The LangaList

Something That *Will* Definitely Help Speed Windows

WinAlign and MapCache are Microsoft tools "designed to optimize the performance of executable code (binaries) on the Windows 98 platform." WinAlign works by adjusting your EXE files so they're stored on disk in a way that mimics how they'll be stored in RAM, when you run them. (Many EXEs are shipped pre-aligned, but this tool can take care of the rest). Once the EXEs are aligned, MapCache (which runs automatically as part of Win98) then can operate at top efficiency.

If you have the full $70 Win98 Resource Kit, you already have a copy of WinAlign and all the supporting information you need to use it.

For everyone else, Windows Magazine offers a free tool called WMalign that can do much the same thing as WinAlign, except it won't cost you $70. <g>

You'll find full info, a download, and instructions---all for free--- here: http://content.techweb.com/winmag//library/1999/0301/fea0052a.htm

return to top of page

What About WordPerfect?

Commenting on my recent coverage of the free-for-the-download StarOffice from Sun (see http://www.informationweek.com/langaletter) a reader asked "Fred why the hell haven't you (and by extension, your colleagues) shown the same enthusiasm towards WP?"

StarOffice has been around for years. I had little enthusiasm for it in the past because, beyond personal evaluation copies, it was an expensive commercial product offered by a small company of uncertain solidity. It's hard to recommend a pricey product with an uncertain future unless that product is clearly light-years ahead of the product it's trying to replace. StarOffice comes close to being a tier-one suite; it's not as good as MS Office, but it's free, and it's now backed by Sun. Those two new facts make a huge difference: because SO is free and backed by a major company, one can look past the hassles of conversion and the product's imperfections.

WordPerfect costs a couple hundred bucks and is from a company with an uncertain future. In fact, WP's own future has been decidedly uncertain ever since the Novell days. As I said, it's hard to recommend a pricey product with an uncertain future unless that product is clearly light-years ahead of the product it's trying to replace. WP is a decent office suite, but it's not light years ahead of anything.

If WP were picked up by, say, IBM or Apple and offered for free, or even if Corel offered it for free, that would be different. But as long as it costs a couple hundred bucks and is from a company with an uncertain future, I'm hard-pressed to commend it.

But your mileage may vary. Come add your voice to the ongoing discussion at http://www.informationweek.com/langaletter !

return to top of page

-------------( Please Visit This LangaList Sponsor!) ------------

--------------( the above is a paid advertisement )--------------

Update on the "Java Update"

Several issues ago, I told you about a potentially major security hole in Microsoft's Java implementation. (See http://www.langa.com/newsletters/Sept-2-99.htm#bug1 )

Microsoft initially issued a full-blown (6MB) replacement for the entire Java subsystem, and followed up with a much smaller Windows Update patch that simply altered your existing Java setup. 

Reader George Combos did some digging and found the following:

The 161 KB JVM patch on the WU site is version 3167. The 6 MB JVM update (full package) at http://www.microsoft.com/java/vm/dl_vm32.htm is version 3186.

When a Win98/98 SE user goes to WU (windowsupdate.microsoft.com) after upgrading with JVM 3186 full package, the ActiveX engine that searches the user's computer for installed updates shows only the JVM patch 3167 [161 KB] as uninstalled (critical upgrade).

Therefore I believe Win98/98 SE users need to install both, the JVM 3186 full set first, and only after that go to WU to get the small JVM 3167 patch. The 3167 patch is not available (yet) as a separate download from the MS JVM page, and Win95/IE5 users cannot install it. :(

Also, if a Win98/98 SE user goes to WU without having JVM 3186 (full) installed, it also shows this one as a critical upgrade.

Keep up the excellent work! Sincerely, George Gombos

Interesting, George! I'm not sure you'd need both---if you've added the full version, then adding the small patch probably wouldn't add any functionality. It might, however, stop the Update site from telling you you needed a "critical update."

Anyway, with the version numbers, now readers can see which version, if any, they've upgraded to. (Use the techniques described in http://www.langa.com/newsletters/Sept-2-99.htm#bug1 to get your Java VM version number.)

return to top of page

Now TWO Ways To Win!

Thanks! Due in large part to word-of-mouth recommendations from you and other LangaList readers, the LangaList grew by almost 2,000 new subscribers last week!

If you think the LangaList is a worthwhile read, just use one of the following links to recommend the LangaList to a friend. Your friend just may find a new source of useful information; I just may gain a new subscriber; and you just may win a prize:

Win a Palm III organizer (full details also available via this link):

http://www.langa.com/recommend.htm#1

Or, win a Copy of "Poor Richard's E-Mail Publishing: Creating Newsletters, Bulletins, Discussion Groups and Other Powerful Communications Tools." This book has been described as "An excellent, straightforward manual on email publishing, banner ads, driving traffic and especially ethics." (Full details also available via this link):

http://www.langa.com/recommend.htm#2 

Either way, thank you, and good luck!

return to top of page

Sneaky DOS Shortcuts

Most Windows users know that the Desktop, Start Menu, and such are just ways of looking at standard directories on your hard drive. The complete contents of your Desktop are actually in \windows\desktop, for example. The complete contents of your Start Menu resides in \windows\start menu, and so on.

Because of this, you can use old-style DOS shortcuts to navigate around. For example, in DOS, typing a period (".") was a shorthand way of referring to the current directory. Two periods were a shortcut to the directory one level up from where you are; a backslash by itself ("\") represented the topmost directory; and so on.

You can use these shortcuts in the Start Menu's Run line. If you type a period in the Run line and click OK, you'll see an alternate view of your Desktop. Type two periods and click OK and you'll see the \windows directory, which is "one level up" from the Start menu. Or, type "\" (without the quotes) and you'll be at the top-level directory.

You also can use these DOS shortcuts in the Explorer's address bar. 

Try 'em--- you may save yourself some pointing and clicking!

return to top of page

-------------( Please Visit This LangaList Sponsor!) ------------

See you next issue!

Best,

Fred

(fred@langa.com)

(Please recommend the LangaList to a friend! (And maybe win a Palm III)

An easier-to read formatted HTML version is available in the "what's new" section of http://www.langa.com. All past LangaList issues are also available via the same link.

return to top of page

Administrivia:

Why are you getting this newsletter? There are only two ways to get on the list (direct email request or via the WinMag mail list signup page) so if you're getting this newsletter; your name came to me through one of those channels.

SUBSCRIBE (it's free!): Send email to subscribe-langalist@lyris.dundee.net
UNSUBSCRIBE: Send email to unsubscribe-langalist@lyris.dundee.net
LIST TROUBLE? HAVE QUESTIONS? NEED HELP? See http://www.langa.com/help.txt

About the advertisers: Each item marked "the above is a paid advertisement" is just that: a paid ad. Although Langa Consulting LLC will never knowingly accept advertising for a fraudulent product, company or service, Langa Consulting LLC makes no implied or explicit warranty, recommendation or endorsement of or for  the products, companies or services mentioned in the ads. Treat these ads as you would any other ad in any other medium.

Disclaimer: The tips and other information given in the newsletter are researched and are as accurate as possible. However, due to the many variables of hardware and software brand, size, type, age and configuration, plus the vagaries of user knowledge, skill level and usage accuracy, Langa Consulting LLC makes no assertion, warranty or guarantee that all the information here will work on all systems and for all users, all the time. If you're not sure of the applicability or suitability-to-task of any advice, tips, etc. given here, or are uncertain of your own ability to perform a described task, seek additional help or information before proceeding. In any case, all information herein is offered as-is and without warranty of any kind; neither Langa Consulting LLC, nor its employees nor contributors are responsible for any loss, injury, or damage, direct or consequential, resulting from application of any information presented here.

This newsletter is a free service of Langa Consulting LLC and is Copyright © 1999 Langa Consulting LLC. All rights reserved.

return to top of page