St. Matthew
United
Methodist
Church

Dedicated to helping you untangle the World Wide Web

Welcome to a new edition of "Your Web Connection". Did the month of January go by fast or what? It sure did for Terry and myself. The two of us have gotten back into our normal routine after through the holiday.

The other big news around our house is that Terry and I have embarked on a new "lifestyle change." I've got a couple of bad knees that need to be replaced. They have a tendency to "go out" at times with my weight being a contributing factor. Terry and I decided that something drastic had to be done. We've gone on the Jenny Craig program of weight management. It's been 3 weeks now and Terry as lost over 8 pounds and I've lost nearly 24 pounds!

It'll probably take me a year to get the weight off that I need to. I didn't put it on over night and it isn't going to come off over night either. At times, I'm still having a tough time not eating like I was raised and going out for lunch and dinner. I have a very refined palette, and like most people, really enjoy the taste of food. But, slowly but surely, I'm starting to adjust. It's just a slower process than I assumed it would be. We both know what we need to do, it's just buckling down and doing it! We'll both love the end results! It's just getting there that will be the chore.

On the home computing front, I've made some enhancements to our home network. The end of last year, I made the jump to DSL, well, sort of. It's not full blown DSL, it's IDSL, which is around 144K up and down. It's a little bit better than an ISDN line which is only 128K. It's nice having the "always on" connection. I've hooked our 3 computers together through a network switch and an Ethernet. Terry and I both can be on the Net at the same time as well as sharing our printers.

Bobby, the owner of Chase Communications, the network wiring company, that I used at Bennett's Printing & Office Supply and now at CSB Battery of America has become a very good friend of mine. With my laptop, I sit in the living room on the couch and work. That way, I get to be with Terry and neither of us feel isolated from the other. To get on our network so I could surf and print, I've been stretching a 40' long Cat-5 cable from our office to the living room. Terry just loved it! (Yea, right!) So I asked Bobby to come out and install a network drop in the living room. It's so convenient now just to plug in and you're ready to surf! It's great getting to play along with some of the interactive television programs like "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire."

The next item on the home computing environment is that I've made the jump to Windows 2000 Professional one of our HP desktops. We're getting ready to make a major change at work and I wanted to get exposure to it first instead of jumping in feet first. The upgrade went real well. After the hardware and software test that the installation program runs, it said that I may have problems with my video card. So when I bought the Windows upgrade, I also picked up a newer model video card. It was nice that I was able to return it and save the $150.00. The only other hardware issue was with my SuperDisk 120. Imation didn't have the new drivers for 2000 but they sent me a beta set that they were working on. The drivers installed perfectly and I now have my SuperDisk back in working order.

On the software side, I've had to reinstall a couple of the programs to get them working properly. Norton Utilities SystemWorks 2001 even though it is Windows 2000 compatible, had to be uninstalled and then reinstalled to get the proper versions of the programs installed and configured. The other program I had an issue with was Easy CD Creator. After taking care of all of the tweaks with the programs, everything is working great and I'm very happy with the performance of the computer and my more stable operating system.

Let's get on to this issue of "Your Web Connection" and continue our exploration into the world of PDAs (personal digital assistants). In the last issue, we looked at the units that ran on the Palm platform. For this issue, we'll be discussing units running on the Windows CE platform. We'll end up today with our regular dose of Net-Humor. We all need to smile and chuckle every now and then.

The World of Personal Digital Assistants

Before we start our discussion of the Windows CE platform, I neglected to mention one of the other popular units that runs the Palm operating platform, namely the Sony CLIÉ.

Sony CLIÉ

This is a really feature-packed unit. In fact, if it had been available when I bought my Handspring, I would have probably opted for the Sony unit instead. Why? First off it runs the Palm operating system and has a flash memory feature.  The flash feature allows for upgrades to the operating system. The deluxe model I have now does not allow for "flashing" the operating system. Also the Sony unit has the "Jog Dial" button for accessing the programs on the unit. The Jog Dial is a button on the side of the unit that allows you to easily scroll through the applications.

They have also incorporated their "Memory Stick" technology into the unit. What's nice is that Memory Sticks come in a variety of configurations all the way from 8MB to 64MB. That's a lot of storage for a handheld unit. The Sony Memory Stick unit is interchangeable with a variety of Sony products, such as their digital cameras, portable music players, laptops and desktop computers. The Memory Stick technology is very versatile. If you are considering a Palm type unit, this is a unit to consider. The Sony CLIÉ is running around $300.00. To learn more about the unit, click on the link above. This will take you to the main Sony page, click on "Computing," then select CLIÉ from the menu for further information.

Windows CE Platform

The other alternate platform for handheld computing is Windows CE. As the name suggests, the main applications that are included on Windows CE models are Microsoft products such as:

• Microsoft Pocket PC Excel
• Microsoft Pocket PC Word
• Microsoft Pocket PC Outlook
• Microsoft Internet Explorer with AvantGo
• Microsoft Windows Media Player
• Microsoft eText Reader
• Microsoft Pocket PC Money

What makes the Windows CE platform so desirable is that you can create and edit your Microsoft type documents directly on your handheld without the need for conversion that you have to do on a Palm platform PDA. You will also pay a lot more for the Windows CE units. The full featured units run in the neighborhood of $400-$500. Quite a bit more than the $249.00 I paid for my Handspring Visor Deluxe. Whether you choose a Palm or a Windows CE unit really depends upon your needs. Both of the platforms have their advantages and disadvantages. You just have to weigh out your needs.

Top 10 Reasons To Buy Windows CE

The list below was taken from the following link on Microsoft's web site.

http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/bguide/topten.asp

1. It's the best Microsoft Outlook companion. The pocket PC makes it easy to manage and organize your work and personal life with Pocket Outlook. Unlike other devices, Pocket PC offers seamless integration with Outlook on your desktop, so you don't have to learn how to use a new Personal Information Manager (PIM). Pocket Outlook give you the rich content you need to be productive:
   • Calendar: features agenda, day, week, month and year views with a compelling use of color - the same color scheme you're used to looking at on your desktop.
   • Contacts: gives you the most complete Contact functionality. Pocket PC features twice as many email, phone, and address fields.
   • Notes: Pocket Outlook gives you the ability to take voice notes and take notes the way you're used to with the natural handwriting recognition feature. No other device offers such versatility.
2. You can access Web sites online or offline. With Pocket Internet Explorer, you get complete access to the World Wide Web - not just snippets of pre-selected and limited contact that you get with other devices. Pocket PC offers you a full browsing experience. This means you can shop securely, access your stock and banking information, and visit your favorite Web sites any time you want.
3. You get the full email experience. The Pocket PC lets you read your email online or offline because unlike other devices, it supports Outlook, MSN email, AOL, and your corporate email. And Pocket Word and Pocket Excel are integrated into the Pocket PC, so you can easily view your email attachments. You can have all of your most essential information with you at all times.
4. You can take notes with your own handwriting. While other PDAs only recognize languages like Graffiti, you don't have to learn a new way of writing with your Pocket PC. Pocket PCs Natural Handwriting Recognition feature allows you to jot down notes on the go, and it will convert your writing into text.
5. You can listen to music. Pocket PC has Windows Media Player integrated into the device, offering you stereo-quality output of your favorite music files - including MP3s. Unlike other devices, all you need to listen to your favorite music anytime, anywhere, it your Pocket PC and a pair of headphones.
6. Pocket PCs are easily expandable. The Pocket PC is the most expandable device on the market. As your technology needs change, your Pocket PC will change with you. Its industry-standard expansion slot gives you more choices and options for adding the capabilities you need. While other devices offer only proprietary modules, Pocket PC's expansion slot will support a wide variety of modems and Ethernet cards, storage cards, keyboards, and so on.
7. Your Pocket PC automatically syncs up with your PC. With Microsoft ActiveSync, your Pocket PC has fast, continuous, and automatic synching abilities. There's no need to wait for your information to sync; its ready to go when you are - unlike other devices that do not automatically sync.
8. You can read or listen to hundreds of your favorite books. Pocket PC comes with Microsoft Reader and ClearType technology. Download books and read them in incredibly clear, crisp text. Pocket PC is the only device on the market that comes with a built-in reader application as well as Audible Audio Player already integrated for listening to books on the go.
9. Pocket PCs offer excellent gaming abilities. With the highest screen resolution., most colors, and fastest CPU of any hand-held device, Pocket PC give you the best gaming experience. Enjoy your favorite games like Zio Golf and Doom with the awesome graphics, sound, and speed of the Pocket PC.
10. Pocket PCs are the most versatile devices on the market. You can use your Pocket PC for a huge variety of tasks. The devices come with Microsoft Money 2000 for Pocket PCs, allowing you to keep track of your personal stocks and electronic checkbook wherever you are. Also integrated into your Pocket PCs is Pocket Streets, so you can download maps when you're on the road. Keep organized, stay connected, enjoy your down time with music, books, and games ... all on a single device. Your Pocket PC will give you the most options of any device on the market.

Microsoft makes a compelling case for Pocket PCs. I've never worked with one, but the next unit I consider, I'll include some of the Pocket PC models in my evaluations. One of the nice features is memory. Most of the units can be configured from 8 to 32 megs of memory. That's plenty of memory to run any of the applications you'll ever need. Let's now look at some of the different models and some Windows CE sites.

Windows CE Models

HP Journada Models

HP has developed a very nice line of Pocket PCs. In the line they have the following models:

• HP Journada 547 & 548 - Windows powered Pocket PC with 32 megs of Ram
• HP Journada 540 & 545 - Windows powered Pocket PC with 16 megs of Ram

All of their models incorporate the Windows CE features I've outlined above, including a very rich color display. HP also has another line of handheld PCs that is more feature packed. These even come with an attached keyboard. It's really amazing how technology is changing. Anything is possible now.

Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC

From what I understand, these are incredible units. My boss at work has one and he swears by it. These units are very popular in the marketplace, especially with business professionals who want all of their Microsoft applications right at their fingertips. Again, the applications will be standard on all Windows CE models as well as standard memory configurations.

If you're considering a Windows CE unit, you'll just have to decide upon the features and styling that appeal to you. Both of them have different user interfaces and controls. Go to a dealer, hold the units and try them out. Get the one that feels the best to you. Let's now take a look at some resources that are available to you on the Net.

Windows CE Sites

Microsoft Pocket PC Site

Probably one of the best sources of information concerning Windows CE comes straight from the source, Microsoft. This is the definitive site if you want to know what is going on in the world of Windows CE computing. The site incorporates several areas that can be a source of invaluable information. They are:

• Pocket PC Features
• Buyer's Guide
• Downloads
• Help & How To
• Club Pocket PC
• PocketPaks

I really liked the Buyer's Guide area. There you can research all of the different models and compare their features. The Club Pocket PC had some very interesting and informative articles concerning the virtues of Pocket PC computing.

CEcity

This is another one of the sister sites that is associated with the PDA Street family of sites. The site is also one of those invaluable resources on the Net. You'll find downloads, how to's, message boards, just everything that you'll ever want to know about Windows CE units. They have an extensive collection of software.

Handango 

This is a site that I mentioned last time. Handango is a one stop shopping place for hardware and software, help, downloads and breaking news. I really like this site because they normally have the newest versions of the latest software.

Net-Humor and Life's Ponderances

Oops! Did I Say That?

(This came from one of my wife's CPA newsletters she received recently. We both thought is was pretty humorous and we wanted to share it with everyone.)

"Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau." -- Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University, 1929.

"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." -- Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949.

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." -- Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.

"But what ... is it good for?" -- Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968 commenting on the microchip.

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." -- Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977.

"The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular." -- David Sarnoff's associates in response to his urgings for investment in radio in the 1920s.

"The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a "C", the idea must be feasible." -- A Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.)

"Everything that can be invented has been invented." -- Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patent, 1899.

"640K ought to be enough for anybody." -- Bill Gates, 1981.

A Computer's Gender

An English teacher was explaining to his students the concept of gender association in the English language. He stated how hurricanes at one time were given feminine names and how ships and planes were usually referred to as "she." One of the students raised her hand and asked "what gender" is a computer?

The teacher wasn't certain which it was, so he divided the class into two groups, males in one and females in the other, and asked them to decide if a computer should be masculine or feminine. Both groups were asked to give four reasons for their recommendation.

The group of women concluded that computers should be referred to as the masculine gender because:

1. In order to get their attention, you have to turn them on.
2. They have a lot of data but they are clueless.
3. They are supposed to solve your problem, but half the time, they are the problem.
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have had a better model.

The men, on the other hand, decided that computers should definitely be referred to in the feminine gender because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic.
2. The native language they use in communication with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else.
3. Even your smallest mistakes are stored in long-term memory for later retrieval.
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck or accessories for it.

And You Think Your Day Was Bad

There's this guy in a bar, just looking at his drink. He stares like that for half-an-hour. Then, this big trouble-making truck driver steps next to him, takes the drink from the guy, and just drinks it all down.

The poor man starts crying. The truck driver says: "Come on man, I was just joking. Here, I'll buy you another drink. I just can't stand to see a man crying."

"No, it's not that. This day is the worse of my life. First, I fall back asleep and I get in late to my office. My boss, outraged, fires me. When I leave the building to go to my car, I find out it has been stolen. The police say they can do nothing. I get a cab to return home, and as the cab driver drives away, I realize I left my wallet and credit cards in the cab. I go into the house and find my wife in bed with the gardener. I leave home and come to this bar. And just when I was thinking about putting an end to my life, you show up and drink my poison .."

Are The Shoes Ready Yet?

Arnold and his wife were cleaning out the attic one day when he came across a ticket from the local shoe repair shop. The date stamped on the ticket showed it was over eleven years old. They both laughed and tried to remember which of them might have forgotten to pick up a pair of shoes over a decade ago.

"Do you think the shoes will still be in the shop?" Arnold asked.

"Not very likely," his wife said.

"It's worth a try," Arnold said, pocketing the ticket. He went downstairs, hopped into the car, and drove to the store.

With a straight face, he handed the ticket to the man behind the counter. With a face just as straight, the man said, "Just a minute. I'll have to look for these." He disappeared into a dark corner at the back of the shop.

Two minutes later, the man called out, "Here they are!"

"No kidding?" Arnold called back. "That's terrific! Who would have thought they'd still be here after all this time."

The man came back to the counter, empty-handed. "They'll be ready Thursday," he said calmly.

 

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Authored by Chuck and Terry Mencke

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