Bytes and Bits.

Hi and welcome to yet another "Bytes and Bits". Well the big this month is all about Windows 95. Win95 is supposed to replace MSDOS and Windows 3.1. Well I don't have it (yet) but I have tried out the Beta (test) version that was distributed a few months ago. I only got as far as installing it because it didn't like my memory configuration. It certainly appears to offer a few improvments over the old software but I'm not holding my breath.

One problem I'm likely to have with it is the Ham Radio software that I use needs to have direct access to the communication ports. Windows 3.1 doesn't allow this, the only way for even MSDOS software to use the ports isvia Windows and blocks my software from working. No Slow-Scan TV, no packet radio on a simple and inexpensive modem. If can I use them in Win95 then I'll run it. There's a few messages on packet radio about 95, a more or less even match of kudos and brickbats. One user complained about it corrupting hard drives. Another said wouldn't install on a genuine IBM. Yet others said it was better then Win3.1. Hmm....

A Little trick for Windows.

There is a neat trick you do in Windows. Hold CTRL and ALT while you double-click the mouse on HELP then ABOUT (in the Program Manager window). Still holding those two keys double-click on the windows logo. Release the keys and close the ABOUT window. Now open the about window and click on one of the colored areas in the Windows logo. There are four little animations you can get. It depends which pane of the "window" you click on.

(for those not familiar with Windows click means press and release (quickly)
the mouse button - in fact the left, bad habit not to say which button
as there are two. Double click means tap the button twice quickly)..

Virus attacks WIN95 distribution disks.

Yes there is a virus which has been around for some time, and attempts to infect the Windows 95 disks during installation. The trouble is that, excepting the first disk, the Win 95 disks are in a special format and the virus corrupts it.. Incidently: MicroSoft claim the disks can't be copied. I have my doubts, I know of software (legal software) which can read write and format some very unusual formats..

A few cleaning tips.

Many people don't realise computer mice need cleaning. It doesn't take long for dirt, dust, hair, etc to build up inside. Good news! It's easy to clean a mouse. On the underside of the electronic rodent you will see a large ball protruding through a hole. Notice the ring design around the hole? It's a removeable cover, it will have directions moulded in, explaining how toremove it. (Either twist or slide it). Once the cover is off, you can turn the mouse over and collect the ball in your hand. Handle carefully as damage to the plastic coating causes problems. Look inside where the ball was, you should see two metal or plastic rollers at the sides. Use a cotton tip to clean the rubbish off these and the debris from around the recess. Finally replace the ball and cover and your mouse should run much better. Also, there are cleaning kits available at most computer and electronics stores at a small price. These provide a handy couple of tools and fluid plus a set of instructions.

Last tip, I find that fluff and dust build up in the vent holes in my computer's power supply box. (the big silver one at the back). Now if youknow what you are doing, TURN OFF THE POWER AND REMOVE THE PLUG FIRST. Open the case of your computer, carefully, and using a crevice nozzle on the vacuum cleaner suck all the fluff etc out of the holes. If your vacuum has it, you may prefer to use the low power setting.

Crumbs! Run out of paper again, ah well that's life, keep computing till next time..

Wenlock

Packet Radio: VK3YWB @ VK3BBS

This Page Copyright ICDX
Designed by Wenlock Burton with Microsoft FrontPage Express (tm).
Graphics designed By Wenlock Burton using WEB3D v1.0 by Asymetrix.