CHRIS TEACHES THE BASICS: If you've got friends or family who want to learn more about their PC, from a guy who makes things nice and easy, check out the VHS release of Computer Basics in the GnomeStore. Chris teams with TechTV cohort, Kate Botello, to lead novices on a journey through their computer. From basic interactions, to installing apps, to using the Internet and e-mail, Chris and Kate have all the basics covered. Help out a friend and get them a copy today.

Here's another bugaboo I can't seem to fix: a ghost entry in my Outlook contacts. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem - but it's attached to my name. I e-mail "Chris Pirillo" because I have several accounts for different reasons. When I click on his green- dashed / underlined entry in a recipient field, Outlook tells me: "The name or distribution list has been deleted and is no longer a valid address book entry." So, when I look to remove this dude from my address book, he's not there! So, I ask you this: where's he coming from? How can I get rid of him? By adding him and then removing him, you'd think. Think again. If you were wondering how I knew that Eudora 5.2 was giving me a setup snafu... wonder no more. I'm on the lookout for a new PIM. The Palm Desktop doesn't look too bad, but it doesn't manage e-mail. Entourage would be perfect, but it only runs on OS X. Outlook Express? Eh, I'd rather not - but I'm left with few other choices. I need something that looks good, does "everything," and runs well. Got any ideas?

The new (minor revision) of Diskeeper is worth grabbing. Typically, point updates aren't packed with new features and functionality. Executive Software decided to bend the rules this time around, and I laud the decision. There are twice as many scheduling options available, your desired data placement is more configurable, and background operations continue to be seamless. In short, it didn't seem to break anything - just the way it should be. I also figured it was high time I retired the ol' Intel Pro Webcam and plug in a Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000. Windows Update seems to know what it is, so I don't have to load any crazy non-certified drivers to get it to operate with my existing software - knock on wood. Hey, perhaps I'll get lucky and it'll nullify the other problems I seem to be experiencing? Too bad software wasn't smarter: "I want this, this, and this because they work - but don't give me that, that, or that because my system doesn't like 'em." We're almost there. Stay on target. Stay on target.

Yours Digitally,              
Chris Pirillo       

GnomeDOWNLOADS

Find v122 (beta) [482k] W2k/XP FREE

http://download.find.com/

{Search tool} It's hard to believe, but there actually are people out there who are more forgetful than me. I get calls all the time from people asking me where they saved their files. Since I didn't save the file for them, I don't know where the file is on their system. I can find it by using the Windows search tool, but that takes time. Find is an application that indexes your hard drive so that you can find those missing files quickly. Find hovers at the top of your screen, and besides helping you search for files, this application can also help your search your e-mail or the Web. All you have to do is choose files, Web, or e-mail, and then type in the name of what you are looking for. You will have that item sitting in front of you on the screen in no time flat! If you go through the application's tip guide then you will find that you can also type in simple multiplication problems and find the answers. There are also commands for looking up stocks, quotes, movies, and much more. The best part is that this application is fast and can be configured to use Google as the Web search engine. I will warn you that links don't always work when you click on them, but this is still a work in progress and you can always copy the Internet location and type it in your Web browser. Find is simple to use and is a must for all of us "forgetful" types. So download it now, before you forget! [Brian]

Subhash VCDPlayer v2.0 [2.2M] W9x/2k/XP FREE

http://www.mywebattack.com/gnomeapp.php?id=105612

Subhash VCDPlayer is a general-purpose media player with special support for Video CD playback. In addition, it also allows you to capture still images from video files (bitmap format). It uses Windows Media Player for all core functionality. You can use it to search for files, and you can operate many commands via keyboard shortcuts. It automatically detected a VCD for us; however, some of the additional functions are buggy. [MWA]

AMP Font Viewer v3.0 [345k] W9x/2k/XP FREE

http://www.mywebattack.com/gnomeapp.php?id=105609

AMP Font Viewer is an easy-to-use, yet powerful font manager that allows you to obtain a quick view of all installed (and not installed fonts) on your system. You can also organize fonts into categories, print custom lists of fonts, install or uninstall fonts, and more. You can type text and have it displayed in different font styles, colors, and sizes, as well. [MWA]

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GnomeCLICKS

GnomeSYSTEM

Msilaunch v1.007 [251k] W9x/2k/XP FREE

http://www.cornerhouse.ca/en/msilaunch.html

{Change the install} There was once a time when EXE files ruled the installation arena, but nowadays it is the MSI file. These installers make it easier to uninstall an application or - more importantly - they give you the option to repair a damaged program instead of uninstalling it and then reinstalling the application. Msilaunch gives you the power to change what files in the MSI installer file are launched after installation. For the advanced users in the audience, you can also configure your own custom script that can be run after installation. As a systems administrator, this application gives me a little more control over how I roll out program installations on a large number of computers. Streamline your installations and cut out those pesky after-install help screens with Msilaunch! [Brian]

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GnomeFAVORITE

Idiom Site

http://www.idiomsite.com/

For those of you who don't know, an idiom is a phrase that is natural only to native speakers of a given language. Some examples of idioms that American English speakers use are "absence makes the heart grow fonder," or mentioning that someone is just trying to get "brownie points." Now, if you aren't from America then you might not understand these phrases. Heck, even if you are from America you might not understand all the idioms you hear, and that is why we have idiomsite.com. The idioms on this Web site are separated into alphabetical order, and if you find an idiom you don't know then just click on it to learn more. The great thing about idiomsite.com is that sometimes we know what an idiom means, but this Web site takes that knowledge one step higher by giving us the origin of the idiom, too. Whether you need to look up the meaning of a phrase or just need a fun way to pass the time, then idiomsite.com is a good place to start. [Brian]

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GnomeTIPS

Question: What is an integrated audio card, and does this mean that it can't be replaced?

Answer: You aren't the first person to ask me this question, especially with all these new machines coming out with onboard audio. Integrated audio just means that a sound card has been included on the motherboard, and just like onboard video, you CAN bypass this onboard device. Having onboard audio just cuts down on manufacturing costs, and makes an efficient way to deliver sound on your system. If you feel that you need a better sound card, just buy a new one. Most upgrade sound cards are PCI-based, and in most cases all you need to do is install the card and the drivers. Occasionally, you will need to go into the system's BIOS and disable the onboard audio device, but in that case, please refer to your system documentation on how to do that. For the most part it is just a simple install. However, I would ask myself if I REALLY needed to upgrade my sound card. In most cases, the onboard audio device works just fine for everything from listening to music to playing games. I personally could never tell a difference when playing online games, but in my defense I also didn't have surround speakers hooked up (which makes a difference). The important thing (and the answer to your question) is that no, you are not limited to just the onboard audio, and yes, you CAN upgrade it. Now you just need to decide whether you want an external or an internal sound card, but that debate is for another day! [Brian]

CLEAN YOUR SYSTEM Add/Remove Plus! 2002 offers a new and better way to uninstall programs you no longer want on your computer. All you have to do is double-click on a Desktop icon called "Uninstall Programs", quickly find the program you want to uninstall and click a button. Add/Remove Plus! 2002, unlike the standard Windows uninstall feature (the Control Panel Add/Remove Programs applet), will uninstall the program and remove it from the list. Get Your Copy of Add/Remove Plus Now!

Answer: I'm sorry to inform you that I think you were on the receiving end of a scam. I work for a company that works closely with AOL and I can tell you with certainty that they have their own sales and content department. These two departments work together to provide easy ways to provide information to their customers while still making money. It wouldn't make sense for them to sell off ownership of their keywords because this is a way for them to make money. As for the search engines, they don't really work off of keywords but more off of information like how well linked your Web site is on a certain subject such as computers. This is the method that Google uses to help you find your information. A good way to tell if you are being scammed in the future is to just call up one of the companies like AOL and ask them. If it is a bigger scam, then you may even find it on one of our favorite Web sites, vmyths.com. I'm sorry that someone tried to scam you, but I am very proud that you didn't fall for it! If they try it again, I'm sure you'll give them an earful! [Brian]

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And now, go behind the scenes at a regular Call for Help meeting. It's not that exciting, believe me. I go every single weekday. In this scene, we just so happen to be discussing a very basic segment involving computers. Will it work?