Jack Clarke Home Page

Computing Links

HINT:  This is a long page.  Remember, you can search it by using Edit, Find (Ctrl-F) in your browser and type in a key word.

Kim Komando
My favorite computer guru.  She has a talk show each week and she shares her knowledge on the internet.  Check here to find out when her program is in your city.  She also has tons of information on the website about computing.
http://www.komando.com/

Jeff Levy on Computers       ^1-29-08
Computer talk-show host of Southern California.  His show has moved to KRLA 870 and KTIE 590 AM, Sunday, 2-4PM.  He has lots of info on the website.  He also has a list of lessons you can read and/or download.  They go back to 1998 and are very comprehensive.
http://www.jefflevy.com/

Epinions
Are you planning to buy something.  Get the facts here.  They will compare products and give you the facts.
http://www.epinions.com/

PC Mechanic
All you ever wanted to know about computers -- and more!  They'll even give you complete instructions on how to build one.
http://www.pcmech.com/

Computing History
How humans have been counting since 350 million B.C. 
Click Library and then History of Computers.
http://www.maxmon.com/

Domain Names
If you are considering getting your own web site with your own URL, this is the place.   Find out if your name is available.  After you find out, be careful. There are tons of offers out there.  Don't be fooled by a lower price.  Find out what you're getting and talk to someone who has been there.  I guess that applies to just about any service you can imagine.
http://www.domainnicnames.com/

File Extension Source
Do you have a file on your computer that you have no idea what it is?  Well, the extension tells it all.  We all know what EXE, COM, JPG, and BMP are. But what is RGT, CGI, or WPG.  You can find out here.
http://filext.com/

Mighty Fax
Want a really simple fax program?  This company has it -- for $19.95. Almost all of their software is $19.95.  I've only used the fax program; but I love it.  It's simple, and easy to use.  You get 30 days to try it out - free.  RKS Software.
http://www.rkssoftware.com/

SpeedGuide.net - Computer Nerd Stuff
The ultimate in the latest technology.  Beware!  If you are a dummy, you might get into trouble here.  Don't try it if you don't know what to do.
http://www.speedguide.net/

Webflyer
Deals, deals, and more deals.  If you want to get rid of some money, try this one out.
http://www.webflyer.com/deals/

Freeware
Bunches of software - all FREE. No strings attached.
http://www.nonags.com/

Virus - Real or Fake
This is the place to find out if that virus is real on a big phony.  There are lots of stories out there.  Lot's more information on every subject you can imagine.
http://www.snopes.com/

Check Your Computer's Internet Speed
This site will tell you the truth about your actual speed of downloading files.  It's simple; just two clicks and a few seconds later, you have it.
 http://webservices.cnet.com/Bandwidth/

Some of My Handywork
Here are a couple of the commercial websites I have done.  Check them out.  If you buy something, tell them who sent you!
http://www.refurbishedtelecomequipment.com/
http://www.risingsuntelecom.com/

Wi-Fi - Free Internet Spots
It means "Wireless Fidelity".  In other words, it is wireless with great bandwidth - just like Hi-Fi; you remember that!  It's popping up everywhere; airports, cafes, street corners, etc.  With a little $50 gizmo attached to your computer, you can get on the internet, get your email, all that good stuff. Click here for more details.

I usually just pick one; but there are 3 here because some of them have spots that the others don't.  So, you might want to try them all.

This has the whole world. You can search for different services.  Also has a little box for "free only".   You can click and get information on that particular site.
http://www.hotspot-locations.com/

You can search by ZIP code or get a list of any country, state/province, or city.  It has a little box to check for "free sites only".  Click on any entry and get information on that particular site.
http://reviews.cnet.com/Hotspot_zone/4520-66.....

This one has listings by state and city.  You can click and get info on the ones that have their own websites.  Also, much more info on other countries, airports, truck stops, and community projects to provide free Wi-Fi systems for an entire area.
http://www.wififreespot.com/

Wi-Fi Hardware Comparison
This site has lots of info on wi-fi including this comparison on hardware.  It gives you all the specs on lots of different units.
http://www.seattlewireless.net/index.cgi/Hardwa.....

Digital Cameras - The Basics     
This site gives several short courses on digital cameras and photography. Very easy to understand.  It's about all most of us need to know.  If you want more, they'll also sell you a book.
http://www.shortcourses.com/

Driver Guide
Need a driver for your new hardware - or your old hardware after you've had a crash.  This site has over 100,000 drivers available for just about any piece of equipment you can imagine.  You need to sign up; but it's free. Check here for my valuable advice first.
http://www.driverguide.com/

Byte Terminology
Keep up with the future!  Here are some new terms for you.
byteterm.htm

Windows Tips
Some very useful tips for operating your computer and Windows.
http://www.worldstart.com/

All You Need to Know About JPG Files
Here is a little test I did with JPG files.  You might find it interesting.
jpgtest.htm

Extreme Tech 
Just as it says, it's extremely technical on computers. Lots of good information on any computer topic. It's not all "extreme".  Lots of good info.  It also has a discussion forum where you can get answers to your questions.
http://www.extremetech.com/

Dictionary of Computer Terms
They also have a lot of technical info on computers. So, if you're having trouble, check here.
http://www.computerhope.com/jargon.htm

Site Advisor
This little program is wonderful.  It is put out by McAfee.  They test websites to see if they send you viruses, adware, etc.  They also check downloads from that site, spam if you sign up for something, and other important stuff.  I've been using it for a few weeks and I love it.  Try it!  Be sure and click on "Learn More"; then they will know which browser you are using and will offer that particular download.  Also, you will Learn More.
http://www.siteadvisor.com/

Windows Startup
See all those icons at the bottom of your screen. Most of them are never used. You didn't want them there; but the programs put them there anyway. I've been afraid to remove some of them because I wasn't sure what they were for. Now, we can find out. This website tells what it is and whether you absolutely need it or not.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/filedb/

Help With Technical Stuff
This site can find out all sorts of stuff about your computer - you wouldn't believe some of it. They can also help you get rid of the bad stuff - free.
http://www.auditmypc.com/

Block Unwanted Ads
I've used this for a week or so and it's great. The website explains it in detail but basically, it has a list of about 22,000 cites that sneak ads into your computer. It stops them dead in their tracks. Not only that, it speed up your surfing because it is not loading those ads. It only blocks the bad ones; the good ones still get through.
NOTE: If you aren't savvy enough to do this manually, you probably shouldn't do it. Also, it doesn't work with proxy servers such as AOL.
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

Computer Scum
This website exposes all sorts of computer scams and scumbags.
http://www.stopscum.com/

Macromedia Flash
Worthwhile reading.  Gives you details of what Flash does and how you can control it.  It can be dangerous if you don't know about this program.  So this is "must reading" in my opinion.
http://www.macromedia.com/support/...

What can you do about spam?
Lots!  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is actively persuing spammers.  They need to be told, however.  This site has all the info.  They even have an email address to which you can just forward the spam - no other red tape involved. Couldn't get it much easier than that.
http://www.ftc.gov/spam/

Copyright Myths
The top 10 myths as explained by Brad Templeton, a very interesting guy. Just click on his Home Page to read a bunch more interesting stuff.
http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html

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