DOS/PC/Windows

Resources in this category:

Annoyances.org
http://www.annoyances.org/

"This page contains a list of annoying 'features' of various Windows operating systems, and workarounds for most of them. This is meant as a forum for intermediate to advanced users who seek answers to annoying questions or have helpful tips they wish to share with others. Although criticism isn't practiced simply for the sake of criticism, bad design is always recognized a such. Those seeking an unbiased or politically correct resource should look elsewhere. This is also not a technical support line, nor is it an ad for Microsoft or any of their products. " Browse by flavor of Windows or search.

CNET Download.com
http://www.download.com/

CNET Download.com and ZDNet Downloads are libraries of over 30,000 free and free-to-try software programs for Windows, Macintosh, and Handheld devices. Our staff evaluates and categorizes these programs to help you decide if a program is suitable for you and your system.

comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* FAQ
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/pc-hardware-faq/part1/

"This FAQ covers Frequently Asked Questions from all groups in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* hierarchy. Software topics are only included if they are directly related to hardware or hardware interfacing.

Dave's Guide to Buying a Home Computer
http://www.css.msu.edu/pc-guide.html

This site covers the steps to purchasing a PC computer. There is a guide to help you when looking for a new or used computer, setting up or upgrading, or trouble shooting. The author discusses things you need to be aware of before you decide to purchase a computer, whethew new or used. He also gives a detailed discussion of components and information on OS and software considerations.

forWindows.com
http://www.forwindows.com/

"forWindows.com was launched to replace the outdated site Paperbits Support Center for Windows NT founded in 1996. The goal of this site is to offer you help and support on the Microsoft Windows operating systems. We want to make this site a one-stop for you to locate and to manage device drivers, downloads, and technical support information. Our more ambitious goal would be to turn this site into your personalized portal for help and support on the Microsoft Windows platforms."

Geo's Windows NT Tips
http://www.nthelp.com/

An excellent page of Windows tips for all versions of Windows. Compiled by the Compuserve co-sysop. Also contains useful links to other training material.

Gurzki's Windows NT Guide
http://www.gurzki.de/winnt/index.html

"This document offers manufacturer independent information on the Windows NT Operating System and related topics." Site includes information on "operating system basics", "system architecture", "networking", and a news section. A useful site , suffers a bit from infrequent updating.

The Hand-Me-Down PC
http://www.daileyint.com/hmdpc/handtoc.htm

Full text of a 1998 book aimed at the layperson. Covers upgrading, purchasing, and troubleshooting personal computers.

An Illustrated Guide to Building the New PCs
http://www.daileyint.com/build/

"Online version of the published McGraw-Hill book "Build Your Own PC" includes over 50 step-by-step assembly photographs for new ATX systems (PII, Celeron, AMD) and the AT to ATX transition guide - Catching up with the New Technology."

Microsoft -- Support and Services
http://support.microsoft.com/

"Use Support Online to access Microsoft Technical Support's entire collection of problem-solving tools and technical information, including the Knowledge Base,Troubleshooting Wizards, and downloads." This is the same searchable database used by Microsoft support technicians to answer most questions.

Microsoft Developer Network
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx

The official Microsoft resource for software developers working with Microsoft's operating systems and other related computer and Internet technogies. There are also other MSDN sites for a number of countries in various languages.

Motherboard HomeWorld
http://www.motherboards.org/

This is a good resource to find information on replacing and upgrading your motherboard. The author provides a section for newbies that gives detailed information about motherboards and where to start. There is a list of manufacturers and vendors to get information on purchasing or asking about your particular piece. There is also an article on chips and chipsets, and the author walks you through building your own PC. There is an FAQ and a search engine for the site.

Office 2000 Tutorials
http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/

Florida Gulf Coast University's free online tutorials for Windows 2000 includes Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, and Front Page.

The PC Guide
http://www.pcguide.com/index.htm

The author wanted to build a site that would focus on the PC user rather than the PC designer. The site includes: "High-level descriptions of how a computer works; Comprehensive technical information on the functioning of every part of a modern PC; Detailed information on system care, protecting your system from viruses, and backups; Both general and specific information on troubleshooting and repairing PCs; System optimization information that can help you easily get more from your existing machine; References to many other hardware and software web pages." There is also an FAQ and a search engine.

PC Lube and Tune
http://pclt.cis.yale.edu/pclt/default.htm

"The PCLT objective is to supply usable introductions, tutorials, and education on technical subjects to the large audience of computer users. The method is to supply system independent hypertext files through the Internet and World Wide Web."

PC Show and Tell
http://www.pcshowandtell.com/

Online software help. "PC Show and Tell is a FREE Internet library with more than 10,000 voice-enabled tutorials. These step-by-step shows help you maximize the use of your software. Now you can see and hear the answer to your 'how-to' questions! Our library includes 70 top software titles and websites including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, ICQ, AOL and many more."

Resources for Network Administrators, Windows NT and More
http://www.netadmintools.com/

An excellent site for NT administrators. Contains tips, tricks, resources, tools and a reference section. "This is the place to find help on NT Administration Tools, Microsoft Windows NT Administration, NT Servers, NT Workstations WINS, DNS, CACLS, NTFS,MCSE, backup,remote control, steelhead, PPTP, security, NTHQ, hardware configuration, software, RAS,PPP,NET,global,group, groups,local, trusts,domain,ImagePath, Type,ObjectName,Atart,registry settings, Tag, services, subke entries,ErrorControl,DependOnGroup,DependOnService,controller,H-Node,Permissions,LMHOSTS and more."

System Optimization
http://www.sysopt.com/

This site gives product evaluations and reviews and provides benchmark comparison lists. There is information about system components such as BIOS, DRAM, and motherboards among other things. There is even a step-by-step tutorial on overclocking, the process of altering the CPU to run at a faster clockspeed. There is also a technological FAQ as well as general information on books, diagnostics, and hardware and software companies.

Troubleshooters.Com
http://www.troubleshooters.com/

Free online service answers questions about Windows operating systems. "Before you make any major decisions regarding the computer problem you are having. Tell us about your problem, maybe we can help. Our service is free, the only requirement to use this system is that you return once you problem is solved, and tell us how you solved it. Remember, we are all volunteers here, and do this because we want to help you while we learn more about computers and the Internet. "

Windows 95 Manual
http://www.windweaver.com/w95man.htm

An online introductory tutorial for Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system.

Windows NT/2000/2003/XP Admin Knowledge Base
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/kbase/WindowsTips/

"NT support site with an extensive NT Registry Index, Tips for NT Users, Tips for NT Administrators, and book recommendations relevant to NT."

WINSTUFF - Resources Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP and ISDN
http://www.winstuff.de/

"WinStuff has a new design. Take a look. There will be more Registry Tips, better Software areas, special areas for the new Win98, Win95, sound-creating, ISDN, Win NT 4.0 and 5.0, Web server development etc... " An excellent site, information is also available in German (the author's native language).

ZDNet: Tech News and White Papers for IT Professionals
http://www.zdnet.com/

Online magazine by CNET. Site includes glossary, software, searchable archives as well as feature articles.