Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day #36


----------------------------------------------

TipWorld - http://www.tipworld.com
The Internet's #1 Source for Computer Tips, News, and Gossip

Proudly presents:
Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day

----------------------------------------------


*1. THE LATEST COMBO OPTICAL DRIVES          
  
Can't decide between a new DVD-ROM drive or a recording CD-RW drive? 
Don't bother! The latest fad in combo drives is the DVD-ROM/CD-RW 
drive. Both Ricoh, at 

http://www.ricohdms.com 

with its MediaMaster MP9060A, and Toshiba, at 

http://www.diskproducts.toshiba.com 

with its SD-R1002, have jumped into this new arena. 

For many users, these drives ($350 to $399) make the perfect upgrade. 
You can get the benefits of CD recording for data archiving and 
sharing, along with the fun of DVD-ROM playback, and save space in 
your PC case.


*2. COMPARE MOTHERBOARDS ONLINE          
  
Thinking about building your own PC? The first thing to start with is 
the motherboard; you'll build everything from the motherboard's 
foundation. For a quick introduction to motherboard shopping, browse 
MotherboardsDirect at 

http://www.motherboardsdirect.com 

and Motherboards.com at 

http://www.motherboards.com 

You'll need to pick the features of your board, including the CPU 
socket type, number of ISA and PCI add-in board slots, form factor, 
and other things. Generally, motherboards cost $70 to $200.


*3. UPGRADING TO A CABLE MODEM--PART 1 OF 5          
  
You can now buy a cable modem off the shelf or off the Web, but should 
you? Most cable modem services lease the cable modem as part of the 
monthly service fee. But, here's the catch: Because the monthly 
service fee includes the cost of the cable modem, you don't get a 
discount even if you supply your own. Before you buy a cable modem, 
you should check with the services in your area. You may be wasting 
your money if you buy your own cable modem.


*4. UPGRADING TO A CABLE MODEM--PART 2 OF 5          
  
Are you happy with your current ISP? You'll probably have to say 
goodbye to it if you upgrade from a 56-kbps modem to a cable modem. 
Cable modem services are usually an all-in-one deal that includes the 
cable modem itself (as mentioned in the last tip) as well as the ISP 
service. Therefore, you probably won't be able to use your old ISP to 
access the Internet.


*5. UPGRADING TO A CABLE MODEM--PART 3 OF 5          
  
Before the cable modem service installation team arrives at your 
house, make sure you plan out which rooms in your home should have 
Internet access. Even if you only plan to hook up one computer in one 
location initially, you may want the technician to wire the rooms that 
will have computers connected to the Internet at a later time. In the 
long run, this will likely save you money in installation fees.


*6. UPGRADING TO A CABLE MODEM--PART 4 OF 5          
  
Do you want cable TV service in addition to your cable Internet 
service? Currently, the cable companies that offer cable modem 
Internet service also supply cable TV service to those that want it. 
Once again, as mentioned in the last tip, you'll have to plan out the 
installation so the TV rooms as well as the computer rooms have the 
cable connection. Additionally, ask about a discount. Most cable 
services will discount the monthly service fee somewhat if you order 
both cable TV and cable Internet access.


*7. UPGRADING TO A CABLE MODEM--PART 5 OF 5          
  
PC security becomes an issue when you upgrade to a cable modem service 
for Internet access. The "always-on" feature of cable modem services 
really means you are connected to a computer network, which your cable 
service administers via a static IP address. A static IP address makes 
it easy for intruders to browse your hard drive without your knowing 
about it. 

One easy security measure is to restrict the file- and print-sharing 
setttings in your operating system. Another security measure is to 
purchase one of the new software products in the personal firewall 
category; these can detect intruders and protect your system from 
attack.


*8. BLUETOOTH FOR THE DESKTOP--PART 1 OF 3          
  
Bluetooth, which you can read about at  

http://www.bluetooth.com 

is a wireless communications standard that will allow handheld devices 
such as PDAs and cellular phones to interact over a close-range radio 
network. It will appear on handheld devices from a number of 
manufacturers by the end of this year. 

If you're a desktop PC user, though, don't think that Bluetooth (with 
its focus on handheld devices) has nothing to offer you. Bluetooth 
technology will also be available to desktops, although perhaps not 
until early 2001. 

One potential advantage of a Bluetooth-enabled desktop is the ability 
to synchronize data between the home system and a Bluetooth-capable 
handheld device. For example, you'll be able to keep your contact 
database up-to-date by syncing your desktop and PDA, without any need 
for cables or a cradle attachment. 


*9. BLUETOOTH FOR THE DESKTOP--PART 2 OF 3          
  
Another Bluetooth desktop solution companies are plotting is the 
wireless file-transfer connection. Using Bluetooth without cables or a 
traditional LAN, you'll be able to send files between desktops located 
within 10 meters of each other. You might also find this capability 
useful for multiplayer gaming. 
        
        
*10. BLUETOOTH FOR THE DESKTOP--PART 3 OF 3          
  
Bluetooth-enabled desktops will work as Internet gateways for handheld 
devices within conference rooms and other meeting areas. Initially, 
Bluetooth add-on products will enable this functionality, making 
desktops capable of sending and receiving data via the Bluetooth radio 
frequency. A little farther down the road, desktop systems will fully 
integrate Bluetooth technology.
