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i Need An Alternate Browser? Try Mozilla p.24 A We Review CyberScrub 3.0 p.25 % ^ smartcomputing.co Smart Computing I IInn PPllaaiinn EEnngalliisshh December 2003 Vol.14 lss.12 $5.99 U.S. $7.99 Canada QUICK STUDIES Head To Head: Video-Editing Applications p.21 Get More News With RSS Everything You Need To Know About USB p.96 More Effective PowerPoint Presentations Use Cell Ranges In Lotus 1-2-3 Site Guide: Explore Science PaperPort & Technology At RedNova.com p.42 J/Va Pk'i fhn j PC Project: Copy VHS Tapes To DVD p.80 Systems • Software • Peripherals PC Ops: Hill niiil > AVAILABLE ON THE WEB Stabilize WinMe p.30 AliveColors Brings Your Images To Life Automate Photoshop Functions Find It Online: Do Your 7 252 4 77294 o Shopping On The Web p.46 • Microsoft’- Windows5 XP Professional4 • 14.1” XGA TFT Display (1024x768) • 256MB DDR SDRAM • 20GB hard drive5 • Ultrabay™ Plus CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo Wireless IBM PCs give users the easiest wired and wireless • IBM UltraNav™ - TrackPoint® and touch pad connectivity. So you can rein in help desk calls. Yeehaa! , • 1-yr system/battery limited warranty' $1,299* Outfit users with IBM ThinkPad® notebooks including Access Connections software and wireless Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology (select models), and you may experience ■ NavCode 289723U-M539 something really wild: a quieter help desk. Because Access Connections helps users S2-e ryvri cOenPsaict-e' RSeerpvaiicr/e9 xU5p/lg\rleadxet :B" usiness switch between wired and wireless settings at the drop of a hat. So whether you’re Day Response working on upgrades, security enhancements or integration, you won’t have to keep #3019189 '197 diverting resources to help users connect. Wireless IBM ThinkPad notebooks with Access NEW! IBM ThinkPad T41 Connections software. Welcome to the new wireless frontier, think ffSGdOm Distinctive IBM Innovations: • Access Connections - Easiest wired and wireless connectivity 1 866 426-6647 I ibm.com/shop/m539 • IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0' - Strongest security as a standard feature Save on shipping. Order online? System Features: »Intel Centrino mobile technology • Intel Pentium M processor 1 4GHz* • Intel PRO/Wireless Network Connection 802.11b • Microsoft"’ Windows" XP Professional • 14.1" XGA TFT Display (1024x768) • 256MB DDR SDRAM • NEW! 40GB hard drive with IBM Hard Drive Active Protection System • Ultrabay Slim CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo • Only T thin' • 4.5-lb travel weight5 •1-yr system/battery limited warranty7 $1,769* ■ NavCode 2378DHU-M539 ServicePac® Service Upgrade: 3- yr Onsite Repair/9x5/Next Business Day Response #30L9195 >243 equipment date of purchase. Service must be purchased during the original limited product warranty period. Service levels are response-time objectives and are not guarantees. A service technician is scheduled to arrive at your | location within two or four business hours or the next business day (depending on service) after remote problem determination is completed. For the 9x5x4-hour service, calls dispatched after 1:00 p.m. local time, you can expect the I service technician to arrive by the morning of the next business day. For noncritical service requests, a service technician will arrive by the end of the following business day. If the machine problem turns out to be a Customer Replaceable I Unit (CRU), IBM will express ship the part to you for quick replacement. Onsite 24x7x2-hour service is not available in all locations. External peripherals, such as racks, tape drives and channel controllers, require their own, separate service coverage; they are not covered under the attached Machine. Service activation is required immediately following purchase. For ThinkPad notebooks requiring LCD or other component replacement, IBM may choose to perform service at the depot repair center. For failing non-IBM components, customer must provide replacement part unless IBM has a Technical Support Agreement with the manufacturer. Service does not cover accessories, supply items j and certain parts such as batteries, frames and covers. ’Standard shipping included when you order online. U.S. only. IBM reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time, without notice. IBM is not responsible for photographic or typographic errors. All IBM product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Lotus and SmartSuite are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation, an IBM Company. Intel, Intel Inside, the Intel Inside logo, Celeron, Intel Centrino, the Intel Centrino logo and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other company, product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. © 2003 IBM Corp. All rights reserved. Power. Security. Wireless. Talk about a round-up. ^ % % * NEW! IBM ThinkPad R50 NEW! IBM ThinkPad T41 IBM ThinkPad X31 IBM ThinkPad X31 Distinctive IBM Innovations: Distinctive IBM Innovations: Distinctive IBM Innovations: Solution Pack • Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0' - • Access IBM - IBM help at your fingertips • Rapid Restore™ - Push-of-a-button data Distinctive IBM Innovations: -••••S1 ••y2IMNS4 n5s8EIIt.titrnn16e0WceottlM"r2eem n !o*ll. 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IBM ThinkPad R50 #30L9189 >197 #D3a0y LR9e1s9p5o n>s2e4 3 Distinctive IBM Innovations: ••S yEISn••stm ttrI8Ieeonnbl0m ttne2eeCgdll . e1FedPPn1seeeRttbdarn Oi1s ttn uSeiAuocreAm eucmsru/ i:iMrro teiybtl y eipals erssSo tuNaceb ecessshttywsanosnootrderl oka1m gr.6Cd yG2 o f.Hn0en az-e!t u crtieo n ••SND yEISinEsstmtttreieoWnlbm nceCgdt !ieFedv nseeetItdr a BiI stnBuSeoMMcre eucm surI :ionrt Tibyntiy olhae vSs ait uetanicb oshskntnyasPosn:tl deoaamgdryd 2 f.T0ea 4-tu 1re ••DSI BAywIinssciMtttreiceenlem lc seCt ssTieF vsnC eehct oaroIitniBnnunnoMnre eek cmscIt:tnPio iovnbnaioitslyved - a tt eiEocXahnsns3i:oe 1lsot gwyi red and S•DSI ByESiosstmMtrtileonbmunce gdt tTiedFviseeoehtd a Ins tiBSeunM creeucPk sruIi:nPrat iyntcya oa vkdsSa uta ib oXssntyas3sn:t 1deam rd 2 f.0e a-tu re • Microsoft" Windows* XP Professional * Intel Pentium M processor 1.6GH21 • Intel Pentium M processor 1.6GHz3 • Intel Centrino mobile technology <15* SXGA+ TFT Display (1400x1050) < Intel PRO/Wireless Network Connection • Intel PROAA/ireless Network Connection • Intel Pentium M processor 1.6GHz* •• 2cN5oE6mWMb! oBU dlDrtriDvabeR a yS DERnhAaMnc e• d4 0CGDB-R hWa/rDdV dDri-vReO M •• 1M48i.c01r*2o .sS1oX1ftbG*3 A W+ iTnFdTow Ds*is*p lXaPy (P1r4o0fe0sxs1io0n5a0l) •• 1M2.i81c0r*o2 sX.o1Gf1tA®b " T WFTin dDoiwspsl®ay X (P1 0P2r4oxfe7s6s8io) nal • M• iI8cn0rtoe2ls. 1oP1fRtb"O1 W/Winidreolwesss NXePt wPororkf eCssoinonneacl tion • IBM UltraNav™ TrackPoint and touch pad • 32MB ATI Mobility RADEON 9000 graphics • 1BMB ATI Mobility RADEON graphics •12.1* XGA TFT Display (1024x768) • 1-yr system/battery limited warranty" • 256MB DDR SDRAM • 40GB hard drive • 256MB DDR SDRAM • 40GB hard drive • 16MB ATI Mobility RADEON graphics • Ultrabay Slim CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive • Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and modem • 256MB DDR SDRAM • 40GB hard drive $1,929 • Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and modem • Integrated IEEE 1394 FireWire • Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and modem B NavCode 18363UU-M539 • IsBigMn aUl slttrraeCnognthn ect Antenna lor increased •• 15-.5y-rh sry Lstie-Imon/1 b-yatrt ebrayt t•e r3y. 6l-ilmb itteradv wela wrraenigtyht9 •• 35-.5y-rh sry Lstie-Imon/1 b-yatrt ebrayt tery limited warranty' ■ •• 3O-nylry s1y*s ttheimn /1• 4-y.5r -blba tttrearvye ll imwietiegdh tw arranty" $1,874 A• UccltersasBoarsiee sX I3n mclueddiead :s lice $1,939 D NavCode 2884NRU-M539 • Ultrabay Plus CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo D NavCode 2379DJU-M539 S4-eyrvr iDceePpaoct® R Seepraviric e Upgrade: $2,274 #S5D6-eayr9yrv P iROc9ee2nPs0spia0toce *n >R sS4ee4e p9rav iirc/e9 xU5/pNgeraxdt eB: usiness #69P9195 >249 4SD□-ea ryy v rNiR cOaeevnsPCpsaiooctend" esRS e2e e8rpv8ai5icrPe/9 WUx5Up/gN-Mraedx5et3 :9B usiness TECHNOLOGY #69P9198 >299 lavCode RiCannoe rdsme evgplliiaedotrein bopsi. rl iiiAntcy ecw Acsh emlislicsaahinyb ci lvtee ai assr ynya,dsp t' pReisrmeo aqv umuetihdreo.em srOi ozdpieoeydwr a mtntoilao ocynaa dbrore noy fu ct hchplea ite noWnn 6tie -4slFoMsi f 1ltBow2 g-laoe1rs.4e s, ' iStshMo namoonbet t i phlseeoe rfI matnwmtietalto rePuede n mnitn tas iatuyalm ldt eri efdPfg,er urod lfceareptoosemrsnyod i rritsens g gfreei ooatPannt.uis0 lvr .voe ied BfI retnoshotxiee o ml 1n wS2o (op1dirfe9el aed5.v d.,“ a CSGRiltoTaBenbPp=sl,'e e 1N)qT, C0auen0ec 2nhd07nt ,lm07oy00l,ao 09tygh,, y0 neA,0 owWt0tt ni ibir:nte yhcDlt leIeuesnspdst tew eL.l uJAhSDseNpenJe rfA e ermde/aBfStaeu2ntrre0ruepi3na ,i.l gs spI t lBroioomMr cs i aettleosld rsp aotrgoor e gso prcpaaeemperada fct uemitn yoac,nyt iA ocbcnhecaa erlniiesttndsiyoieu.bn lScls eeoo 1 drfc- t wa1twop1aa a crracroenia tnlndyisct ewyiesr in vrlllsee reng boa—aartgd tsrtieeunrep g*ymp -tponheorinnrwttd csne- hprm:.aa— ’narBtynya ea slppesJrp d-o1l yod.un5c I2tEsE oEr 8 .0"2.11'b-. 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IBM recommends Microsoft0 Windows® XP Professional for Business. (Monitor not included) luded) IBM ThinkCentre™ A50p IBM ThinkCentre M50 IBM ThinkCentre S50 IBM Think Express Program. Distinctive IBM Innovations: Distinctive IBM Innovations: Distinctive IBM Innovations: Select and purchase IBM Think Express • Rbaacpkidu pR aensdto rree cUovlterary - Push-of-a-button data • Rbaacpkidu pR aensdto rree cUovlterary - Push-of-a-button da •S Aysctceemss FIBeaMt u-r eIsB:M help at your fingertips I panrodd mucetdsi,u dme sbigunseinde asnseds .p riced for small System Features: System Features: • Intel Pentium 4 Processor with ■ IHnytepl ePr-eTnhtiruemad i4n gP Troecchenssoolor gwyi t2h. 40GHz • IHnTte Tl ePcehnntoiulomg y4 2P.6ro0GceHszso r with • MHTi cTroescohfnto' lWogiyn d2o.4w0sG' HXzP Professional IBM Service Upgrades • Microsoft” Windows' XP Professional • Microsoft" Windows" XP Professional • 256MB DDR SDRAM5 Protect your notebook with IBM ThinkPad •••• C24InD05tG6e-RMlB OE BhxM atDrr edDm Rde r SiGvDerR aAphMic5 s 2 •••• 42CIn05DtG6e-MlRB OE BhxM atDrr edDm Rde r SiGvDerR aAphMic s 2 •••• 4CIInn0DttGee-lRBg ErO ahxMtaetrr ded m 1de0r i/Gv1e0r a0p Ehitchse r2n et dyiPnoar omualtrlea Tcsgttheiaoistnn ekls iPks; eeaa rdsdv kriIcoC yepO.os u ,I dtr s icpssopailvlllaesey sro. s rr (ea Ndpcaocremit dsaeaevnngatteiaal altt iobv lee • Integrated 10/100 Ethernet • Gigabit Ethernet-integrated • 3-yr parts/3-yr limited onsite service • 3-yr parts/1-yr limited onsite service • Norton AntiVirus 2003 OEM Edition $7lim5ited9 wa rranty5 •• 3L-oytru psa Srtms/3a-rytSr uliimtei teMdi lolennsintieu smer vliicceen se $1,029 D NavCode 818315U-M539 D NavCode 843293U-M539 $1,079 ServicePac* Service Upgrade: ServicePac® Service Upgrade: 3-yr 0nsite/9x5/4-hr Response 3D-ayyr ROensspitoen Rsee pair/9x5/Next Business □ NavCode 8187D9U-M539 #41L2734 >129 #30L9199 !99 IBM ThinkCentre A50p IBM ThinkCentre M50 IBM ThinkCentre S50 Distinctive IBM Innovations: Distinctive IBM Innovations: Distinctive IBM Innovations: • Rapid Restore Ultra - Push-of-a-button dat; • Rapid Restore Ultra - Push-of-a-button d< • Access IBM - IBM help at your fingertips ••S yIMbHnsaTttice cekTlrm uoePps ce oFhanfnentt”oaidu tl Woumrger iecyn4so d :2vPo .e6wrro0ysGc ”e HXszsP o rP rwoiftehs sional ••S yMIHbnsaTtitcec eTklrm ouePspc oe Fhfantnen®toaidu ltW oumrgrei eycn4sod 2:voP .ew8rro0sy®Gc e HXsszPo rP rwoiftehs sional •••S 5yMIH1nsT2tite ceMTlrm oePBcs eohF nDfnettoiD"au ltRWomug r Siye4nD s d2:RP o.8Arwo0McsG"e5H sXszPo rP wroitfhe ssional LIDBeaMxtam /iV(a.rMikde 3Xo0 O6P1 rM7o0ji ecAcrotloHPron #r-Ot2a2nbPele 9 147 • 256MB DDR SDRAM •512MB DDR SDRAM • 40GB hard drive • 40GB hard drive • 40GB hard drive •CD-ROM • CD-RW • CD-ROM • Intel Extreme Graphics 2 • Intel Extreme Graphics 2 • Intel Extreme Graphics 2 • Gigabit Ethernet-integrated • Integrated 10/100 Ethernet • Gigabit Ethernet-integrated • 3-yr parts/3-yr limited onsite service • Norton AntiVirus 2003 OEM Edition • Norton AntiVirus 2003 OEM Edition limited warranty* •• 3L-oytru psa"r tSsm/1 a-yrtrS luimiteit"e dM oinllseinten isuemrv ilciec ense • Lotus SmartSuite Millennium license $1,259 limited warranty" □ NavCode818336U-M $849 $1,199 3 NavCode 843294U-M539 D NavCode 8187EJU-M539 1 866 426-6647 | ibm.com/shop/m539 Save on shipping. Order online.11 0 sma1tcan1putin9.com Smart Computing ■ IInn PPllaaiinn EEnngalliisshh 1 Volume 14 • December 2003 • Issue 12 Focus On: Reviews 50 Hottest PC Products 13 Tech Diaries Our Smart Computing colum¬ nists spent some quality time 50 Desktop Systems wreiltaht ecdo hmaprduwtearr aen tdo cgoemt bpeuytoenr-d 2003 was a pretty good year for hardware, We’ll the benchmark scores, statistics, show you our favorite machines for PC and marketing hype. Find out enthusiasts, gamers, graphic produc¬ what they liked and disliked tion, and general office use. about their choices inside. 53 PDAs & Notebook 21 Capture, Edit Computers & Make Movies Several notebooks really wowed us this Shooting and editing digital year. Read on for the what and why. video is coming within the grasp of novices everywhere. 56 Digital Imaging We put three popular video¬ iIimtf wapnaryse sdcsoiegmdit paaslu iwtmineag wg aienrregea. w Weixteph l htohodepesede y tdhoiiugs’i rcyeae maasrs , esehadcoithwi no ygt ohpuerr oh. gorwam thse tyo ctohme tpeasrte a tnod photo printers, and scanners. 24 Software 62 CRTs & LCDs Web: Your eyes don’t lie; if your on-screen Mozillal.4 24 images aren’t dazzling, perhaps it’s time to Home Design: look for a new display. We found impres¬ Home Designer Suite 6.0 25 sive CRTs (cathode-ray tubes), LCDs (liq¬ Drive Utilities: uid-crystal displays), flat screens, and more. CyberScrub Professional Edition 3.0 25 66 Storage Devices Your storage options have never been better. 26 Impulse Items No matter what your storage needs or connec¬ Each month, we take a look at tion options, we found a few hard drives, several useful gadgets and pro¬ external drives, and DVD-R (DVD-record- grams you can get for $20 or less. able) drives that more than met our needs. 70 Input Devices Often overlooked, keyboards and mice are stylish, ergonomic, and have more labor-saving buttons and keys than we’ve seen in awhile. 74 Software When you need to get the job done, you turn to reliable software, and this year had no shortage of new and upgraded pro¬ grams. We’ll show you which we found indispensable and why. CE Tidbits 28 Call Security 42 Site Guide: Are You 96 All About USB Learn to master your Recycle » ^ Ready For Liftoff? Even though USB has become Bin, as well as how to set If your head’s in the stars, you’ll commonplace, exactly what it is up the firewall Microsoft I appreciate RedNova.com. This still remains a bit of mystery. bundles with WinXP. We’ll %mJ amazing Web site has visually We decipher USB and explain also describe the latest WinXP impressive photographs from the differences among its updates so you can protect around the solar system, articles generations. your PC. to answer all kinds of space-relat¬ ed questions, and the latest space, 30 Increase Windows :;3] \ science, and technology news. Me's Stability 45 Web Tips Windows Me’s reputation af being prone to crashes and lockups may be well deserved, 80 but there are a surprising num- Say Hello To DVD ber of things you can do to improve its stability. Make the You’ve got shelves full of VHS most of WinMe with some tapes that chronicle everything simple tweaks. gfraormte nth teo fciorsllte dgaey g orafd kuinadtieorn¬. 98 Defensive Computing: Convert them to DVD and Defensive Computing ensure that you can relive the Faux Pas 34 How Did They Do That? memories for years to come. pCaormanpouitde Ar elaxnp eLrut baenrd h reelspisd eynotu Keep An Eye On Your Car avoid PC disasters. Denotelys wyohuern dyaouug’hret enro dtr iinv et hdeif fcearr¬? 99 Examining Errors Apleo ttsri tny uyo nudd ekeveriec ypeo atuhnra est ytaeete toraincnh ghe eswr th oder eia¬l MMHaaincyrd oHys aoFvfeeta WOtuvroeersrd lY o2oo0ku0e 2d Eccooammrlypp ubutitirendrgss ,ga tenhtde t hureens pwurlootsrt meoc,ft eaa dnw do irnm ving habits, as well as your own. The Print Shop 15 Deluxe aren’t pleasant. This month, we We’ll show you how the Apply Simple Effects help deworm a PC, delete stub¬ CanadrC phoitpeEn/tXia lc caatcr hteros ubbalde .h abits WordPerfect 10 born files, and install a printer. 36 Burn, Baby, Burn MBuicllreotesdo fLt iPstosw erPoint 2002 101 Quick Fixes Recordable DVD is coming into Control Your Audience's Attention 102 Q&A/FAQs tiiaitndest sdoo it wnoagc ny c.D ooWuVurneD cte -owxrmephclepaonuirn tdte hiwrni.n hgka ctia ntpoga bataiblkio¬eu t TOMRreniaaclcdireno NeYs oeofwut srE &xFco eBrlm l2ou0gls0a 2Ws ' Aithc tRioSnSs Ytasitnoaosnfuwfs hr.e earWssvp.e eoT qhnhuadeevs sSe ¬t mo ayrotu Cr oqmuepruietisn.g Quick Tips 107 Action Editor SmartComputing.com Can’t seem to get a response from a vendor or manufacturer? 40 Mr. Modem's Desktop: 90 HCoamrdpwaarriseo &n sS Mofatwdea rEea sy If you need help, we’re here for Tis The Season... Compare different computing Ionf swehviecrhal Mbor.o kMs—odenmon, ea uotfh or ppruotedru wctist hr igohutr fHroamrd wyoaurer com¬ Each Month which has won the Pulitzer Comparison Charts. Read our 7 Technology News & Notes Prize—and co-host of the take on products, find lists of 46 Find It Online weekly “PC Chat” radio show, what we consider to be the top explains how to banish pop-ups five products in each category, 108 Sounding Board and count calories while staying compare product features, Opinions & Notes On PC-Related linguistically hip. Topics Web Services Editor's Note w(Feobr hqeuleps@tiosmnsa artbcooumtp ouutirn Wg.ceobm si te.) T (800) 368-8304 his is embarrassing, but I suppose it’s time to come clean ... I once owned a Commodore 64 C(Fuosrt qoumeesrt iSoenrsv iacbeo ut your subscription.) computer. It was gray and ugly and, by today's standards, pretty primitive. But it did have pro¬ customer.service@smartcomputingcom grammable sprites, a cassette tape drive, and a version of Basic. For an additional $400 (!) I eventu¬ Smart Computing ally acquired a Commodore 1541 diskette drive to go with it; the drive clanked and rattled, and PL.iOnc. oBlno,x N8E5 368805 01-5380 (slowly) read single-sided 5.25-inch floppy diskettes, frequently without corrupting them. Of course, all of my Apple-centric friends laughed at me. (Actually, all of my Apple-centric friends Mon. - Fri.: 8AM to 8PM (CST) still laugh at me. That's just the way they are.) Sat.: 8AM to 4PM (CST) Online Customer Service and Subscription Center The thing is, even back then I knew something about personal computers. I'd worked on http://www.smartcomputing.com Commodore PETs, Apples, Timex Sinclairs, the TI 99/4A, and a few others. So why did I buy a C- Authorization For Reprints 64? Because it was the best out there, or so I'd been told. (In fact, I actually waited to buy my first (800)334-7458 computer until the Commodore was released because it came with 64K of RAM, a stupendous FAX: (402) 479-2104 athme oCu-n6t4 i'sn RthAoMse, dbauyts a, t1 t6wKi cme othree tchoasnt. )t he Apple II and II+. The Apple lie would eventually match TO(8or0 CP0)lha7ac3ne3 gA-e3n 8A O0n9 rA dedrd ress The point of this (occasionally painful) reminiscing is that while we all want the best equipment we FhAttXp:: /(/4w0w2)w 4.7s9m-2a1rt9c3o mputingcom can afford, it's not always clear what that really means. For one thing, measures of excellence change as technology evolves. Besides, what's "best" depends on one's specific needs. And finally, eEddiittoorri@al sSmtaafrft computingcom there's some subjectivity involved: What I think is a great device may not be what you'd choose. FAX: (402) 479-2104 So, choosing the "best" of anything (and then publishing those choices in a magazine) is a risky busi¬ 1L3in1c Woln. ,G NrEa n6d8 5D2r1i ve ness. 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Dolan / Sally Curran / Samit Gupta Choudhuri / Corey Russman / Christopher Trumble / Calvin Clinchard / Kimberly Fitzke / Rebecca Christensen / Computer Power User • AMD s War With Intel JTeanrnai We Secbhelur e/ tMeri /c hBaleali nSew Felaemt /i gS /h aRwaenj eKaunp Bferro o/ ks / We take a close look at AMD in today’s CPU space and its ongoing battle with Katie Crooks / Dana Montey / Nate Hoppe / Sheila Intel. AMD’s Athlon 64 CPU is the fastest 32-bit processor the company has Allen / Heather Svoboda / Jennifer Hansen / Marty bfiunidlt a alln tdh eth ues cuoaml hpaarndyw haorep easn dto s goifvtwe Ianrete gl oao gdonoedss r. un for its money. You’ll also SWDeicmekbse Sy/ tC/a fJhfoa sMdh DiGsseuynl iFtcoklen /t c /T hNreirsa t/tah C aKinnu dCnyche Pa niedpleerr // DKyolreeen e Krausnick / Mary Lafferty / Nick Ray PC Today • Make Windows Work Better Customer Service: Alisha Lamb / Brandie This issue focuses on no-nonsense ways you can get more out of your Windows Humphrey / Becky Rezabek / Lana Matic / Lindsay computer, including system performance tweaks, preventive maintenance tips, Albers and useful add-on software. SMuabtstc Briopltliionng /R Peanterwicakls K: Leaizn K /o Chhoaurtm / Caionnen Vieo Bndearatt y/ / Miden Ebert / Kathy DeCoito / Stephanie CE Tips Contreras / Nicole Buckendahl Don’t miss the premiere issue of CE Tips, where we explore the convergence of ABernt &es D/ Gesiinggn:e rL Resiale Cy a/l Sl /o nFjrae dW Sacrhnneeri /d Lere i/g Ch arrie consumer electronics and computing. The December issue includes a special 44- Trompke / Lori Garris / Jason Codr / Andria Schultz / page holiday buying guide that will give you some pointers on how to choose the Erin Rodriguez / Lindsay Anker right CE product in 12 categories, including TVs, DVD players, digital cam¬ Newsstand: Mark Peery / Garth Lienemann / Kelly corders, PDAs, MP3 players, wireless phones, and more. Richardson / Chris McGreer / Marcy Gunn / Jeff Schnittker Advertising Sales: Grant Ossenkop Corrections/Clarifications In our October "Back Up Your Data" issue, we included incorrect pricing information on the Monarch Computer Systems Hornet XP Custom System on page 90. As the December issue went to press, the price for a system config¬ ured with a 2.4GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor, 1GB DDR 3200 memory, an 80GB Maxtor Serial ATA hard drive, no optical drive, a PNY Quadro FX1000 with 128MB video RAM, and Windows XP Home Edition, was SI,764. 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Read Four Magazines For The Price Of One aInn add pdaitsiot nis tsou eSsm oafr Pt CCo Tmopdauyti, nCgo, ymopuu ctearn P roewade ra Ull sceurr raenndt Guaranteed Lowest Rate Available! the Reference Series atSmartComputing.com! You can also pass this free trial issue card on today and help a friend discover the benefits of a Smart Computing subscription with a FREE trial issue! ------ FAX (402) 479-2193 PHONE (800) 733-3809 First issue mailed within TWO WEEKS www.smartcomputmg.com INTRODUCING O g o l! ill §£- s Formerly the Smart Computing Learning Series New Name. New Format. Great Content. * In-Depth Windows Coverage * Windows Tutorials & Expert Tips * Operating System News * System Reviews & Hardware Previews Even More Value! As an added Smart Computing subscriber benefit, you can read this exciting new Windows magazine at SmartComputing.com!

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i Need An Alternate Browser? Try Mozilla p.24 A We Review CyberScrub 3.0 p.25 % ^ smartcomputing.co Smart Computing I IInn PPllaaiinn EEnngalliisshh December 2003 Vol.14 lss.12 $5.99 U.S. $7.99 Canada QUICK STUDIES Head To Head: Video-Editing Applications p.21 Get More News With RSS Everything You Need To Know About USB p.96 More Effective PowerPoint Presentations Use Cell Ranges In Lotus 1-2-3 Site Guide: Explore Science PaperPort & Technology At RedNova.com p.42 J/Va Pk'i fhn j PC Project: Copy VHS Tapes To DVD p.80 Systems • Software • Peripherals PC Ops: Hill niiil > AVAILABLE ON THE WEB Stabilize WinMe p.30 AliveColors Brings Your Images To Life Automate Photoshop Functions Find It Online: Do Your 7 252 4 77294 o Shopping On The Web p.46 • Microsoft’- Windows5 XP Professional4 • 14.1” XGA TFT Display (1024x768) • 256MB DDR SDRAM • 20GB hard drive5 • Ultrabay™ Plus CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo Wireless IBM PCs give users the easiest wired and wireless • IBM UltraNav™ - TrackPoint® and touch pad connectivity. So you can rein in help desk calls. Yeehaa! , • 1-yr system/battery limited warranty' $1,299* Outfit users with IBM ThinkPad® notebooks including Access Connections software and wireless Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology (select models), and you may experience ■ NavCode 289723U-M539 something really wild: a quieter help desk. Because Access Connections helps users S2-e ryvri cOenPsaict-e' RSeerpvaiicr/e9 xU5p/lg\rleadxet :B" usiness switch between wired and wireless settings at the drop of a hat. So whether you’re Day Response working on upgrades, security enhancements or integration, you won’t have to keep #3019189 '197 diverting resources to help users connect. Wireless IBM ThinkPad notebooks with Access NEW! IBM ThinkPad T41 Connections software. Welcome to the new wireless frontier, think ffSGdOm Distinctive IBM Innovations: • Access Connections - Easiest wired and wireless connectivity 1 866 426-6647 I ibm.com/shop/m539 • IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0' - Strongest security as a standard feature Save on shipping. Order online? System Features: »Intel Centrino mobile technology • Intel Pentium M processor 1 4GHz* • Intel PRO/Wireless Network Connection 802.11b • Microsoft"’ Windows" XP Professional • 14.1" XGA TFT Display (1024x768) • 256MB DDR SDRAM • NEW! 40GB hard drive with IBM Hard Drive Active Protection System • Ultrabay Slim CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo • Only T thin' • 4.5-lb travel weight5 •1-yr system/battery limited warranty7 $1,769* ■ NavCode 2378DHU-M539 ServicePac® Service Upgrade: 3- yr Onsite Repair/9x5/Next Business Day Response #30L9195 >243 equipment date of purchase. Service must be purchased during the original limited product warranty period. Service levels are response-time objectives and are not guarantees. A service technician is scheduled to arrive at your | location within two or four business hours or the next business day (depending on service) after remote problem determination is completed. For the 9x5x4-hour service, calls dispatched after 1:00 p.m. local time, you can expect the I service technician to arrive by the morning of the next business day. For noncritical service requests, a service technician will arrive by the end of the following business day. If the machine problem turns out to be a Customer Replaceable I Unit (CRU), IBM will express ship the part to you for quick replacement. Onsite 24x7x2-hour service is not available in all locations. External peripherals, such as racks, tape drives and channel controllers, require their own, separate service coverage; they are not covered under the attached Machine. Service activation is required immediately following purchase. For ThinkPad notebooks requiring LCD or other component replacement, IBM may choose to perform service at the depot repair center. For failing non-IBM components, customer must provide replacement part unless IBM has a Technical Support Agreement with the manufacturer. Service does not cover accessories, supply items j and certain parts such as batteries, frames and covers. ’Standard shipping included when you order online. U.S. only. IBM reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time, without notice. IBM is not responsible for photographic or typographic errors. All IBM product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Lotus and SmartSuite are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation, an IBM Company. Intel, Intel Inside, the Intel Inside logo, Celeron, Intel Centrino, the Intel Centrino logo and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other company, product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. © 2003 IBM Corp. All rights reserved. Power. Security. Wireless. Talk about a round-up. ^ % % * NEW! IBM ThinkPad R50 NEW! IBM ThinkPad T41 IBM ThinkPad X31 IBM ThinkPad X31 Distinctive IBM Innovations: Distinctive IBM Innovations: Distinctive IBM Innovations: Solution Pack • Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0' - • Access IBM - IBM help at your fingertips • Rapid Restore™ - Push-of-a-button data Distinctive IBM Innovations: -••••S1 ••y2IMNS4 n5s8EIIt.titrnn16e0WceottlM"r2eem n !o*ll. 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IBM ThinkPad R50 #30L9189 >197 #D3a0y LR9e1s9p5o n>s2e4 3 Distinctive IBM Innovations: ••S yEISn••stm ttrI8Ieeonnbl0m ttne2eeCgdll . e1FedPPn1seeeRttbdarn Oi1s ttn uSeiAuocreAm eucmsru/ i:iMrro teiybtl y eipals erssSo tuNaceb ecessshttywsanosnootrderl oka1m gr.6Cd yG2 o f.Hn0en az-e!t u crtieo n ••SND yEISinEsstmtttreieoWnlbm nceCgdt !ieFedv nseeetItdr a BiI stnBuSeoMMcre eucm surI :ionrt Tibyntiy olhae vSs ait uetanicb oshskntnyasPosn:tl deoaamgdryd 2 f.T0ea 4-tu 1re ••DSI BAywIinssciMtttreiceenlem lc seCt ssTieF vsnC eehct oaroIitniBnnunnoMnre eek cmscIt:tnPio iovnbnaioitslyved - a tt eiEocXahnsns3i:oe 1lsot gwyi red and S•DSI ByESiosstmMtrtileonbmunce gdt tTiedFviseeoehtd a Ins tiBSeunM creeucPk sruIi:nPrat iyntcya oa vkdsSa uta ib oXssntyas3sn:t 1deam rd 2 f.0e a-tu re • Microsoft" Windows* XP Professional * Intel Pentium M processor 1.6GH21 • Intel Pentium M processor 1.6GHz3 • Intel Centrino mobile technology <15* SXGA+ TFT Display (1400x1050) < Intel PRO/Wireless Network Connection • Intel PROAA/ireless Network Connection • Intel Pentium M processor 1.6GHz* •• 2cN5oE6mWMb! oBU dlDrtriDvabeR a yS DERnhAaMnc e• d4 0CGDB-R hWa/rDdV dDri-vReO M •• 1M48i.c01r*2o .sS1oX1ftbG*3 A W+ iTnFdTow Ds*is*p lXaPy (P1r4o0fe0sxs1io0n5a0l) •• 1M2.i81c0r*o2 sX.o1Gf1tA®b " T WFTin dDoiwspsl®ay X (P1 0P2r4oxfe7s6s8io) nal • M• iI8cn0rtoe2ls. 1oP1fRtb"O1 W/Winidreolwesss NXePt wPororkf eCssoinonneacl tion • IBM UltraNav™ TrackPoint and touch pad • 32MB ATI Mobility RADEON 9000 graphics • 1BMB ATI Mobility RADEON graphics •12.1* XGA TFT Display (1024x768) • 1-yr system/battery limited warranty" • 256MB DDR SDRAM • 40GB hard drive • 256MB DDR SDRAM • 40GB hard drive • 16MB ATI Mobility RADEON graphics • Ultrabay Slim CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive • Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and modem • 256MB DDR SDRAM • 40GB hard drive $1,929 • Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and modem • Integrated IEEE 1394 FireWire • Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and modem B NavCode 18363UU-M539 • IsBigMn aUl slttrraeCnognthn ect Antenna lor increased •• 15-.5y-rh sry Lstie-Imon/1 b-yatrt ebrayt t•e r3y. 6l-ilmb itteradv wela wrraenigtyht9 •• 35-.5y-rh sry Lstie-Imon/1 b-yatrt ebrayt tery limited warranty' ■ •• 3O-nylry s1y*s ttheimn /1• 4-y.5r -blba tttrearvye ll imwietiegdh tw arranty" $1,874 A• UccltersasBoarsiee sX I3n mclueddiead :s lice $1,939 D NavCode 2884NRU-M539 • Ultrabay Plus CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo D NavCode 2379DJU-M539 S4-eyrvr iDceePpaoct® R Seepraviric e Upgrade: $2,274 #S5D6-eayr9yrv P iROc9ee2nPs0spia0toce *n >R sS4ee4e p9rav iirc/e9 xU5/pNgeraxdt eB: usiness #69P9195 >249 4SD□-ea ryy v rNiR cOaeevnsPCpsaiooctend" esRS e2e e8rpv8ai5icrPe/9 WUx5Up/gN-Mraedx5et3 :9B usiness TECHNOLOGY #69P9198 >299 lavCode RiCannoe rdsme evgplliiaedotrein bopsi. rl iiiAntcy ecw Acsh emlislicsaahinyb ci lvtee ai assr ynya,dsp t' pReisrmeo aqv umuetihdreo.em srOi ozdpieoeydwr a mtntoilao ocynaa dbrore noy fu ct hchplea ite noWnn 6tie -4slFoMsi f 1ltBow2 g-laoe1rs.4e s, ' iStshMo namoonbet t i phlseeoe rfI matnwmtietalto rePuede n mnitn tas iatuyalm ldt eri efdPfg,er urod lfceareptoosemrsnyod i rritsens g gfreei ooatPannt.uis0 lvr .voe ied BfI retnoshotxiee o ml 1n wS2o (op1dirfe9el aed5.v d.,“ a CSGRiltoTaBenbPp=sl,'e e 1N)qT, C0auen0ec 2nhd07nt ,lm07oy00l,ao 09tygh,, y0 neA,0 owWt0tt ni ibir:nte yhcDlt leIeuesnspdst tew eL.l uJAhSDseNpenJe rfA e ermde/aBfStaeu2ntrre0ruepi3na ,i.l gs spI t lBroioomMr cs i aettleosld rsp aotrgoor e gso prcpaaeemperada fct uemitn yoac,nyt iA ocbcnhecaa erlniiesttndsiyoieu.bn lScls eeoo 1 drfc- t wa1twop1aa a crracroenia tnlndyisct ewyiesr in vrlllsee reng boa—aartgd tsrtieeunrep g*ymp -tponheorinnrwttd csne- hprm:.aa— ’narBtynya ea slppesJrp d-o1l yod.un5c I2tEsE oEr 8 .0"2.11'b-. 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IBM recommends Microsoft0 Windows® XP Professional for Business. (Monitor not included) luded) IBM ThinkCentre™ A50p IBM ThinkCentre M50 IBM ThinkCentre S50 IBM Think Express Program. 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Order online.11 0 sma1tcan1putin9.com Smart Computing ■ IInn PPllaaiinn EEnngalliisshh 1 Volume 14 • December 2003 • Issue 12 Focus On: Reviews 50 Hottest PC Products 13 Tech Diaries Our Smart Computing colum¬ nists spent some quality time 50 Desktop Systems wreiltaht ecdo hmaprduwtearr aen tdo cgoemt bpeuytoenr-d 2003 was a pretty good year for hardware, We’ll the benchmark scores, statistics, show you our favorite machines for PC and marketing hype. Find out enthusiasts, gamers, graphic produc¬ what they liked and disliked tion, and general office use. about their choices inside. 53 PDAs & Notebook 21 Capture, Edit Computers & Make Movies Several notebooks really wowed us this Shooting and editing digital year. Read on for the what and why. video is coming within the grasp of novices everywhere. 56 Digital Imaging We put three popular video¬ iIimtf wapnaryse sdcsoiegmdit paaslu iwtmineag wg aienrregea. w Weixteph l htohodepesede y tdhoiiugs’i rcyeae maasrs , esehadcoithwi no ygt ohpuerr oh. gorwam thse tyo ctohme tpeasrte a tnod photo printers, and scanners. 24 Software 62 CRTs & LCDs Web: Your eyes don’t lie; if your on-screen Mozillal.4 24 images aren’t dazzling, perhaps it’s time to Home Design: look for a new display. We found impres¬ Home Designer Suite 6.0 25 sive CRTs (cathode-ray tubes), LCDs (liq¬ Drive Utilities: uid-crystal displays), flat screens, and more. CyberScrub Professional Edition 3.0 25 66 Storage Devices Your storage options have never been better. 26 Impulse Items No matter what your storage needs or connec¬ Each month, we take a look at tion options, we found a few hard drives, several useful gadgets and pro¬ external drives, and DVD-R (DVD-record- grams you can get for $20 or less. able) drives that more than met our needs. 70 Input Devices Often overlooked, keyboards and mice are stylish, ergonomic, and have more labor-saving buttons and keys than we’ve seen in awhile. 74 Software When you need to get the job done, you turn to reliable software, and this year had no shortage of new and upgraded pro¬ grams. We’ll show you which we found indispensable and why. CE Tidbits 28 Call Security 42 Site Guide: Are You 96 All About USB Learn to master your Recycle » ^ Ready For Liftoff? Even though USB has become Bin, as well as how to set If your head’s in the stars, you’ll commonplace, exactly what it is up the firewall Microsoft I appreciate RedNova.com. This still remains a bit of mystery. bundles with WinXP. We’ll %mJ amazing Web site has visually We decipher USB and explain also describe the latest WinXP impressive photographs from the differences among its updates so you can protect around the solar system, articles generations. your PC. to answer all kinds of space-relat¬ ed questions, and the latest space, 30 Increase Windows :;3] \ science, and technology news. Me's Stability 45 Web Tips Windows Me’s reputation af being prone to crashes and lockups may be well deserved, 80 but there are a surprising num- Say Hello To DVD ber of things you can do to improve its stability. Make the You’ve got shelves full of VHS most of WinMe with some tapes that chronicle everything simple tweaks. gfraormte nth teo fciorsllte dgaey g orafd kuinadtieorn¬. 98 Defensive Computing: Convert them to DVD and Defensive Computing ensure that you can relive the Faux Pas 34 How Did They Do That? memories for years to come. pCaormanpouitde Ar elaxnp eLrut baenrd h reelspisd eynotu Keep An Eye On Your Car avoid PC disasters. Denotelys wyohuern dyaouug’hret enro dtr iinv et hdeif fcearr¬? 99 Examining Errors Apleo ttsri tny uyo nudd ekeveriec ypeo atuhnra est ytaeete toraincnh ghe eswr th oder eia¬l MMHaaincyrd oHys aoFvfeeta WOtuvroeersrd lY o2oo0ku0e 2d Eccooammrlypp ubutitirendrgss ,ga tenhtde t hureens pwurlootsrt meoc,ft eaa dnw do irnm ving habits, as well as your own. The Print Shop 15 Deluxe aren’t pleasant. This month, we We’ll show you how the Apply Simple Effects help deworm a PC, delete stub¬ CanadrC phoitpeEn/tXia lc caatcr hteros ubbalde .h abits WordPerfect 10 born files, and install a printer. 36 Burn, Baby, Burn MBuicllreotesdo fLt iPstosw erPoint 2002 101 Quick Fixes Recordable DVD is coming into Control Your Audience's Attention 102 Q&A/FAQs tiiaitndest sdoo it wnoagc ny c.D ooWuVurneD cte -owxrmephclepaonuirn tdte hiwrni.n hgka ctia ntpoga bataiblkio¬eu t TOMRreniaaclcdireno NeYs oeofwut srE &xFco eBrlm l2ou0gls0a 2Ws ' Aithc tRioSnSs Ytasitnoaosnfuwfs hr.e earWssvp.e eoT qhnhuadeevs sSe ¬t mo ayrotu Cr oqmuepruietisn.g Quick Tips 107 Action Editor SmartComputing.com Can’t seem to get a response from a vendor or manufacturer? 40 Mr. Modem's Desktop: 90 HCoamrdpwaarriseo &n sS Mofatwdea rEea sy If you need help, we’re here for Tis The Season... Compare different computing Ionf swehviecrhal Mbor.o kMs—odenmon, ea uotfh or ppruotedru wctist hr igohutr fHroamrd wyoaurer com¬ Each Month which has won the Pulitzer Comparison Charts. Read our 7 Technology News & Notes Prize—and co-host of the take on products, find lists of 46 Find It Online weekly “PC Chat” radio show, what we consider to be the top explains how to banish pop-ups five products in each category, 108 Sounding Board and count calories while staying compare product features, Opinions & Notes On PC-Related linguistically hip. Topics Web Services Editor's Note w(Feobr hqeuleps@tiosmnsa artbcooumtp ouutirn Wg.ceobm si te.) T (800) 368-8304 his is embarrassing, but I suppose it’s time to come clean ... I once owned a Commodore 64 C(Fuosrt qoumeesrt iSoenrsv iacbeo ut your subscription.) computer. It was gray and ugly and, by today's standards, pretty primitive. But it did have pro¬ customer.service@smartcomputingcom grammable sprites, a cassette tape drive, and a version of Basic. For an additional $400 (!) I eventu¬ Smart Computing ally acquired a Commodore 1541 diskette drive to go with it; the drive clanked and rattled, and PL.iOnc. oBlno,x N8E5 368805 01-5380 (slowly) read single-sided 5.25-inch floppy diskettes, frequently without corrupting them. Of course, all of my Apple-centric friends laughed at me. (Actually, all of my Apple-centric friends Mon. - Fri.: 8AM to 8PM (CST) still laugh at me. That's just the way they are.) Sat.: 8AM to 4PM (CST) Online Customer Service and Subscription Center The thing is, even back then I knew something about personal computers. I'd worked on http://www.smartcomputing.com Commodore PETs, Apples, Timex Sinclairs, the TI 99/4A, and a few others. So why did I buy a C- Authorization For Reprints 64? Because it was the best out there, or so I'd been told. (In fact, I actually waited to buy my first (800)334-7458 computer until the Commodore was released because it came with 64K of RAM, a stupendous FAX: (402) 479-2104 athme oCu-n6t4 i'sn RthAoMse, dbauyts a, t1 t6wKi cme othree tchoasnt. )t he Apple II and II+. The Apple lie would eventually match TO(8or0 CP0)lha7ac3ne3 gA-e3n 8A O0n9 rA dedrd ress The point of this (occasionally painful) reminiscing is that while we all want the best equipment we FhAttXp:: /(/4w0w2)w 4.7s9m-2a1rt9c3o mputingcom can afford, it's not always clear what that really means. For one thing, measures of excellence change as technology evolves. Besides, what's "best" depends on one's specific needs. And finally, eEddiittoorri@al sSmtaafrft computingcom there's some subjectivity involved: What I think is a great device may not be what you'd choose. FAX: (402) 479-2104 So, choosing the "best" of anything (and then publishing those choices in a magazine) is a risky busi¬ 1L3in1c Woln. ,G NrEa n6d8 5D2r1i ve ness. We're bound to miss one of your favorites or include some device with which you've had trouble. Subscription Renewals But we decided to try anyway. Our editors, staff writers, and freelancers got together to select what (800)424-7900 they felt were the best computers and computer-related devices and tools. There were heated dis¬ hFAttXp:: /(/4w0w2)w 4.7sm9-a2r1t9c3o mputing.com cfauvsosiroitnes c, oam fepwu taerrg,u mmoennittso, ra, nodr aanp polciccaatsiioonn,a Il phaitvifeu al wfeheilnineg, byouut 'wll el egto uts i tk dnoonwe.. If we missed your A(8d0v0e) r8ti4s8in-1g4 S7t8a ff FAX: (402) 479-2104 131 W. Grand Drive Lincoln, NE 68521 Rod Scher, Publication Editor Editorial Staff Ronald D. Kobler / Rod Scher / Katie Now Available On Newsstands... Dolan / Sally Curran / Samit Gupta Choudhuri / Corey Russman / Christopher Trumble / Calvin Clinchard / Kimberly Fitzke / Rebecca Christensen / Computer Power User • AMD s War With Intel JTeanrnai We Secbhelur e/ tMeri /c hBaleali nSew Felaemt /i gS /h aRwaenj eKaunp Bferro o/ ks / We take a close look at AMD in today’s CPU space and its ongoing battle with Katie Crooks / Dana Montey / Nate Hoppe / Sheila Intel. AMD’s Athlon 64 CPU is the fastest 32-bit processor the company has Allen / Heather Svoboda / Jennifer Hansen / Marty bfiunidlt a alln tdh eth ues cuoaml hpaarndyw haorep easn dto s goifvtwe Ianrete gl oao gdonoedss r. un for its money. You’ll also SWDeicmekbse Sy/ tC/a fJhfoa sMdh DiGsseuynl iFtcoklen /t c /T hNreirsa t/tah C aKinnu dCnyche Pa niedpleerr // DKyolreeen e Krausnick / Mary Lafferty / Nick Ray PC Today • Make Windows Work Better Customer Service: Alisha Lamb / Brandie This issue focuses on no-nonsense ways you can get more out of your Windows Humphrey / Becky Rezabek / Lana Matic / Lindsay computer, including system performance tweaks, preventive maintenance tips, Albers and useful add-on software. SMuabtstc Briopltliionng /R Peanterwicakls K: Leaizn K /o Chhoaurtm / Caionnen Vieo Bndearatt y/ / Miden Ebert / Kathy DeCoito / Stephanie CE Tips Contreras / Nicole Buckendahl Don’t miss the premiere issue of CE Tips, where we explore the convergence of ABernt &es D/ Gesiinggn:e rL Resiale Cy a/l Sl /o nFjrae dW Sacrhnneeri /d Lere i/g Ch arrie consumer electronics and computing. The December issue includes a special 44- Trompke / Lori Garris / Jason Codr / Andria Schultz / page holiday buying guide that will give you some pointers on how to choose the Erin Rodriguez / Lindsay Anker right CE product in 12 categories, including TVs, DVD players, digital cam¬ Newsstand: Mark Peery / Garth Lienemann / Kelly corders, PDAs, MP3 players, wireless phones, and more. Richardson / Chris McGreer / Marcy Gunn / Jeff Schnittker Advertising Sales: Grant Ossenkop Corrections/Clarifications In our October "Back Up Your Data" issue, we included incorrect pricing information on the Monarch Computer Systems Hornet XP Custom System on page 90. As the December issue went to press, the price for a system config¬ ured with a 2.4GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor, 1GB DDR 3200 memory, an 80GB Maxtor Serial ATA hard drive, no optical drive, a PNY Quadro FX1000 with 128MB video RAM, and Windows XP Home Edition, was SI,764. 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We will send a special letter to the recipi¬ ent announcing your gift. .■■■■- ——— Here's Why: Avoid Long Waits For Tech Support Search articles, post questions, and find answers fast with SmartComputing.com’s 19,000-article archive, search engine, question & answer board, computing dictionary and morel Pass Along Card Stay Up-To-Date On The Latest Products Get the latest hardware & software reviews and create wYehsa! tS Ie snede ,m I'lel hao rnisokr- ftrheee tirnivaol iicsseu aen adn dsa svtea rutp m toy s7u0b%s corfifp tthioen n. eIwf Is ¬li ke comparison charts at SmartComputing.com to get the stand price. If I decide Smart Computing isn’t for me, I'll RETURN the information you need to make wise purchasing decisions. invoice marked CANCEL, and OWE NOTHING! Find Instructions For PC Tasks Find plain-English tutorials and step-by-step instructions to show you how to perform thousands of PC Tasks. If you want to know how to do it, Smart Computing will show you! 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