Published in InfoAlert.

Most computer users become comfortable with certain features in whatever version of Windows they're using, and they don't realize that many other outstanding and helpful features even exist.

Let's see what handy resources we can find that will offer tips and advice on how to better utilize Windows.

One of my favorite websites for valuable Windows information is Another Win95.com. You can click on categories such as Windows 95, Windows 98, Newsgroups, etc., to reach a multitude of resources. A tip from the site: It's a good practice to run Scandisk and the Disk Defragmenter after a serious crash of any kind, as well as on a regular basis (such as at the end of the week). Additionally, running the Disk Defragmenter will improve disk performance under many circumstances.

Windows 98 is scheduled to be released this summer. If you're interested in the differences between 95 and 98, be sure to click on the Windows 98 section of Another Win95.com. An interesting new feature of Win98 is Windows Tune Up, which consists of the Disk Defragmenter and Scandisk, as well as a new program, Disk Cleanup. Disk Cleanup searches your disks for files that can be deleted, such as leftover installation files, temporary files, and your Internet cache directory.

More information on Windows 98 can be found at the Windows 98 Megasite: Windows 98 Tips, Win98 Info, Win98 News. Subscribe to a free Win98 listserv where you can get the latest news on the new operating system. Or, post messages on their bulletin board at the site. Click on Inside Win98 for information on the system's user interface, performance, new applets, and more. Did you know that with Win98, it takes less time to start up and shut down the system?

Another excellent site for Windows tips is Win95 Tips and Tricks, offered by Win95 Magazine. You'll find tips for beginners, advanced or expert users, or even tips for using Netscape, Eudora, and more. By clicking on one of the categories, you're given a random tip. Here's a helpful tip in the beginner section: You can switch mouse buttons if you are left-handed. Just double-click the Mouse icon in the Control Panel. From the advanced section, here's a tip: Would you like to check your system settings? Under the Control Panel, in System/Devices, you can print either a detailed or summary report of your system settings.

Get the most out of Windows 95 by visiting Windows 95 Tips. Categories include shortcuts and time savers, registry edits, internet configuration, and customizing Windows 95. Here's a helpful tip: To restart windows without rebooting the computer, go to the shutdown menu and choose restart the computer. When you click OK, hold down the shift key.

An article about tips for Windows wouldn't be complete without mentioning the Microsoft Corporation Home Page. Are you interested in the Year 2000 compliance status of Microsoft products? Or, are you having problems networking your PCs? You'll find this information, plus much more, at the site. You'll also find free downloads, a product catalog, and technical support. Under technical support, you can search for assistance with Win 3.x, Win 95, Win 98 beta, Windows for Workgroups, or Windows NT. If you need the latest Windows drivers, you can download them from the Microsoft site.

The All Windows Information Page provides information on system requirements and installation, bug fixes, updates, enhancements and add-ons, utilities for system maintenance, and more for Win 3.x, Win95, and Win NT. Under each category, you'll find tips and tricks, freebies, resources, articles, and more.

How about 101 Tips for Windows 95, NT, and 3.x? This site offers topics such as Find Windows 95's Hidden Treasures or Seven Better Ways to Do Windows 95.

If you enjoy participating in e-mail lists, Liszt, the Mailing List Directory, offers lists for Win95, Win NT, or a Windows Device Driver Development list. Simply click on Computers on the main screen, then scroll down to Windows. Liszt also offers two mailing lists for Macintosh users. For information on Windows-related newsgroups, scroll down to the bottom of the main screen and click on Newsgroups. From there, you can run a search, or you can click on the "comp" category for a listing of computer newsgroups.

Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at robinnobles@robinsnest.com.

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