Q: What is CD-R Audio? How is this different from regular CD-R?
A: CD-R Audio is designed for use by those standalone Audio CD copiers, like those from Phillips which you can use to create your custom CD-mix without using a computer. They have a special code that Audio CD copiers will ONLY use those CD's. If you put regular CD-Rs in audio CD copiers, they will say "invalid media".

Anyone who tell you that CD-R Audio give you better sound quality is lying. They cost more because they have to pay an extra tax/fee to RIAA.

Your computer wouldn't care if you use CD-R or CD-R Audio, so don't spend the extra money.

Q: My CD-ROM drive no longer seems to read my disks. What can I do?
A: Try cleaning it. Some compressed air to blow out the dust, one of those "cleaning discs" with solution to clean the insides. It may or may not help. CD-ROM drives are so cheap any way, just replace it, with a DVD or CD-RW drive.

Q: Is there such a thing as a webcam that does NOT need a computer to operate?
A: Yes, Axis makes a full range of network cameras. The 2100 is their starter model, and it'll run you about $350 or so. It has a built-in web server so you can just give it an IP address and you can pull the images from it at 10 fps from almost anywhere in the world, provided you got the bandwidth. If you want, you can even have remote recording, sound recording, pan / tilt, remote pan/tilt, preriodic scan, and more. It will cost you, of course.

Q: What is "spyware"?
A: Steve Gibson (of Gibson Research, at grc.com) defined spyware as "any program that communicates with the outside world without your authorization". Usually, the program watches you, then sends out information about you behind your back. In other words, those programs are spying on you, thus the term spy-ware. Some may even cause pop-ups to appear.

Some spyware are known to look for search words typed into search engines. For example, let's say you are on Yahoo searching for "Ford". If a spyware watched you do that, they may show pop-up ads featuring GMs, or Toyotas, and so on.

Spyware violates your privacy. To remove spyware, search for removers such as Ad-Adware.

Q: What is "foistware"?
A: Foistware is a new term for software that surreptitiously adds hidden components to your system--- foisting them on you, on the sly. For example, Kazaa adds hidden components to your system and only a diligent search by programs like SpyBot or Ad-Aware will find those hidden stuff.

The term is used to differentiate the kind of sneak-installation done by commercial apps from classic Trojan horse apps, which are usually hacker/cracker products.

Q: What is "crippleware"?
A: crippleware n. (thanks to Jargon Lexicon)

1. [common] Software that has some important functionality deliberately removed, so as to entice potential users to pay for a working version. 2. [Cambridge] Variety of guiltware that exhorts you to donate to some charity (compare careware, nagware). 3. Hardware deliberately crippled, which can be upgraded to a more expensive model by a trivial change (e.g., cutting a jumper).

An excellent example of crippleware (sense 3) is Intel's 486SX chip, which is a standard 486DX chip with the co-processor diked out (in some early versions it was present but disabled). To upgrade, you buy a complete 486DX chip with working co-processor (its identity thinly veiled by a different pinout) and plug it into the board's expansion socket. It then disables the SX, which becomes a fancy power sink. Don't you love Intel?

Q: I want to change the program I use to open certain types of documents with. For example, I want to use Opera instead of Internet Explorer to open URLs, or I want to open JPGs in IrfanView instead of Internet Explorer. How do I do that?
A: Open Explorer, locate the file you wish to change (one of them is enough). Hold down the shift key, then RIGHT-click the file (now you can let go of the shift-key), and you should see a choice that says "Open with...". Select that, and you'll get a choice of programs that's registered with the system. Choose the right one, then choose if you want it permanent or just this once.

Q: I was told that I need to download this .NET Framework for one of my programs to work. What is this? Where do I get it?
A: .NET is one of the new Microsoft "platforms" that is supposed to help programmers make web-enabled programs easier. You can get this .NET Framework from Microsoft Windowsupdate.

Q: How do I add a router to my DSL/Cable setup?
A: In general, it goes like this

DSL: Wall phone jack (with filter) to Modem
(or if you have cable, wall jack to Cable Modem)

Modem via network cable to Router (WARNING: USB port modems CANNOT be used)

Router should have multiple ports, which are then linked to individual PC's with network cables. Each PC should have a network card or network port for this.

If you use a wireless router, same idea. Each PC would have a wireless LAN card.

Then follow the router maker's instructions on how to configure it to access your modem and get out into the Internet.

Q: Where can I find some free web hosts for my personal webpage?
A: Here are some choices compiled by someone else... with some additions and editing by me.

Most Popular

www.geocities.com
www.tripod.com
www.angelfire.com

While these sites are popular, they also have severe bandwidth and space limits. Geocities have implemented a DAILY bandwidth throttle, which means if enough people have visited your site for one day no one else can view it.

Not so well known

www.netfirms.com
www.doteasy.com (without banners)
www.fateback.com
www.bravenet.com

Lots of space

www.wtcsites.com (150/250 mb of space)
www.ultrahosting.com (infinite space?? low bandwidth?)
www.strike9.com ???
www.fateback.com (file can't be more than 800k when transferring but still gives you 50mb (?))

ASP/PHP/CFML support

http://www.brinkster.com/AboutGeneral.asp (ASP3 support, no ASP components)
https://www.cfm-resources.com/register/index.cfm?blnIsFreeRequest=TRUE (Cold Fusion support, $29.95 one-time setup fee)
www.members.lycos.co.uk
www.spaceports.com
www.amzweb.net
www.portland.co.uk