Web zines great for up-to-date information
Sun Review Nov. 13, 1999

If you’ve flipped through any computer magazines lately, you may have already discovered that Microsoft is not the only monopoly in the computing world: Computer publishing giant ZDNet owns Windows Magazine (available online at www.winmag.com), PC Magazine (www.pcmag.com), the ever popular Computer Shopper (www.computershopper.com) and several other publications aimed at wanna-be computer geeks. And if you just can’t get enough of ZDNet, why not aim your satellite dish at ZDTV?

But honestly, even a Mac lover like myself can appreciate the resources ZDNet (www.zdnet.com) has to offer. ZDNet’s Software Library is always updated and chock full of good stuff. If you’re in the market for a computer, parts or peripherals, Computer Shopper online allows you to compare features and prices, perform keyword searches, read reviews and ask other buyers for advice.

Another great tool is WinTune (www.wintune.winmag.com), the Windows Magazine test and tune-up kit that allows you to test your PC’s performance without leaving your browser, just by clicking through a set of webpages. After testing, you can compare those results to an extensive database of results posted by other WinTune users. If WinTune finds anything amiss about your system configuration or results, it will also give you tips to help fix the problem. You can also download the current offline version of WinTune 98, which runs without a browser and gives you test results on your computer. WinTune 98’ runs on Windows 98, Windows 95, and Windows NT.

Visit www.updates.com for the easiest way to keep your Windows PC’s software updated. Just download a 1.2MB program that integrates with your web browser, scans your computer and lets you know what software you need to update. Now simply follow the links to find that latest upgrade.

And if you’re looking for more drivers, tips, or bug fixes, visiting www.winfiles.com and www.driverzone.com is highly recommended. The purpose of the WinFiles.com site is to provide explanations, software, and information about Microsoft Windows® operating systems. The Driver Zone allows you to find and download a device driver for digital cameras, CD-ROM drives, modems, printers, scanners, and many more devices. Links to all the major hardware vendors will take you straight to the driver-download page.

If you have any specific questions you would like to see answered in this column, please e-mail inge@ingenius.bc.ca