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Computer Help

 A-Prompt Version 1.0.6.0 checked. WAI level 'double A'D


General Information

  1. Computer Magazines
    The following are among the most commonly used computer magazines for the general public, produced in Australia, and overseas.
    • Australian :
      •
    • International :
      • CompWisdom
        ‘CompWisdom is a new search engine to make your search for useful information on computers and the Internet easier. We have thousands of relevant results in our database. The results you get contain real sentences, not just sites that contain keywords.’
      • Byte
        Magazine for those who are genuinely interested in computing. It uses a number of specialist writers including fiction writers with scientific backgrounds - e.g. Jerry Pournelle.
      • Computer Magazines and E-zines
        Extensive listing of links only to literally hundreds of magazines.
      • .net
        Described as the ‘UK’s favourite Internet magazine’, it has a huge range of information and is well worth a visit.
      • PC Plus
        An English magazine full of great information, fabulous programs on disc and a huge range of advertisements that do little for people in Australia. Fairly expensive in comparison to many magazines but the programs are generally fully working and very useful.
      • PC World
        Probably the best known and used of all the international magazines.
      • Top 100 Magazines
        A listing [alphabetically] of what is considered the top 100 computer magazines internationally. Even includes some Australian magazines. Provides description, title and link to each.
  2. Data Recovery :
    • CBL Tech Data Recovery
      ‘At CBL, we provide data recovery services for failed hard drives in laptops, desktop computers, data servers, RAID arrays, tapes and all other data storage media. “We Recover Your Data, Or You Don’t Pay.” ’ Two locations in Australia.
    • PAYAM Data Recovery
      An example of a business that will help you recover data from hard drives. Fee-based, but discounts to educational institutions and no-fee quotes. Best for Sydney and Melbourne, where there is a same day pickup.
  3. Dictionaries, Glossaries & Helpful Lists :
    • Dictionary of Programming Languages
      ‘A compendium of computer coding methods assembled to provide information and aid your appreciation for computer science history’.
    • File Extension Source, The
      Not sure of a file extension ? This site will certainly provide a helping hand.
    • Jargon
      The New Hacker’s Dictionary
    • PC Computer Shortcut Keys
      Can’t remember specific short cut keys ? Then this site will help with those for Windows and a range of Microsoft products.
    • TechWeb
      An encyclopaedia of technical terms for all areas of IT. 20 000+ terms are covered. Enter the term and it will give you a definition.
  4. DVD & Compact Disk Help :
    • Care and Cleaning of DVD or CD Discs
      Read online or download as a .pdf file.
    • CD Helper
      A forum for people to get help with any concerns about CD burning.
    • Computer Hope CD-Rom
      ‘Information about computer CD-ROM drives.’ Free help, other links, dictionary, quicklinks, CD ABCs, other CD technologies and more.
    • DVDHelp.us
      FAQs, tutorials, glossary, HD-DVD FAQs, forums, even jokes !
    • USByte
      Compact Disk Technology. Information about compact disk technology and also about all things computer related from storage through interfaces.
  5. General Sites & Portals :
    • Ask Slashdot
      Sub-titled ‘News for Nerds’. Only for the really interested !!!
    • Black Viper
      Carries news and features, but more importantly has guides for Windows, Linux and other aspects.
    • CompInfo
      Describes itself as ‘The top one-stop reference resource for corporate IT, computer software, computers and communications’ and it certainly seems to fill out this statement. Absolutely Huge set of links on every possible aspect of IT !!
    • C|Net
      One of the venerable help sites on the net. Quality information.
    • Compu-KISS
      A very helpful site where you can ask questions on any aspect of computing, to which ‘Sandra’ will provide the answers.
    • Computer Hope
      Help for all aspects of computing.
    • Computerworld
      Covering both computers and the web, this site is chock full of information and help.
    • Computing.Net
      How to, help for the novice, information and links for drivers and forums covering a range of areas including specific operating systems.
    • FreeAnswers
      ‘Lets you solve computer-related problems simply by asking questions in plain, everyday language to access knowledge bases from leading vendors’.
    • Healthy Computing
      ‘The Premier Source For Computer and Office Ergonomics.’ Avoid all those aches, pains and illnesses !
    • Help Site Computer Manuals
      This is a bit of a misnomer with ‘manuals’ being more like articles. Covers a wide range of systems though : Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix …
    • Help2Go
      Allows you several ways to access help under titles such as ‘internet’, FAQs and even buyer’s guides. Free subscription. Good samples of help.
    • How MP3 Files Work
      Just about everybody uses MP3 files, often without any knowledge of what is really happening. This site will give the ‘good oil’.
    • How-to-Geek, The
      Has assistance for all operating systems, including various versions, blogging, databases and more.
    • Makeuseof
      A blog/website that has articles, information about web applications, ‘cool tools’, tips and software reviews. Some are quite brilliant.
    • Mr. Ed’s Computer Help Forum
      ‘Help from a group of very knowledgeable computer users.’
    • OS Files, The
      [Your Total Operating Systems Portal]
      Quite an amazing site which covers all the operating systems that work with PCs, from Win95 through DOS, Linux and other systems such as Darwin, Solaris and Unixware.
    • PC Fix Review
      ‘Software reviews you can trust.’ Multiple sections, easy to read and understand.
    • replacementdocs
      ‘We’re here to provide you with those manuals for situations when you really should’ve had them to begin with.’ Primarily Game manuals.
    • Scanning Basics 101
      Includes ‘Evaluating Scanner Features’, Scanning 101, Scanning 201, ‘Some Popular Software’, links to other scanning sites and more.
    • Software Support HQ
      While not related to hardware, the hardware doesn’t operate without software. This site provides a mass of information about various types of software and also specific products.
    • Technibble
      ‘Technibble.com is a Free resource for computer technicians and others in the computer business.’ Includes articles, blogs, kits and forums. Aimed at the experienced and skilled.
    • TechSupportAlert
      Subscribe to this brilliant newsletter that has advice on Free software, reviews and much more. Free to subscribe.
    • Thinkmobile
      Information on cellular phones, handhelds/pda’s, wireless, notebooks and laptops. Mass of information from internet.com.
    • Virtual Drive
      Information and discussion forums on a range of computing aspects including Windows, Linux, Mac and others.
    • Webby Awards, The
      Find out what sites were awarded prizes in each of the wide range of categories. Some amazing sites have been chosen.
  6. Mouse, Computer :
    • How Computer Mouses Work
      Ever wondered how pushing/pulling a mouse around makes things happen on the computer ? If you did, this site will give the low down on how it works.
    • Mouse Site
      Find out how the ‘mouse’ developed for computers. They weren’t always optical or cordless !
  7. Movie Making
    Both Apple and Windows. While there is a range of shareware, costware and even probably some Freeware, if it is included in the system, why not use it and not have to worry about what is happening. The following sites will give help with included programs for the listed systems.
  8. Phishing :
    • Anti-Phishing Working Group
      ‘Is the global pan-industrial and law enforcement association focused on eliminating the fraud and identity theft that result from phishing, pharming and email spoofing of all types.’
    • Phishing [Wikipedia]
      Extensive information, embedded and external links and more about this increasingly important topic.
  9. Spyware :
  10. Support Groups, Specialist :
    • FITT
      ‘Females in Information Technology and Telecommunications. [Designed] to support, encourage and inspire women in the Australian ICT industry.’
    • GirlGeeks
      ‘GirlGeeks is an online community for women and girls interested in technology and computing.’ US based.
  11. Tutorials :
    • The 25 Most Common Mistakes in Email Security
      ‘In this article we focus on 25 of the most common and easy to fix mistakes that people make when it comes to email security. We’ve designed this article with the new internet user in mind, so if you’re an email expert, you may want to pass this along to your novice friends.’
    • Backup Tutorial
      Shows you how to develop backup best practices taking you through step by step, including the reasons why.
    • BBC Computer Tutor
      ‘The BBC’s guide to using a computer.’ This is the very beginning for those who are just starting or have virtually never used a computer before.
      Well presented !
    • Computer Literacy
      This has three parts - Part 1 - Computer Fundamentals; Part 2 - What Makes a Good Computer ? Part 3 - Hardware and Software.
    • Computertim Technologies
      Free computer training, tips, and support.
    • Computer Training
      Access to Free tutorials from before you go to buy a computer to maintaining one. Simple to understand and easy to use.
    • Jan’s Illustrated Computer Literacy 101
      A site that takes you from a graphical introduction to computers to graphical presentations that get you started with word processing, presentation, numbers and the web.
      Excellent site for beginners !
    • Keyboard Help
      [Typing International Accent Marks and Diacritics]
      Covers all systems and provides in-depth information [down to the level of ‘hit these keys in this order’].
    • Meet the Flash
      ‘This course is intended for Flash newcomers. To speed up the learning every lesson is packed with a movie clip, showing some practical usage of the wordy lesson. The course is published as a “flash-book”.’
    • On-Line Practice Modules
      Covers a range of common programs - Microsoft Office Programs, IE, Dreamweaver, Hyperstudio, Works, Claris, Webquest and more. These are further broken down into specific areas, and treated both at basic and more advanced levels.
    • PCShowAndTell
      If you can’t get it for free then you might want to try this site where they can supply tutorials for almost anything related to computing. Fee-based.
    • Sandi’s Site
      Tutorials based around tips and fixes. Covers both PC and Mac.
    • Taming the Beast
      ‘Free search engine marketing strategies, resources, tutorials and articles.’
    • TutorGig
      A wide range of tutorials on everything from Programming to CSS. 50+ and also including some other areas such as languages and drawing.
    • Tutorialfind
      Use one of these tutorials to cover all aspects of computing from How a PC Works through to XML. Includes tutorials on a range of specific programs as well.
      Temporarily unavailable.
    • Useful Handouts
      This consists of a range of handouts covering programs on Mac, Windows and also relating to Networks [Internet ?]. Done by University of California, Berkeley, for staff and others.
    • Using Dreamweaver
      A series of seven short tutorials covering different aspects of the program and its overall use.
    • Windows Basics and Tips
      ‘Here is a Free eBook on Windows basics. The idea is to deal with practical aspects of using Windows rather than discuss the mundane stuff and make it dull. Just look at the teaser questions and you will get the idea of what type of things we discuss here.’
  12. Video and DVD
    There are a huge number of sites related to this burgeoning area. Some of the best are provided below.

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Linux

  1. Linux Distributors
    The following lists major distributors of Linux. Each program has its own strengths and benefits.
    2.
  2. General Sites & Portals :
    • A Complete History of Tux
      Find out about ‘Tux’, the Penguin associated with Linux and Linux products.
    • DesktopLinux
      News, articles, a forum, polls and more.
    • DistroWatch
      Compares the various versions of Linux - features and specifications and also links to other e-views. As a sub-heading says - ‘Put fun back into computing. Use Linux’.
    • Eternal Lands
      ‘The official homepage of Eternal development. Lands ! Eternal Lands is a MMORPG [massive multiplay online role playing game] currently under The game is now in pre-alpha stage, and so far you can explore the world and chat with other players.’
    • Freshmeat
      Only for those with a well developed interest and some level of expertise.
    • IceWalkers
      Provides ‘how to’, software map, polls and more. More for the person really interested in Linux.
    • JustLinux
      ‘… Peruse the huge online forum, where you can get your questions answered in a helpful manner from users who have been in your shoes before ! Also, be sure to browse our collection of Help Files’.
    • Linux
      News, software, stacks of documents and heaps of information for people about to move into using Linux as well as those who are already using it. Advice comes from people who have been using the system for some time.
    • Linux Australia
      ‘What is Linux ?’, user group information, help with problems, events, vendors and consultants, job information, all about ‘Tux’, search help and where you can get Linux.
    • Linux Gurus, The
      If gurus can’t help you, who can ?
    • Linux Help
      Sub-titled ‘for all your Linux needs’.
    • Linux Help Online
      Includes manuals for different versions of Linux, a host of tricks and tips, not only on the system, but on using other programs with the system.
    • Linux Journal
      The original journal covering all things Linux. Also has RSS feeds and more.
    • Linux Newbie
      Love the name ! This site is for people new to the system. It provides ways to install, operate and get around in Linux. Not just designed for ‘newbies’ but also applicable to those who have been using it for a while.
      Now linked to Just Linux.
    • Linux Online
      Information and tech support from one of the number of sites designed to provide this effectively for users.
    • Linux World
      A site where everything about Linux is canvassed from copies of the program to copies for purchase and a range of resources in between.
    • Why Linuxsucks
      Not an anti-site but by a person who realises that there are still problems with a developing program. It really tells it like it is - warts and all !

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Apple & Macintosh

  1. Apple
    The following provide specific or general information, or further linkages, to sites related to all Apple’s operating systems and products.
    2.
  2. Macintosh
    The following provide specific or general information, or further linkages to sites related to all Mac operating systems.

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Windows & PCs

  1. Microsoft
    The following provide specific or general information, or further linkages, to sites related to Microsoft systems and products.
    • Making the Most of Word
      [Shauna Kelly]
      A range of ‘tutorials’ from the simplest concepts to layouts and sharing. Also covers some aspects of Excel/Word linkages.
    • Microsoft
      Australia.
    • Microsoft Support
      Amazing database on all Microsoft software.
    • Microsoft Watch
      Not from, but about, Microsoft.
    • TechNet Archive
      Makes available older content that is still of interest to users.
    • The Road to Know Where
      [Ultimate List of Free Windows Software from Microsoft]
      Someone has saved everyone else a huge amount of searching by providing an annotated listing of Free downloads from Microsoft.
    • Windows Sysinternals
      Now part of Microsoft [since July 2006]. Find a vast range of utilities for all aspects of Windows, as well as a forum, blog and other information.
    • Windows Update
      Checks what you need and helps you do it.
  2. PC [General]
    The following provide specific or general information, or further linkages, to sites related to PCs and PC maintenance.
    • Answers That Work
      Computer Solutions, Helpdesk, PC Troubleshooting.
    • Do you have Parasites ?
      [Noads]
      Online check for any unwanted ‘parasites’ - Free.
    • FREE Windows Tutorials
      ‘Our Free tutorials are arranged into categories. To view the help topics under each category, simply click on the name of the category. Don’t pay for expensive instructor led training when you can get video tutorials for Free !’ One good example is the Mouse Tutorial which ‘helps you master basic computer mouse skills including copy and paste, drag and drop, and double click.’ You can download this.
    • Infinisource
      Updates, tips and tricks, how-to articles.
    • Malek’s Tips
      Tips from the most basic to higher levels. Done in sections relating to versions of Windows, Office, spyware, digital cameras and more.
    • PC Guide !, The
      ‘One of the Internet’s premier sites for detailed PC reference information’.
    • PCGuide
      [Troubleshooting and Repair Guide]
      System database of Q & A.
    • PC Hell
      A lot of advice, particularly for specific topics, e.g. ‘How to remove …’. Has links to other ‘Hells’ as well !
    • PC Mechanic
      Another of the top class help sites which provides a mass of information on all aspects of computer hardware.
    • PC Pitstop Home
      ‘PC Pitstop runs Free diagnostics on your PC to identify things that might help improve performance’.
    • PC Show & Tell
      A Fee-based site, though not all that expensive. Top quality tutorials.
    • PC Technology Guide, The
      ‘Topics are covered at the overview, rather than detailed technical level, to make the material as accessible by the PC novice as the IT professional’.
    • TechSetGo
      Page of directory links.
    • Tips4Pc
      [Free Computer Help for Everyone]
      Computer basics, terms, networking, Vista, XP, Outlook Express, maintenance, webpage help, troubleshooting. You can also access their forum for further help.
  3. Windows
    The following provide specific or general information, or further linkages, to sites related to all Windows operating systems.

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