|
Please note: Older issues may contain information that is now out of date. How To Subscribe
and Unsubscribe is at the end of this note. Mailing List Trouble? See http://www.langa.com/help.htm Please recommend the LangaList to a friend! (And maybe win $10,000 !) An easier-to
read formatted HTML version of this newsletter is available on line at The
LangaList 2001-02-12 Please visit our sponsors and help keep the LangaList S.E. free!
--- ( Your Clicks On Ad Links Help Keep The LangaList Free! ) ---
--------------(
the above is an advertisement )-------------- 1) What's The Best Email Client?A few issues back, in "Fed Up With Outlook/Outlook Express?" ( http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2001/2001-01-25.htm#5 ) we opened a discussion on email clients. Let me briefly recap: Microsoft's Outlook Express is among the world's most-used email client applications, mainly because it's distributed free. It's a reasonably capable client, and can handle multiple email accounts, newsgroup activity and directory services. It even includes a lightweight contact list. But it's also limited in ways that range from the annoying--- such as a mandatory, always-visible ad-bar--- to the serious--- such as various security problems. OE also is confusing to some: For example, its mail folders are buried in a nonobvious part of the Windows directory tree where the uninitiated may fail to include them in backups. And some elements of OE's operation (such as the purging of old messages and the compression of mail folders) make it easy to waste inordinate amounts of disk space, and/or to retain copies of messages you thought had been deleted long ago. In other issues we discussed sites that can help you track down, identify, and resolve some of the problems with OE. One such help site: http://www.tomsterdam.com And I talked about Eudora, my personal choice for an email client. It's powerful, flexible, and resistant to many of the security issues that plague some other email clients. On the other hand, with each release, Eudora gets bigger and more resource-hungry. In fact, Eudora is a pig. A nice pig--- but still a pig. As we discussed all the above across several issues, many, many of you wrote in with your own suggestions and recommendations for great email clients. When I realized how many I was getting, I started sorting and collating them, and now have boiled the list down to the 10 most reader-recommended email clients---email apps that real people (your fellow readers) have used and found to be good. That list--- with descriptions in the words of the readers who made the recommendations--- is the core of the new Explorer column due to go live on the WinMag site today, midday (2001-02-12; UT-5). As always, that column is free: Just click on over to http://content.techweb.com/winmag//columns/ . (If you arrive early, you'll see the previous column on "System Setup Secrets." In that case, just try again a little later.) If you want to try a direct link, once the column is posted, it should be at http://content.techweb.com/winmag//columns/explorer/2001/04.htm . (If you arrive early, the link won't work.) Please click on over and check out your fellow readers' recommendations. You just might find a new email client that puts your current one to shame! Click to
email this item to a friend --- ( Your Clicks On Ad Links Help Keep The LangaList S.E. Free! ) --- Looking
for Electronics, Software, Click
here: <a href="http://www.langa.com/sponsors/amazon.htm">AOL Users Click Here</a> --------------( the above is an advertisement )-------------- 2) Thweeeet! Time out re: "Deleting IE5 Typing Errors"In the last issue's "Deleting Typing Errors in IE5 URLs," ( http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2001/2001-02-08.htm#2 ) we had a major disconnect: Hundreds (!) of you wrote in to point out that you can simply highlight any "autocomplete" item and hit the delete key; or right click on any autocomplete item and select delete from the context menu. You also can erase all autocomplete entries at once by clicking to Tools/Internet Options/Content/ and then selecting "Autocomplete" and using the offered options to clear various kinds of saved information. And that's all absolutely true for autocomplete items; thanks for writing in! However, the reader whose original question I was trying to answer never said anything about using autocomplete. <g> You see, with or without autocomplete enabled, IE5 still makes suggestions to help save you time when you're entering URLs. But without autocomplete, the list of suggested URLs is simply picked up from the IE History folder. Unlike the autocomplete drop-down, this list cannot be right-clicked on, or highlighted, or deleted, or directly manipulated in any way--- and that was the basis of my answer. Because that simpler form of URL-completion derives from IE5 History files, you can try to manage that list via Tools/Internet Options/Clear History. Or if you have Tweak UI (which we've mentioned many times in recent issues), you can select the "Clear IE History At Logon" item under the "Paranoia" tab. But both these options may not eradicate *all* entries, while the two solutions I offered (involving direct manipulation of the History folder and/or and the TypedUrls item in the Registry) do. So there you have it: With autocomplete or without, there are many ways to get bad URLs off whatever kind of drop-down you're dealing with. <g> Click to
email this item to a friend --- ( Your Clicks On Ad Links Help Keep The LangaList Free! ) ---
--------------(
the above is an advertisement )-------------- 3) Double Protection Better Than Single?With protective technologies like firewalls and anti-virus software, you might think that having multiple layers of defense would be better than having only one. For example, reader Paul S. Treuhaft asked :
You're welcome. <g> I also have a router (actually, it's a Network Address Translator running on a old PC that I use as an access server; but it's the same idea). Although the NAT is theoretically capable of providing a high degree of online anonymity and security, I still use Zonealarm on my desktop machine. You see, you can't be sure that any single product will counter all threats or be running flawlessly all the time, so a multi-layered defense can increase your security: One protective technology can backstop another. But there's a big "if:" Multiple layers of defense are better than single layers *IF* they don't interfere with each other. In the case of external routers, servers, NATs, firewalls, etc., they'll rarely interfere with those that reside locally on your own PC: Because they can coexist well, they can work together to provide more security than either could alone. But if you add multiple firewalls, intrusion monitors, etc., on the *same* PC, you can run into trouble because the apps compete to "own" the processes they're designed to monitor. Antivirus tools work the same way: External, centrally-installed server-based antivirus tools can coexist well with locally-installed, PC-based AV tools: They can buttress each other. But you usually CANNOT install multiple AV tools on the same PC: They end up stepping on each other's toes and interfering with each other. So there's no single Yes or No answer to this: It's conditional, based on whether or not the additional products can work without interference. If they can coexist, then the extra security is a good thing. (By the way: Long-time readers may recall that we've previously covered how to add multi-layered, non-interfering defenses to your PC's online setup, making it all but immune to external threats. If you missed that discussion, see http://content.techweb.com/winmag//columns/explorer/2000/07.htm .) Click to
email this item to a friend 4) Which CDR Format Is Best?CDRs are dirt-cheap these days, and a great medium for backups. But reader Richard November had a good question:
Richard's question stems from the fact that most good CDR software lets you "burn" a CD in one of three different CD file system formats: The "ISO9660" format is best for CDs that you'll share across dissimilar platforms: DOS, Macintosh, OS/2, Windows and UNIX files all can live happily in this format. But it has limitations, and gains its wide compatibility at the expense of flexibility: For example, file names must be in the old-style 8.3 format with eight alphanumeric characters, followed by a period, followed by no more than three alphanumeric characters for the file extension. No spaces are allowed; you must use an underscore in place of a space. The "Joliet" format is more forgiving, letting you use freeform filenames up to 64 characters in length, including spaces. Like Windows' own file system, the Joliet format also records an automatically-generated 8.3 filename along with each long filename so that the CD's file can be seen and accessed by DOS (for example, "Long File Name.TXT" becomes "Longfi~1.TXT" when viewed from DOS). There's also a newer, third format, "UDF," which we discussed in a recent issue ( http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2001/2001-02-05.htm#7 ). Although this can be used to burn entire backup CDRs, the more common use for UDF is for CDRs you use like giant floppies, where you write stuff to the CDR a little at a time. Adaptec's/Roxio's "DirectCD" writes in UDF format, for example--- but when you eject a DirectCD disc, the software prompts you to "close" the CD in 9660 or Joliet format so it can be read on a standard CD. (But--- see item #5 in this newsletter, too!) In general, it's pretty safe to use the default formats provided by your CDR software. For example, I use the Joliet format, which is the default for most Windows-based CD burner software. Because I'm backing up a Windows-based system using Windows/DOS based backup software; there's no particular benefit to me to make these CDs more UNIX or Mac friendly. 8-) So: You probably don't have to worry much about which format your CDR uses--- but if you need to know, now you do! Click to
email this item to a friend 5) But Speaking of UDF...Reader Jim Shaughness found a neat tool that simplifies sharing UDF-format CDrs:
Thanks, Jim! Click to
email this item to a friend 6) Don’t Make Me Beg! 8-)If you think the LangaList is a worthwhile read, just use the following link 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 $10,000 for your trouble (full details also available via this link): http://www.langa.com/recommend.htm#1 Or, win a no-strings $30 Gift Certificate for any item at Amazon.Com--- books, software, hardware, kitchenware, toys... and more. To have a shot at winning, just use the following link 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 $30 Gift Certificate! (Full details also available via this link): http://www.langa.com/recommend.htm#2 Either way, thank you, and good luck! Click to
email this item to a friend 7) Italian Virus AlertIt's real; yet another variant of an infamous VBS-based worm that arrives via email, diddles with your system, and remails itself to everyone in your address book. I won't get more specific or mention it by name in order to prevent mindless email-gateway filters from thinking that this newsletter itself is infected: Instead please visit your AV tool vendor, or read this news report: http://www.infoworld.com/articles/hn/xml/01/02/09/010209hnitalianbug.xml?0209alert Click to
email this item to a friend 8) More Reader Sites!Do you have a home page or website? (It doesn't matter what size.) Please click over to http://www.langa.com/code.htm and maybe you can join the hundreds and hundreds of LangaList readers who have "Loaded the Code!" (If you've already "Loaded The Code" and are wondering if your site will appear here or on the Langa.Com web site, please see http://www.langa.com/link.txt ) Speaking of which: Here's another eclectic sample of reader sites--- some professional, some very personal:
Click to
email this item to a friend --- ( Your Clicks On Ad Links Help Keep The LangaList Free! ) ---
--------------(
the above is an advertisement )-------------- 9) Watch Those URLs!Reader Daniel Tivadar encountered an insidious example of one of the oldest scams in the book, where hackers redirect users to a page that looks legitimate but which really has another purpose:
We all should say " thanks" to Daniel for sharing his trouble and helping to remind us all that you have to pay attention to things like the URLs in the address bars of sites we visit. It's trivially easy for malicious hackers to copy a legitimate web page and place it on another site, substituting malicious code for what should have been a legitimate download. It's a sad fact of life online: You can't let your guard down. (BTW: As the fake page purported to be a Microsoft site, I reported the fake page to Microsoft. Although they never even said thanks, they did have the page removed. You're welcome, Mr. Gates.) Click to
email this item to a friend 10) Second Plus! Charitable ContributionIf you've been reading the LangaList for a while, you know that one of its themes is "giving back." After all, those of us with computers and Internet access are vastly better off than most of the world's population. In this vein, a portion of the Plus! Edition's subscription fees is donated to registered/legitimate charities helping the underprivileged around the world. Several weeks ago, you met a three year old child who is currently being helped by LangaList subscribers. (See http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2001/2001-01-25.htm#4 ) Well, enough new subscribers have joined so that we can now make a second contribution: This time, rather than earmark a single person, the donation has gone to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts in the area of India recently ravaged by enormous earthquakes: Some 15,000+ people have died so far; ten times that number are homeless: a huge disaster. Together, through the LangaList Plus!, we can help to "give back" a little to those less fortunate. Thanks to all who subscribed, and made this donation possible! (Want to join? By subscribing to the LangaList Plus!, you can help yourself--- and others, too! http://www.langa.com/plus.htm ) Click to
email this item to a friend 11) Just For Grins"Marc86" sent along this wicked parody of a common--- but equally fictitious--- chain letter:
The amazing thing is, when this circulates in general email, I bet some people will actually believe it's true! <g> Click to
email this item to a friend --- ( Your Clicks On Ad Links Help Keep The LangaList S.E. Free! ) --- Need A
Gift Give them
an *instant* subscription to the LangaList Plus! They'll love you for it! (Non-geeks welcome too! <g>) http://www.langa.com/plus_gift.htm <a href="http://www.langa.com/plus_gift.htm">AOL Users Click Here</a> --------------( the above is an advertisement )-------------- See you next issue!
Best, Please recommend the LangaList to a friend! (And maybe win $10,000!I) An easier-to read formatted HTML version is available in the "Current Issue" section of http://www.langa.com. (The HTML version of each issue normally is available by 9AM EST [UT-5] of the issue date.) All past LangaList issues are also available at the Langa.Com site. Why are you getting this newsletter? This is a 100% OPT-IN newsletter: There are only three ways to get on the list--- signup via direct email request from you, or signup via the WinMag newsletter page or signup via BrowserTune's email-notification service. If you're getting this newsletter; your name came to me through one of those signup channels. At signup, you also received a confirmation email from my list software---no one is signed up secretly or against their will. SUBSCRIBE (it's free!): Create and send a new email address it to subscribe-langalist@lyris.dundee.net For even more content, downloads and special services, check out the LangaList Plus! Edition: http://www.langa.com/plus.htm UNSUBSCRIBE: From the same address you used to sign up with (it's shown on the first line in the body of each email issue you receive), create and send a new email address to unsubscribe-langalist@lyris.dundee.net . CHANGE ADDRESS? LIST TROUBLE? HAVE QUESTIONS? NEED HELP? See http://www.langa.com/help.htm About the advertisers: Langa Consulting LLC will never knowingly accept advertising for a fraudulent product, company or service. However, Langa Consulting LLC makes no implied or explicit warranty, recommendation or endorsement of or for the products, companies or services mentioned in the ads. Disclaimer: (Please see full disclaimer here: http://www.langa.com/legal.htm.) Abbreviated version: The tips and other information given in the newsletter are researched and are believed to be accurate, but we cannot and do not guarantee that all the information here will work on all systems, for all users, all the time. 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 service of Langa Consulting LLC and is Copyright © 1997-2005Langa Consulting LLC. All rights reserved. LangaList: ISSN 1533-1156 |
|
|
|