Kevin's Computer Page

Front Page \| Information \| Computer \| Computer setup tips \| Router setup tips \| Funnies & Everything Else \| XP setup tips \| Address munging for newsgroups \| Junkware \| Alternate Data Streams
Do you seem to be getting spam from my domain? Please see this note I'll put a after something when it's added to the page. After the item has been on the page for about a month, I'll take out the and just leave the "Added" date. At least I'll try to do it every now and then. If you find a dead link, a typo or have a suggestion, there's a link at the bottom of the page that you can use to send me an Email. Date format is MM/DD/YYYY	Do you use Computer Associates' ETrust Anti-virus? Even if you don't you should be concerned about Alternate Data Streams on Windows 2000 and XP. ETrust has created thousands of unnecessary files on my drives, and they haven't offered any solution yet. So I did some research. I like and use Firefox. Which ever browser you use, make sure you keep it updated. That goes for all critical software.

Do you seem to be getting spam from my domain? Please see this note

I'll put a

after something when it's added to the page. After the item has been on the page for about a month, I'll take out the

and just leave the "Added" date. At least I'll try to do it every now and then.

If you find a dead link, a typo or have a suggestion, there's a link at the bottom of the page that you can use to send me an Email.

Date format is MM/DD/YYYY

Do you use Computer Associates' ETrust Anti-virus? Even if you don't you should be concerned about Alternate Data Streams on Windows 2000 and XP. ETrust has created thousands of unnecessary files on my drives, and they haven't offered any solution yet. So I did some research.

I like and use Firefox. Which ever browser you use, make sure you keep it updated. That goes for all critical software.

Computer Page Index

Other MS & Related Stuff

A (far from comprehensive) list of Alternatives to Microsoft Programs

DSL & Network Stuff

Utilities

Hardware & Software

If it's related to computers and you can't find it here, try either the List of Lists or krazee.unstman. For things specifically related to Privacy and Security see Eric Howe's pages.
And some basic tips on Safe Hex.

Microsoft has put together a Lifecycle Chart for all their Operating Systems. Added 07/26/01.

Windows 95

June 26, 2005. I've removed most of the Windows 95 and Windows 98 sites since they either no longer exist, or don't relate to Windows 95/98 anymore.

95isAlive "for those who refuse to let go of Good Old 95". Added 05/27/02
The Windows 95 Home Page
And every now and then check Microsoft Windows/NT updates to see what's new. It includes links to the PowerToys, Kernel Toys, Service Packs (patches), updated Drivers and much more.
Annoyances.org'sWindows 95 forums.
PC Lube and Tune Added 9/98
Joe's Page has information about Windows 95 and 98. Added 9/98

Windows 98

I don't know how I missed Chris Quirke's site for Windows 95 and 98. It's been around for years, and he's got some good tips. Added 07/26/05
The Windows 98 Home Page Added 9/98
An excellent overview and Tips/Tricks list for Windows 98 SE from Mr Scary. Updated 12/10/00
a Windows 98 ListServ with online searchable archives. Added 12/7/99
Annoyances.org's Windows 98 Forums. Added 9/98

Windows 2000

An archive of Blackviper's W2K page. Javascript required for navigation. Added 03/26/06
Microsoft's Windows 2000 Home page Added 06/18/00
A comprehensive list of tips, information, utilities and advice for Windows 2000 from Labmice.net. Added 04/16/02
Lots of W2K information at Arstechnica. This particular link goes directly to (relatively) easy instructions on securing it. Added 08/22/00.
Techspot.com has an explanation of W2K Services with some advice on recommended settings. Added 01/21/01
MVP LucVdV's page. Added 04/15/00.
The Windows 2000 Optimization page. Added 05/22/00.
The Active Windows2000 Added 04/15/00.
The WINXPCENTRAL site still has information about Windows 2000. Added 04/22/00.
Instructions for setting up Internet Connection Sharing on Windows 2000. Added 04/15/00.
The utilities from the Windows 2000 Resource Kit are at this Microsoft FTP site. Added 04/15/00.
The list of what tools are in the Windows 2000 Pro Resource Kit Added 04/15/00.
How to Unbind insecure Network protocols in W2K. Added 06/30/01
The NSA W2K Security Guides. Added 06/30/01 Updated 10/15/2005
Registry backup and optimization for W2K and XP. ERUNT is similar to the ERU program that came with Win98. Added 09/04/02
How to use the W2K and XP Backup and Restore software from About.com. Added 07/04/02

Windows XP

Many of the programs/tips/whatever that are linked to in the XP and W2K sections here would be at least partially usable on both systems.

Blkviper has probably the best information on Services and what they do. Added 09/04/02
Since Blackviper's site has been down for a while, here are some alternatives: Smallvoid.com, Yellowhead.com, as a PDF file from techrepublic.com, a Majorgeeks.com mirror of Blackviper's pages. and a Web.archive.com archive of Blackviper's pages. Javascript required to navigate the pages.
Snakefoot has some general Windows tips and links, plus a Services section for NT based OSs. Please note that I don't agree with everything there, but it's a good additional resource. Added 01/04/04
More information on XP services from Overclockersclub, Beemerworld and Techspot. Added 09/04/02
A How-To and a small program to help with burning the WinXPsp2 ISO file to a bootable CD Added 03/26/06
A free utility to remove Hotfix Backup files and the Add/Remove Programs Registry entries from Doug Knox Added 03/26/06
Microsoft's Windows XP Home page. Added 10/12/02
Information for setting up File sharing on XP from Microsoft. Added 10/01/02
Kayode Okeyode's XP Page with lots of links to Knowledge Base Articles, error message information, drivers and more. Added 09/21/02
How to stop Windows Messenger on XP Added 09/04/02
Is-it-true has tips and tricks. Now named Windowsnetworking.com Added 09/04/02
More tips and tricks from Fun with XP. Added 09/04/02
General information and repair instructions for XP at Webtree There's lots of images so it takes a minute to load even on cable. Added 09/04/02
Optimization tweaks from Extremetech Added 09/05/02
How to setup Internet Connection Sharing on XP. Added 09/05/02
How to articles for IT professionals from Microsoft. Added 09/05/02
Setup tips from Microsoft Added 09/05/02
There's a Setup Tips and Tweaks page at Xona.com Added 07/28/05
Just for good measure, XP Setup Tips from me.
Microsoft's XP Expert Zone with setup tips and downloads. Added 09/05/02
Software (some free, some not) and tips from TweakXP. Added 09/05/02
Tips and troubleshooting from MS-MVP (DTS) Kelly Theriot who also has an excellent XP Tweaks section. Added 09/05/02
Lots of tips at Windows-XP -Tips. Added 09/05/02
Links to lots more pages related to XP from donny broome. Added 09/05/02
The XP section from Labmice. Added 09/05/02
How to prevent XP Search from contacting the internet when you're searching for files on your computer from HelpWithWindows.com. And Microsoft's XP Search Privacy Policy. Added 09/22/02
Tweaking and securing Windows XP tips at HelpWithWindows.com Added 03/18/03
information about XP updates is at UpdateXP.com, plus some XP tips and troubleshooting. And a program to check what audio and video codecs you have installed. Added 08/31/03
Microsoft has made a Boot Optimization Tool for Windows XP. However they later removed it from their site. It's still available from other sites though, which you can find via Google. Download it from a well known site and then double check that it's the real thing. Added 03/22/03
Information on Windows Product Activation for XP from aumha.org which includes a link to a product activation analyzer tool from licenturion.com Added 11/09/03
Tips and troubleshooting at TheElderGeek Added 12/30/03
And of course, List of Lists has an XP Info page and an XP Tools page Added 09/04/02

Other Microsoft & Related Stuff

Microsoft memory diagnostic program on a bootable CD Added 03/26/06
How to Slipstream a Service Pack. Added 03/26/06
Xona.com has information and articles about Windows. Added 07/28/05
EventID.Net has information about Event Id numbers, with a searchable database. Added 05/27/01
Thousands (or maybe only hundreds) of Windows Tips are at Jsifaq.com. Now a part of WindowsITPro Added 04/15/00. Updated 10/16/2005
Syinternals has some very cool utilities (for all versions of Windows). Added 04/15/00.
Paul Thurrott's Supersite. Added 04/15/00.
And Paul Thurrott's WinInfo Added 05/22/00.
Windowsnetworking.com knowledgebase. Added 06/25/2005.
For tips on Windows in general and especially installation and re-installation instructions for all versions of Windows go to WindowsReinstall.com. Added 10/30/02
Tired of that W2K boot logo? Little White dog has instructions on changing it. Lots of cautionary warnings. Added 10/02/02
Explanations how to use them, and some of the exit/result codes for DOS commands, Defrag and Batch files. Added 09/24/02
Kayode Okeyode has lots of information (and links to more) about Windows ME and XP, Outlook, IE, OE, and computer Security and Safety on his Windows Resource Home Page Added 09/21/02
Lists of Services for Windows, NT, W2K and XP from Cnaan Aviv Added 09/05/02
Ever wonder what that strange process in your Tasklist is and whether you need it running? Take a look at the lists at AnswersThatWork, Pacs-Portal Added 03/30/03 and Resource Management Added 10/16/01
Microsoft's Debugging tools for all versions of Windows. Added 09/05/02
James Eshelman has troubleshooting tips for Windows shutdown problems and More including his Links to Windows Support Sites. Added 08/17/02
OldVersion has "old versions" of many Windows programs. Like AOL, Napster, Real, WinZip, Media Player, and more. Useful if you don't need/want the latest version. But be aware that you may be exposing your computer to old security holes. Added 06/21/02
Lots of links and information about Windows put together by Aaxnet. Including sections on Networking and some information on Microsoft from another viewpoint. Added 06/15/02
DEW Associates has put together a knowledge base of all sorts of things related to various operating systems and hardware, including an explanation of the various options in AMI and Award BIOSs. Some of the information is old, but lots of good stuff. Added 04/14/02
Another page of Windows Info and links from Mark Strelecki. LOTS of stuff on his Links page. Added 08/12/00
Not necessarily Microsoft related, but WhatIs lets you look up pretty much anything related to computers. Added 12/7/99
Freeware programs CacheSentry and CacheMonitor will keep your IE cache clean as well as give you lots of information about what it's doing. Added 2/21/99
The Microsoft DLL Help database provides a searchable database of information about file versions that ship with a selected set of Microsoft products. Added 12/18/99
Winguides.com has guides for the Registry, Scripting and Security. Plus software to help you with it, for a price. Added 03/16/01.
Tips, FAQs and more for OE5 from Tom Koch. Added 02/05/01
VBS tweaks for the registry from Doug Knox . Many of them let you toggle settings easily. Added 02/05/00 Updated 7:48 PM 5/15/2002
More VBScripts from Bill James. Added 02/05/00. Updated 5/15/2002
Lots of links related to Bat files and more Page last updated in 2003 apparently. Added 04/28/01
Windows 95/98 Information is at Jon Hildrum's page. Added 4/4/99
You can get information about Internet Explorer, and the program itself. at the Internet Explorer Home Page. But also look at Firefox and Opera.
For a LOT of good information about MS Office products go to Woody's Office Watch. Added 9/26/98
While you're at it, check The Security Update Page for IE.
A list of MS Downloads by product. Added 7/4/99
Sue Mosher's Outlook and Exchange Page. Added 9/98
The IE Info site. Added 9/98
You can get the latest version of Direct X here. Added 9/98
Eric Miller's Outlook Express page. It's badly outdated, but still useful for OE if you use it.
InkSwitch sits in your tray and lets you toggle IE and Outlook Express from Offline to Online with a single click. Also you can easily see what mode you're in to avoid accidental dial ups.
This is mostly for programmers, but could be useful to anyone sometimes. Wotsit's Format has file format information (and more) on all types of files. Added 01/09/01.
Webopedia has a list of file extensions. Filext.com also has a list of file extensions and About.com has a list of Executable File Extensions Updated 06/13/04
You can test your Browser at BrowserTune.
The Privacy Page has lots of privacy related (internet and otherwise) information. Added 11/23/99
You can search the Microsoft Knowledge Base by subject, keyword, or article number. Your first visit requires registration, and you must accept cookies to return. Massive amounts of information about problems and fixes.

Alternatives to Microsoft products

Suggestions for this section are welcome. Feel free to email me at Suggestions.

Puppy Linux Added 03/26/06
An alternative to Microsoft's Office suite is Open Office which is free, or StarOffice from Sun, which used to be free but is now $50-$80 US in stores or online. Both are compatible with MS Office files. Added 08/19/02
Another Free Office suite is from Software602. Added 02/03/03
Instead of Internet Explorer or Netscape, there's Opera. There's an Ad supported version and a paid version. A good description of Opera with tips and instructions is at 30 Days to Becoming an Opera Lover. Also SlimBrowser (Free, IE based), OffByOne which will fit on a floppy and Firefox which is Mozilla based and also free. An excellent atlternative to IE, it works everywhere I've tried, with very minor exceptions. Plus a huge list available at Google Added 10/05/02, Updated 10/02/03.
Rather than using Outlook Express for News, there's a list of alternative newsreaders to choose from at Newsreaders.com. They also have links to information and tips for most of the readers listed. 40tude is popular with a lot of people. Added 10/05/02
There's also a list of news readers at the List of Lists. Added 09/22/05
And instead of the included (or purchased) Microsoft email programs you can use The Bat, Eudora and Pegasus among others. TheFreeSite has a similar list of free email programs and add ons. With links to tips and information. Added 10/05/02 Another list is at The List of Lists. Added 9/22/05
A 3rd party TweakUI type program from Xteq. No longer free, but very cheap.. Added 04/22/00
Another one I always forget about because I've used it so long it seems like an integral part of Windows to me is TClockEx. The only time I think about it is when I build a new system and have to go find it again. Added 05/21/00.
I've been using NotePad+ for so long I forget it's not part of Windows. Works with Windows 2000 and XP. Instructions are on the Home Page. Added 12/26/99
Metapad is another Notepad replacement which I switched to eventually. Added 10/05/02

DSL, Cable & Network Stuff

If you have a high speed internet connection, it's critical that you have good password. There are some suggestions on how to create one at SecurityStats. They can also test sample passwords for Best Practices. I would NOT suggest testing a real password. Added 03/23/03

A lot of what is in this section (and the Privacy section) relate to security of your computer and the data on it. No matter how well you secure your computer, the biggest risk is still sitting in the chair. If you do something stupid, you can negate all your other efforts.

Most of the DSL pages would also apply to Cable Modems. They also have some basic information on setting up a home network, since that's a great thing to do once you have a high speed internet connection. The Speed Test pages would probably take forever with a regular modem.

The security tips and tests would apply (to a lesser extent) even if you use a dialup instead of a full time connection. To test your online security and learn why you need worry about it:

In addition to all the other good information and free software, there's a very good test page, with lots of good information about how cracking is done, what to watch for and how to protect yourself. And a good explanation of the differences between Proxies and Firewalls. Scroll down to the link to ShieldsUp! Probably the best place to start. And Steve isn't selling anything, at least not related to these pages.

For some more tips on how to protect your computer see Safe Hex. Added 12/15/02
"Know your enemy" is a good explanation of some of the reasons that you need protection for your Internet connection. Added 04/16/02
A set of Firewall tips and advice. Plus links to other information about Windows (primarily W2K) including setup, networking, troubleshooting and more. Added 04/16/02
BroadbandReports for a very thorough test. You may have trouble getting on the list, his test has gotten very popular. Also tons of information about DSL, security tweaking, etc.
There are links, information and Security tests at Hacker Whacker Added 10/31/99
A list of test sites for different things (Ad blocking, scripting etc.) and lots of information on a University of Illinois page. Added 09/09/01
Some basic reasons why you should have a firewall, and the answers to quite a few FAQ's about internet security. Added 06/26/00
Need to know your IP address? IP2 is a small program from Robin Keir that you can run. It will give you your WAN and LAN IPs if appropriate. Or List of Lists has a page that will load showing your WAN IP address. Added 09/17/05

Firewalls and proxies (and information about them) can be had from:
You can activate a built in but unused firewall in Windows 2000 using IPSec. Added 05/20/03
WIndows XP also has a built-in Firewall, and with Service Pack 2 is turned on by default. You can access it through your Network Settings.
FirewallGuide.com has lots of information about firewalls: why you need one, what they do, setup, and testing. Plus more. Added 02/16/03
Your firewall (or router) will report scans hitting various ports and you may want to look up what that port is for. Keep in mind that these lists show the standard use of that port, which could be completely unrelated to what's going on. Port lists are at the List of Lists including a Port Lookup page. Added 09/23/02 A very thorough Port List from Commodon.com who have information on Trojan detection and removal. Added 08/27/02. Also from Blackcode and Mischel Internet Security Added 11/01/02
There are several free firewalls, including Sygate, Kerio, ZoneAlarm and Outpost. Once installed, a warning will pop up the first time a program tries to connect to the internet. If you don't know what it is, say NO until you figure it out. If you know it's OK, check the option to make a rule and say Yes. Firewalls stop hidden advertising, other types of Call Home programs, and Trojans. Although the latest and greatest nasties will kill firewalls too. Each of the firewalls also have a paid version with more features. Added 01/16/00.
Agnitum has a Trojan scanner Tauscan. Added 08/04/02.
Trojans and other malware that contacts the internet has become a huge problem in the last couple of years. Fortunately there are more options now. Most Anti-virus programs now watch for at least some trojans and adware. A firewall can stop almost all of them. Another free anti-trojan scanner. See A-squared Anti-trojan. They have free and paid versions. Added 06/25/05
You also need to watch out for adware and spyware. Again there are a number of free programs that will help. Some also have paid versions, others accept donations. Be careful, there are companies out there that deliberately try to confuse people looking for the free ones. See my junkware page for some programs and information.
Just in case you're thinking about Lockdown2000, read PCHelp's review (Admittedly out of date in 2005, but still good cautionary information.) Added 12/11/99
Check sans.org, DShield.org and Mynetwatchman.com for lists of what IPs are initiating scans and what ports are being scanned the most. Added 06/30/01
Talisker's Network Security Tools site lists a lot of network security tools and information sources. Added 07/01/01
A page of links put up as part of a course at the University of Illinois. There's lots of links to computer security and privacy, as well as some tools you can download to help secure your computer. Added 11/24/00
There's information about setting up Cable Modems at CableModem.Com Added 1/24/99 He also has a related page, amihacked.com that will check your IP address in various databases to see if it's been reported as a problem address. Added 06/26/05
There's a list of "Common Windows Commands for Troubleshooting TCP/IP" at Lightning. Added 05/18/02 Page not available as of 10/16/2005
Tips, Tweaks and Tricks from SpeedGuide to increase the speed of your already blazingly fast Cable or DSL modem. Added 10/11/00
There is an online setup that will let you do pings, trace route, whois lookups, etc. from a simple combined interface at Network Tools. Added 11/25/99
Another page that lets you do Traceroute, pings, etc. is Cyberverse. Added 07/22/00
A program that will do Ping and Trace Route for you is VisualRoute. No longer free though. Added 02/15/00.
Another one is the Elephants Toolbox at COTSE, as well as other online tools and references. Added 01/18/00.
The Navas Group has information on setup, tweaking, firewalls and lots more. Plus links to other pages. Added 9/28/99
Some good DSL information and lots of links from Randy Day. Added 2/20/99
Webopedia has a brief explanation of SDSL . Added 2/20/99
DUmeter will show you your transfer speeds. 30 day free trial, then you need to pay. But it's good enough that I've paid for it. Added 10/02/02
How NAT routers work. Added 10/16/05
An explanation of how NAT (Network Address Translation) works.
The List of Lists has sections on Networking, firewalls and much more. Added 03/30/01.
Some Unix type networking tools for various flavors of Windows available at Netgroup. There's a Network analyzer, WinDump program and Packet capture program. Added 05/8/01.
Manufacturers of NAT Routers (good for security and for allowing more than one computer to use a single connection) include Linksys, D-Link and Netgear. There's a comparison of different routers, information on sharing a connection and more at Practically Networked. Added 02/07/01.
There's an alternate Logviewer for use with the Linksys routers so you can see what your in and outbound traffic is like. Other free log viewers are Log Viewer, Wall Watcher and Linklogger has a 30 day trial to see if you want to buy it. Updated 06/10/02. Wallwatcher (and some of the others) will automagically submit your router or firewall logs to a site that compiles them and tracks attempts. Updated 07/10/05.
Networking related information is at Paradyne's Tutorial page, Speed Guide, Tidbits, and the xDSL Page.
There's a good write up on how DNS works and some problems with it from January 2001. ORSC has information on how to access alternate TLDs and a list of DNS servers you can use that will let you see both the standard and alternate domains. There's another (1999) study of DNS server performance available as either a 2.56MB Doc file from the authors at huitema.net or as 129KB PDF file from GRC Added 05/05/02
Tom's Networking has lots of information and articles about networking, including wireless. Added 07/10/05
Xploiter will give you the information that you get from Netstat, and more, except in a GUI. Added 08/25/02
TCPView will also show you what's using what ports. Added 08/25/02
A very extensive page for cable modem Setup and troubleshooting. Added 09/05/02 <

UTILITIES

DialUp Networking

Tired of pushing the Connect button? Try Dunce, it does lots more too. FREE. .
And if you don't like that try Netlaunch which is also free, and also does lots more than manage your connection. Among other things it will start programs you need when you connect, and close them when you disconnect. Added 10/25/98 Site not available October 2005.
A variety of Net tools Added 05/01/01.
For a great FTP program WS_FTP LE, FREE.

Earthlink has sections for setting up internet connections for different operating systems. Usable as a guideline for other ISP's.

Hardware Diagnostics

Spinrite is hard drive data recovery and maintenance software and now handles larger disks. (Payment required.) Added 06/20/04 Spinrite 6 has been released (June 2004) and can now be used on any and all Intel/AMD PC system drives regardless of drive format. It is a free upgrade for anyone who recently purchased Spinrite 5, a reduced price upgrade for other previous version owners.

There's a brief tutorial for Spinrite 6 at Xona.com Added 07/28/05

TIP (Trouble in Paradise for Zip Drives-Free) and several other commercial and free programs are also available from Steve Gibson's GRC.com. Added 11/19/98

Disk Investigator lets you examine the contents of your hard drive by viewing the raw data. You can also edit the data. Use with caution of course. Can be used to recover deleted files in some cases. Added 01/25/03
ISO Buster will find lost or deleted data on CD-R, CD-RW, and several formats of DVDs Added 01/26/03
FreeMeter will monitor all sorts of things. There's a paid version that does even more. Added 10/27/02
You can get information on AMI beep codes at PC Guide. Or beep codes in general. Added 9/26/99
If you have the right ASUS brand motherboard (and some other boards) Monitor will track your Motherboard and CPU temperatures, among other things. Also FREE.
Mother Board Monitor will also do it, but with more bells and whistles.
SpeedFan will not only monitor your temperatures and fan speeds, but adjust the fan speeds for various temperatures. Added 07/29/02
Another motherboard monitor program is MBProbe. Added 03/17/01. Updated 07/10/05.
How to cool your CPU with Liquid Nitrogen. Really. Get the CPU temperature down around -200 degrees. Added 03/17/01
WPCredit lets you edit some stuff you probably shouldn't. Use at your own risk. Added 03/17/01
SANDRA is an excellent Diagnostic program. There's a Shareware version with more modules. Added 9/26/98
Worried about your CPU Temperature? Check this site for some information and see if CPUIdle will work on your system.
MBRWork will allow you to (sometimes) recover an otherwise unusable hard drive. Here's an explanation of how it works. Added 11/23/00 Since that explanation is offline, here's a link to an archived copy of it. Still the best detail I've found about how it works. Updated 08/05/02
They also sell BootIt NG which lets you easily control multi-boot computers, manage partitions and create/restore partition images. And More. Added 05/17/02
A good explanation of things that can go wrong by using the command FDISK/MBR to repair some virus or other damage. There are times it can work, but be advised of the risks. Added 09/25/01.
MemTest86 is a stand alone memory tester released under GPL. Runs from a floppy disk and does a thorough check of your memory sticks. OS, CPU and memory type independent. Added 05/05/02
How to create a Bootable CD for most operating systems. Added 08/25/02

Virus Information & Software
GFI.COM will send you a series of emails to test the security of your email system from various exploits and virus attacks. Added 02/26/04
You can look up information on viruses and virus related hoaxes at VirusList.com Added 11/10/02
Message Labs has charts showing the number of various (email) virus infections. You can view them by day, month or since tracking started. Added 10/03/02
NIST.org has a list of online AV and Spyware scanners. Added 03/26/06
Online Virus (and Trojan) scanning from Housecall. They ask that you register so that they can send you virus information, but it's not required. Added 08/04/02
What to do if you think you have a virus (and where to send it if you think you may have one that's new) is at Don't Panic Added 06/30/01.
There are 4 TEST files that can be downloaded from EICAR to test your AV scanner. They are not a real virus, they are an industry accepted standard test file in 4 different formats. You should not be able to even download the unzipped ones without a warning. Added 08/13/00.
AVG has free and paid versions of an anti-virus program. Added 07/10/05
There's a free 28 day trial of a virus program from Eset. Then of course you have to purchase it. Added 03/31/02
Another source of Virus and Hoax information is Get Virus Help Added 02/27/00.
A good source of information on Trojans and how to get rid of them. Added 5/2/99
If you think you've got a Trojan, or want to protect yourself from them if you don't practice safe computing, try the shareware program The Cleaner There's a 30 day free trial if you think you're already infected. Added 02/05/00.
Emsisoft had a free anti-trojan program. And a paid version. Added 07/10/05
The F-Prot anti-virus scanner for DOS is free for home use. The Windows version has a free trial. Added 1/1/99 Updated 07/10/05
Two sites that provide up to date information on new viruses are Message Labs Virus Eye and TrendMicro. Added 12/09/01.

Registry Related Stuff
WAssociate lets you edit file associations easily. And more. Use with caution. Added 09/04/01.
A 14-year old kid in Finland wrote EasyCleaner. Added 01/30/99. He's now several years older, and so is his program.
Security related registry tips that let you lock out various functions like the Control Panel, Desktop, DOS Prompt, etc. From Doug Knox. Added 11/13/99
There's lots of Registry Tips and Information at RegEdit.com. Added 5/1/99
Bootlog Analyzer checks your Bootlog and points out possible problems. No longer available at the original site, it's still available from sites like AnswersThatWork. Added 9/98 Updated 07/10/05.

The Rest of It
There are links to hundreds of Shareware and Freeware programs on Dave Central. Mostly utility type stuff. Added 4/11/99 It now redirects to freshmeat.net Updated 07/14/05
Magic Mail sits in your tray and tells you if you have mail (POP3) without your mail program running You can also use it to delete mail from the server without downloading it to your computer. That link is for the old version, it's now being developed at Sourceforge.net Added 1/15/99
Two good backup programs that will let you backup whole drives while still working in Windows are Drivesnapshot and Acronis TrueImage I use Task scheduler to run several batch files that run Drivesnapshot overnight. I back up different partitions on different nights depending on what's on them. The advantage to Drivesnapshot in my opinion is it's small size and no requirement to actually "install" it. Added 11/09/03
Instead of the Windows file Search, you can use AgentRansack. Added 07/15/03
You can retrieve the raw source code for a web page using Rex Swain's HTTP Viewer. Added 11/28/02
XXCopy is xcopy on steroids. Over 200 switches. Free for personal use, there's a Pro version available with some extra features. Added 08/25/02
A bunch of misc little utility programs are at Software Design including WebTime to set your clock. Added 03/19/00.
Robin Keir has more utilities, also including a program to synch your clock. And it's the home of K9, and excellent POP proxy spam filter. Added 11/09/03
And to set your clock you need a time server to connect to. Two lists of time servers are at the ntp.isc.org and NIST. NIST also has software available. Added 11/09/03
WinZip Winzip 9 is available, and there's no longer a free version. There are many alternatives though. IZArc, ZipCentral, FreeZip, UltimateZip, CAM UnZip, Filzip and 7-Zip
Bootdisk.com has downloadable files to make many different flavors of Bootdisks. Good for an emergency. Also some other utilities. Added 8/20/99
You can store files ON the Internet, and access them from anywhere on the internet. Possibly a good way to share files with friends. There's some question about privacy, security, and maybe what information they pass out about you, but take a look at I-Drive. Added 8/21/99
Too many passwords to remember? Make up one really secure password, and use it to lock up all your other passwords using Pass Word Safe from Bruce Schneier. Perfect for those passwords that are automagically filled in (like your Email accounts) so you don't remember what they are. Added 10/09/00. It's now a Sourceforge Project and still an excellent program.
KeePass Password Safe is a SourceForge project with some very nice features. Added 03/26/06
Jeremy Collake has several cool programs, most pretty advanced. But among them is a password revealer. Added 07/15/01.
Several Password Recovery tools. Added 03/26/06
An open source disk encryption from Truecrypt Added 03/26/06
A free disk encryption program Added 03/26/06
A list of PGP Keyservers Added 03/26/06
Polychromic's Workshop has some information on setting up XP. Added 01/03/01 Updated 07/14/05 with new location. He's the author of a very good FAQ on safe use of the internet that has apparently been adopted by Comcast.
This page has a BIOS password FAQ including how to get around the password in case yours gets messed up. Added 07/14/2005
There's a bunch of little Java Script Bookmarklets here. Cool stuff.
Milly has information about Bookmarklets and some customized Search Bookmarklets. Added 07/14/05 Added 3/2/99
A Freeware Partition Manager Added 10/11/98
Customize/simplify/supercharge your Desktop. This one is great. PowerPro lets you do almost anything from button bars, short cut keys or mouse movements, including restore your Desktop Icon positions when they get messed up, start or "run" programs, activate shortcuts, use reminders, bring up submenus and more. I've used it since it was Stiletto and I had to pay for it. Now it's free. I probably use this more than any other program on my computer
Links to all sorts of search tools at Searchlores. Added 10/07/00.
Convert is a cool little program that converts measurements from one unit to another (Feet to Meters, for example). There are over a dozen categories. Added 9/98
Kish Designs Properties Plus is Freeware that lets you change file information. Also the shareware program CopyTo lets you synchronize files between computers. Added 9/98
Irfanview is a free graphics viewer with the ability to handle a lot of different image formats. I have used it for a couple of years, I just forgot to add it to the page. Added 05/13/03
xnview is another, smaller image viewer/manager. If you don't need all the features of Irfanview, this is worth a look. Added 05/13/03
Several utilities including Unstoppable Copier. Added 03/26/06
An online Text/binary converter. Added 03/26/06

Hardware & Software

Information Sources

Computer assembly tips and instructions

Vendors

Manufacturers

You can use Froogle to comparison shop prices. Added 02/08/03
Analyze your whole system (hardware and software) with the Belarc Advisor. For free, they sell more advanced products. The Advisor will provide links to driver updates in many cases. Added 03/22/03
Software Sources
Most of what was in this section no longer applies, so I've removed the links.
There are lists and reviews of freeware and websites at Clif Notes Added 06/25/05
A list of free software, updated frequently is at Pricelessware.org. Lots of excellent programs are listed. Some I use myself, many others I've heard of. That site is no longer maintained and has been replaced by pricelesswarehome.org Added 09/02/02
Information Sources
All the information you need to treat your batteries right is at batteryuniversity.com Added 07/22/03
A very thorough description of BIOS settings. Use hte link on the left side of the page. Added 01/25/01
A vendor review page. Added 9/98
Another vendor review page. Added 9/98
The Hardware Group
CPU Cooling info
This hasn't been updated for a while, but you can check the rated maximum operating temperature for some CPUs at MaxTemp. Added 11/28/02
7volts.com has all kinds of troubleshooting tips, modification "How To's" and lots more you can do to your computer. Added 11/30/02
Viewsonic has a Buyer's guide site with information on how monitors work and guidelines on what to look for in choosing one. Added 12/5/98
Information on CPU's can be had from Cyrix, Intel and AMD
Straight from the Horse's Mouth is an explanation of how Caching Limits affect the amount of memory you want in your system. Added 1/10/99.
The Silent PC has links to sites related to quieting down your PC. Added 07/29/02
JimPrice.com has all kinds of stuff like an ASCII Chart and all the cable pinouts and specs you're ever likely to need. Added 08/14/02

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Computer Assembly Tips
If you're thinking of putting together your own computer, here's some pages with basic instructions. I admit to lifting these links out of a newsgroup post from Gina Dennison.
mysuperpc.com, hardwarecentral.com and pcguide.com have step by step instructions. Added 02/08/03
Motherboards.org and techmyanmar have information on motherboard installation. Added 02/08/03
Vendors
Zalman Coolers Added 07/15/05
J and R Music and Computers
Software Online has software and hardware by type and manufacturer. Added 02/17/01
BUY.COM
Lindsay Computer Systems
NECX
CompUSA
Computernerd
Computer Sonics
CablesNMor
Resource 800 Batteries for anything.
Pricewatch has updated prices for a whole bunch of (subscribed) companies.
C Crane Company sells misc. electronics. Added 9/98
Net Buyer
The ultimate Heat Sink
Widgets INC
PC Coolers from 1CoolPC Added 07/29/02

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Manufacturers
ASUS Mother Boards. With BIOS updates for their boards.
American Megatrends has BIOS chips and software.
Unicore BIOS Upgrades
Enlight (Cases)
Matrox has updated video drivers. If you have a Matrox card, of course.
Maxtor Drives
Samsung Electronics (Monitors)
Viewsonic Monitors
IDE drive type Info. Added 9/98
AMD Information
CTX Monitors Added 07/09/00
Coolers, cases, power supplies, and more from Thermaltake Added 07/29/02
Computer Recycling
These pages have lists of places that will recycle or recirculate your old computer. Some are worldwide lists.
An EPA list of list of links related to E-cycling.
Recyclers World and Resource Venture all have lists of non-profit agencies that will do something with your old computer.

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Page Revised 10:20 PM 11/19/2006