A loaf of
bread, a jug of wine, and -
-=+ NOISES FROM THE
BASEMENT +=-
Vol. 2, Issue
9
May 16, 2001
ISSN 1531-5258
1) Windows Tips - "MSCONFIG, Part I"
2) File Find! - "Behind The Asterisk"
3) Sites-Seeing - "Stones\LiteBrite"
4) Email Funny - "Swift Retribution"
5) MOUS Tips - "Another Column Quick-Fill"
6) They Said It - quotes to give one pause
7) Hodgepodge - that what fits no where else
~ ~ ~
An enthusiastic welcome back to current readers,
a hearty hello to new subscribers, -and-
AOL users - see the newsletter end for your
links!
_____________________________________________________
1) Windows Tips - "MSCONFIG, Part I"
We've examined the Windows startup files over the past few
weeks. This week, let's take a look at a program provided
with Windows that you can use to troubleshoot your Windows
configuration problems. You'll also use the same program to
backup those critical startup files before making any changes.
Microsoft's System Configuration Utility is used to diagnose
Windows 98 configuration problems. You can modify the
configuration with simple check boxes. Through a process
of elimination, the System Configuration Utility can be used
to find exactly what program or combination of programs is
causing a problem.
We'll start by using the System Configuration Utility to
create a backup copy of your system files before we start
making changes. To start using this tool, select Start | Run,
then key "MSCONFIG" -without the quotes -and click OK.
Click the General tab, then click the Create Backup button.
It's that simple!
More MSCONFIG next week, including how to selectively load
your Startup Files.
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-=++=-
2) File Find! - "Behind The Asterisk" [44
Kb/EXE]
If your PC has password-protected applications you use
on a daily basis, you may have chosen an option that
saves the password on your hard drive. It is then
automatically completed whenever the program is run,
with asterisks in place of the typed characters.
While a nice convenience, if over time you forget your
password, those asterisks can be mighty frustrating as
they taunt you with their hidden secrets.
Here's a simple utility with only one purpose in life - to
reveal what's typed in password fields (ones where only
asterisks or the like symbols are shown). If you're stymied
by a forgotten password on the other side of an asterisk,
or just want to see typed text when you're entering new
passwords, download this tool today:
http://www.basementnoises.com/free4u/dl95.htm
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-=++=-
3) Sites-Seeing - "Stones\LiteBrite"
Stones - mankind has used them since primeval times to
communicate a message to the generations that follow.
Stone circles, stone rows, dolmens (prehistoric megaliths
typically having two upright stones and a capstone) and
barrows (stone caps place on prehistoric tombs) - all have
been used to transmit meanings over the ages, to transcend
man's mortality.
Our first site provides photos and histories for over 400
archeological sites in England, Italy, Ireland, Wales, France
and Scotland. All have stones as their primary construction
material. While an observer can occasionally interpret the
intended messages of the creators of these monuments, more
often one is left to stare in wonder at the gigantic multi-ton
slabs of stone and wonder how, and why, they were formed:
http://www.stonepages.com
~ ~ ~
On the Lite-R side, how about spending a little bit of time
with a virtual LiteBrite? This online version of a personal
childhood favorite is better than the original, with an
unlimited supply of pins for every color, and no lost pieces
to step on in the middle of the night!:
http://www.sfpg.com/animation/liteBrite.html
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-=++=-
4) Email Funny - "Swift Retribution" [310 Kb/AVI]
Wedding videos provide lasting memories. Sometimes, they
also provide evidence. Check out this week's video Email
Funny as one practical joker gets his due - or does he?
http://www.basementnoises.com/free4u/dl93.htm
-=++=- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ + ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
-=++=-
5) MOUS Tips - "Another Column Quick-Fill"
Here's a tip to quickly copy a formula down a column, when
you have two or more columns of data and you want to place
a formula in the next column and copy it down for every row,
for example:
| 2 | 3 | =sum(A1:B1)
| 7 | 5
| "
| 6 | 9
| "
| 3 | 8
| "
Enter your formula for the first row, then select the formula
cell and double-click its Autofill handle (black square in
lower right corner). Excel will copy the formula down the
column as far as needed.
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-=++=-
6) They Said It
"I love deadlines - I love the whooshing sound they make
as they go by." - Douglas Adams
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-=++=-
7) Hodgepodge
If the names Ford Prefect, Zaphrod Beeblebrox, Arthur Dent,
and Marvin the Robot mean something to you, then you'll want
to pause with me to mark the passing of writer Douglas Adams,
author of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series of novels.
Mr. Adams died suddenly of a heart attack on May 11, 2001,
at the age of 49.
Whether you were first introduced to the H2G2 through his
highly successful radio series; or through the books and
television series that followed; I'm sure you'll agree that
Mr. Adam's take on Life, the Universe, and Everything was
truly unique. If you've never experienced Mr. Adam's Universe,
then you owe yourself a visit to the library for a read
guaranteed to be unlike any you've ever had!
Let's raise our Pangalactic Gargle Blasters in a final toast -
"Pack your towel, don't panic!, and thanks for all the fish!"
~ ~ ~
Want to know what happened to those 99 bottles of beer that
WERE on the wall? See this week's Photo Funny! Then - name
a heroic furry animal - that's right, the gerbil! Read about it in
this week's Bizarro feature, at:
http://www.BasementNoises.com
G'nite, and thanks for reading!
=====================================================
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of Noises? Send your criticisms and/or compliments to:
mailto:noises@BasementNoises.com
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=====================================================
My standard "Your Mileage May Vary" Caveat:
NFTB does not assume responsibility for your use of
information given. Tips are tested on a machine with
Windows 98 and Office 2000 Professional installed.
As I am firmly convinced that all systems are unique little
creatures in and of themselves, any given tip or suggestion
might just not be available to you. Why? Murphy Rules!
All advice should be weighed against your own abilities
and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up
to you, the reader, to determine if advice is safe and
suitable for your current situation.
Any product or brand names mentioned in this ezine
and associated website are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
NOISES FROM THE BASEMENT is a BTB Management Services
publication e-published every Wednesday and always
delivered directly to your e-porch, rain or shine!
Noises From The Basement
ISSN: 1531-5258 - Library Of Congress, Washington D.C., USA
Copyright (c) 2001, Dave Gretz
All Rights Reserved.
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