Q: Where can I find a screesaver that displays "The Matrix" (the movie) text like the ones on the computer when Cypher and Tank were operating the console?
A: There are a LOT of versions, including one on the official website. However, here's one that takes the cake: Matrix Code Emulator. Here's a screenshot:



NOTE: The screenshot is actually UPSIDE DOWN. Try the freeware version first.

Q: My icon text on the desktop has this "background color". How do I get rid of it?
A: If you run any operating system before Windows XP, you will need to run a separate program to refresh the desktop. Here is one that I really like, and it's free: TransText from ChaosSoft. You can set the background and the text color to anything you want. The background can even be transparent.

On the other hand, taking out the background color does reduce the "contrast" somewhat and makes the dekstop less readable. Still, it's your choice. :-)

What is a VESA driver for a video card, and why do I need one?
A: VESA, which stands for "Video Electronic Standards Association", is a group that defines video standards. The standard resolutions and and color depth standards were created by them. In time, some of the software drivers to make the non-standard video cards comply with these "universal" standards became known as "VESA Drivers". However, these are mainly useful during the DOS era. By the time Windows came along, Microsoft's Windows GDI, and later DirectX drivers have made VESA drivers obsolete.

If you need to run some older DOS software that uses VESA video modes, you may need VESA drivers for modern video cards. The ONLY one now available, unless your card is already VESA compliant, is SciTechSoft's UniVBE, available here as a FREE download.

Q: What is SODIMM?
A: SODIMM (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module) is a "format" of memory, like DIMM, but for notebooks. The memory is packed into a tighter module for notebooks. The SODIMM itself can contain any sort of memory, like SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, etc.

Q: I am building a new computer and I need a new case. What should I look for in a good case?
A: Here are some things to look for:

== Clean edges (so you don't slice your fingers)
== Lots of room (again, so you don't slice your fingers
== Lots of bays (exposed or hidden) expansion potential
== Mainboard removable tray (may or may not be good, some say the tray, if loose, would give the cards bad fit. Others say mounting the board separately is easier on the board and your fingers)
== Big power supply (you may need to get this separately, at least 300W, maybe 420W)
== Aluminum (you'll pay $$$, but it's MUCH lighter
== Front-end ports (optional, like USB / USB2 / Firewire / Sound)
== More than one case fan attachment points

In general, most people should be happy with a "mid-tower" case, as it fits on a desktop with minimal footprint.

Q: What is SATA, or Serial ATA?
A: Serial ATA is the next evolution of the hard drive ATA standard, previously at "UltraATA 133". Serial ATA is supposed to be faster and better, but in small increments, and with a completely different interface. They are showing up on some mainboards as premium options, and most includes an adapter so you can still use regular UltraATA drives. However, most PC's comes with only one adapter.

Q: What can I use to record / edit my old tape or vinyl collection?
A: Try Polderbits' website, they have software that should do what you want.

Q: What is northbridge and southbridge?
A: Northbridge and southbridge are both parts of a chipset. Northbridge is the part that talks to memory, CPU, cache, and AGP bus. Southbridge is the part that talks to all the peripherals, like IDE, USB, and things like that.

Q: What is "digital vinyl"?
A: They are CD-R's made by Verbatim in the look of old 45 rpm vinyl LPs. You can find more about them here.

Q: How do I play a .MOV file?
A: Visit Apple's QuickTime website and download QuickTime for your platform.