handy case? You instantly have an external HD - for less than $20!

Now, I know you may be a little worried about having to assemble something like this, but trust me, it's easy. If you've ever used a screwdriver and plugged a lamp into the wall, you're qualified! You simply take any IDE drive up to 750GB, in plug the power cord (inside the case), then just push it into place! A few screws later and the case is assembled! I put mine together in less than 5 minutes! Really! Still not sure? I'll make you a deal - if you can't figure it out, you can call out tech support and they'll walk you though it!

OK, ready for the deal? We have these on sale today for just $18.97 and US shipping is FREE! This can save you TONS of money on external drives! Easy to do, cheap, and quick! Grab one, grab a dozen - for this kind of money you just can't go wrong!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=5023

PS - It's never been easier - or cheaper - to make your own external HD! PLUS - if down the road you decide the drive you started with is too small, you can always just take this apart and "upgrade" it yourself in a few minutes! Don't miss out!

 

Monthly Wallpaper

April Wallpaper

Here's this month's free calendar wallpaper! As always, it's 100% free, so head on over and grab one!

Pink Flower

This was actually in my front of my house! It had rained the night before, and this pink flower (lily?) was looking especially pink.

Mossy Stream

This just has to make you think "Spring"! Taken last April in the Smokys - and man that water was cold!

Valley Of Fire Road

Just about an hour's drive from Las Vegas is this amazing place! It really does look like that when you round the top of the hill! You think you're on another planet (and may sci-fi movies were shot there, including Star Trek Generations)

Here's April's wallpaper. It's all free, so enjoy!

All can be found here:

http://www.worldstart.com/wallpaper/index.php

Enjoy!

 

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Copyright, Disclaimer, and Removal

ISSN: 1529-336X
Copyright 2009, WorldStart. All unauthorized reproduction strictly prohibited.

You are welcome to reproduce this newsletter (i.e. print it, store it) for your own personal use. You are also welcome to forward it, in its entirety, to friends and family.

If you would like to reproduce this publication, or any part of it, in any other publication, be it web based or otherwise, you must contact us for permission. Any unauthorized re-distribution will be considered a copyright infringement and grounds for a lawsuit.

Finally, you agree to try any advice contained or suggested in this newsletter at your own risk.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation (duh!)


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