CompuNotes Notes from The Cutting Edge of Personal Computing January 13, 1998 Issue 139 -=> Vote on the CompuNote's Product of the Year <=- http://www.compunotes.com/1998Awards.htm. +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= To subscribe, send an e-mail to listserv@peach.ease.lsoft.com SUBSCRIBE COMPUNOTES-L FirstName LastName To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to listserv@peach.ease.lsoft.com SIGNOFF COMPUNOTES-L For Contact and Other Information See Bottom of Publication! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--= Free For Everyone! Internet World Magazine| =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==- Internet World Magazine is The only source you'll need for your Internet business and enterprise activities...sign up for FREE right here! Internet World puts all the news into perspective -- and that saves you valuable time and gives you an edge on breaking trends and technologies. Regular features include: E-Commerce, Infrastructure, Web Development, and Industry, Plus columns from leading reporters and journalists. Don't miss it...sign up today! It's FREE for EVERYONE!!! Click On Me: http://www.get-it-for-free.com/compunotes/iw.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CONTENTS My Notes: 1=> CompuNotes Notes, Amazon.Com, mailto:pgrote@i1.net 2=> This Issue's Winner! News: 3=> News of the Week, mailto:pgrote@i1.net -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Free US News and World Report Magazine!| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FOUR FREE TRIAL ISSUES of U.S News & World Report! A special, exceptional Internet offer from U.S. News: The newsmagazine that goes way beyond the news to help you lead an exciting and productive life. Take advantage of U.S. News & World Report's special Internet offer - get your FOUR FREE ISSUES on-line! Click Below! Click On Me: http://www.get-it-for-free.com/compunotes/usnews.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Columns: 4=> Joe Lavin Talks About Computer Addiction, mailto:joe@joelavin.com Reviews: 5=> Product: Ares Rising, games Reviewed By: Doug Reed, mailto:dr2web@sprynet.com 6=> Product: Upgrading and Fixing PCs in 24 Hours by Galen Grimes, book Reviewed By: Robin Nobles, mailto:robin@robinsnest.com 7=> Product: Family Tree Maker Deluxe 5.0, home Reviewed By: Doug Reed, mailto:dr2web@sprynet.com 8=> Product: Monarch Notes Essay Builder, education Reviewed By: Howard Carson, mailto:lrhc@interlog.com 9=> Product: Extreme PaintBrawl, game Reviewed By: Matthew Carson (aka Hellfire), mailto:lrhc@interlog.com -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Catholic Digest - Family Magazine| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Want a close family? Plenty of good friends? Good health? Happiness? Laughter? Joy? Inspiration? Catholic Digest will enrich your life. Try a FREE ISSUE of Catholc Digest, plus reserve your FREE gift, "All About Angels". Click On Me: http://www.get-it-for-free.com/compunotes/catholic.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1=> CompuNotes Notes, mailto:pgrote@i1.net Amazon.Com Guess, what? You can now buy a book instantly through CompuNotes! Like a book after you read the review? Click on the link and order it ASAP through AMAZON.COM. CompuNotes has entered into an affiliate sales relationship with Amazon. This means that you can instantly buy books via Amazon just by clicking on a link as you read CompuNotes. Yes, CompuNotes does receive a small cut of the profit from the book. You win as you get the book at the best price and we win because we get support! Enjoy the new process! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Get Paid to Surf the Net!| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= THE MOST REWARDING PAGE ON THE WEB. LITERALLY. 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Well, Maybe Not . . . http://www.news.com/News/Item/0,4,31310,00.html?st.ne.ni.lh So What Happens When Yahoo! and Other Internet Stocks Crash? http://www.businessweek.com/cgi-bin/bwdaily_full?right=dnflash/jan1999/n f90121c.htm Getting a Refund for Windows? http://www.wired.com/news/news/technology/story/17452.html Digital Actors? http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2192058,00.html Microsoft Word Security Update . . . http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2190700,00.html On-line Music Standards Face Off . . . http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2191763,00.html -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= All Kinds of Catalogs for You! Free!| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Do you shop by mail? Looking for that hard to find item? Just like unique products? Then you need the Catalog Request Center! You'll find over 300 FREE catalogs! Use this FREE service to quickly locate the catalogs that have the products you want. Click On Me: http://www.get-it-for-free.com/compunotes/catalogs.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 4=> Computer Addict, Authored by Joe Lavin, joe@joelavin.com Okay, I admit it. I'm a computer addict. Personally, I don't think this is a problem. I view it as more of a personality trait. Nevertheless, the hours I'm awake in my apartment and the hours during the day that my computer is on are roughly equal. And so when the university I work for announced it was having a lunch time seminar about computer addiction, my curiosity was piqued. Granted, I didn't really want to attend. After all, it was being held during my lunch hour when I normally surf the net. I'm too busy then to go to some stupid computer addiction seminar. I've got web sites to check out and e-mail to send. But then I thought about the bigger picture. Maybe the seminar would be good for me, I thought. Maybe I could learn how to depend less on my computer. And, hey, I could always goof off later in the day and surf the net then. The day before, I called to register. "That's great. I'll sign you right up." The woman said. "By the way, we have an e-mail list to notify people about our other self-help seminars. Would you like to be placed on that?" "Hell yes!" I thought. "Give me all the e-mail you've got. I'm a computer addict." It certainly seemed an ominous start to my computer addiction treatment. The same people also offer drug addiction seminars. I wonder what they must be like. "Great. We'll sign you right up. By the way, we just got a new shipment of heroin. Would you like to try some?" When I eventually arrived at the seminar, only five people were there. Either this meant that few on campus were affected by the problem, or it was a sign that most employees were wired to the net for lunch and couldn't break away from their computers. I'm still not sure. The seminar mainly consisted of a speech by a doctor who was a computer addiction specialist. This doctor began by reviewing typical stories of children whose grades had dropped from playing computer games too much, about marriages destroyed by affairs started in Internet chat rooms, and about people whose lives were ruined by "inappropriate use of the computer." I assume she meant pornography by this, but I was never entirely sure. In fact, she threw the word "inappropriate" around so much that I felt like I was at a presidential press conference. Then, she discussed some of the symptoms of computer addiction which include: * Lying to family members, co-workers, fellow students, therapists, and others about the amount of time spent on the computer. "Look, you're wrong! I was only on my computer 22 hours yesterday, not 23. Jeez!" * Engaging in computer activities to experience pleasure, gratification, or relief. "Aaaargh! Minesweeper!" * Feeling preoccupied with computers by thinking about the experience, planning a return to the computer or buying the newest or latest hardware or software. "Hey, thanks for the info about computer addiction, Doc, but I was wondering if you think I should upgrade to a 450 processor now or wait a few months." * Needing to spend more and more time or money on computer activities in order to change moods. "Uh, oh, I lost my Prozac. Somebody turn my computer on quick!" * Showing physical signs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, backaches, dry eyes, neglect of personal hygiene or eating irregularities. "Um, personal hygiene?" Next, she actually said, "If you're interested, there's more information on my web site." No, this wasn't working at all. "Hi, Doctor, I just can't stop myself from going on the Internet. I think about the net all time. What can I do?" "Well, have you checked out my web site?" To her credit, she didn't actually give out the web address during the seminar, but that night I entered her name into a search engine. (It's not like I have a problem or anything.) It turns out she even has her own domain name -- computeraddiction.com. I'm not joking. It's just a text- based site with almost no links. Frankly, it's a bit disappointing, because you'd think that being surrounded by computer addicts all day would have at least improved her HTML skills. As for solutions, she doesn't advice abstaining from computers completely. She feels that would be impossible since computers play such a prevalent role in our lives. Instead, one must gradually reduce one's dependency on the computer. How do you do this? Well, she didn't exactly say. I guess that's probably revealed once the check clears. At any rate, I'd like to write more about this important subject, but I can't. I have to go play Minesweeper now. I'm sure you understand. ************************************************ Joe Lavin's the Funniest Guy in Computer Press! Like Joe's Work? Read all his pieces at http://www.joelavin.com ************************************************ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Lose the Weight with Low Fat Living!| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You've tried everything in the past - painful starvation diets, all-day workout sessions, and nothing seems to work. Why? You've been trying too hard. Starving yourself isn't natural; instead, work with your body to fight fat. You'll have more energy, fit into your favorite jeans, and feel healthier! Simply tell your body to "Stop Making Fat" and "Start Burning Fat Like Never Before", and watch as the unwanted pounds melt away. We'll show you how...click below to see the De-FAT-inator! and we'll send you the secrets of automatic fat control right away! Click On Me: http://www.get-it-for-free.com/compunotes/lowfat.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 5=> Product: Ares Rising, games Reviewed By: Doug Reed, mailto:dr2web@sprynet.com Requirements: P-133, 16 MB RAM, 2x CDROM, SVGA (16 bit) graphics card, 150 MB Hard drive Space, Windows 95 Recommended: P-200, 32 MB RAM, 12x CDROM, Direct3D-supporting graphics card, digital sound card, 200 MB Hard drive space, joystick Reviewed on: P-166, 48 MB RAM, 16x CDROM, Intense 3D Voodoo graphics card, sound card, Microsoft Sidewinder Pro joystick MSRP: $39.99 Remember the game Elite? If you do, you've been gaming a long, long time. Elite was one of the first space combat simulations, and was very successful. The graphics were unbelievably primitive by today's standards: everything was done in wire frames of white on a black background. But the game was a huge success, in part because of its open-ended gameplay; while there was a plot to the game you were not forced to follow it. Years later, Origin followed up on that notion by creating Privateer, a similarly open-ended game based in the Wing Commander universe. Not long after the release of Privateer 2 came word that the original programming and design team for Privateer had split off from Origin and formed their own company, Imagine Studios. Their first game is Ares Rising, and not surprisingly it features an open-ended storyline. The space sim market is one of the hottest in computer gaming. Traditionally it has been dominated by two companies: Origin (Wing Commander) and LucasArts (Star Wars). In recent years, however, others have begun to challenge that dominance. The qualities most sought after in "sims" of this nature are: gorgeous, cutting edge graphics; branching storyline; an interface that is both comprehensive and easy to use; did I mention the graphics? Let's see how Ares Rising does. First, installation was a snap. The game was mostly bug-free and very stable. The cut-scenes that drive the story are well done and on-par with the quality of that seen in other games. The in-game graphics are good; the backdrops in particular are very nice to look at. The ship designs are good, with lots of variety in the shapes although the "skins" of the ships are a little bland. The explosions, however, are weak. Easily the worst looking explosions I've seen in a space sim. In comparison to recent releases like Freespace and Secret Ops, they are only serviceable. Gameplay. Despite the weak graphics, the gameplay is very strong. The premise is simple enough: you are a mercenary working for a big corporation. In exchange for a private base, you work for the company. Lurking in the background is a storyline about a mysterious alien artifact, but you still get to pick your missions. The interface in-game is easy to use and fairly intuitive; the provided keyboard layout/reference card is necessary when first playing the game but that is all. Several new innovations are introduced in Ares Rising that deserve mention. First is the use of fuel; no longer can you fly anywhere and everywhere with full power to all systems! Having to watch the fuel gauge adds a new level of stress to the missions. In addition, there are two flight modes: arcade and "realistic". Arcade mode means you fly your ship like to it is a plane, while realistic means it behaves more like a true spacecraft. The artificial intelligence used in the game for opponents and wingmen is the best I've seen. The missions in Ares Rising are tougher than most, just on the strength of the AI alone. At the same time, you can count on your wingmen to pull their weight. No longer is it you against a huge host of enemy fighters with wingmen acting merely as decoys. In between missions you can buy new ships, weapons, and even wingmen. The bottom line is that Ares Rising is the perfect game as long as you don't require cutting edge graphics. Gameplay is strong, and the very intelligent wingmen and opponents definitely add to the quality of the game. Try out the demo, I bet you'll love it. Ares Rising Imagine Studios Product Info: http://www.aresrising.com -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Real Coupons from the Internet - Cool Savings| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Print real coupons from your own computer. Free Membership Today! CLICK below to enroll for BIG savings from your favorite stores, restaurants, and travel companies. It's FREE and your privacy is guaranteed! Join over a million other smart shoppers and print real coupons from your own computer. New companies and new offers show up all the time. Click On Me: http://www.get-it-for-free.com/compunotes/cool.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6=> Product: Upgrading and Fixing PCs in 24 Hours by Galen Grimes, book Reviewed By: Robin Nobles, mailto:robin@robinsnest.com MSRP: $19.99 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Buy Upgrading and Fixing PCs in 24 Hours Now and Support CompuNotes! Amazon.Com - $15.99 -- Click Here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0672313405/compunotes/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Here's the scenario--computer users know it well. You purchase a new computer with the very latest in computer technology. It runs faster-than-the-speed-of-light, puts all other computers to shame, and almost bankrupts you in the process. Two months later, it's "old" and almost obsolete. Your choices are to purchase yet another new system with all of the *latest* in computer technology, or to upgrade your current system. If you like to save money and enjoy tinkering with computer components, upgrading your system may be the way to go. But how can you make an educated decision on what's best for you and your situation? Sams Teach Yourself Upgrading and Fixing PCs in 24 hours by Galen Grimes is a great place to start. The book is designed to be completed in 24 hours, or you can take your time and learn at your own pace. As you work your way through the book, you'll find helpful hints in the form of "lightbulbs," which highlights concepts further, or "New Term," which explains the latest in computer terminology. At the end of every chapter, you'll find a summary of that chapter as well as a workshop with questions and answers to further clarify the focus of that chapter. If the idea of "gutting" your computer system scares the daylights out of you, you'll greatly appreciate the "alarm" graphics spread throughout the book. When a particular concept needs a special warning, you'll see the alarm clock graphic and an explanation, so you'll feel confident that you understand enough to proceed. Let's briefly look at some of the different chapters: Making the Decision to Upgrade; Understanding the Components in your PC (includes sections on identifying the parts inside your PC, including the main system board, microprocessor, disk drives, memory, etc.); Examining Your PC's System Configuration; Understanding and Working with Your CMOS Settings; Upgrading Your PC's Memory; Upgrading Your CPU; Replacing Your Main System Board; Adding a Removable Media Drive; Upgrading Your Video Card; Upgrading to a New Operating System; and, How to Purchase PC Components on the Internet. Now, let's look at one of the chapters, Upgrading Your PC's BIOS, to see how it's laid out. The chapter begins with an explanation on why you would want to consider upgrading your BIOS: to see if your PC can tell the difference between the years 1900 and 2000 due to the millennium bug problem, to cause your PC to recognize a hard disk of more than 500 MB, among other reasons. But what "is" the BIOS? The book explains that BIOS stands for "Basic Input/Output System," and it enables your computer to boot and your processor to access the hardware devices such as the hard disk drive, video card, system clock, etc. You'll learn why you need to upgrade your BIOS and how to test your computer's BIOS for Y2K compliance. Then, the focus changes to how you can upgrade your BIOS, including how to tell what type of BIOS you have, how to install upgrade BIOS chips, how to upgrade flash BIOS, and more. Again, the chapter closes with a summary and a question/answer section. If you're in the market for a computer upgrade, if you want to know if it's best for you to upgrade or purchase a whole new system, or if you simply need to repair a computer component, Sams Teach Yourself Upgrading and Fixing PCs in 24 hours will help you make the right decision. It's easy to understand, for even for a non-technical person like me, and it offers a wealth of information. It's definitely worth a good, long look. Sams Publishing Teach Yourself Upgrading and Fixing PCs in 24 hours by Galen Grimes Product Info: http://www.samspublishing.com ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Buy Upgrading and Fixing PCs in 24 Hours Now and Support CompuNotes! Amazon.Com - $15.99 -- Click Here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0672313405/compunotes/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Money Magazine for Free!| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Worried about the markets? Concerned about your retirement? Why not listen to the experts? Why not secure professional advice for free? FREE TRIAL ISSUE of Money Magazine! Your personal guide to a great future of Financial Success! Click On Me: http://www.get-it-for-free.com/compunotes/money.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 7=> Product: Family Tree Maker Deluxe 5.0, home Reviewed By: Doug Reed, mailto:dr2web@sprynet.com Requirements: Win95/98, 486/Pentium, 8MB RAM, 2x CDROM, 20MB hard drive space, 640x480/16-color display Recommended: 16MB RAM, modem, printer MSRP: $99.00US ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Buy Family Tree Maker Deluxe 5.0 Now and Support CompuNotes! Beyond.Com - $83.45 -- Click Here: http://www.beyond.com/AF25411/PKIN754064/prod.htm ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ When I saw the latest version of Family Tree Maker pop up on the software available list I pulled rank and made sure I got it. I reviewed a previous version last year and like the program a lot; I was eager to see what improvements had been made. The answer is quite a few, and all in right places. The Deluxe version comes with 10 CDs, two for the program & Family Finder index and an additional 8 CDs of genealogical information. Installation over the previous version was a snap, and my old files integrated completely with the newer version. My first impression was that little had changed, and as far as the interface goes that much is true. The basic program is the same, and data is entered in the same way with pretty much the identical fields from before. The differences lie primarily in the ability to find new information and the presentation of what you have. In addition to the basic outline "trees" that were offered before, new 'fan'-shaped trees and 'hour-glass' trees are available. New "Family Group sheets" are available that you can print out and give to family members to fill out. Also new are historical timelines, kinship reports, and generation reports. In addition, the program now has the ability to print out your family tree information in a book, based on what information you want to include and the way you want to present it. It even prints an index of names for the book! This is an incredible feature, as it means you can print out the information in a format that you can give to all of your family. Also new is the "Family Finder" and Journal. The Journal keeps track of what you are currently researching and what you have yet to accomplish. It also includes the Family Finder, a method of quickly searching all of the Family Tree CDs for names that match those that are in your family tree. This is done by searching a database on the CDs that contains all of the names listed on all of the CDs. While a nice idea in principle, it doesn't work in real life. The problem is that hundreds of names can match the names in your family tree, and only a few of them are correct. And while you do get 8 CDs with the Deluxe version, there are still a lot more available. And there's the rub - you can pay the cash to get an additional CD only to find out the one name that came off that CD is not a member of your family tree. So the Family Finder is nice, but be warned that it can be more frustrating than helpful. Some of the CDs are not that helpful either; the Marriage Records CD in particular is woefully incomplete. I could not find my marriage license, nor that of any of my siblings, parents, grandparents, and so on. It does say "Selected" marriage records - which I assume means that they somehow missed Oklahoma, Texas, and a few other states besides. I shouldn't complain too much, however, because on one of the World Family Tree CDs I did manage to find my great-grandmother on my Dad's side, and her name was part of a much larger tree going back to the 1700's. So now we know that her side of the family migrated at some point from Maryland to Tennessee, where she was born and met my great-grandfather. To conclude: if you are looking for a good genealogy program, take a good look at the Family Tree Maker series. The ability of printing the information in a book with a table of contents and index justifies the cost of the entire program. Yes, it is more expensive than other genealogy programs. But with the new and improved presentation features, Family Tree Maker is truly the Mercedes of genealogy programs. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Buy Family Tree Maker Deluxe 5.0 Now and Support CompuNotes! Beyond.Com - $83.45 -- Click Here: http://www.beyond.com/AF25411/PKIN754064/prod.htm ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Broderbund Family Tree Maker http://www.familytreemaker.com -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dine for Free!| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Join Now For 60 Days Free And Start Earning 20% Cash Back Right Away! It doesn't cost you a penny to try Dining _ la Card now. And the cash rebates are yours to keep without any obligation! Join Now for 60 DAYS FREE and earn 20% Cash Back when you visit any of our participating establishments nationwide! FREE 60 Day TRIAL!!! Click On Me: http://www.get-it-for-free.com/compunotes/dining.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 8=> Product: Monarch Notes Essay Builder, education Reviewed By: Howard Carson, mailto:lrhc@interlog.com Requires: Pentium 50, 16 MB RAM, 4 MB Hard Disk space, 2X CD-ROM drive. MSRP: US$29.95 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Buy Monarch Notes Essay Builder Now and Support CompuNotes! Beyond.Com - $23.95 -- Click Here: http://www.beyond.com/AF25411/PKIN678995/prod.htm ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Monarch Notes Essay Builder is a delightful guide and content source for the creation of junior high school, high school, and college-level essays about English literature. The essay builder itself provides on-screen, step-by-step advice about creating a variety of different papers and essays on a range of subjects, while the Bookshop Classics library provides a huge library of unabridged reading material. Bookshop Classics (installed by using 'Setup2.exe'), contains William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo & Juliet; Louisa May Alcott's Little Women; Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan of the Apes; Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility; Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales; Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities; Alexander Dumas' The Man in the Iron Mask; Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; Lincoln's Gettysburg Address; Edgar Allen Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum and The Raven; Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's Frankenstein; Bram Stoker's Dracula; Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde; H.G. Wells' The Time Machine and hundreds more. The software was installed and tested on a Pentium II/350 MHz machine running Windows 98. This software uses the classic, five-point method of essay construction. Since the method is widely regarded as the standard in North American English language education (at all levels), and a standard form throughout Western Europe, the software guide should be used as a reliable tutor for anyone charged with the task of completing an essay assignment. In fact, the five-point method is useful for the construction of many types of research briefs, proposals, presentations, speeches and lectures too, among other things. For school essay purists, the software provides three fundamental approaches to essay building: Theme, Plot, and Character. A theme-based essay examines an idea or point the author of the book you're writing about was trying to make. A plot-based essay examines the key events of a work, in order to determine what role they play in the overall narrative. A character-based essay looks into the main character(s) of a work in order to explain why they behave the way they do. At each stage of the essay creation process, you are presented with the appropriate structure guides and a small text editing window into which you can type. You are provided with a 'Review' button which opens essay structure references from previous parts of the essay you're working on. It really works quite well. At the end of the whole process (there are 21 separate steps in the Theme-based essay guide), you can print or save your essay. The very best thing you can do is save the text so that it can be properly proofed, spell checked and formatted in your word or document processor. Cons: Restricted to a maximum display resolution of 256 colors. The integrated text editor is very rudimentary and does not provide a caret or cursor position indicator. There is some poor proofreading in the guides. For example, 'Step 10' of the Theme guide states: "Compare you draft to the sample essay." Pros: The software provides good advice and guidance, as well as some basic proofing and editing tools. This software is recommended for anyone (12 years of age to senior citizen) who regularly grapples with the rigors of essay and report writing. Get it. Use it. It's cheap, cheerful, easy to use, and extremely worthwhile. Your teacher, prof or boss will appreciate the improvement. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Buy Monarch Notes Essay Builder Now and Support CompuNotes! Beyond.Com - $23.95 -- Click Here: http://www.beyond.com/AF25411/PKIN678995/prod.htm ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Macmillan Digital Publishing USA. Monarch Notes Essay Builder Product Info: http://www.newmonarchnotes.com -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Free Small Business Newsletter!| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- What Is It? It's a newsletter filled with a wealth of valuable info to help you in every aspect of your job. Whether you own the company or just started working for it, SMARTBIZ.COM NEWS has something for you. You may not use everything but you're sure to find lots of valuable information in every issue. Subscribe now! It's FREE! Click On Me: http://www.get-it-for-free.com/compunotes/smartbiz.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 9=> Product: Extreme PaintBrawl, game Reviewed By: Matthew Carson (aka Hellfire), mailto:lrhc@interlog.com Requires: Windows 95, Pentium 90, 16MB of RAM and 50MB of hard drive space. MSRP: US$19.95 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Buy Extreme PaintBrawl Now and Support CompuNotes! Beyond.Com - $18.95 -- Click Here: http://www.beyond.com/AF25411/PKIN317041/prod.htm ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HeadGames & Sheridan's Extreme PaintBrawl!, is a digital version of a real-life paintball game. With a selection of eight different weapons and five different battle fields, single player, multi-player and on-line play, almost anyone can involve themselves in comparatively harmless desert, urban, space or medieval combat. Variations such as capture the flag, strategic assault, and elimination competitions are all provided. Crossman and Sheridan even provide e-commerce access to paintball equipment purchases. My personal experiences with paintball war games (the real ones you play in a field using 200-300fps weapons) always provide exceptional fun. I'm pretty good at the real thing and play it regularly with friends. Naturally, when I saw this game I was overjoyed. I could finally play one of my favorite outdoor games on my home PC! The game was installed on a Pentium 233MMX with 32 MB of RAM and a 4MB Matrox Millennium graphics card. Installation was routine, quick, and easy. After starting game the first screen which appears is a launcher. It has several options: single player, multi-player, and a configuration selection. The configuration screen provides controls for video, audio and game settings. Starting a single player game thereafter requires a few seconds of loading, after which an isometric view of a camp appears. Using the mouse to look around and moving over different objects forces context messages to be displayed at the bottom of the screen. Moving the mouse over the depicted camouflaged truck displays the exit option. There is also a tent in this screen in which a team can be set up for a season's play. Name the team then click on the open doorway to get back to the view of the whole camp. Next, click on the wooden cabin near the middle of the screen. Inside there are options to buy paintball guns, supplies (air canisters, paint), and everything else needed for combat. Moving through the fields of play reveals quite a bit of 2D graphics design, (almost everything displayed throughout the game.) Walking around a bush for instance, actually causes the bitmap of the bush to shift rather than moving you through a dimensionally robust environment. Continuing to play I couldn't get over the idea that my teammates didn't actually do anything. They move to a position and stay there, either crouching or running into a wall. The AI programming is almost nonexistent. On the other hand, the enemy team is just is dumb as your own. After clearing a path to the enemy flag, it's a simple matter to walk up and touch it. The enemy team doesn't even try to fortify or consolidate their positions, and since there were several possible paths to the enemy flag in each level, only two or three enemy team members have to be dealt with. The best thing about this game is the plethora of maps. There are maps ranging from Deep Space 90, which is set on a space station, to the classic Urban Assault Course and the Paint Keep, played in a gigantic Castle. Cons: 2D graphics and comparatively rudimentary sprites. Average 3D environment simulations should be bolstered by more exciting game play. The field displays have small bugs in them showing up as screen flicker problems and movement restrictions caused by apparently invisible walls. Average game play overshadowed by sub-par graphics, screen noise, and total lack of Internet support (how can a game advertise "on-line paintball combat" with no Internet support?) Pros: Will install and run on almost any Pentium. Reasonable game play for novice and some intermediate gamers. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Buy Extreme PaintBrawl Now and Support CompuNotes! Beyond.Com - $18.95 -- Click Here: http://www.beyond.com/AF25411/PKIN317041/prod.htm ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HeadGames Publishing & Sheridan Extreme PaintBrawl Product Web site: http://www.headgames.net/paint.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= MEN! 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Click On Me: http://www.get-it-for-free.com/compunotes/peakcond.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= Managing Editor: Patrick Grote -- mailto:pgrote@i1.net Assistant Editor: Doug Reed-- mailto:dr2web@sprynet.com Assistant Editor: Robin Nobles, mailto:smslady@netdoor.com Archives: ftp://ftp.compunotes.com/pub/archive Website: e-mail: mailto:notes@compunotes.com Want to Write for Us?: mailto:writers@compunotes.com fax: (314) 909-1662 voice: (314) 909-1662 +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= CompuNotes is: Available weekly via e-mail and on-line. We cover the PC computing world with comprehensive reviews, news, hot web sites, great columns and interviews. We also give away one software package a week to a lucky winner for just reading our fine publication! Never dull, sometimes tardy, we are here to bring you the computing world the way it is! 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