*CyberCoyote - August 2007*

NEWS, NOTES and NOTICES

*Mr. Modem!*
Read the latest "Mr. Modem!" column online.
http://cybercoyote.org/articles/modem.shtml

*The new PCWorld*
I've subscribed to several PC Magazines over the years. Most have disappeared or morphed into something not useful to me. PCWorld has gotten better with time, and their companion website is a nice adjunct. I've read the first issue they produced after a complete makeover and I like it.
http://blogs.pcworld.com/techlog/archives/005151.html
http://www.pcworld.com/ -- online supplement

TIPS, TOPICS and TWEAKS

*How to Copy Text from Error Messages*
One of the best ways to get help in resolving error messages is to "google" the message itself. Just put the text from the error message in your favorite search box and click "search". You don't have to enter the text from your keyboard though. Just copy and paste instead.
http://cybercoyote.org/links/090.html

*Remote Screen Access*
"This thing is awesome and so easy to use!" That's one user's comment about CrossLoop, the new, free program that lets you see a remote computer's screen on your own screen. My daughter and I recently used CrossLoop to do some work on her computer. She was in California; I was here in Washington. We were delighted with how easy it was to use and how well it worked. Give me a call if you'd like me to help you try it out. My number is 509-922-1158.
http://www.crossloop.com/index.html
High-speed connections on both ends will improve your experience. :-)

*SP1 for Windows Vista*
Watching Microsoft over the last year trying to finesse the announcement of Service Pack One for Vista has been like watching a duffer trying to finesse a 30-foot putt using body English. Paul Thurrott has the most factual account about when, why, what and how. It's targeted for early 2008. They also plan to release Windows XP SP3 "some time in the first half of calendar 2008." Not soon enough to save me much work.
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_sp1.asp
-- the story http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/vista_sp1.asp -- more

*Eee Computer*
The Eee computer shows what an emerging branch of computing may become -- easy-to-use, highly-portable and inexpensive. Don't look for it at Best Buy just yet, but keep something like this in mind for the future.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASUS_Eee_PC
http://cybercoyote.org/links/eee.html
http://event.asus.com/eeepc/

WEB PICKS

*Solitaire Online*
The action is nicely simulated, which makes it much more fun than the ordinary Solitaire game. The author used up-to-date Web programming to make it load fairly fast, and run crisply. You can pick from 16 (so far) variations on the basic game, and there are many other nice options -- one of the best is "autoplay". You might start by choosing "Klondike".
http://cybercoyote.org/links/089.html -- game
http://yuiblog.com/blog/2007/08/20/schultz-solitaire/ -- author
http://cybercoyote.org/links/085.html -- offline alternative

*How Google Works*
Portfolio.com shows you in this illustrated story. (Be sure to hover your mouse pointer over all the elements (images) when you get to frame 4.) Speaking of Google, do you remember Barney Google (now Barney Google and Snuffy Smith)?
http://www.portfolio.com/infographics/2007/08/google
http://www.kingfeatures.com/features/comics/bgoogle/about.htm

ODDS and ENDS

*Top 10 Ways to Look Like a Total Toolbag*
"Let's all try and avoid these devastating fashion faux pas."
http://www.magnificentbastard.com/features/toolbag

*Pinball Palace*
You don't need any quarters either.
http://www.miniclip.com/games/mr-men-pinball/en/

*Long Time No See*
This should warm the cockles of your heart (if they're not frozen solid). :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr1pWzoLvT8 -- the video
http://cybercoyote.org/links/084.html -- the story

*That's all, folks.*