HIGH TECH CORNER: SPEED UP YOUR BOX WITHOUT SPENDING ANY MONEY

If your system seems like it is running slower the longer you have it, then I can help you speed up your box with out spending any money. This speed-up is only for Windows 98 users because Windows 95 does not offer this hidden utility.

The program is entitled MSINFO32. This is an undocumented app in Windows 98 that provides a huge amount of system information and configuration possibilities. To start the program, go to the start button and run the Microsoft System Information program MSINFO32. When the application pops up, go to the Tools Tab. Here you will see everything from DirectX Diagnostics to Scan Disk selection.

Select the System Configuration Utility option. As you will see, there are several selections that you can check out. The speed-up is under the Startup Tab. Here you will see a host of hidden applications that are running every time you start Windows. Note that these are probably not listed in your Startup Selection of Windows.

Every item that has a checkbox checked is taking up valuable RAM, resources and CPU cycles. To speed your computer up, simply uncheck all items and reboot. If you are running things like Norton AntiVirus, you will see these selections listed here. I recommend that you keep this running. However, items included in your startup routines that were placed here by a install of a program that you don't even run anymore should be blown away.

For the faint of heart, please note that simply re-running the MSINFO32 app again can restart any item and re-select the program.

The second area to clean up is the user-accessible startup area. Once again go to the start button and go over to Programs and then Startup. In here, if you are running apps like Office 2000 you will see some Microsoft Apps. Click on them with your right mouse button and select delete. After you have completed these tasks, reboot to your refreshed PC that now has a little spunk in it.

For those of you wanting your TV and high-speed Internet access but don't have access to ADSL or cable modem, then head on out to Radio Shack at the end of this year. Gilat, the Israel-based VSAT equipment provider working with Microsoft, has a deal in place with RadioShack to provide two-way Internet products and services. The Gilat-To-Home offering will include broadband capabilities, plus equipment for receiving DISH Network. This new service plus the new second generation bi-directional DirectPC and ADSL in Cape could be the death of local ISP providers.

Have you ever wondered how printer manufacturers can sell today's ultra-high quality printers at such rock bottom prices? The truth is that they are selling them at a loss. Why would any company sell their product at a loss, you ask? It is because the real money is in the supplies that you purchase to keep the printer going. The $25 and $35 ink cartridges is where the real money is. The following two companies will get your ink cost down to around $2.95 per cartridge. Simply get one of the refill kits and take one of your existing cartridges that is low on ink. The kit includes a syringe and a generous set of ink colors. Pull up the tab on the ink cartridge that says "Do Not Remove." Squirt the ink in the hole in the top of the cartridge just like it was done at the factory and re-stick the tab back down. Now print all those High Res Color photos that you always wanted to but were afraid to because of the cost. Call (877) 452-5846 for the personal size color & black kits, or for bulk users, go on the Web site www.atlascopy.com/refills.

As always, feel free to e-mail me at rich@digitallabs.com.