Home > Articles

This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

Best of the Internet, 2005 EditionBest of the Internet, 2005 Edition

Learn More Buy

This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

Best of the Internet, 2005 EditionBest of the Internet, 2005 Edition

Learn More Buy

COMPUTERS

Buying/Information Resources

CNET

http://cnet.com

Get hardware and software reviews here before you buy, compare prices from various suppliers, and catch up on tech news. You can also download freeware, learn more about website building, and lots more at this popular site.

Related Site

http://shopper.cnet.com/

egghead

http://www.egghead.com

At Amazon.com-powered egghead.com, check out a wide selection of Egghead products. Browse by category, check out some great deals, or view the list of 100 top electronics devices.

MSN Tech

http://tech.msn.com/

MSN's tech site is packed with excellent information and resources for PC/Windows users of all levels of experience. Includes product reviews, downloads, how-to instructions, news, trends, virus and security information, and much more.

Smart Computing

http://www.smartcomputing.com/

Home page of Smart Computing magazine, one of the most popular computer magazines for beginning-level PC users, features articles, techniques, and tricks for using and optimizing PCs. Subscribers can log on for additional features.

Computer Companies: Hardware and Software

Apple Computer Home Page

http://www.apple.com/

Apple now provides an online storefront where you can purchase customized hardware configurations of your favorite Macintosh models. Provides information on Apple's latest products and also supplies software updates. Check out this site for the latest on Apple technology.

Dell.com

http://www.dell.com/

This site provides secure online shopping for Dell personal computer products. You can custom- configure a system and buy it online. The site also lets you search for information by type of user, as well as provides the standard corporate information. And, if you own a Dell computer, this site features excellent online technical support that can help you solve most of the problems you might encounter with it. Excellent site design and comprehensive information make this an easy Best of the Best selection.

Gateway

http://www.gateway.com/

Gateway's site is designed for easy navigation. The opening screen displays three basic options: At Home, At Work, and Support. If you're looking for a computer for your home or home-based business, click the At Home link and start shopping. Business users should click the At Work link to shop for computers and other products designed for business applications. You can configure and purchase a computer online from this site. The site also provides access to technical support and corporate information.

IBM Corporation

http://www.ibm.com

Here, you can reach all of IBM's myriad divisions from the home page. You can also read about IBM systems solutions via articles. Take online training courses, attend real-time seminars, or chat with people with similar interests. An extensive search engine is also provided for navigating this very large corporate site. Take advantage of IBM's Buy Today, Ship Today purchase program.

Intel

http://www.intel.com/

This site provides all the information you ever wanted to know about Intel's integrated circuits, and especially its latest processor. The site showcases software running on Intel-based hardware and hardware implementations, and it offers business opportunities as well as the standard technical support and news briefs.

Macintosh

Mac Central/Macworld/MacWEEK

http://maccentral.macworld.com/

Macintosh industry news, product reviews, newsletters, and forums. Search for the best deals on Mac hardware and software with Macworld's Pricefinder. If you're a Mac enthusiast, this place is a great hangout.

Mac Design Online

http://www.macdesignonline.com/

Involved in the graphics industry? Mac Design is devoted to covering Macintosh graphics, multimedia, and web issues specifically for Macs.

MacGamer.com

http://www.macgamer.com/

Game reviews, previews, interviews, editorials, and downloads for Macintosh games. Join an online discussion of your favorite Mac games and find deals and freebies.

Mac Home

http://www.machome.com

Looking for a Mac product review? You'll find more than 1,000 from the pages of MacHome magazine here, as well as downloadable software, updates, and tips. Subscribe to the magazine online.

Ultimate Mac

http://www.ultimatemac.com

Named to several "Best of ..." reports because of the comprehensive approach to Macintosh information, this site bills itself as "The BIGGEST, UGLIEST, and MOST USEFUL Macintosh Page on the Web." For beginners and programmers alike, Ultimate Mac provides answers to user questions, downloadable software, product and software reviews, and just about anything else you need to know about the Mac.

PCs

Annoyances.org

http://annoyances.org/

This site shines the spotlight on the most annoying computer and software features you might encounter, including Microsoft Office's Clippit. This site lists the top Windows annoyances and provides instructions on how to avoid them. Additional information is available for tweaking the Windows Registry, customizing the desktop, improving performance, and much more.

GoToMyPC

http://www.gotomypc.com

Online service that enables you to connect to and use your desktop computer from any Internet- connected computer in the world via a secure connection. If you frequently find yourself on the road without access to the programs and documents you need to survive, connect to this site to sign up for a free trial.

Microsoft Product Support Services

http://support.microsoft.com/

If you have a PC that runs any version of Windows and any other Microsoft product, such as Microsoft Office, bookmark this site. Here, you'll find a searchable knowledgebase where you can find answers to most of your technical support questions. Simply click the Search the Knowledgebase link, select the product that's giving you trouble, type a few key words that describe the problem, and click Go.

PC World

http://www.pcworld.com

Get PC help, downloads, news about the most popular software, as well as reviews of the best PCs, accessories, and software.

WinPlanet

http://www.winplanet.com/

Premium site for all topics related to Microsoft Windows and Windows applications. Take an online tutorial to learn a new skill, pick up some tips and tricks, and learn how to customize Windows with some tech-savvy tweaks. Excellent collection of downloadable shareware and updated drivers. When you want to learn more about your computer's operating system, this is the place to go.

Programming Languages

ASP 101

http://www.asp101.com/

Whether you've just started learning Active Server Pages programming or consider yourself a pro, you can find something that's new and informative at this site. Includes lessons and tutorials, sample code, news, resources, and links to other ASP-related sites.

Builder.com

http://builder.com.com/

CNET maintains this resource dedicated to helping users build better websites. Topics include web authoring and scripting, graphics, and design. User can download tools and participate in user forums.

EarthWeb

http://www.earthweb.com/

Comprehensive collection of the latest information and resources for IT professionals, programmers, webmasters, and others interested in computer technology.

HTML Goodies

http://htmlgoodies.earthweb.com/

Programmers will find the tutorials and primers a great start to learning more about various programming tools, including HTML, JavaScript, ASP, Perl, and CGI. Visitors can also ask questions of experts and search the site for more information.

java.sun.com

http://java.sun.com/

Maintained by Sun Microsystems, this site is the official home of Java. Here, you will find the latest news and information about Java, downloads, tutorials, code samples, support, and much more. If you program in Java, you will definitely want to bookmark this site.

Linux Planet

http://www.linuxplanet.com/

Huge collection of information and resources about the Linux operating system. Here, you will find discussion groups, distributors, opinions, reports, reviews, and tutorials. If you're planning on ditching Windows and using Linux instead or if you are programming for Linux, check out this site before you proceed.

MSDN Online

http://msdn.microsoft.com/

Resources, downloads, magazines, and more are available at this comprehensive site. Microsoft Developers Network (MSDN) is a resource site for programmers and developers. Links to additional information about .NET technology.

Perl: CPAN Comprehensive Perl Archive Network

http://www.cpan.org/

Comprehensive collection of links to the best Perl resources on the Web. Locate Perl source code, modules, and scripts; research documentation; and find answers to the most common questions.

Programmers' Heaven

http://www.programmersheaven.com/

Online resource for beginner to expert programmers. Download source code and files for various programming languages or order them on CD-ROM. You'll also find more than 26,000 links to programming-related sites. Subscribe to the mailing list to receive email updates.

Software Antivirus

Dr. Solomon

http://www.drsolomon.com

Learn more about Dr. Solomon's Virex product and then order it online.

McAfee.com

http://www.mcafee.com

Get new virus alerts at McAfee, as well as help buying, installing, and running its VirusScan software, as well as instruction in eliminating existing viruses on your system. Also features a searchable database of viruses, to help you determine if a virus warning is a hoax and to learn more about a particular virus and how to eliminate it from your computer.

Symantec

http://www.norton.com

Buy Norton AntiVirus here, learn about protecting your system from viruses and other threats, and download virus definition updates (if you own the program).

Software Downloads

Download.com

http://www.download.com

Download software for virtually any application—virus protection, productivity, multimedia, and more.

Happy Puppy

http://www.happypuppy.com

This gaming site provides shareware games and reviews for a wide variety of games for Mac and PC. Subscribe to the newsletter to keep abreast of the latest news and reviews.

Network ICE Corporation

http://www.networkice.com/downloads/blackice_defender.html

Protect your computer and files from potential hack attacks by downloading Black Ice Defender, a personal firewall. Tech support and customer service are also available on this site.

Tucows

http://www.tucows.com/

One of the largest, most popular shareware/freeware sites, Tucows features more than 30,000 software titles for the Macintosh operating system, Windows, Linux, OS/2, and others. Ranks, describes, and reviews each program in its collection. Here, you can find Internet programs, computer utilities, games, themes, multimedia players, and more.

SnapFiles

http://www.snapfiles.com/

Formerly WebAttack.com, this site features one of the "world's largest Internet related software collection." It also features a good collection of software that is not related to the Internet. SnapFiles is unique in that it reviews and rates all shareware that is submitted before making it available to users. This site is nicely designed, easy to use, and provides excellent descriptions of the available software.

Software Miscellaneous

Family Tree Maker Online

http://www.familytreemaker.com/

An online genealogy library, genealogy lessons, columns featuring researching techniques, and tips on how to trace immigrant origins. Buy genealogy software and family archive CDs online.

International Data Group

http://www.idg.com/

Publisher of magazines such as ComputerWorld/InfoWorld, PC World, Network World, MacWorld, Channel World, and Specialty. Find links to each of these publications. Many feature software previews, reviews, and recommendations.

Troubleshooting

Answers That Work

http://www.answersthatwork.com/

Answers That Work is an online helpdesk that can assist you in solving both hardware and software issues. Registered users can submit a query. Unregistered users must browse through the task list directory to find a topic that matches their specific problems.

AppleCare Technical Support

http://www.info.apple.com/

Apple Computer's technical support site features free downloads and patches and answers to common questions. Check out products and services, search the knowledgebase, download files, check out the discussion groups, or find online user manuals.

Related Site

http://www.apple.com/support/

PC Pitstop

http://www.pcpitstop.com/

Have an automated technician check your PC for problems and help you optimize your system. PC Pitstop checks to see whether your computer is vulnerable to attacks from viruses or hackers, determines if the hard drive has enough space and is fast enough, checks the memory, reports on the speed of your Internet connection, and much more. Very cool tool for tuning up a PC.

SoftwareLifeTips.com

http://software.lifetips.com/

Provides tips for using several software applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, Word, Outlook, and Windows. Site enables users to submit questions to online "gurus" to have those questions answered.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020