What’s New at Linda’s Computer Stop

The biggest addition to my website this month is SIDE BY SIDE PUBLICATIONS.  I've partnered up with Vic Ferri and we've produced a series of EBooks.  You all know I've been teaching online classes at Eclectic Academy.  Well, Vic took all my class lessons and compiled them into easy-to-use eBooks in .exe format.  Just download them and double click to start learning.  No need to wait six weeks to get all six lessons anymore.  Now you can have them all at once and walkthrough the step-by-step instructions at your own pace.  Want to learn Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, or Word?  These eBooks are the answer for you!!

Go here to see full outlines of what's included in each.  If you like what you see, you can use PayPal to order them and have them on your desktop in no time!

http://personal-computer-tutor.com/library.htm

And, stay tuned for new books from Side by Side Publications.  I'm trying my best to convince Vic to compile some of those great Windows and Registry tips of his!

(Of course, if you prefer the one-on-one attention you get when you are part of a class, I am still teaching the classes at Eclectic Academy and welcome you to join the next set of courses which begin on May 5th.)

Another new feature at my website is a signup page for those of you who have written computer articles and need a way to get them out there to the public.  Go here and let me know what you have and I will try to include it in either this newsletter or on my website, with full credit for you and your website.

http://personal-computer-tutor.com/jobs.htm

I really need writers for these topics:

Web Design
Graphics
Multimedia
Gaming
PowerPoint
Desktop Publishing (Quark, Pagemaker, & Publisher)

but if what you know best is not on this list, don't let that stop you.  I'm sure I can use whatever you have to offer.

That's about all I've had time to add this month.  I hope you continue to visit my site and let me know if there's anything special you would like to see me add.

Linda

Linda Johnson is a college instructor of all of the Microsoft Office Programs, as well as Adobe PhotoShop and Windows. She also teaches online distance learning classes in Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word at Eclectic Academy. She has worked helpdesk and teaches and lectures at many local businesses and tech schools in her area. Support this newsletter by checking out Linda's eBooks, MS Word MAGIC!, Book I: Fonts, Fun & Formats and Book II: Table Wizardry, How To Get Started As a Software Trainer, and her newest series of MSOffice eBook Tutorials and CD

Subscribers' Exclusive Tip of the Month:

Firewalls

by Fred Arshoff

FIREWALLS, first of all, are not made out of wood, but are actually a software security program that protects your computer from being broken into by anyone.

When you’re using a FIREWALL, you will get notified if someone is trying to get into your computer, or if your computer is trying to “phone home” because of some spyware you downloaded.

There are commercial FIREWALLS available, some shareware ones that you can try before you purchase them, and some very good free ones. Before purchasing any, look at the features each contains and make sure it meets your needs. Also, some may be too advanced for newer computer users.

I would like to quote two people here who are more knowledgeable in firewalls than me. Here are their feelings about firewalls.

This is from Dennis Donahue, a system administrator:
“For a dialup connection, I recommend using a software solution called BlackIce Defender or my favorite, Zone Alarm. For DSL or cable connections, use a device like the Linksys Cable/DSL Router. It’s a dream and gives complete protection for up to 5 computers on a switched 100 Switch/Router.”

This is from Glenn Williams, a security specialist for the Canadian Military:
“If you keep your anti-virus software up to date, you will be protected against Trojans/virus/worms. If, by chance, you are using a cable connection and modem, I highly recommend a firewall to protect your own machine from the outside. The problem is, with broadband 24/7 connections, there are usually at least a dozen machines trying to connect to your home-based machine on a daily basis. The only protection for this is a firewall. There are many out there. Some are Intrusion Detection Systems and some are firewalls. I will say, if you’re planning to conduct business or spend personal time on the Internet, a firewall is your first stage of protection.”

Links to download free firewalls:

Zone Alarm

Kerio (formerly Tiny Personal Firewall)

Sygate

Outpost