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Contents

Contents In This Issue...

#1 - Newbies Nook - Information for those who are new to computers and computing.

#2 - Problems in Paradise - Answers to reader problems and questions.

#3 - Security Focus - Computer Security by Kenny Hart.

#4 - Getting Starting with Linux - David Kopp points the way.

#5 - Creating Nested Tables - Carol tells us how to do it in Word and OpenOffice Writer.

#6 - My Recommended Software - Need software? Check this list first!

#7 - Useful Freeware - Useful programs that you may find useful. Did I mention they're free!

#8 - Useful web sites - Websites I've visited lately that you may find useful.

#9 - The Lighter Side - Some humor to lighten your load!

#10 - Odds and Ends - A little bit of this and a little bit of that!

Show your support for Daves Computer Tips

Daves Computer Tips is completely free for you to use, but operating the site isn't. I have monthly fees for hosting, bandwidth, and email service. I'm definitely not making a living from this site. If you would like to help cover these expenses you may do so by donating to Daves Computer Tips. Donation is easy and any amount is appreciated. Click the button on the right and donate using your credit card with PayPal.

Spread the word!

Please tell a friend, relative, coworker, or complete stranger about my site and newsletter. Remember "word of mouth" is the best advertising!

As always I appreciate your comments and suggestions about the site and newsletter. If you would like to share please contact me at .

Carol is our resident "Office Goddess". If you have Microsoft Office, OpenOffice questions, or suggestions for future Office articles shoot her an email at .

Thank you for taking a few moments to read my newsletter,
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#1 - Newbies Nook

By David Hartsock

What would you like to see covered in Newbies Nook? Email me at

The Windows Registry - Take 3

Last Known Good Configuration

Have you ever had a windows error which caused a reboot? If you have you probably were presented with a black screen that offered several options (none of which seem like a good idea at the time). The screen offers several options: Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking, and Last Known Good Configuration.

Exactly what is Last Known Good Configuration? I'll tell you now it isn't a life saver, but it could come in handy. Each time your computer boots normally there is a backup made of the Hkey_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet tree and its' sub keys. Choosing Last Known Good Configuration causes Windows to load that backup in place of the current registry file during boot. If the original problem was a registry issue that affected that tree and/or sub keys then you may be able to recover by choosing that option.

Generally I find that registry entries related to hardware affect this tree, so if you've made a hardware or driver change before the problem this may be a wise choice. If you haven't made any hardware or driver changes I would stay away. It is in no way a substitute for a good backup!

CLSID

There were a few readers who discovered entries labeled CLSID as they were exploring the registry. CLSID is short for Class Identifier or Global Unique Identifier (GUID). Here is an example of a CLSID - {6B9228DA-9C15-419e-856C-19E768A13BDC}. A long (128 bit) number that means nothing to you or I. In actuality it is a unique number which references an executable on your computer. Here is an example. The Vista Sidebar allows you to add Gadgets to your desktop. If we look in Hkey_Classes_Root we will see the following:

CLSID example

So we know the CLSID Windows is using for gadgets. Let's have a look around and see what file extension Windows associates with sidebar gadgets.

gadget extension

I know not everyone has Vista. This was just an example. Look around. Find an extension you are familiar with. Use Edit>Find to locate the associated program.

.reg files

You may run into files on the internet or through emails that have the file extension .reg. These files are meant to add, change, or delete entries from the registry in a way that is much simpler than explaining how to navigate to a specific key(s) and make a specific change(s).It is a simple text file created in a specific format. These files can run the gamut from innocent to evil. Be VERY careful if you are ever told to download or execute a file with this extension. Only do so if you are absolutely sure of the source, trust the source, and have a current backup. These can get you in a lot of trouble if you aren't careful!

Let's wrap it up

I hope you've learned a little about the Windows Registry over the last three issues. At least enough so you aren't scared when someone mentions the word "Registry"! I use a program named RegCool in place of the built in registry editor. I've grown to rely of this program. Unfortunately it wasn't compatible with Vista. Thankfully the author recently updated the program! Windows Regedit program provides search results one at a time. This can make removing left over software entries a very lengthy process. What I like about RegCool is it gives search results all at the same time allowing you to delete groups of keys simply. If you would like to try RegCool you can find it here.

Please take a moment and share your thoughts on the Windows registry article in the box below!

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#2 - Problems in Paradise

By David Hartsock

If you would like to see your question or problem answered here email me at

This is weird!

Raymond wrote:

I would like to share with you and your subscribers a problem I am experiencing with the subject program that was "recommended" in your newsletter. I downloaded the My Uninstaller program and it was installed in a folder under My Documents as "myunist.exe". Each time I place my cursor over this folder to open it my computer automatically reboots. (shuts down and restarts). I unistalled the program and reinstalled it but I still have the same problem. Any ideas you can share with me on this problem.

Well, this didn't sound like a problem with the program, but a problem with registry entries associated with explorer.exe or the actual file extension .exe. It turns out that it affected many programs and several control panel applets. After a few emails back and forth we determined that several "Registry Cleaners" had been used. Not all of these programs are created equal. I use and recommend only two - CCleaner and Registry Mechanic. Why these two? I've been bitten by many other programs of this sort. Remember, Windows relies on the registry to store information about everything about the operating system. One mistake and.... Well, you know.

Unfortunately Raymond was unable to restore changes made by these two programs, but a final system restore returned his computer to normal.

How do I remove this thing?

Brenda wrote:

Under your free software heading you recommend: Avira AntiVir 7 - free antivirus program. Currently the best of the free programs.

I just downloaded this program and while running it - it shut my computer down. My computer restarted but this Avira AntiVir will not start. I wanted to remove it from my computer, but I cannot find it in the add/remove section. I can find it under programs files, but I do not know how to remove it from that section. It has no uninstall. What can I do? I tried to read the help files on how to disinstall, but like I said it does not show up in the control panel under add/remove. Can you help me??

Of course I can! I sent the following email to Brenda:

The first thing I would do is redownload the file and reinstall. There are several reasons for this…

1. It’s possible, but unlikely, the original was corrupt.
2. If the reinstall fixes the program then everything is OK.
3. If the reinstall doesn’t fix the problem then hopefully it will add the program to the Add/Remove programs panel.
4. If it doesn’t do any of the above hopefully it will add an uninstall option to the program group in the Start Menu.

Try that and let me know what happens.

Occasionally things don't work as expected. Registry entries don't get written, or are corrupt, which can prevent a program from showing in the Add/Remove programs applet. Sometimes program authors include there own uninstall shortcut in the Start menu, but many do not.

Here is Brenda's reply:

Hi Dave,
Thanks for your help. I did download it again. And, it did the same thing, almost thru the scan it shut the computer down, and it said it had recovered from a serious error. But, this time it was in the add/remove, so I was able to remove it. I think I will try AVG, I have used that before.
Thanks,
Brenda

So a re-install righted the Add/Remove entry and Brenda was able to remove the program. It doesn't always make sense to re-install a program you are trying to remove, but sometimes it helps (grin).

Please take a moment and comment on this article in the box below! Did it work for you?

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#3 - Security Focus

I am excited to have the opportunity to introduce Ken Harthun. Ken is joining Daves Computer Tips Newsletter, where he will share his talents in computer security in each issue. Ken works for a consulting firm, writes for Lockergnome (a very well known tech site), and has experience in many computer related areas. Ken is a true geek (aren't we all in some aspect?), and all around gentleman. Ken knows his stuff and we will all gain valuable information from him ~ Dave H

How to Secure Your PC: Maxim #1

by Ken Harthun

Hello! Dave has been gracious enough to allow me to present my views on PC security and I'm proud to be a contributor to this fine newsletter. In this column, I'll do my best to help you understand PC security and how you can protect yourself. Why? Criminals and other ill-intentioned persons on the Internet want to take control of your computer for their own nefarious purposes, steal your identity and drain your bank accounts. It's a jungle out there -- call it the Wild, Wild Web -- and everyone is a potential target whether they're 8 or 80. I'll show you how to fight back, or at least make it hard for the bad guys to do any damage.

If there is ever anything I say that you don't understand, please feel free to email me at askthegeek@kennyhart.com or go to my web site, http://askthegeek.kennyhart.com, and submit a question. It's important to me that you understand how to secure your PC and home network. That's what I'm here to do. Sometimes I forget that information security can be complicated and while I might understand it, you may not. It's my job to make it comprehensible to you; if I go over your head, please let me know, OK?

Over the next several months, I'll be presenting a series of security maxims -- statements expressing general truths or rules of conduct related to PC and home network security -- that are meant to help you stay secure and protect your PC and your personal information from attack and theft.

I work for a consulting firm and I'm heavily involved in computer and network security. In the past, I've been truly baffled when alarms go off and I find Susie User’s PC infected with umpteen pieces of malware. I pride myself in making sure my clients are protected. How did these things sneak in? The truth is, they didn't sneak in, they were invited. Susie clicked on the wrong button or otherwise opened the door to the bad guys.

In the next issue, I'll tell you how that happens and the first step to take to prevent it. For now, let me leave you with Computer Security Maxim #1: The best security measures are completely useless if you invite attackers into your PCs or networks.

Ken Harthun writes about security issues at http://www.lockergnome.com/nexus/gnomewriter and blogs on general Geek things at http://askthegeek.kennyhart.com. He's always interested in your questions.

Please take a moment and comment on this article in the box below!

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#4 - Getting Started with Linux

By David Kopp

Starting with Linux

We've given David the issue off. He's been very busy and needs some rest :)

David Kopp is currently a Database Solutions Consultant with experiences in PHP based Content Management Systems, and IT/Computer tech.

Please take a moment and comment on David's Linux article in the box below!

Recommend this newsletter to a friend!

#5 - Creating Nested Tables

by Carol A. Bratt

Hi there Dave's subscribers,

It's me again! I think I will do a little bit of a couple of things on here this time around.

I never get many comments on my articles so I'm not really sure how well received they are or what, in particular you would like to see covered. Leave me a comment or two - even if it's just to say - keep 'em coming or howdy do!

I hope you all had a pleasant Halloween if you celebrate that sort of thing and are enjoying the crisp Fall weather finally.

Now, on with the articles!

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Creating Nested Tables in MS Word

Nested tables provide a great deal of flexibility in setting page layout. You could use tabs within your table, but that can be tricky. First you have to set the tab for the cell and then to tab, you have to press CTRL + Tab. If you press just Tab, it will only move your cursor to the next cell. It is much easier to use tables instead.

One example of using nested tables would be an expense report. Another would be a resume. Look at the examples below.

Nexted Table Example 1

Nested Table Example 2

To type your resume without tabs, follow the steps below:

Set up a two column table in MS Word by clicking on Table | Insert Table.

List the main headings, such as Experience and Education in the first column and the items that pertain to those headings in the second column. Using a table, you can tab to the cell and the text will be automatically aligned to the cell grid lines, which are invisible when you print your table.

But wait, what if the items require tabs within the cells? That makes it all a bit trickier. To avoid having to set tabs in your table, instead insert a nested table.

Follow along, using the steps below:

  1. Type Education in the first column cell and then press Tab.
  2. Click and hold the Insert Table tool Table tool on the Standard toolbar and drag to select a 2 x 2 table.

Insert Table

  1. Type the year in the first cell of the nested table.
  2. Press Tab and type the name of the school.
  3. Press Enter and type the degree or diploma earned.
  4. Press Tab and type the year.
  5. Press Tab and type the name of the next school.
  6. Press Enter and type the degree or diploma earned.

Congratulations! You have just typed the resume without having to set tabs within a cell.

I can sense that you will experiment with this and find lots of uses for this. If you do, I would like to hear and see what you have come up with. Please feel free to e-mail me with your creativity.

 

More in OpenOffice

As with Microsoft Word, you can create nested tables in OpenOffice Writer. Again, the feature provides much more flexibility by allowing you to insert a secondary table into a primary table's cell. Nested tables are somewhat new in version 2.0 of OpenOffice.org

You can do almost the exact same thing in OpenOffice Writer that you did in Microsoft Word to create your table with a nested table within.

  1. Click the Table icon on the Standard toolbar. Table Tool
  2. The Table dialog box will appear.

Table Dialog Box

  1. Select your parameters there.
  2. Tab to where you would like to have your nested table and then click on the drop-down arrow next to the Table Tool icon on the Standard toolbar and drag to create a 2 x 2 table.

Open Office Nested Table

I think you have the idea by now. The process isn't all that much different between the two programs. The biggest difference is again, that OpenOffice is FREE.

Add a Watermark to your Word 2007 Document

This is for the folks who wrote to say they would like to see something relating to Office 2007.

There are a number of predefined watermarks that ship with MS Word 2007 that you can add to your document without any additional formatting.

When you want to distribute draft copies of the document you are working on, you can add the draft watermark to each page.

Follow along by using the steps below:

  1. Click the Page Layout tab.
  2. Click the Watermark command in the Page Background group.
  3. Select Draft 1 under Disclaimers.
  4. You may want to create your own watermark. After your document has gone through the draft review process, you will most likely want to distribute a final copy showing the markups.
  5. Follow the steps below to create a custom watermark to reflect your document changes:
  6. Click the Page Layout tab.
  7. Click the Watermark command in the Page Background group.
  8. Click Remove Watermark to remove the Draft 1 watermark.
  9. Click the Watermark command in the Page Background group.
  10. Click Custom Watermark.
  11. Click Text Watermark.
  12. Click in the Text text box and replace ASAP with FinalShowing Markup.
  13. Click Apply.
  14. Click Close.

Pretty simple game eh? Stick with me kiddos - I'll make you stars!

Until next time, take care...

Carol writes the monthly Word Bytes Newsletter with more tips and tricks in each issue. Visit Carol's website for more great Microsoft Office tips and tricks! Visit Carol's site at www.carolscorneroffice.com.

Please take a moment and comment on Carol's article in the box below!

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#6- My Recommended Software

Anti-spyware and Anti-malware Software

Webroot SpySweeper - Daves Computer Tips Seal of Approval Winner! See the test results HERE. Spysweeper provides the best protection of the seven anti-spyware programs tested! Great detection and removal rates with a small real-time protection memory footprint. This is the one you want! SpySweeper includes the ASK toolbar. Be sure to uncheck this option during installation. Free 14 day trial.

CounterSpy - Runner-up in my Anti-Spyware test. Not only does CounterSpy scan and remove spyware, it also uses real time protection. Real-time protection prevents spyware infection. Free 15 day trial. Winner of Computer Shopper Magazine's Best Buy Award!

Antivirus and Firewall Software

ESET Smart Security - New from the maker's of NOD32. Antivirus, Antispyware, Antispam, and Firewall all wrapped into one effective, swift, and low resource package. It is what I use to protect each of my computers!

Kaspersky Antivirus - Kaspersky is my second choice for antivirus software. A good program that is very close in performance to NOD32. Free trial.

Online Armor Firewall - You shouldn't be on the internet without a software firewall that offers inbound and outbound protection. Online Armor is the Best of the Best. Online Armor uses an interface that is easier to navigate than most other firewalls and the protection level can't be beat! Online Armor is available in both a free and reasonably priced paid version, which offers even more protection!

Audio and Video Software

Acoustica Audio Converter Pro - This program converts audio formats and bitrates. Perfect for those with portable audio players or large music collections. 30 day trial.

Adobe Premier Elements - Elements is the consumer version of Adobe Premiere. It costs 1/6th the price, but is very capable of making videos that will impress everyone.

Ashampoo Burning Studio - My current pick for a low resource, easy to use CD/DVD burning application. Easier to use than Nero or Roxio, with a low memory footprint and much smaller installation requirement.

Computer Hardware

Crucial Memory - Memory (RAM) is the upgrade that gives any computer the best bang for the buck. If you want to speed things up with more memory, why not purchase it from the leading source of quality RAM memory. Great selection, good prices, excellent support, and a lifetime warranty! A real winner!

CyberGuys - The place to get those hard to find cables and accessories for your computer!

HP Computers - My current pick for new laptops and desktops. In the current market I don't think you can beat HP's combination of price and performance. Their laptop line is very cost effective and the design is absolutely beautiful!

Newegg - Newegg.com is known for great service and awesome pricing on computers, upgrades, and electronics. If you're looking for computers, computer parts, or electronics you owe it to yourself to start here! Great Products. Great Prices. Great Customer Service!

Computer Maintenance Software

Diskeeper 2008 - My current favorite defrag program. As files are written and erased from the hard drive they begin to leave "spaces" behind. When the drive is written to again files are broken up to fill in these spaces. This causes the drive to go to several different locations to read an entire file, which slows performance greatly. Diskeeper has several advanced features such as; automatic defrag, scheduled defrag, and the ability to defrag the MFT (Master File Table) and paging file. 30 day trial.

Registry Mechanic - A very thorough and efficient registry cleaner and defragmenter. A definite must to maintain peak performance and stabile operation. 30 day trial.

Computer Utility Software

Acronis True Image 11 - Do you value the data on your computer? Do you value your time? How much time will you spend recovering data and returning your computer to its original state after a hardware failure or software glitch? True Image is my #1 choice in backup tools. Whether you choose file or image based backups (you should use both!) True Image will perform better than any other application I've used. Disk images created with True Image are generally 10-20% smaller than those from comparable programs. If your time and files are as important to you as mine are to me this is a must have.

Acronis Disk Director - My favorite tool to partition, format, and resize hard drives.

Roboform - This program is the next best thing since sliced bread in my book! This program integrates into Internet Explorer and firefox. It generates very secure passwords at the click of a button. How do I remember these complex passwords? Roboform allows you to save passwords and personal data in an encrypted format. A master password (yes only one password to remember!) allows access. Roboform in IE and FireFox works like a super powered bookmark. You click the site you want to go to and Roboform opens the site, enters your username and password for the site (if required) and as if by magic clicks the submit button. If you shop online Roboform can enter your personal information and credit card information, which is also stored in a secure encrypted file, in one click. A real time saver with great security thrown in to boot! 30 day trial.

WinRar - What is commonly called a zip utility, similar to the more widely known WinZip. WinRar is faster and works with more formats for about 1/2 the price of WinZip. 30 day trial.

Desktop Utility Software

LogonStudio - Change the screen that appears when you boot Windows (the one with the moving bar graph). Hundreds of free skins available online. It's free.

Cursor XP Plus - Change the cursors on your computer. Hundreds of cursor packs are available online for free.

Icon Packager - Change the icons on your computer. Icon Packager puts you in control to change every icon with the click of a button. Tired of the plain icons built into Windows? There are hundreds of Icon Packs available online for free, which will add a truly personal feel to your computer.

WindowBlinds 6 - This is the icing on the proverbial cake. WindowBlinds changes the look and feel of Windows. By changing the appearance of the task bar, start menu, and any other window or program you open. It adds transparency, shadows, alpha blending, and animations. Hundreds of themes are available online for free.

Internet and Email

1&1 hosting - If you want to start your own website, blog, photo gallery, or have a personalized email address then 1&1 is for you. 1&1 can not be beat for reliability, features, support, and price. 90 day guarantee.

Google Gmail - The best internet based email (webmail) available. Each mailbox has a 6.5GB limit. The interface is superb, and the spam filter is top notch. You will never need to delete an email again! It has a great search function and a feature called thread view, which makes finding emails easy. A webmail account offers several advantages including not being required to change your email address if you change service providers. Gmail requires an invitation from a current member. If you are interested shoot me an email and I'll send you an invite.

Microsoft Outlook 2007 - Outlook is the current email client of choice for corporate America. I get well over 200 emails a day. Outlook has a few features I really need such as a plug in for automatic backups, office sounds which offers me some audible feedback, and the ability to change headers. I've used Mozilla Thunderbird and liked it a lot. With the amount of mail I go through I really need the features of Outlook. If you aren't a heavy user, or don't need the features I do then Thunderbird is a great alternative.

- An amazing, free, web browser. If you aren't using it you should be! Highly customizable through addins called extensions. There are thousands of extensions which can allow FireFox to do just about anything you can imagine. More importantly, Firefox is not subject to ActiveX, which is a large part of Internet Explorer, AOL, and MSN. No ActiveX means much less chance of getting spyware! Firefox also conforms to web standards more closely than Internet Explorer, which means you will see what the authors intended, not Microsoft.

Mozilla Thunderbird - A great free email client, from the same folks that brought us FireFox. Easy to use and highly customizable through extensions.

Photo and Picture Software

Adobe Photoshop Elements - Photoshop Elements is a consumer version of Adobe Photoshop. If you are serious about digital photos you will find Photoshop Elements a great program to have at your disposal. Elements provides all the functionality most will need at 1/6th the price.

Picasa - A great (FREE) way to organize, edit, and share your digital photos.

Please take a moment and comment on this software in the box below!

Recommend this newsletter to a friend!

#7 - Useful Freeware

If you find a program that hasn't been included in a previous newsletter tell me by emailing me at

Vista Start Menu - Not just for Vista! Check this out. It's a completely free replacement for the Start Menu in Windows XP and Vista. - XP/Vista

File Hamster - Real-time backup and archiving of your files. Similar to the Vista Shadow Copy feature. -2000/XP/Vista

ObjectDock - A very neat program from Stardock. It functions similarly to the Vista Sidebar, but is very customizable and can be placed on any edge of the desktop. -2000/XP/Vista

Please take a moment and comment on this software in the box below!

Recommend this newsletter to a friend!

#8 - Useful websites

If you find a website that hasn't been included in a previous newsletter tell me by emailing me at

Acousticpc.com - An interesting online store dedicated to making your computer quiet. An amazing amount of products, all designed to be quiet. There are quiet fans, cpu coolers, cases, etc.

An Inside Look at Internet Attackers' Black Market - This is definitely worth a read!

Please take a moment and comment on these websites in the box below!

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#9 - The Lighter Side

I spend thousands of hours each week searching the internet for funny or entertaining items to share with my readers. Enjoy!

Amazing Juggling - I bet you've never seen juggling like this before! - Thanks Larry

Uncle Jay - A very humorous look at US elected officials!

Interesting Discovery - An ingenious fellow discovers an interesting concept and maybe a cure for cancer.

Please take a moment and add your comments about these in the box below!

Recommend this newsletter to a friend!

#10 - Odds and Ends

Acronis True Image Special Offer!

Just a reminder for those who missed the last newsletter. Acronis has offered a special 20% discount on Acronis True Image through November 15th. If you were on the fence, or haven't gotten around to it yet, you still have time to get in on this great deal!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - "you can never have enough backups". Even with my ever present reminders it seems it usually takes one major data loss before people look for a solution. Don't be that person! Pictures, documents, settings, and the rest of your data are priceless and often irreplaceable.

Acronis True Image is the solution I use and (highly) recommend. True Image creates disk images, which can return your computer to the exact state it was in when you created the image. True Image also allows files to be copied from the image, which allows for specific files to be recovered. Acronis True Image is the complete backup solution.

Click here for the Acronis True Image special - use Coupon Code ATIH20

Mac OS Malware?

If you have friends who have Mac computers, or for that matter have ever been in the same room with a Mac owner, I'm sure you've heard that Macs aren't susceptible to virus, spyware, or malware infections. Well it is not that simple. Apple just isn't a big target. The people who create these nasty little things are looking for a quick buck, or a quick get in - get out type operation. They cast a wide net.

Apple's share of the computer market is estimated in the 2% to 4% range. Why target such a small audience? The answer is simple; They haven't... Until now.

Intego and McAfee have confirmed the existence of the first Mac OS Trojan in the wild. Mac OS exploits have been shown in research papers and proof of concepts, but this one is out there looking to infect actual computers.

I didn't bring this up to bash Apple or the Mac OS, but to point out that it doesn't matter which OS or computer manufacturer you prefer. Security ultimately lies in your hands. It is not a matter of "if", but of "when"! Of course, if you do know one of "those" Mac OS people that brag about their computer I can't be responsible if you mention this to them (hopefully with a smile on your face).

Main Website Update

If you have followed the newsletter for any length of time you know I loved the flashy navigation buttons I used on the main site. I spent many hours creating and recreating those buttons. In the interest of convenience I've removed the button navigation and replaced it with a more compact menu. It is now possible to go directly to any page from any page. Hopefully this will make locating downloads and old newsletters easier for you. If you have a few moments head over to the main site at www.davescomputertips.com and try it out. I think you will like it!

Thank You!

Carol, David Kopp, Ken Harthun, and I realize how precious time is today. We greatly appreciate the time you take to read our ramblings. We also appreciate your feedback and emails. Obviously we can't respond to each one, but (as long as they are on topic) they do get read. We also appreciate those of you who have recommended the newsletter to family and friends. There is no advertising budget. The only exposure we receive is through our readers. Through your efforts we have over 1900 subscribers!

Please take a moment and add your comments about these in the box below!

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