This page is part of the "legacy" version of HTCC online. It's here for continuity and reference. This website has been semi-retired since 2009, and is seldom updated. You'll find our new online presence at the HTCC Blog.

Computers

What are you going to do with that old one?

The e-waste "tsunami" is another environmental degradation process that is finally getting some attention. Fortunately there are now some ways to keep your old computers, TVs and other electronic gear from being part of the problem.

And how about the new one?

The last computer I bought was a "business" model from HP. It was gloriously free of uninvited software. But most computers now come with enough crap on them to question the sanity of the manufacturer. They're grubbing for kickbacks from their parasitic software "partners", but you wonder why they'd degrade the performance of their computers with programs that most people don't want.

It's a tedious task to remove all that junk. If it were my new computer I'd use Revo Uninstaller to get rid of it. However, Revo is a bit geeky.

PC Decrapifier is a good alternative. [more] It will free up some hard drive space, but more importantly, stop a bunch of unneeded services from running in the background. They're running just in case you take the bait for one of the programs, but they slow your computer and increase its boot time.

More on the Web about computers

• Which computer for me? There are a growing number of alternatives that may fit your needs better than a laptop or desktop would.
• There are many tutorials about computers on the Web.
• About.com has a wide range of information about computers.
• The dmoz directory organizes links to computer related information on many topics.
• You'll find well written articles on many computer and internet topics at Wikipedia.com.
• Of course Google, Yahoo or Ask.com will lead you to more info on computers than you can consume. All you need is the right keywords. :-) For example, try this search for quick start toolbar.
• Karbosguide is an has well organized and easy to understand articles about all aspects of computers, including how they work, and how to do tasks with your computer.

Microsoft on the Web

Microsoft has *tons* of computer information online. There is so much there that it's tough to find it all. Here are some interesting places to go:

• Windows Help and How-to
• How to Use Windows XP
• Expert Zone
• Windows XP Home Page
• Windows Vista Home Page
• Windows Vista Compatibility Center. Everything from cameras to displays, and gaming to graphics.
• Microsoft Download Center
• Microsoft Site Map
• Microsoft Home Magazine

Last modified 12/18/09