KSFO's Web Wanderer

Web Wanderer's Thought of the Week

It's a good thing they don't let me name the hurricanes. Otherwise, you'd all be hearing about "Hurricane Barney."

The Links for November 7, 1998

User Options and the Windows Registry

Listener Joel found this KILLER registry site.

The site starts with a warning, and a link to making a "Registry Auto-Recovery Disk". Good advice. Then, there's a HUGE list of things you can do with the registry: "Adding Explore From Here to Every Folder", "Adding an Application to Every Folder", "Adding Items to the Start Button", "Auto Refresh Explorer Automatic Screen Refresh", etc. Bunches of stuff with CLEAR descriptions of how to make the changes.

This site is for the experienced user. New computer users shouldn't even THINK of messing with this stuff - if you do it wrong, you've made yourself a nice door stop unless you can do the recovery.

Well worth a visit, and a bookmark.

Thanks, Joel!

The Tech Museum of Innovation

Taxi Mike found this one.

San Jose's Tech Museum is now open for business - and on the web. You can get a preview of the 240 exhibits. Previews aren't really detailed, but give you an idea of what you can find at the museum.

The coolest thing on this site is the "online exhibitions" of Satellites, robotics, Mt. Everest, DNA, color, and earthquakes. All interesting stuff.

Well worth a trip to the Museum on a rainy day - either virtually or in real life. Check 'em both out.

Thanks, Taxi Mike!

Anandtech

Listener Rick found this one. Anandtech is run by a guy named Anand, and it's a hardware review page.

Rick says "It has reviews on: CPU's, Mainboards, Software, Storage Devices, Systems, Video Boards. It also has a great BBS where you can post a computer related question or view answers to posted questions. It covers many topics. The site also has Hot Links and Chat Rooms. Also included in this web site is an editorial section with topics such as mail-in rebates and Consumer Protection Information. There is also a section where you can get information about Bios and Bios upgrade."

It's a great site. The most amazing part is - Anand is 16 years old.

Check out this site. Very cool.

Thanks, Rick!

All Experts

Dorothy in Hayward emailed me. She said "When I first was learning about computers by having my questions answered by the BBS folks I wanted to know how I could express my appreciation. I was told that you always "pay-back-forward". ???? You thank the guys that helped you by assisting someone else in the future. I think the people who volunteer their services on these web pages must believe in this."

It's an interesting site. Questions get answered. Non-computer questions! You can ask about Music, TV, Sports, Software, Cars, Medical, Legal, etc. and get good answers from knowledgeable people.

This will be VERY handy to bookmark for your "quick information needed" needs.

Thanks Dorothy!

The Wizard of Oz

Larry in Windsor found this one.

Larry says "This web site features a detailed timeline of the history surrounding the making of the movie, from its conception in 1924 to its release in 1939. You'll find the lyrics from several of the famous Oz songs, including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The Ozmasters have assembled a nice collection of sound bites from the movie, as well as bios of the cast and filmmakers, the story of the making (and remaking) of the movie, and a slew of photos of the stars."

This is a must-visit for Wizard of Oz fans. The graphics and layout are great, so it's an interesting site from a web design standpoint.

Well worth a visit. Thanks, Larry!

Software: Internet Loafer

Mongusmike called last week with a question, and mentioned Internet Loafer. He found it was no longer on ZDNET, but located it at the above address.

Mongus Mike's sister sent this to him several months ago, and he's been using it ever since. It keeps you logged on, (during long downloads), if you use AOL or CompuServe, since they have inactivity timers incorporated into their software now.

Mongusmike called Bob last week, and mentioned that Loafer was available on ZDNet. He checked, and apparently, it isn't. The link above will work.

These programs are great - especially if you have trouble connecting to your ISP. There is nothing more annoying than taking 5-10 minutes to connect, working a little while online, going off for a cup of coffee only to return and find you've been disconnected.

If you get disconnected, and want to put an end to it - pick this up.

Thanks, Mongusmike!

Napa Steve's Real Quickies

Napa Steve is THE MAN when it comes to finding Real Audio and Real Video sites, his finds are now a regular feature of the Web Wanderer's Report. Every week, Napa Steve will try to find one or two hot Real sites.

Sun Sounds

Napa Steve found Sun Sounds - a reading service for the visually impaired, in Real Audio. There's around the clock reading on a wide variety of subjects: News, Science Fiction, Teen Magazines, tabloids, catalogs, Religious news, health, and countless other subjects.

Very useful stuff!

The Irish Times on the Web

Napa steve also found this one - it's a news site in Real Audio from Dublin. Give it a listen!