Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day #25



*1. AUDIO ENHANCEMENTS--PART 1 OF 3          
  
Feeling dissatisfied with your computer's audio, but don't feel like 
spending the money on new gear? Check out the Wowthing at 

http://www.wowthing.com 

This $30 box increases the height and width of the audio image coming 
from your sound card, using technology from SRS Labs. Basically, it 
makes small speakers sound bigger.


*2. AUDIO ENHANCEMENTS--PART 2 OF 3          
  
Have you sampled the wonders of attaching audio files to your e-mail 
messages? Since most of us talk faster than we can type, you can pass 
on a lot more information via recorded voice messages you attach to 
outgoing e-mail. Now Altec Lansing at 

http://www.alteclansing.com 

offers a device that helps you create, attach, and listen to voice 
files in e-mail. It's called the ABA2020 VoicePod, and it has a 
built-in speaker and microphone, as well as Record, Playback, and 
Attach function buttons.


*3. AUDIO ENHANCEMENTS--PART 3 OF 3          
  
The adjective "flat" doesn't just apply to the latest monitors. Labtec 
at  

http://www.labtec.com 

has announced the LCS-2418, a three-unit computer speaker setup that 
includes two flat satellite speakers you can mount on your monitor, 
hang on your wall, or place on your desk. The $99 LCS-2418 also 
features a wood-trimmed subwoofer unit. Look for the LCS-2418 in 
February 2000.


*4. ANOTHER WIRELESS CONNECTION          
  
Acer America at  

http://www.acer.com 

has announced that a USB version of its WarpLink wireless home 
networking products (now available in ISA card plus ISA card and ISA 
card plus PC Card versions) will ship in the first few months of 2000. 
The WarpLink connects two PCs and allows you to transfer files, share 
an Internet connection, and play games between the networked systems.


*5. ONE KEYBOARD, MOUSE, AND MONITOR RUNNING MULTIPLE PCS          
  
Here's a new way to save space on your crowded desk--use a keyboard, 
video, and mouse switch that lets you control more than one PC with 
only one keyboard, one monitor, and one mouse. IOGear's MiniView 
performs this function, and there's even a model that lets you control 
both PCs and Macs off the same switch. Check it out at 

http://www.iogear.com


*6. TIPS FOR HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS--PART 2 OF 5          
  
You'll want to inquire about both installation and setup costs before 
you sign on any dotted lines for high-speed Internet access. Both of 
these costs can be steep. Look for bargains that reduce or drop the 
price of installation altogether. Also, compare the monthly costs of 
DSL and cable Internet service and see how they stack up.


*7. TIPS FOR HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS--PART 3 OF 5          
  
Make sure you go over the minimum system requirements you'll need for 
high-speed Internet access. The details may include your computer make 
and model, the processor type and speed, the amount of RAM your system 
contains, and whether you have an Ethernet adapter card or open card 
slots in your system. You may find you need to upgrade a component or 
two before you can use a particular type of high-speed Internet 
service.

*8. TIPS FOR HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS--PART 4 OF 5          
  
When you're ready to order your DSL or Internet cable line, it's a 
good idea to ask about installation scheduling. Sometimes customer 
demand swamps high-speed Internet access services. They may inform you 
that there's a four- or six-week wait before technicians can come by 
and set up your system. Notice of a lengthy delay may be a reason for 
you to investigate another service provider, if you have that option.


*9. TIPS FOR HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS--PART 5 OF 5          
  
Whether you use a DSL or a cable modem, your connection to the 
Internet is always on. What this really means is that you are part of 
an Ethernet network that doesn't require you to dial in. In this type 
of computing environment, you should seriously consider the resulting 
security issues. Normally, with DSL or cable modem services, the 
installation technicians set up your system so that you share file and 
print capability on your system. This means others on the same network 
can look into your PC, open your files, and browse through your data.  

To help protect yourself against unwanted access, talk to your 
service's network administrator and set up your system so it doesn't 
share file and print services.


*10. MODEM NEWS--PART 1 OF 4          
  
Have you put off upgrading that old 33.6-kbps modem? Don't wait any 
longer. Some modem makers, like Zoom Telephonics, have set a final 
deadline for their free upgrades to 56 kbps or V.90. Contact your 
modem manufacturer or at least browse its Web site if you're still 
chugging along at 33.6 kbps.