(Note to MAC users – even though I am NOT a MAC user
and know very little about them (except that those that use
them swear BY their computers; while PC users swear AT their
computers). Many of the web sites, the software info,
the hardware info, and the other information I give
out to you each issue are applicable to MAC users as well.
So please don’t bypass this article just because it
says PC in the title)
Today I have a great Outlook hint; new information about Computer
accessories - wireless keyboards & flat screen monitors,
and my next Question and Answer.
Here’s a great hint:
Did you know that Outlook can retrieve actual Maps of addresses
(well some anyway) in your address book? Here’s
how:
1. Connect to the internet
2. Go to your Contacts folder and open a contact
3. Click in the address (home, business, etc)
you want a map for
4. Click on Actions/Display Map Address (in Outlook
2002) or
5. Click View Map button.
For an address in Tabanan it showed me only Tabanan, but for
an address in Bangkok, it showed me the actual address.
Works the very best for US & Europe addresses right now.
(See Favorite LINK below for more Outlook plug-ins)
Computer accessories - wireless keyboards & flat screen
monitors & DVD burners
I just HATE having tons of cables on my desk (much less under
it). So I brought back from the States a wonderful wireless
keyboard and mouse (they are available here as well –
check Bali Computer Center (RIMO) or Ubud’s Mega Systems).
I picked the Logitech “Cordless Desktop Pro”.
It has an ergonomic keyboard and a wireless mouse. Ah,
no more cords. It even has buttons that allow me easily to
control WinAmp, my MP3 player from the keyboard itself.
If I need plenty of spread-out room on my desk, I just put
the keyboard and mouse somewhere else! Easy! Cheapest
price now is US$42 at www.half.com
Recently I also purchased a flat-panel monitor. These
things have come WAY down in price; have much better screens
now and have a wider viewing angle. These three things
were reasons NOT to buy a flat panel in the past. But
now they are really worth it. Plus, they take up such
a small amount of space on my desk! Some even have built-in
television tuners, come in wide-screen format,
and support both analog and digital PC graphics controllers
which make them a good choice for movie buffs. I have the
Samsung SyncMaster 151S. (Using www.pricescan.com) 15 inch
flat-panels should be US$250-300; 17 inch should be US$400-600;
and the huge 19+ inch are US$600+.
DVD burners. These are HOT right now. Why?
Because they can be used to backup HUGE amounts of data –
4.7GB (GIGA bytes). However, there are several competing
formats. So I can recommend the Sony DRU500A because
it deals with all DVD formats and is definitely a superior
model at this point in time. (about US$350)
Favorite LINK: http://www.wugnet.com/shareware/spow.asp?ID=466.
If you use Microsoft Outlook for your email, calendar
data and/or email addresses, then OutBack Plus is ideal for
you. OutBack Plus is an easy to use data backup and a restore
utility. It will insulate you from an unexpected a hardware
failure, new virus, or an accidental deletion.
Q: No questions this week. Send me your questions!
But two great hints from Alex:
1. Unplug power & phone cables that go into
your PC when the weather is bad. Great idea Alex.
(For folks without UPS or voltage regulators – this
is the temporary solution to protect you valuable equipment.)
2. I found a shop that sells dry batteries for
UPS or similar products, in case someone’s looking for
it. It is “Sentral Aki” at Jl. Mayjen Sutoyo,
a few houses before Tiara Dewata Supermarket in Denpasar.
Have a question or problem? Write me at BaliPCAdvisor@GMail.com.
I’ll try and answer as soon as I can.
Bali PC Advisor “Archives” ONLINE: http://www.balitravel-insider.com/balipcadvisor/.
<note ALL lower case letters. You can search previous issues
for information.
NEXT time: On-line banking. Is it safe?
PakBruce, your Bali PC Advisor!
