Cool / Useful / Favorite Websites
Copyright © 2006 - 2008 By
First Draft –
For presentation at the following computer clubs:
· At the
· And at the
· And at the April 6, 2007 and April 4, 2008 monthly
MAIN MEETINGs of the Amateur Computer Group Of New Jersey (ACGNJ) (http://www.acgnj.us/) in
· And at the May 9, 2007 monthly meeting of the
New Jersey Computer Club (NJCC) (http://www.njcc.org/)
in
· And at the (xxx Date xxx) monthly meeting of the Hunterdon (County, NJ) Computer Club (HCC) (http://www.hunterdoncomputerclub.org/index.html?hccmain.htm&2) in Flemington, NJ
This handout, as well as handouts from some of PSN’s other courses and presentations, can be found under the “Free Courses” link at http://excelvbaprogramming.homestead.com/.
NOTE: Items shown in RED are among the favorites that Paul plans to demonstrate.
Abstract
COOL /
USEFUL / FUN WEBSITES
At our (xxx insert October 17, 2008 or other meeting date here xxx) meeting, Paul S. Natanson will show some of his favorite websites. The list includes sites devoted to games, games, computer help and support, genealogical research, research, discount travel, unclaimed property listings, Internet speed testers, job hunting, lottery results, real estate property values, maps and aerial photos, legal stuff, salary surveys, medical information, and more.
Members are encouraged to suggest other websites for Paul to show, by sending an email to (xxx instead of posting my email address, I prefer posting an ACGNJ address xxx).
Meanwhile, you can download Paul's speaking notes and favorite weblinks by going to http://excelvbaprogramming.homestead.com/ and clicking on the FreeCourses link.
Cool / Useful / Favorite Websites
· Dictionaries, encyclopedias, acronym finders, language translators, etc: 210
+ Acronyms and abbreviations
- http://www.acronymfinder.com/ (Example: NNTO)
- The free dictionary: http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/
- AbbreviationZ..... http://www.searchenginejournal.com/?p=4039
+ Dictionaries
- The free dictionary: www.thefreedictionary.com
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary (includes you-hear-it audio
pronunciation)
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary
- Dictionary.com – includes a daily crossword puzzle: www.dictionary.com
- http://dictionary.reference.com/
- http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/error/Error.aspx?mesgid=404
- http://www.yourdictionary.com/index.shtml
+ Wikipedia – An open source multilingual
encyclopedia, edited by its users.
http://www.wikipedia.org/
+ Language translators
- http://dictionary.reference.com/
- Babelfish:
Translate a block of text: Babel
Fish - http://babelfish.altavista.com/
+ Spanish – English
- http://www.freedict.com/onldict/spa.html
- http://dictionaries.travlang.com/SpanishEnglish/
+ Japanese – English
- http://www.freedict.com/onldict/jap.html
+ Teen slang (including text messaging abbreviations): http://www.urbandictionary.com/
+ Abbreviations and acronyms for text and instant messaging, chat rooms, teen talk, etc.
- Net lingo: http://www.netlingo.com/emailsh.cfm
- Webopedia: http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp
- TechDictionary: http://techdictionary.com/chat.html
- WebWasp: http://www.webwasp.co.uk/define/SMS-text/index.php
- AboutDotCom (FamilyInternet):
http://familyinternet.about.com/od/sharingonline/a/acronyms.htm
- Many more: Do Google search for - - - text message abbreviation dictionary
· Scan your computer for software that is not up to date: 210
+ Free scan of your PC for old or out-of-date software: http://secunia.com
· Security: Free Scans for Viruses, Spyware, Adware,
Ineffective
Firewalls, Etc.: 210
+ Microsoft
“One Care” free virus scan (a “full service scan”) from Microsoft “One-Care”:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/products/computer/safetyscanner.mspx
+ Microsoft
“Malicious Software Removal Tool” (free)
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
+ Other Microsoft “Protect” websites - - -
- Microsoft “Protect” home page: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/default.mspx
- Microsoft security products and services - - -
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/products/computer/default.mspx
+ Spyware and adware scan from WebRoot: http://www.webroot.com/
+ Gibson
Research - Free scan for open ports and ineffective firewalls
http://www.grc.com/default.htm
+ Free
Security Vulnerability Safety Scan:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/windows_live_safety_center.mspx
+ PCWorld
security articles (Show some of your hidden passwords:
http://find.pcworld.com/50580
+ Microsoft
videos (free downloads) – Computer Security At Home
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/videos/downloads.mspx
+ To find others, do a Google search for - - - free virus scan
· Free anti-spyware, anti-adware, anti-virus, firewalls, pop-up blockers, etc.: 210
+ Microsoft’s Windows Defender (anti-spyware and anti-adware) - http://blogs.msdn.com/securitytipstalk/archive/2007/01/04/download-the-new-version-of-windows-defender.aspx
+ Spybot’s Search-And-Destroy (anti-spyware and anti-adware) - http://www.spybot.info/
+ LavaSoft’s free Ad-aware (anti-spyware and anti-adware) - http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
+ ThreatFire3. Rated Editor’s Choice on Page 33 of the
11-20-07 issue of PC Magazine.
http://www.go.pcmag.com/threatfire3
or
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2191333,00.asp
+ Google toolbar, free (includes a pop-up blocker) – http://toolbar.google.com/
+ Yahoo toolbar, free (includes a pop-up blocker) – http://toolbar.yahoo.com/
+ AVG 7.5 free anti-virus (by GriSoft): http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
+ Avast 4 free anti-virus: http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
+ Comodo free firewall: http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
+ ZoneAlarm (by Zone Labs) free firewall: http://www.zonelabs.com/zonealarm
· Scams, cons, hoaxes, consumer fraud, urban legends, & rumors on the internet: 210
+ Snopes (urban legends): http://www.snopes.com/
+ Report (and read about) consumer rip-offs: http://www.ripoffreport.com/
· Google downloads (toolbars, pop-up blockers, search engine, maps, etc.: 210
+ http://www.google.com/downloads/
· Maps, Arial Photos, Printed Directions, Etc. All of the following are free. : 210
+ Mapquest (includes aerial views) - http://www.mapquest.com/
+ GoogleMaps (includes aerial views) - http://maps.google.com/
- Example:
Directions from Boston MA to Paris France say “swim Atlantic ocean”.
- To use Google Maps “Street View”, go to http://maps.google.com/ and
click
the StreetView button near top right of window.
+ Google Street View - - - http://maps.google.com/help/maps/streetview/
- To use GoogleStreetView, go to http://maps.google.com/
and
click
the StreetView button near top right of window.
+ GoogleEarth (3-D maps and animated
fly-arounds) - http://earth.google.com/
- Very cool, but needs high-speed connection.
+ Windows Live Local - Microsoft’s free answer
to Google: http://local.live.com/
- Combines many of the 3 dimensional features
of GoogleMaps and GoogleEarth.
For
example, click on Bird’sEye to see a real tilt view instead of a fabricated
one.
- Includes live road and traffic reports and
information http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=42.149001~-110.681793&style=r&lvl=4&scene=3712634&trfc=1
- Microsoft Virtual Earth (beta) 3D:
Free three dimensional (3-D) mapping:
http://maps.live.com/?wip=51
+ Global incident map – World map shows hot-spots you click to see current news, aerial photos, etc. Updated every 10 minutes. http://www.globalincidentmap.com/home.php
+ NASA WorldWind - http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/
- Aerial photos of the earth, the moon, Mars, Jupiter, etc.
+ Google search (http://www.google.com/) for any zip code gives link to map.
+ Celestia: Celestial 3D tour of the universe - http://www.shatters.net/celestia/
+ Automobile
Club Of
+ Yahoo Local Maps - http://maps.yahoo.com/beta/
+
+ Gypsy maps. New York City subway maps and trip planner – www.gypsymaps.com
+ MultiMap – Global international maps. www.multimap.com/maps
+ HopStop – Bus and subway directions in New York City (NYC) - http://hopstop.com/
· Size comparison of the sun, moon, planets, and stars: 210
+ The size of our world (rense.com) - http://www.rense.com/general72/size.htm
· Cell phone ring tones (ringtones): 210
+ Tone this – Free ring tones, videos, games, etc. - - - http://www.tonethis.com/
· Free telephone calls over the internet (Voice Over Internet Protocol - VOIP): 210
+ GizmoProject. Get a free phone number with any USA of foreign country area code you want so callers can call you at their local phone rates: http://GizmoProject.com/
+ Skype: Free VOIP phone calls between Skype users worldwide - http://skype.com/
· Telephone books and people-finders: 210
+ Area codes in numerical order: http://www.bennetyee.org/ucsd-pages/area.html
+ What does your phone number spell? http://www.phonespell.org/
+ Yellow pages: http://www.yellowbook.com/ also http://www.switchboard.com/
+ Reverse lookup. Find your neighbors: http://www.reversephonedirectory.com/
+ Reverse lookup. Find the owner of a phone number: http://www.anywho.com/rl.html
+ Google search (http://www.google.com/) for any phone gives info about that number.
+ Area codes, zip codes, and latitude and
longitude, congressional districts, etc:
http://www.zipinfo.com/search/zipcode.htm
+ People finder: www.zabasearch.com
+ Argali ® White & Yellow – Searches most phone sites listed above. Includes zip code lookup, area code lookup, etc. Requires free registration. - http://www.argali.com/
· Zip codes area codes, location info, latitude and longiture: 210
+ US post office (postal zip codes): http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp
+ Area
codes, zip codes, and latitude and longitude:
http://www.zipinfo.com/search/zipcode.htm
+ Google search (http://www.google.com/) for any zip code gives link to map.
· Package shipping tracker: 210
+ Track packages shipped via UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.: www.packtrack.com
· Packing and shipping supplies, postage stamps online, schedule a pick-up, etc.: 210
+ United States Postal Service – http://www.usps.com/
· Real estate property values (home values, house prices) in your neighborhood: 210
+ See a map of property values in your area. (Very cool.) http://www.zillow.com/
+ Comparable house prices (“comps”) in your neighborhood: http://www.ditech.com/
+ Values of homes and houses in your neighborhood - - - http://www.housevalues.com/
· Find registered sex offenders in your neighborhood: 210
+ Family Watchdog: http://www.familywatchdog.us/
· Gasoline prices – Fine cheap gas prices in your area: 210
+ http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx
+ http://www.gaspricewatch.com/new/default_V3.asp
· Travel info (airline guide, flight schedules, weather, etc.): 210
+ AirWise (airport and air travel guide): http://www.airwise.com/
+ Airline food: http://airlinemeals.net/
+ International travelers info on electrical outlets, TV guides, telephone dialing codes, and other useful links: http://kropla.com/
+ Flight arrival and departure information
- FlightArrivals.com: http://www.flightarrivals.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Flights
+ Flight tracking in real time. Map airplanes in the air.
- Airport Monitor 2.0: Animated map
shows planes nnear any airport you select.
For example, for Newark Liberty airport (EWR): http://www4.passur.com/ewr.html
- Flight tracker: www.flightview.com
- FlightAware: www.flightaware.com
- AeroSeek: http://www.aeroseek.com/webtrax/
- FlightView.com (nice clean screen with minimal advertising): https://bwi.flightview.com/htsabrevt/main.asp or http://www.flightview.com/TravelTools/default.asp
- FlyteComm: http://www.flytecomm.com/cgi-bin/trackflight
+ Embassy World’s Expatriates Telephone Search Engine finds telephone numbers, dialing codes carriers, prices, and more at www.embassyworld.com/directories/global_telephone.html
+ Catholic mass times: http://www.masstimes.org/dotNet/Default.aspx
· Discount air travel and hotels: Mostly from a Google search for discount travel 210
+ Expedia: www.Expedia.com
+ CheapTickets: http://www.cheaptickets.com/
+ CheapSeats: www.cheaoseats.com
+ Travelocity: http://www.travelocity.com/
+ Orbitz: http://www.orbitz.com/
+ Booking buddy (Compares offers from other sites.) www.bookingbuddy.com
+ Kayack – Compares fares at other sites:: http://www.kayak.com/
+ Airfare watchdog (tedious way to find special offers) www.airfarewatchdog.com
+ FareCast
– Predicts future fares - www.farecast.com
Includes graph of price vs time fare history for your flight.
+ PriceLine: www.priceline.com
+ HotWire: http://www.hotwire.com/index.jsp
+ Clark Howard: http://clarkhoward.com/
+ SideStep: http://www.sidestep.com/air/
+ Last minute travel: http://www.lastminutetravel.com/
+ Mobismo: http://www.mobissimo.com/search_airfare.php
+ QIXO: http://www.qixo.com/
+ Federal
Aviation Authority (FAA) – www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa.usmap.jsp
Includes current flight delays at various airports.
+ Flight Stats – Includes graph of historic waiting times – www.flightstatas.com
+ Seat Guru – Shows diagram of good and bad seats for hundreds of different airplane types and carrier seating configurations. – www.seatguru.com
+ Travelaxe: Side-by-side, free consumer hotel rate comparison tool. It is a windows application that needs to be downloaded and installed on your computer. http://www.travelaxe.com/NewSite/Information_Overview.asp
+ Hotels.com: http://www.hotels.com/
· Hotel reservations: 210
+ American Automobile Association (AAA): Better for hotels than for air fares. Shows each hotel on a separate map but does not show multiple hotels on a single map. www.aaa.com
+ Trip advisor – Includes hotel ratings and customer reviews. www.tripadvisor.com
+ Yahoo travel - Includes hotel ratings and customer reviews. www.travel.yahoo.com
· Discount restaurants and dining: 210
+ Discount coupons to local restaurants: http://www.restaurant.com/
+ Zagats – Restaurant reviews by customers – www.zagat.com
· Other discounts, deals, and shopping promotions: 210
+ Cyber Monday: http://www.cybermonday.com/
+ Discount codes: http://discountcode.com/
+ Shopping coupons http://www.couponliving.com (Careful: Has links to ad spammers.)
+ For more, do a Google search for - - - discount codes
• Free credit reports: 210
+ https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp or call 1-877-322-8228
- Suggestion: Rotate the three free reports so that you get one every four months.
+ Beware of look-alikes and sound-alikes which trick you into entering personal info.
+ Beware: www.FreeCreditReport.Com is a commercial site owned by Experian. It is free only after you give a credit card number to open an account and then cancel that account before the end of the 30 day trial period.
+ Similarly, a free credit score from E-Loan (https://www.eloan.com/s/show/checkcredit?context=report&sid=2q9m-hDmiPRel5djr_pYOTIRNGI&user=&mcode=) might also require a credit card number to help verify your identity. Only the first one is free.
• Unclaimed
money: http://www.missingmoney.com/ 210
• Minimize unsolicited pre-approved credit cards (curb identity theft): 210
+ https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT
• Become a Volunteer: 210
+ Find an organization that needs volunteers: www.1-800-volunteer.org
• Find a lost friend: 210
• Consumer advocate – bargains, frauds, and rip-offs: 210
· Doctor
ratings (reviews by patients) -
Read what other patients say about your doctor.
Submit your own ratings: 210
+ RateMSs.com: http://ratemds.com/
• Find a reliable contractor, domestic helper, or home service provider: 210
+ Angie’s List - Home service provides reviewed and rated by raeal homeowners http://www.angieslist.com/AngiesList/
• Buy and sell used stuff – online as well as local flea markets and auctions: 210
+ eBay (auctions): http://www.ebay.com/
+ Automated last-minute bidding on eBay: http://AuctionSniper.com/
+ Half.com (a free internet on-line auction owned by eBay) - - - http://www.half.ebay.com/
+ CraigsList
(Classified local ads. CraigsList is 25%
owned by eBay.)
Find local buyers, sellers, jobs, etc.: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/
+ Kajiji (owned by eBay) – Free local classifieds ads, want ads, housing, apartments, furniture, personals, etc. www.kijiji.com
+ Amazon.com: www.amazon.com
+ Other online shopping:
- Buy.com: Find and buy almost anything (with a warrantee) from reputable stores and dealers - http://www.buy.com/
+ Other online auctions, garage sales, etc.
- uBid - www.ubid.com
- Yahoo – www.auctions.Yahoo.com
- GarageSalesHuneter.com – www.garagesalehunter.com
- GarageSaleSource.com – www.garagesalesource.com
+ Flea
markets in
- http://www.fleamarketguide.com/NJ.aspx
- http://www.keysfleamarket.com/fleamarket/state/new_jersey.htm
- http://antiques2.iantiquesguide.com/staticpages/index.php?page=20040209195207375
-
- NJ Shore area flea markets: http://www.shore-guide.com/nj-flea-markets.htm
- http://www.collectors.org/FM/US_NJ.asp
- http://www.egeeshop.com/US_Flea_Markets/D-NJ.htm
- Fisherman’s flea mkts (NJ PA MD NY) http://www.scottsbt.com/misc/fleamkts.htm
• On-line and local banking: 210
+ ING Direct: http://home.ingdirect.com/
- Operated by a Dutch Insurance Company - Internationale Nederlanden Group
- Good interest rates because minimal overhead for physical store fronts
+ Find a good bank rate: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/default.asp
• Dating, socializing, chat rooms, message boards, blogs, etc.: 210
+ MySpace (But beware of sexual predators of children.): http://myspace.com/
+ FaceBook
(Originally for college students but now competing with MySpace):
http://www.facebook.com/
+ LinkedIn (a professional networking site): http://www.linkedin.com/
+ Friendster (existed before MySpace, but ran slowly): http://www.friendster.com/
+ E-Harmony (dating matches for singles): http://www.eharmony.com/
+ Tag
World – Local blogs, message boards, videos, etc.:
http://www.tagworld.com/-/Main.aspx
+ Yahoo message boards: http://messages.yahoo.com/index.html
+ Microsoft chat: http://groups.msn.com/chat
+ For many others. Do a Google search for message boards, chat rooms, etc.
· Speed testers – for testing broadband and other internet connections: 210
+ http://infospeed.verizon.net/ Gives download speed in both KBits/sec and
KBytes/sec
Remember, there are 8 bits to a byte.
+ http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ Separate tests for
upload and download speeds.
+ http://bandwidthplace.com/speedtest/ Free up to three times per month.
+ http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html
+ http://myspeed.visualware.com/ Separate tests for upload and download speeds.
+ http://us.mcafee.com/root/speedometer/default.asp Separate upload and download.
+ Easy to find many more. Just do a Google search for stuff like - internet speed test.
· Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, etc.) instructions, tutorials, and support: 210
+ Microsoft Office On-Line: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx
- Instructions, free courses, tutorials, training,
training videos: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/default.aspx
- Product updates
- Free downloads
+ Peer to peer bulletin boards, discussion
groups and MVP and helpers:
- http://www.microsoft.com/office/community/en-us/default.mspx
- Then click on your product of interest in the left margin.
+ Ron de Bruin’s Excel Tips (Ron is a Microsoft MVP [most valuable professional]
- Ron's Excel Tips (VBA code, etc.): http://www.rondebruin.nl/tips.htm
- Ron de Bruin’s home page: www.rondebruin.nl
- Dave McRitchie’s Excel site:
www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/excel.htm
Dave
is a member of the Amateur Computer Group of New Jersey (ACGNJ)
and
is also a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP)
+ Ask other OFFICE users:
- or http://www.microsoft.com/office/community/en-us/
+ Keyboard shortcuts for MS/Word
- http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HP051866641033.aspx
+ Office
Tips And Tricks Webcasts -
- http://www.microsoft.com/office/greattips/workplay/default.mspx
- or http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/officesystemwebcasts.mspx
+ Microsoft Small Business Connections and Training - (Includes free training on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office products for small business employees.)
- http://www.microsoft.com/connections
- http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/
+ Try a Microsoft product before you buy it
- http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/default.aspx?view=22
+ Windows annoyances and solutions. (NOT a Microsoft site): www.annoyances.org
· Free
preview of the next version of MS/Office (Office12, due for release in 2007): 210
+ Video demo: http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/ui/demo.mspx
+
· Command
reference converter for users of Office2003 or earlier migrating to 2007: 210
+ Interactive:
Excel 2003 to Excel 2007 command reference guide
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA101491511033.aspx
+ Interactive:
Word 2003 to Word 2007 command reference guide
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HA100744321033.aspx
· Free
preview of then next version of MS/Windows (
+ http://www.microsoft.com/windows/default.mspx contains free previews / downloads of
- Windows Media Player 11 (Beta)
- Windows
· Free
online MS/Office courses at the HP (Hewlett-Packard)
+ A variety of classes for Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.
+ http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/marketplace/EM012060381033.aspx
(
· Computer Clubs and Users’ Special Interest Groups (SIG’s): 210
+ Find
a computer club in your area - - -
Do a GOOGLE search for either computer clubs nj.or computer
user groups nj.
+ Find a PC users group near you - - - http://www.compukiss.com/pcusergroups/directory.cfm
+ User
groups in the
+ Some of the computer clubs to which I belong:
-
- Morris Micro Computer Club (MMCC or M2C2 -
- Amateur Computer Group of News Jersey (
-
+ Microsoft
Developer Network (MSDN) user groups:
Type user
group in the search box at http://msdn.net/404/default.aspx
· Computer help and support: 210
+ Microsoft support: http://support.microsoft.com/?LN=en-us&x=15&y=11
+ Microsoft product newsgroups: http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/
+
+ PC Tech: http://freepctech.com/
+ Geeks To Go: http://www.geekstogo.com/
· Computer tips-and-tricks, e-newsletters, and othe computer-related websites: 210
+ WindowsSecrets - http://www.windowssecrets.com/
+ Kim Komando radio show and newsletter - http://www.komando.com/
+ SlashDot – Computer-related news for nerds - http://slashdot.org/
· PC tools and utilities: 210
+ SmartComputing magazine Ultimate PC Tool Chest (Need subscription ID & pswd): http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2F2005%2Fs1612%2F29s12%2F29s12%2Easp&articleid=28745&guid=7F478410BD2A4BB6AA1B3063E4E94575&searchtype=0&WordList=ULTIMATE+PC+TOOL+CHEST&bJumpTo=True
· Computer hardware, accessories, discount and free software, drivers, DLL’s etc.: 210
+ Free games and other software: Download.Com: http://www.download.com/
+ Drivers (free driver downloads for computer hardware): http://www.drivers.com
+ Windows
Help and How-to – The Hunt For Drivers
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/help/e4cf223e-279d-4ada-a6e6-e575cb29ee4d1033.mspx
+ Software, games, drivers, etc. – http://tucows.com/
+ Discount computers and accessories: http://www.tigerdirect.com/
+ Free software and utilities: http://www.snapfiles.com/
+ Computer hardware: http://www.newegg.com/
+ “The Best Free Software Of 2007” Page 61 of the 2-20-07 issue of PC Magazine: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2090787,00.asp
+ DLL’s (replace a missing dynamic link library): Do a Google search for DLL download.
· Computer utilities to help clean up your PC and make it run better and faster: 210
+ Second Copy (~$30?) – By Centered Systems (for easy backups) - http://www.centered.com/
+ Log Me In (free) for remote access to a PC (Competes with PCAnywhere)- https://secure.logmein.com/home.asp
+ Hard
drive health – HDD Health (free) – By Pantera - Predict hard drive failure
http://www.panterasoft.com/
+ CC Cleaner (free) – Deletes temp files, cookies, etc. http://www.ccleaner.com/
+ VCom’s
Fix-It (~$50) – Registry cleaner. PC
diagnostics, etc.
http://www.v-com.com/product/Fix-It_Utilities_Home.html
+ PCTools – RegistryMechanic http://www.pctools.com/registry-mechanic/
+ HiJackThis (German .de) (free) – Identifies all stuff running in the background on your PC. Clean viruses, adware, spyware, rootkits, etc. http://hijackthis.de/
- After running HiJackThis, save the log file and then go to http://hijackthis.de/ and click on the BROWSE button to find and analyse that log file.
- Might need to run several times before all bad stuff is cleaned up.
· More Free Software (mostly from Norm Erdos’s 4-12-07 MMCC Presentation: 210
+ Just a few examples of some excellent free programs in no particular order.
- Zip
file compression, decompression, zip file maker and zip reader:
7Zip will zip and unzip compressed files.
Handles 7 different formats (zip, arj etc.)
http://7-zip.org/
- Audio editor. Record and edit audio. Audacity:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
- Star viewer planetarium shows a realistic sky in 3D, as you see it with binoculars or a telescope.. Stellarium - http://stellarium.sourceforge.net
- Openoffice2.2 - MS office compatible suite plus: http://www.openoffice.org/
- Photo editor, like Adobe PhotoShop. GIMP (Graphic GIMP = GNU Image Manipulation Program) http://www.gimp.org
- Graphics viewer handles >85 formats) - Irfanview - http://www.irfanview.com/
- Google Pack collection of free programs and productive applications - http://pack.google.com/pack_installer_required.html
+ The following examples include sites dedicated to free software, companies that release their commercial software when newer versions become available, sites dedicated to old versions of commercial programs, and abandonware (usually games) no longer supported and abandoned by their publisher.
- http://www.nonags.com/nonags/index.html - Perhaps the best site for free Windows program. Huge collection arranged by category, described, and rated. Also has a large selection of funny photos.
- http://sourceforge.net/ - 140,000 open source software projects (programs) are supported by SourceForge from specialized analysis programs to games. Spend a little time browsing and you’ll be rewarded.
- http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/ - Free older Serif commercial photo, drawing, and publishing programs. You may get email for a couple of weeks offering low-cost upgrades to these programs.
- http://tudogs.com/ - Large variety of free software. Require free registration (email address) but doesn’t seem to be too intrusive.
- http://freewarefiles.com/ - Another freeware site arranged by category. Site has a list of files added each day and a “most popular” list.
- http://www.old-versions.net/ - One of several sites for downloading older versions of commercial programs. Some may be trial or evaluation copies. Has some popular discontinued programs. See also: http://www.oldversion.com/
- http://www.abandonline.com/ - Slick site for downloading games “abandoned” by their publisher. Some are shareware (but free) versions if the game is still available in a newer version. Part of a network of sites (with links) to other abandoned games. Other sites may have many ads.
- http://www.techsupportalert.com/ - An unusual site. This site has links to lots of “Best”
sites (i.e. Best Free Support Sites), How-To
instructions, Best Utilities. Not all programs at the links are free but most
seem to be. Well worth checking out.
- http://www.aplusfreeware.com/ - Another full featured site that says all you need is an operating system – It can supply everything else. Includes many categories and links to other freeware sites
- www.Download.com - Commercial. shareware, and free programs.
+ 101 Fantastic Freebies – PC World Magazine -
April/May 2007 –
Includes
games, utilities, firewalls, anti-virus, and much more.
http://tech.msn.com/downloads/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=4594338
+ 15
Sneaky Registry Hacks – Customize things
not otherwise easily customizable.
From PCMagazine: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2157311,00.asp
or www.go.pcmag.com/registryhacks
See also TweekUI (Windows PowerToys), below.
+ For many many other articles and reviews about places to get free software (not just from PC Magazine),do a Google search for - - - PC Magazine free software
- Example: Free Software is the cover story of the May
(or April?) 2007 issue of PC Magazine http://www.pcmag.com/
(or PC World Magazine? [http://www.pcworld.com/]).
- Example: http://shareware.pcmag.com/welcome.php?&SiteID=pcmag
- Example: In search box of www.PCMag.com enter - - Shareware Free Software
· Computer magazines – articles on new gadgets, software, support links, etc.: 210
+ Ziff Davis Publications (including PC Magazine): http://www.zdnet.com/
+ PC Magazine (a Ziff Davis Publication): http://www.pcmag.com/
+ PCWorld Magazine: http://pcworld.com/
+ Smart Computing Magazine: http://www.smartcomputing.com/
· Customize the User Interface (UI) of your MS/Windows environment: 210
+ TweekUI
and other Windows PowerToys: www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads
- Then click on PowerToys and other add-ins for Windows XP.
+ TweekUI
for Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 98 or Windows
95:
http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/downloads/PowerToys/Networking/NTTweakUI.asp
+ TweekUI
for WindowsXP:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
and
find your desired version of TewakUI in the right margin.
+ See also PCMagazines list of registry hacks, above.
· How to set up an ad-hoc wireless network between 2 PC’s without a router: 210
+ http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/adhoc.mspx
· Computer-related links and other useful computer-related information: 210
+ Amateur computer group of NJ (ACGNJ links page): http://www.acgnj.org/links.html
+ Computer history museum: www.computerhistory.org
· HP
(Hewlett Packard Calculators:
Information, Help Forum, And
+
· Media Players – for video, music, audio, radio, etc.: 210
+ Real One: http://www.real.com/
+ Windows Media Player, Version 10 (from Microsoft): http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/AllDownloads.aspx?displang=en&qstechnology=
+ Quick Time (free from Apple): http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
+ K-Lite media player. Free DivX player. Free player for videos, sound, etc. Free K-Lite codec pack: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Codec_Pack.htm
· Music, songs, lyrics, animated humorous videos: 210
+ Lyrics Freak. Find lyrics to any song: www.lyricsfreak.com
+ Musipedia —Search by phrases, rhythms, notes you can play on a virtual keyboard, or whistle a melody right into your computer: http://www.musipedia.org/
+ Listen to top-100 songs from the golkden years – http://TropicalGlen.com/
+ LimeWire. Peer-to-Peer music sharing. Download music to your computer, MP3 player, etc. - http://www.limewire.com/english/content/home.shtml
• Amateur Videos: 210
+ Post and broadcast your own home-made video - - - http://youtube.com/
+ A showcase for amateur animated videos - - - http://www.MyToons.com/
+ Singing resume (with humorous animated video) of French computer programmer Alexandre Guéniot
- English version – http://www.paradoxware.com/alstudio/cv/en.htm
- French version - http://www.paradoxware.com/alstudio/cv/fr.htm
+ JibJab – Hilarious satirical animated videos about politicians - http://www.jibjab.com/
+ Opera Baby – I have a poo-oo-py inside my di-a-per. Mommy come wipe me. Come wipe my ass. Humorous animated singing video: http://www.vocalweb.nl/flash/operababy.swf
· Geo-caching and GPS treasure hunts with your global positioning system: 210
+ Find a geo-cache in your area: www.geocaching.com
· Exxon (mostly for former Exxon employees and retirees): 210
+ ExxonMobil (public website): http://exxonmobil.com/corporate/
+ ExxonMobil retirees: http://www.emretiree.com/
+ ExxonMobil benefits: https://www2.benefitsweb.com/exxonmobil.html (Need ID/pswrd)
+ ExxonMobil family (health info): http://www.exxonmobilfamily.com/
+ ExxonMobil–MayoClinic (Partners In Health)(pswd) https://secure.mayoclinic.com/login/
+
+ EACMA home page: http://www.concentric.net/~Acma/ (Need ID and password.)
+ EACMA Computer Club: http://exxoncomputerclub.homestead.com/index.html
+ Exxon 53 (
- Loan and mortgage calculator – free, and very cool http://www.e53fcu.org/calc_loan.htm
· Mortgage qualification worksheet: 210
+ http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/TC010267421033.aspx
· Interest rates and news on mortgages, loans, savings, etc.: 210
+ Bank rates and bank news at BankRate.com: http://bankrate.com/
· Retirement planning and retirement calculators: 210
+ TRowe Price: www.troweprice.com
- From
main page, click on
- Then, in the Retirement / IRA Investing box, click on PlanningForYourRetirement.
+ ISG Personal: www.isgplanning.com
+ Yahoo retirement info and retirement calculator: http://finance.yahoo.com/retirement
+ CNN: http://money.cnn.com/pf/retirement/
+ Fidelity: www.fidelity.com/myPlan
· Job
hunting: 210
+ Full time and part time: http://www.dice.com/
+ Temporary professionals: http://www.manpowerprofessional.com/procom/index.jsp
+ Temporary professionals: http://www.net-temps.com/
+ Office temps: http://www.kellyservices.com/web/global/services/en/pages/
+ National scope: http://jobs.com/
+ Well known: http://www.monster.com/
+
+ http://careersite.nj.com http://jobs.nj.com/texis/jobseeker/
+
redirects to http://regionalhelpwanted.com/home/14.htm?SN=14&
+
+ See also Salary Surveys, below.
· Lottery results for
· Find other websites based on your interests and previous searches: 210
+ Stumble upon other websites in your areas of interest: http://www.stumbleupon.com/
· Search engines - Internet web search engines and also desktop search engines) : 210
+ Google:
http://www.google.com/
- Google features: http://www.google.com/features.html
- Google search (http://www.google.com/) for any zip code gives link to map.
- Google search (http://www.google.com/) for phone gives info about that number.
- Scholar search uses real live experts in your area of interest –
http://www.google.com/ then click on MORE and
them click on Scholar
-Videos search (Google Video [beta]) - http://video.google.com/
+ Yahoo: http://search.yahoo.com/
+ Yahoo desktop search: http://desktop.yahoo.com
+ Google desktop search - Find files on your own
computer: http://desktop.google.com/
+ Microsoft
MSN desktop search - includes a pop-up
blocker: http://toolbar.msn.com/
or http://www.microsoft.com/windows/desktopsearch/default.mspx
+ Microsoft
MSN desktop search (enterprise edition) –
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/desktopsearch/enterprise/default.mspx
+ Microsoft Windows Live (also includes local stuff like traffic, etc.): http://www.live.com/
+
+ IxQuick – A metasearch engine - www.ixquick.com
+ Lycos: http://www.lycos.com/
+ Ask.com (formerly Ask Jeeves): http://www.ask.com/
+ Ask (Jeeves) for kids: http://www.askforkids.com/
+ About.com – Run by a panel of expert contributors. www.about.com
+ Answers.com – Encyclopedia style: www.answers.com
+ Ask desktop search: www.ask.com/?tool=des
+ Jayde (a business-to-business search engine): http://www.jayde.com/cgi-bin/member
+ Beagle desktop search (for Linux): http://beaghlewiki.org/Main_Page
+ Copernic desktop search: http://copernic.com/en/products/desktop-search/index.html
+ AltaVista (one of the original search engines – By D.E.C.): http://www.altavista.com/
+ Some of the above info on desktop search engines comes from Pages 17-20 of the May 2006 issue of Software Development magazine (www.sdmagazine).
+ To find even more, do a Google search for search engines.
+ See also telephone books and people finders, above.
· Blog search: 210
+ Google blob search: http://blogsearch.google.com
+ Technorati blog search: http://technorati.com
· Popularity of a search term: (Useful for web designers and product marketers) 210
+ Yahoo/Overture: Free tool from Yahoo! Search Marketing
Solutions (formerly Overture) ranks keyword search popularity and also lists
alternate search terms: http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion
- Find out how many searches were done last month for specific key words.
- Find out what other key words were also used in those searches
- Can help you to add key words to your web site so searchers can find you.
+ Microsoft Submit It! has a similar tool: http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/online/search-engine-optimization/submit-it/detail.mspx
· Web page popularity: (Who is linking to my web page?) 210
+ http://www.linkpopularity.com/
+ http://technorati.com (mostly for blogs) and enter the web address in the search box.
· Website domain name (DN) ownership and availability: 210
+ Who owns that domain name? Is it available? http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/
Or http://www.dslreports.com/whois
+ Other Who-Is type web sites to look up the owner of a domain name or IP address
- Asia Pacific ....... www.apic.net/
- America(s?) ....... http://www.arin.net/ American Registry For Internet Numbers
- Europe ............... www.ripe.net/
- Africa ................. www.afrninic.net/
- Latin America .... www.latnic.net/
· Website domain name suggestions when creating your own website: 210
+ Get help in picking your new domain name based on key words: www.nameboy.com
· Web hosting, web site creation, domain name registration, etc.: 210
+ GoDaddy: http://www.godaddy.com/
+
+ 1&1: www.1and1.com
+ Photo sites (post your own photos): www.photosite.com
+ Additionally, most ISP’s offer free web pages to their email address customers.
· Insert Google “adsense” advertisements on your web site to make money: 210
+ Google adsense: www.Google.com/adsense
+ Learn about adsense: http://www.UnderestandingAdSense.com
· Create stereo 3D images with your digital camera for viewing special 3D glasses: 210
+ StereoPhoto Maker: http://stereo.jpn.org/eng/stphmkr/
· Blog sites – set up your own blog site (for free): 210
+ Wordpress (free, fast, simple, and easy): http://wordpress.com
+ Blogger: https://blogger.com/start
+ Microsoft MSN Spaces:
- Tutorial: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/intouch/spaces.mspx
- Sign up: http://spaces.msn.com/
+ Blogger: www.blogger.com
+ Movable Type: www.movabletype.org
+ AOL Journals: http://hometown.aol.com/
+ Yahoo! 360°: http://360.yahoo.com
· Legal and Government (advice, forms, legislative info, find a law or statute, etc.): 210
+
+ NJ Law Network – links to NJ statutes: http://njlawnet.com/njstatutes.html
+ NJ courts online: http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/#find
+ Find a law or a lawyer: http://findlaw.com/
+ Full text of all laws from all states http://www.prairienet.org/~scruffy/f.htm
+ Legal advice, forms, estate planning, etc
· Financial information (including stocks prices, charts for technical analysis, etc.): 210
+ YahooFinance:
http://finance.yahoo.com/
+ Google Finance: http://finance.google.com/finance
+ Stock charts: http://stockcharts.com/
+ Stock charts: http://stockcharts.com/
+ Evaluate
your stock broker or stock analyst.
Compare his/her performance with others.
E.g., What are the success rates of your broker’s BUY and SELL
recommendations? http://www.investars.com/
· Radio, TV, music, police scanners, etc.: 210
+ Listen to live radio broadcasts from almost any radio station in the country
- Internet radio guide: http://windowsmedia.com/radiotuner/MyRadio.asp
+ Old time radio: OTR Network:
http://www.otr.net/
+ Other old time radio websites which PSN has NOT checked out - - -
- http://www.old-time.com/toc.html
- http://www.yesterdayradio.com/
- http://www.originaloldradio.com/
- War Off The Worlds recording: http://www.earthstation1.com/wotw.html
+ Old time classic nostalgic TV and television: Do a Google search for - - - old time TV
+ Abbot
and Costello’s “Whose-On-First” routine (Audio and
- Both audio and text: http://www.phoenix5.org/humor/WhoOnFirst.html
- Text only: http://www.baseball-almanac.com/humor4.shtml
+ Oldies music (1956-1960) and other nostalgia - Briarcliff Manor High School Class of 1960 - - - - http://www.bobforrest.com/JukeBox.htm
+ TV guide – television listings for your local area: http://www.tvguide.com/default
· Movie listings (for movie theaters in your local area): 210
+ http://www.nj.com/enter/index.ssf?/movies/%3f
· How stuff works, how to do things, how to fix things, trivia, fun facts, etc.: 210
+ How things work: http://www.howstuffworks.com/
+ Download or upload Instructions on almost anything: http://instructables.com/
+ Download or upload Instructions on almost anything: http://instructables.com/
+ Did you know? (interesting fun facts, info, and trivia.) http://www.didyouknow.org/
· Homework and educational school help: 210
+ Discovery
Channel’s online homework help service:
http://www.cosmeo.com/welcome/index.html?CFID=3347368&CFTOKEN=50267839
+ Math (help with math problems – kindergarten to calculus): http://www.webmath.com/
· Time of day (automatic update of your computer clock): 210
+ Time of day ( ± ~ 0.2 seconds ) : http://www.time.gov/timezone.cgi?Eastern/d/-5/java
- Has a feature that allows you to download an applet that automatically updates your computer’s internal clock several times a day.
· Community
Calendar Of Local Events For North
+ Published
by Recorder Publishing Company:
http://www.zwire.com/site/community.cfm?brd=1918&pag=569&dept_id=333313
· News: 210
+ CNN: http://www.cnn.com/
+ New
York Times links to other news services
http://tech.nytimes.com/top/news/technology/cybertimesnavigator/index.html
· Weather and tides: 210
+ East coast tides: http://surfinfo.surfline.com/html/tides.html
+ Yahoo weather and tides: http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/
+ Weather channel: http://www.weather.com/index.html
+ Moving weather radar image: http://radar.weather.gov/Conus/northeast_loop.php
· Traffic and road reports: 210
+ Windows Live Local (Powered by Virtual Earth –
Beta) http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=42.149001~-110.681793&style=r&lvl=4&scene=3712634&trfc=1
+ Many others available via GOOGLE search for “traffic”.
· Wedding Registries: 210
+ Scan
about 20 stores to see if your friend or relative is registered there. www.weddingchannel.com
· Birthdays of celebrities and other famous people. (Who shares your birthday?): 210
+ Who
else was born on your birthday? http://www.biography.com/
· Census,
genealogy and ancestral (ancestors) research: 210
+ Color coded map of last name popularity vs
location and year
- www.progenealogists.com/surnamestudy.htm
+ View actual images of 60-year old census
records for individual households
- http://www.ancestry.com/ (Free if used from the Morris County Library)
+ Fireworks
sales, chicken broiler revenue, and other fun factoids -
- http://www.census.gov/
+ http://www.census.gov/population/www/ancestry.html
+ DeadFred - http://www.deadfred.com/
+ Find a grave site www.findagrave.com (Careful: This site has pop-up windows.)
· Social
Security Information –
+
- Sidebar includes most popular baby names for
2005.
· Tax forms: 210
+ Federal:
http://www.irs.gov/ or http://www.irs.ustreas.gov
+
· Household income in various communities: 210
+
How
does your income, net worth, etc. compare with that of your neighbors?
http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/bulletin/2006/financesurvey.pdf
· Salary surveys: 210
+ www.PayScale.com or http://www.payscale.com/?src=G330042
+ Indeed - Salary surveys and job search info: http://www.indeed.com/
+ Salary informational resources - - - http://robinryan.com/CareerResources
+ www.Salary.com or http://www.salary.com/salary/layoutscripts/sall_display.asp
· Games, puzzles, optical illusions, skill tests, fun stuff, etc. (for younger people): 210
+ Disney (entertainment for children) http://disney.go.com/home/today/index.html
+ Reading
test. How fast do you read. Measure your reading speed:
http://www.mindbluff.com/askread2.htm
+ Free games for children and young teens: www.addictinggames.com
+ MiniClip – Free online games - http://www.miniclip.com/games/en/
+ Free games: http://www.freewaregames.net/
+ The
15 Best Places to Waste Time on the Web – PC World Magazine – April/May 2007
http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1601330
+ Guess
what search terms were used in Google to get the resulting images:
http://grant.robinson.name/projects/guess-the-google/
+ Guess
the candy bar by looking at its photo and ingredients:
http://www.sci.mus.mn.us/sln/tf/c/crosssection/namethatbar.html
+ Logo game. Guess the company belonging to a fragmented logo: www.logogame.com
+ Pop a virtual bubble wrap: http://www.urban75.com/Mag/bubble.html
+ Geography games and quizzes: http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/index.html
+ Typing test: http://www.typingtest.com/
+ Color
viewing test - - -
http://www.fireworkspop.com/colortest.htm
or http://www.njagyouth.org/colortest.swf
+ Word zap. An interactive word game that you can play against the computer or with an unseen opponent on the other side of an internet link: http://wordzap.com/
+ Mind reading of numbers: http://www.digicc.com/fido/
+ Planarity Flash Game – Move line intersections
until lines do not cross.
- Very easy and very addicting. http://www.planarity.net/
+ Aargon – Move mirrors and prisms to direct and
focus a light beam on to a target
- Download
either the full version ($25.00) or a free demonstration version: http://www.twilightgames.com/aargondeluxe/aargondeluxe_info.htm
- Game hints: http://www.twilightgames.com/aargondeluxe/aargondeluxe_demohints.htm
+ Other games from Twilight Games - http://www.twilightgames.com/
+ Mini-clip - free online single and multi-player games powered by Microsoft and/or shockwave Flash: http://www.miniclip.com/
+ Table
+ MSN Cranium ® party games - http://www.webmath.com/
+ Four classic arcade games (including PacMan and SpaceInvaders) and a few modern games too. All endorsed by Microsoft. Free. http://www.microsoft.com/athome/morefun/5freebiegames.mspx
+ Five
great time-waster games (Shareware – free to try.)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/morefun/timewastergames.mspx
+ Fast
and Strategic Games (from Microsoft) in 30 Minutes or Less:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/games/learnmore/fastandstrategic.mspx
+ 13 classic online arcade games, puzzles, etc. that Microsoft likes: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/games/getstarted/onlineclassics.mspx
+ Free trial of five Microsoft games (which you can also buy for $20.00 each): http://www.microsoft.com/athome/morefun/timewastergames.mspx
+ Racing Frogz: Create and race your own animated racing frog: http://www.racingfrogz.org/
+ More free games and other software: Download.Com: http://www.download.com/
+ Dollar bill and other paper money tracker. Enter the serial number of your dollar bill and find out where it has been and where it goes. http://www.wheresgeorge.com/
+ For hundreds more, do a Google search for GAMES, PUZZLES, etc.
+ Mathematical
puzzles and tricks. A new twist on a
classic math trick:
http://www.learnenglish.org.uk/games/magic-gopher-central.swf
· Scientific facts, games, etc. (for older people): 210
+
http://www.snopes.com/
+ The
+ GrowBrain fun stuff - http://growabrain.typepad.com/growabrain/jobs/index.html
+ Mensa math workout (for very intelligent people): http://www.mensa.org/workout2.php
+ Games, puzzles, brain teasers: http://www.mindbluff.com/
- Speed reading test: http://mindbluff.com/askread.htm
+ Amusing facts: http://www.amusingfacts.com/
+ Optical
illusions, brain teasers, puzzles, free games, riddles, and mental tricks:
http://www.mindbluff.com/
+ Exploratorium Snacks (scientific fun facts): http://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/
+ Gizmodo - A weblog of the latest electronic gadgets: http://www.gizmodo.com/
+ Really Bored .net - - - “entertainment for the really bored” (Includes optical illusions.) http://www.reallybored.net/pictures/Spinning-Silhouette-Optical-Illusion
+ Funny headlines, media apologies, error retractions, etc.: www.regrettheerror.com
· Optical Illusions (with thanks to Dave
McRitchie for many of these): 210
+ Vision Rx - Scientifically oriented illusions
http://www.visionrx.com/library/optical_illusion1.asp
+ Perception puzzles, Visual Perception, Optical illusions and
Paradoxes. Lots of cool illusions on a
single fast-moving page. http://www.scientificpsychic.com/graphics/
+ YouTube
video – a three dimensional box made of string on a flat sidewalk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWCJ4CkR_qM&feature=related
+ Optical
illusions, brain teasers, puzzles, free games, riddles, and mental tricks:
http://www.mindbluff.com/
+ Mighty
optical illusions – spinning ballerina silhouette (mis-spelled as silhouette) http://www.moillusions.com/2007/06/spinning-sihouette-optical-illusion.html
This website also contains a link to the site’s Illusion-Of-The-Day.
+ Kinetic Illusions (mostly spinning circles) http://www.archimedes-lab.org/page17b.html
+ Kinetic Illusions 3 - - Included rotating concave/convex mask
http://www.archimedes-lab.org/page17bBis.html or
http://www.archimedes-lab.org/atelier.html?http://www.archimedes-lab.org/page17bBis.html
+ Ambiguous Optical Illusions - Young lady or old hag? (and many
more) http://eluzions.com/Illusions/Ambiguous/
+ MetaCafe – “video
entertainment powered by you”
Best optical illusions - http://www.metacafe.com/watch/825975/best_optical_illusions/
+ Post card exhibits and other optical illusions - Exploratorium
Exhibits. Young Women or Old? Words and Colors. Faces or Vases. Do you see the
Phantom Spots? http://www.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/postcard_illusions/
+ More
optical illusions, etc.: Do a Google
search for optical illusions, puzzles, etc.
· Sports: 210
+ FIFA World Cup Soccer: http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/
+ Baseball: http://www.baseball-almanac.com/humor4.shtml
· Medical information: 210
+ Merck publications: www.merck.com/pubs
+ Merck medical info: www.MerckSource.com/health
+ Mayo Clinic / Exxon (partners in health) (pswrd): https://secure.mayoclinic.com/login/
· Newspapers and other news sources : 210
+ Star Ledger: http://www.nj.com/starledger/
+
+ Recorder
Publishing – Links to
http://www.njpa.org/njpa/member_newspapers/recorder_community_newspapers.html
+ CNN: http://www.cnn.com/
· Other cool websites - Computer magazine articles about other cool web sites: 210
+ PCWorld magazine – Best of the web 2001
- http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,52705,00.asp
+ PCWorld magazine – 101 Fabulous Freebees (May 2006)
+ PC Magazine - -
- Top 101 web sites of 2004: http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1738,7488,00.asp
- Top 99 Undiscovered Web Sites – Most Amazing Sites Of 2006 – “PC Magazine’s editors reveal their favorite new sites from off the beaten path” (Page 105 of the November 7, 2006 issue): http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2006944,00.asp
- Top 101 Classic Web Sites of 2006 (Page 116 of the November 7, 2006 issue): http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2005346,00.asp
+ Other top website lists:
- http://207.21.203.96/list.html
- http://www.refdesk.com/comment.html
- http://www.google.com/press/awards.html
- http://www.webreference.com/new/040408.html
· Website freshness and other bookmarklets and favlets: 210
+ To use, create a FAVORITE and insert the indicated JavaScript into the address box.
+ Page freshness. (When was the website that you are viewing
last updated?)
- javascript:if(frames.length<1){alert('The
server indicat modified: ' + window.document.lastModified)}else{alert('Page is
framed. Use version of bookmarklet for frames. (bookmarklets.com)')}
+ Read the cookie for the website that you are currently viewing.
- javascript:if(document.cookie.length<1){alert('No cookie for this site.')}else{alert('Cookie for this site:'+document.cookie)}
+ Other bookmarklets and favlets:
- http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/ie/bookmarklets.htm
- http://www.squarefree.com/bookmarklets/
- PC Magazine article: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1434588,00.asp
· Cooking: 210
+ Cooking for engineers: http://www.cookingforengineers.com/
· Find Your Microsoft Windows Installation Product Key: 210
+ Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.41: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
· Show a few of your hidden passwords: 210
+ PCWorld security articles: http://find.pcworld.com/50580
· Send large files that won’t fit in an email: 210
+ Instead of sending large files by email, you can upload them to a website on the internet where others (with the password) can download them. http://www.dropload.com/
· Web mail – Free email and email addresses and forwarding services: 210
+ Gmail (Google): http://mail.google.com/mail/help/about.html
- Gmail tips: www.gmailtips.com
+ Yahoo: http://www.yahoo.com/
+ Hotmail (Microsoft MSN): http://www.hotmail.msn.com/
+ Bigfoot (email forwarding): http://www.bigfoot.com/
+ SneakMail (mail forwarding via disposable email addresses): http://www.sneakemail.com/
+ Disposable free email forwarding addresses w/ custom expiration date: www.jetable.org
+ Your own college alumni association (email forwarding)
+ Forward email to your new email address and
notify senders of new address.
(Can also search for new addresses of people who have registered.)
- ReturnPath – http://ecoa.returnpath.net/finder/
- TrueSwitch - http://trueswitch.com/
· Send an email at a distant future date (from tomorrow to 2036): 210
+ Create
an email to be sent to yourself (or someone else) at a future date (up to
2036).
Can make it public and can view other public emails in the queue: http://futureme.org/
· Microsoft Configuration Start-Up Items – What are they? 210
+ To see all the items that start up automatically: Start | Run | MSConfig | StartUp
+ To learn what they do: www.sysinfo.org or http://www.processlibrary.com/
+ What’s running on your PC? http://www.whatsrunning.net/whatsrunning/main.aspx
+ Programs
and processes shown on the task list in TaskManager):
What
are they? What do they do? Are they
important? Can I shut them down to
speed
up my computer? http://www.answersthatwork.com/
· Bypass telephone menu systems – Talk with a real live person: 210
+ Talk with a real human being: http://www.gethuman.com/
+ Beat a company’s interactive voice response (IVR) menu: www.paulenglish.com/ivr
Doing Science On Your
Computer
The following list of web links is
from a presentation by Mark Streitman (of the Society for Amateur Scientists). He gave that presentation on Thursday,
Paul S. Natanson has not reviewed, screened, or rated these links.
Below are the links from my talk. Thanks for having me. Mark Streitman
___________________________________
A Presentation To The Morris
Micro Computer Club
Amateur Science
On Computers
By Mark Streitman
List of Links from his talk
References
· PCWorld Magazine – Top 100 web sites of 2004, 2005, etc. - http://www.pcworld.com/
· PC
Magazine – Top 100 web sites of 2004, 2005, etc. - http://www.pcmag.com/
+ Example:
Top 100 Sites You Didn’t
Know You Couldn’t Live Without,
PC
Magazine April 26, 2005, Page 71
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,4148,7488,00.asp?kc=179
· Smart Computing Magazine – Web
Sites For Fun And Frolic.
Page 46 of the June 2006 issue of Smart Computing magazine (www.SmartComputing.com).
· Smart Computing Magazine – Mr.
M’s Favorite Web Sites Of 2006.
Page 46 of the January 2007 issue of Smart Computing magazine (www.SmartComputing.com). From Mr. Modem;s Weekly Newsletter - www.MrModem.com
· eLink – An electronic newsletter, sent free to EARTHLINK subscribers.
· For many many other articles and reviews about best websites (not just from PC Magazine), do a Google search for - - - PC Magazine Best Websites
- Example: Go to www.PCMag.com and, in the search box, enter - - - Best Websites
Trenton Computer Festival (TCF) - http://www.tcf-nj.org/web/
Trenton Computer Festival (TCF) – Saturday - Sunday, April 23 - 24, 2006
Best Web Sites 2006 -
TCF - Sunday,
Eva Kaplan, Pennington Computer School/Computers + Kids Camp
Abstract: Eva’s “Best Web Sites 2005” was incredible, but her “Best Web sites 2006” is awesome! She is continually researching for new, creative, definitive, well designed, interactive top sites, among the myriads of resources in the myriads of categories. TCF attendees have come to depend upon her yearly guide for up-to-date places in cyberspace and for search engines that exceed Google in many ways. Her guide will only be distributed to seminar attendees or those who contact her after April 23 at evalkaplan@cs.com.
Bio: Eva is founder and director of Computers + Kids which has
been providing Princeton Area youth exciting and enriching experiences with
computers and technology for 24 years. She is a member of the
Eva Kaplan will be giving this again (an updated version) at the TCF in
2007.
Education Session (at TCF 2007) - Saturday April 22, 2006, Room RC E
Best
Web Sites 2006 - 11:20 am to 12:15 pm
http://www.tcf-nj.org/web/TCF-2006-Talks-and-Forums-on-Saturday-Room-RC-E.html
By Eva Kaplan - Pennington Computer School/ Computers + Kids Camp
Abstract: Eva's "Best Web
Sites 2005" was incredible, but her "Best Web sites 2006" is
awesome! She is continually researching for new, creative, definitive, well
designed, interactive top sites, among the myriads of resources in the myriads
of categories. TCF attendees have come to depend upon her yearly guide for
up-to-date places in cyberspace and for search engines that exceed Google in
many ways. Her guide will only be distributed to seminar attendees or those who
contact her after April 23 at evalkaplan@cs.com.
Biographical sketch: Eva is
founder and director of Computers + Kids which has been
providing Princeton area youth exciting and enriching experiences with
computers and technology for 24 years. She is a member of the New York Academy
of Sciences and included in Who's Who in Science and Engineering. She is a
supporter of the National Engineers Week's Future City Competition,
Philadelphia Region, and is a longtime judge for Mercer Science and Engineering
Club's Science and Engineering Fair.