Number 5   January 13, 1999 
New Year's Specials:
- Introduce a friend to Educyber and get TWO free hours (offer good through 1/31/99)
- Know someone who got a computer for Christmas?  Help them start the new year right with an Educyber gift certificate.
-  Try one our new, two -hour workshops for only $110 (individual rate).

Workshop Winner
Congratulations to Charles Clemenson of Denver.  He won a free four-hour workshop in our December Drawing.

Edunotes is Changing
This issue marks a change for Edunotes.  There are now two different editions: One designed specifically for educators and this general one.  Also planned is an edition for parents. To change or add to your subscription call Educyber or email info@educyber.com
What's Your Memory Requirement?
Is your computer running slower and slower?  There are several things that cause a computer to slow down.  Perhaps your files are getting fragmented, perhaps your hard disk is getting too full, or perhaps you are demanding more from your computer without giving it the RAM that it needs to accomplish more.
For any operating system coming out since 1995, you should have at least 16 MB of RAM with 32 the desired minimum.  If you use graphics software or work with large databases, you'll want 48 to 64 MB.
Read your computer documentation to find out how to add more memory.
To find out how much RAM your computer has, follow these instructions
Mac Users: Click on the Apple Menu and select About This Computer (or whatever the top selection is).  A window will open that displays the amount of built-in memory.
Windows 95/98 Users:  Click the Start button, highlight Settings, and click on Control Panel.  Double click the System Control Panel.  Under the General Tab there is a display of the amount of RAM installed.
MS Office Tips
Customizing Your Calendar
Though the new year has already begun, it's not too late to create your own calendar.  Using Microsoft Word it's easy.  Go to the File menu and click New. In the "Other Documents" tab, click on Calendar Wizard.  Then just follow the steps.  If you have a digital camera or a scanner, you can add your own pictures to the calendar, making a nice gift or a good personal touch for your office.  If you don't find the Calendar Wizard, see the next Tip.
Adding Value to Office
If your computer came preinstalled with MS Word or MS Office, or if you just went through the basic install process, you are probably missing out on some good values.   The installation CD has a Valupack with lots of files that can enhance Word or other Office programs.
To access these enhancements, insert the CD and open MS Explorer.  Locate your CD and open the Valupack folder. To use the Valupack Word Templates, copy the files in Valupack/Template/Word/ to the folder Program Files/ Microsoft Office/ Templates/Other Documents.  Now when you click on New in the File Menu and look in Other Documents, you'll see new templates and wizards like the calendar wizard discussed above.
Edunotes Newsletter
This newsletter is created by Brian and Maki DeLaet at Educyber, Inc. 
Subscriptions in the U.S. are free.  Subscribe online at www.educyber.com or call (303) 268-2245.
Educyber is based at:
4251 Kipling St. #190.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033		 Edu Words (a glossary for computer users)
Serial Port: A port or interface to connect an external device to your computer.  A serial port can only transmit one bit of data at a time.  Devices that can connect to a serial port include mice, modems, and printers.
Parallel Port: A port or interface to connect an external device to your computer.  Most PC's have a parallel port and at least one serial port.  A parallel port can transfer data faster than a serial port and is primarily used to connect to printers.  Newer hardware such as scanners and zip drives also connect to parallel ports.
SCSI: (Small Computer System Interface) The SCSI is a type of parallel port.  It was, until the introduction of the iMac, the default standard port on Apple computers.  More flexible than a parallel port, many devices can be attached to a single SCSI port.
USB: (Universal Serial Bus) The USB is the new standard for most new computers.  It is faster than serial and parallel ports and up to 127 devices can be attached to a single USB port.  USB will replace serial and parallel ports over the next few years.
Is your computer a dinosaur?
Technology is improving at an incredibly fast rate.  Yesterday's super fast computer quickly becomes a slow computer that you have to pay someone to take off your hands for you.  If you're concerned about your computer, there are a few simple points you can check to see if it is extinct or nearly so.
1. The first and most important point is the CPU.  For Mac users, anything before a Power PC is probably ready for the museum.  You can't upgrade to OS 8.5 if you don't have at least a Power PC.  For PC users, if you're still using a 286 or 386, it's time for the graveyard.  If you're using a 486, you're still o.k. but it may be about time to put it out of its misery.
2. RAM:  You need, at the absolute minimum, 16 MB to survive.  If your computer can't be upgraded to 16 (32 would be better) then you've got a dinosaur.
3. Modem:  If you're still using a 14.4 Kbps modem, it's time to retire it.  Fortunately it's easy to rejuvenate most computers with an external modem (except for the Performa's where the modem is soldered to the motherboard!)
4. Hard disk: Newer operating systems are disk hungry and the software designed for them is even more so.  The absolute minimum would be 750 MB with 1 GB the desired minimum.  If you've got room, you can add another hard disk; if not, some of the newer storage media such as zip drives might be a short-term solution.  If your hard disk is getting cramped, you probably have a computer that is either extinct or on the endangered species list.
The bottom line for determining whether your computer is a dinosaur is cost.  If you'll be spending more than $350 to upgrade or rejuvenate, it's time to get a new computer.  According to the Denver Rocky Mountain News, the average retail selling price of a computer in November was $983 and the sub $600 market accounted for 16.6% of sales.
If you decide to join the ranks of those buying new computers, here are a few tips:
- Mac users should settle for nothing less than an iMac or G3 powered computer running Mac OS 8.0 or 8.5
- PC users should aim for at least a 333 MHz computer running Windows 98.
- If you're feeling adventurous you might consider a desktop computer running the Linux OS.
- Minimum RAM: 32 MB
- Minimum Modem: 56k Flex
If you don't get a computer with these basics, you'll find you own another dinosaur all too soon.

Tracking Investments Online

If you invest in the stock market, you can use the Internet to stay on top of your investments.  Or, if you're thinking of investing, you can track stocks or other financial instruments quickly and easily online.  One of the best sources of information is Bloomberg Online which can be found at: http://www.bloomberg.com
Once there you can track your favorites and, for the cost of a subscription to their magazine, also keep track of your portfolio.  Even without the subscription, you have access to a wide variety of information.  If you register (it's free) you can use the Bloomberg Monitor which stays on your desktop and (as long as you are connected to the Internet) keeps you up-to-date on the markets and stocks you've selected.  Even a visit to their main page can quickly fill you in on how the markets are doing as well as the top business headlines of the day.
If you want to try online investing visit the Charles Schwab web site at http://www.schwab.com
You can open an account and manage your stocks right from your PC.  You can also track stocks, get quotes, and keep up on business headlines.
For tracking your own portfolio and general news, try one of the web portals such as http://my.yahoo.com, http://my.netscape.com or http://home.microsoft.com.  These sites let you choose the stocks you want to track and customize your news page.  If you use Internet Explorer 4 the Microsoft page allows a high degree of customization.
To get financial news fast, you simply can't beat the Financial News at http://www.cnnfn.com.  This site is fast loading and has market information, hot stories, and many other resources available at the click of a mouse.
Another option, though not nearly as popular now as it was 18 months ago, is to download, for free, a program called PointCast and install it on your computer.  PointCast gathers the news you direct it to and brings it to your computer where you can read it at your leisure.  PointCast can also put a ticker on the bottom of your screen with the latest quotes and can function as a clever screen saver.
So if you follow or invest in the markets, quit waiting for the morning newspaper or evening news.  Track the markets the way you want, when you want.
Email Shock
Email shock is that floundering feeling you get when you open your mailbox to find that you have dozens of messages and don't know where to start or what to do with all of them.  If you are experiencing email shock, it's time to get organized.
Whether you use a major software package like Netscape, Eudora or Outlook Express to read your email, or if you use a simple email program like Pine, there are some simple things you can do.
  • Make folders or directories.  All of the above programs allow you to create folders or directories to store messages in.  If your inbox has more than 50 messages and the earliest one dates to November of  '98 or earlier, create a new folder and move or copy the message to the new folder.  For example, if you have five messages from your brother Bill, create a folder named "Bill" and move the messages to it.  Create another folder for messages from your accountant and move them there.  You can create as many folders as are necessary but be careful not to create a new folder for each message or you'll defeat the purpose of getting organized.  Four or five folders is about right.
  • For the Outlook Express/Netscape/Eudora crowd, there are some powerful tools within your grasp.  You can automatically delete junk mail so that it doesn't even clutter your inbox.
  • These programs also provide ways to filter your messages.  As each program works differently, I recommend going to that program's help and searching for the word "filter."  Outlook Express users will need to search for "rules."
Computing Books
Educyber, in association with Amazon.com, provides books to help you improve your computer skills.  Go to http://www.educyber.com/homeuser/ and click on the bookstore link to order one of these titles:
- Teach Yourself Computers & the Internet Visually IDG Books Worldwide
- Html : The Complete Reference by Thomas A. Powell
- Researching Online for Dummies (For Dummies) by Reva Basch
- Dan Gookin Teaches Windows 98 (The Best Advice from the Best Authors)
- Byte Guide to Optimizing Windows 95 (Byte Series) by Lenny Bailes (Editor), Charles Bermant, Craig Menefee, John Heilborn
- Beginners Guide Microsoft Office 97

Health Help

Are You Sagging? Are you in danger of contracting that new malady known as PC Rear (otherwise known as enlarged rear), you need to think about your health.  Even if you are on your feet all day, you ought to think about how to keep your body fit and healthy.  Luckily, there are lots of web sites to help you whether you are interested in desk exercises or eating right.
Check out Women's Wire five-minute workout tips at http://www.womenswire.com/work/takefive/
Try the American Heart Association's Just Move website at http://www.justmove.com/
Or the American Health for Women site at http://americanhealth.com/
Visit Dr. Koop's comprehensive health site at http://www.drkoop.com/

Say Goodbye to Network News?

Are you tired of the Impeachment Proceedings?  Wondering when the networks will find something else to report on?  Perhaps you are intensely interested in the impeachment trial and want more information?
Research shows that more and more Americans are turning to their computers for news and why not?  Getting your news online allows you to be the news editor, choosing the news you'll get and getting it when you want it.  Tired of having to wait for the weather report?  Put it first in your own personal newscast.  The catch is that most of news websites are . . . you guessed it, the network web sites.
We've previously talked about personalized news pages and the article in the column next to this looks at financial news but you can also get general news from:
CNN: http://www.cnn.com
ABC: http://abc.go.com/
NBC: http://www.nbc.com
CSPAN: http://www.c-span.org
FOX: http://www.fox.com
Denver area residents can get local news at:
Rocky Mountain News: http://InsideDenver.com
Denver Post: http://www.denverpost.com
Channel 2: http://www.wb2.com/
Channel 4: http://www.kcncnews4.com/
Channel 7: http://www.kmgh.com/
Channel 9: http://www.9news.com/
Channel 31: http://www.fox31.com/

This Newsletter is published by Educyber.  For more information, or to subscribe, call (303) 268-2245 or Email info@educyber.com    ©1999 Educyber,Inc.

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