In the News:
We've upgraded our virus and spam protection!
We've upgraded our virus and spam protection!
SmartGuard is CoreComm's latest technology in e-mail virus filtering! SmartGuard protects your computer from more harmful viruses than CoreComm Defender and monitors all major virus detection services, automatically updating the virus filters so you don't have to.
The new and improved CoreComm SpamCatcher protects your inbox from the annoying spam e-mail we're all too familiar with. Each incoming message is examined by an advanced set of rules that determines whether or not the message is likely to be spam and then filters the message accordingly. As an added bonus, the upgraded version will start with a training mode, in which it will learn to more effectively scan your e-mail!
Technical Topic:
Increasing Your Computers Performance
Modern computing is advancing at a rapid pace. Often it seems that we must invest a significant amount of money just to keep up-to-date with the minimum requirements of new software releases. While the individual costs of more RAM, a new hard drive, or a processor upgrade may not be large, cumulative costs of upgrading can add up quickly. In this article we will discuss some methods to increase your computer's performance without digging into your pocketbook.
Here are some basic tips for Windows users:
Clean up the hard disk by uninstalling programs that are no longer used.
One of the easiest ways to increase performance is to uninstall any unused programs. The "Add/Remove Programs" tool in your Windows Control Panel will show you what programs are currently installed on your PC. Just look for any programs that are no longer being used and click the "Remove" button to uninstall them. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 3 megabytes of free disk space for each megabyte of RAM. Please note; if you are unsure about what a particular entry in the "Add/Remove Programs" tool refers to, it is best to leave it alone.
Defrag Disk Drives
Another tool that you can use on a Windows machine to increase performance is to use the "Disk Defragmenter". Defragging can free up space on your disk drive and reduce the time it takes for your computer to find files on your hard drive. In most versions of Windows, the disk defragmenter can be found at Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmenter.
Remove unneeded programs from start-up.
Programs that are loaded on start-up can consume resources that could otherwise be used by other applications. Limiting the number of programs which load on start-up will free up these resources and improve your computer's performance. You can see which programs are loaded by going into c:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp\. Usually deleting the shortcut from your startup folder will prevent the program from automatically loading when Windows starts.
If you are running Windows 98, 98SE, ME, or XP, another way to disable programs that load on start-up is to run "msconfig". To run this program, click Start -> Run and type msconfig and click "OK". When the system configuration utility comes up, click the "startup" tab at the top. You can manually turn off programs using msconfig. WARNING: Certain entries in the msconfig startup tab are required for Windows to operate properly. If there are any doubts about a program in your startup list, it is best not to tamper with it. CoreComm is not responsible for any problems that occur as a result of using msconfig.
Update drivers
Having incorrect or out-of date drivers for your hardware can drastically impair PC performance. It is a good idea to check for driver updates regularly, especially video and modem drivers. The best source of drivers is usually the hardware manufacturer's website. However, in cases where the manufacturer has been bought out or gone out of business, a "Yahoo!" or "Google" search for drivers may be required.
Featured Freeware:
The Wiki
This month we introduce two large informational websites; WikiPedia and the Wiktionary. "Wiki" is derived from the term "WikiWiki", which is Hawaiian for "quickly".
Wiktionary
The Wiktionary is an open content directory that is designed to serve as a free online source for defining words, terms, and abbreviations. This type of dictionary sets itself apart from others with the sheer amount of detail included for each word it defines. Not only does it define the word, but it also provides pronunciations, translations, etymologies (word origins), derived terms, and more! This is a growing resource and is a very powerful tool that can be used again and again.
Wikipedia
The best way to describe the Wikipedia is that it has "almost everything". With over 1.1 million articles, this Wiki-based, free Encyclopedia, covers almost every topic imaginable and continues to grow every day. With coverage, ins, outs, and theories from the hit TV Show "Lost", to detailed information on the Rain Forest, and thorough facts and figures about famous people such as Martin Luther King, Jr., the Wikipedia just about has it all! In addition, if you're an expert on a topic not found in the Wikipedia, you can even contribute to the site and add information to help others that are seeking that particular subject!
Holiday Topic:
Mother's Day - Sunday, May 14th
Still need a gift for your Mom? It's not too late!
For some of us, it's the Friday before Mother's Day, Mom lives somewhere too far to drive, and still no gift. Ouch. It's too late to have something sent, unless you don't mind taking out a second mortgage to cover shipping costs. So it's time to improvise. Thank goodness for the Internet, the lifesaver of the occasional procrastinator and the facilitator of electronic gift certificates. Here are some options:
- Send a personalized e-card from Hallmark, with a Gift Wish Certificate inside. You choose the gift amount - and your recipients choose gift certificates to their favorite places! They'll choose from over 300 merchants, including department stores, restaurants, travel providers - and many more!
- For the Mom that loves the outdoors, Lands' End offers an electronic gift certificate that can be used to shop online, by phone or fax, or at one of the Lands' End Inlets.
- Have her check out The Sharper Image, where with her online certificate in hand, she could nab an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner for all of those earrings and bracelets you should have been occasionally showering on her from past birthdays, holidays, etc.
Other fun Mother's Day links...
- Click here for the history of Mother's Day, including interesting facts, crafts and gift ideas!
- Click here for more history & trivia about Mother's Day
Wishing all mothers a Happy Mother's Day!
Holiday Topic:
Memorial Day - Monday, May 29th
Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. To many people, especially the nation's thousands of combat veterans, this day is an important reminder of those who died with honor in the service of their country.
HistoryChannel.com uncovers the interesting history of the holiday we now call Memorial Day. Discover little-known facts about America's Wars, the history of the day, images of war and remembrance, and stop by the Veterans Forum message boards to share your views with veterans, their loved ones and fellow history buffs.
Featured Freeware:
The Wiki
The 2006 NBA & NHL Playoffs are well underway and the action, as expected, has been as competitive as ever! The regular season has been forgotten; the slate has been wiped clean and records have been thrown out the window. It's now down to the next Best-of-7 game series. Anyone can win... but who has what it takes to call themselves "Champion"?
Memorable moments have already taken place on the hardwood as superstars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have hit game winning shots to elevate their teams to victory keeping the Lakers and Cavaliers alive in their respective opening round series. Playing with the goal to win a 2nd World Championship in 3 years, the Detroit Pistons coasted to victory in Game 5, closing out their 1st Round match up with the Milwaukee Bucks. The win was inspired by the gutsy performance of guard Rip Hamilton, who poured in 40 points, despite an ailing sprained ankle he suffered earlier in the series.
On the ice, we've seen a few early surprises in the Western Conference as the #7 seeded Colorado Avalanche upset the #2 seeded Dallas Stars in 5 games to advance to the 2nd Round. Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, comes from the early and unimpressive elimination of the NHL's #1 overall seed, Detroit Red Wings. The Wings played brilliantly all season, but the results of this 1st round match-up with the #8 seed Edmonton Oilers further proves the point that once the postseason begins, regular season performances mean very little.
It's been an exciting first few weeks of action, but there is plenty more where that came from! Get scores, highlights, stats and news at NBA.com and NHL.com. You can also catch all the action live on ABC, NBC, ESPN and TNT! Check your local listings for times and dates.
Holiday Topic:
Father's Day - Sunday, June 18th
While the mothers have this month, we can't forget to express our gratitude to the fathers in our lives next month.
With access to the CoreComm Shopping Mall on our Members Page, appreciating your father has never been so easy! Visit the mall at your convenience (but we advise before June 18th) to browse online, for all types of different products and services your fathers may be interested in, including:
- New Summer Clothes from Old Navy, The Gap and Eddie Bauer.
- New clubs to improve those weekend trips to the course from Gigagolf.
- Items for the office from Office Depot or Dell Computers.
- Something unique from The Sharper Image or Hammacher Schlemmer.
- Plus much, much more!
The wide variety of stores available in the CoreComm Shopping Mall will give you all the options you need to pick out the perfect gift!
Other fun Father's Day links:
- Click here for the history of Father's Day, including interesting facts, crafts and gift ideas!
- Click here and interesting facts and quotes.
Wishing all fathers a Happy Father's Day!
CoreComm and the CoreComm logo are trademarks of CoreComm Internet Services, Inc. ©2006 CoreComm Internet Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
Please note: CoreComm does not provide technical support for Featured Freeware applications.
