VITALink
- They threatened not to answer our telephones any more if we didn't list
them first. VITALink not only provides the tech support for QCOL but offers
excellent prices on just about any type of computer equipment available. In
fact, they ship their products to customers all over the US. They have been
in business since 1991 and have the experience to tackle just about any size
computer related problem.
Price Watch
- If you're looking for new computer hardware, you'll definitely want to check out this
price search engine. It will allow you to choose what you're interested in getting prices
on, and then list prices from vendors all over the 'net on that item, from lowest to
highest.
Tom's
Hardware Guide - This site, a mecca for computer geeks worldwide, has every ounce
of information you need to know about the insides of your PC, and how to get the most of
them. Very interesting reading, even for the non-technical, as he explains much of the
technical stuff he discusses in understandable terms.
Microsoft Windows (95/98/NT)
Windows has been a household word for a long time. Of course, increasingly, it's becoming
more commonly used in reference to the ubiquitous Microsoft OS than in reference to those
thin panes of glass in everyone's walls. :) I don't think any further description is
necessary here.
Microsoft - Oh, come on.... you know who
they are. If you don't have at least one piece of software from these guys on your
computer, you amaze me. :)
WinFiles.com - WinFiles.com is a great
software resource. They index loads of Windows 95/98 and NT shareware and freeware, with
easy download links and detailed descriptions. Updated daily.
TUCOWS.com - TUCOWS: The Ultimate Collection
Of Winsock Software. Well, maybe not the ultimate, but it's pretty good. :)
MS Windows Annoyances - This page
provides tips about and workarounds for many of Windows 98's design flaws and
inconveniences. Ideal for those times when Windows decides to make a nuisance of itself.
:)
Apple Macintosh (MacOS)
The MacOS is one of the few operating systems available for the Apple Macintosh, and the
one most everyone thinks of when they think of Macintosh. Think of an OS that's
preinstalled on every Macintosh the way Windows is on PCs, and you'll get the idea. With
the acquisition of NeXT by Apple, they are in position to drastically change the way the
MacOS looks in years to come.
OS/2
OS/2 is IBM's entry into the operating system wars, and it's no newcomer to the scene.
Currently at version 4.0 Warp, it's stable, efficient, and can even run your old Windows
3.1 software. Unfortunately, IBM has all but ceased further development on it, and is no
longer actively marketing OS/2 to end users, targetting the corporate sector instead.
The OS/2 Supersite - A huge OS/2 site, with
news, files, and links. Very easy to navigate.
BeOS
The BeOS is a relatively new operating system, available for both PowerPC and Intel
processors. Unfortunately, Apple has closed the doors to future development of the BeOS on
its platform by refusing to provide specifications on its latest G3 processors. For this
reason, BeOS will be mostly Intel-centric in the future. It's a fast, stable OS that was
designed from the ground up to be a "Media OS," supporting multiple processors,
pervasive multithreading, and a lot of other nifty buzz-words. :)
Be, Inc. - Founded in 1990, this is the company
that created the BeOS. They update their page daily with new Frequently Asked Questions
and other info on their OS.
Linux
Linux is a powerful UNIX work-alike. While not for beginners, it provides stability and
speed on even low-end hardware. Best of all, it's free! Linux is packaged into what are
known as "distributions," the core of the operating system as well as other
useful programs. If you want technical support, you can receive free support via
newsgroups, or opt to purchase a distribution from one of the several Linux vendors who
offer tech support. Linux provides both command-line and graphical interfaces.
Linux Online
- An excellent source of information on Linux. Includes information on how to get Linux,
and how to use it once you've gotten it installed.
Freshmeat
- A site that tracks the latest software available for Linux and other versions of UNIX.
