But now, you can use your personal computer to transfer precious tapes in your home collection to a format which is compatible with many DVD players.

Unusual Bat Up for Bids
Jul 25, 2001 , 05:35 PM

The bat has a peculiar curve to it, but that didn't seem to have much of an impact on the lefty slugger's hitting.

Use Your Home PC for Home Surveillance
Jul 25, 2001 , 05:31 PM
If you're headed off on a summer vacation, did you know your personal computer can actually help you keep an eye on things back home while you are away?

Many computer users already have a camera attached to their PCs. Now a Web site called Camarades.com helps you use it for away-from-home surveillance.

Just set up their WebCam software on your home computer before you go away.

Video Rewind Takes You Back
Jul 18, 2001 , 04:36 PM
A couple of months ago, when I was doing some research in connection with Computer Corner's eighth anniversary, it hit me like a lightning bolt: we've got a lot of videotape here at Channel 8.

Now we're starting to put some of that library online for you to see in the new Video Rewind section of the WFAA.com Web site.

Juno, NetZero Join Forces
Jul 18, 2001 , 04:33 PM
NetZero -- which once billed itself as "defender of the free universe" -- is merging with Juno, a combination which will result in the second-largest Internet access company after America Online.

The new firm is called United Online.

The NetZero brand will become the company's free service, while Juno takes over as United Online's "premium" service (the one with the paying customers).

It's easy to use and has a very distinctive vertical design, but as far as features go, this is pretty basic.

Browse the Web With Opera - Jul 03, 2001 , 04:12 PM
Chances are you use either Internet Explorer or Netscape software on your computer to browse the World Wide Web -- but did you know there is another good choice?

Some talented Norwegian programmers created the Opera Web browser in 1994. Let's take a look at the latest incarnation: Opera 5.01 for Windows.

A Wireless Link for Home PCs - Jul 03, 2001 , 04:11 PM
If you're looking for a wireless way to share your Internet connection around the house take a look at the Intel AnyPoint Home Network.

Just plug in the most appropriate model -- a USB device for desktop PCs or a PC Card for notebooks -- and install the software.

Portable Devices Highlight PC Expo - Jun 27, 2001 , 05:55 PM
Every year around this time, we pay a virtual visit to New York for a taste of PC Expo -- a showcase for new computer products.

It's interesting to compare the latest digital devices with what was hot in 1997. Just four years ago, we were ooh-ing and aah-ing at Sony's new Vaio notebook computer.

But it looks like a whale compared to the latest models, like one from Toshiba which PC Expo's Ed Curran showed us this morning.

Surfers Squawk About Web Ads - Jun 27, 2001 , 05:53 PM
I've been getting a lot of e-mail in the past week complaining about a new kind of Web-based ad.

Here's how it works: while visiting a favorite Web site, the "pop-under" message sneaks up underneath the window you are currently using.

When you close that window later on, a commercial message is staring you in the face -- and many users don't understand how it got there.

Sony Plans Digital Entertainment Options - Jun 20, 2001 , 03:32 PM
If you don't have one already, you probably know someone with a high-speed DSL or cable modem connection to the World Wide Web.

It's still unclear what impact this will eventually have on the world of entertainment, but Sony wants to be in on it.

Map Your Vacation Route Online - Jun 20, 2001 , 03:30 PM
I love maps, but the traditional road map is admittedly not the handiest way to plot your vacation route while behind the wheel.

That's why you will want to take advantage of the growing number of online map services (but don't toss that "old fashioned" map just yet!).

Millionaire Game Adds Features - Jun 13, 2001 , 10:26 AM
Perhaps you've heard by now: ABC is cutting back on the number of episodes of Who Wants to be a Millionaire this fall.

But if you've got a Windows or Macintosh computer, don't worry; you'll be able to invite Reeg into your home as often as you wish as long as you have a copy of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire 3rd Edition."

Printing... Made Easy - Jun 13, 2001 , 10:25 AM
The people you probably know best for Scotch Tape and Post-it Notes have introduced a new lineup of products designed to help you get the most out of your computer and printer.

Printscape by 3M gives novice Gutenbergs the the ability to turn out impressive, professional-quality cards, bags and even mouse pads.

CD Labels for Changing Times - Jun 06, 2001 , 05:16 PM
If you've started burning your own CD-ROM discs, it's often difficult to know what's on them. That's why you almost have to have some sort of labeling system.

You can use a permanent marker, but as the name implies, it's permanent -- and not particularly professional-looking.

Napster Moves Toward Pay Service - Jun 06, 2001 , 05:15 PM
Will Madonna be Napster's salvation?

The pop diva's music will soon return to a new, subscription-based Napster service.

Other artists on board for the new digital delivery offering include Christina Aguilera, Matchbox 20, Eric Clapton and Everclear.

Four Big Names Dominate Online Time - Jun 06, 2001 , 05:12 PM
Where do you spend your time online?

According to a survey by Jupiter Media Metrix, just four Internet companies are occupying more than half of your screen time.

MSN Challenges AOL Price Hike - May 30, 2001 , 03:30 PM
Last week, we told you how the price of going online is going up -- at least if you use America Online, which plans to pump up it's monthly access fee to about $24.

As you might expect, this gives others an opening.

New Games, New Game Consoles - May 30, 2001 , 03:25 PM
What's new in the world of computer games?

Visitors to this month's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles got a sneak peek at the latest titles, plus what's shaping up as a hardware battle of industry titans.

Can AOL's Price Hike Stick? - May 23, 2001 , 04:35 PM
You may have heard the news: America Online is going to raise its rate for unlimited service about nine percent this summer to $23.90 a month.

As WFAA-TV business analyst David Johnson noted, AOL's move could signal the end of a long and often painful shakeout of online services.

But it could also prompt thousands of longtime AOL customers to reevaluate their Internet needs.

Microsoft Sets Office XP Launch - May 23, 2001 , 03:58 PM
Microsoft is ready to roll with its latest version of Office -- the all-purpose software which includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software and e-mail client.

Office XP, priced starting about $210 for an upgrade (after rebate), has a bunch of new features, including "smart tags" which let you grab information off the Internet and maintain a live link to it in a spreadsheet.

New Macs Loaded With OS X - May 23, 2001 , 03:56 PM
If you're buying a new Macintosh computer, you may be surprised to find it loaded with the new OS X operating system.

That's about two months sooner than Apple had originally announced it would be shipping Macs with OS X.

Apple Stores to Showcase Products - May 18, 2001 , 03:54 PM
Apple Computer -- which, while it makes superior products, admits to reaching only about 5 percent of the computer universe -- is shifting its marketing strategies again.

This weekend, the company will open the first two of its own Apple stores, where trained employees will demonstrate Mac technology and where customers can belly up to the "Genius Bar" for answers to the toughest questions.

Companies Pay for "Free" Web Access - May 16, 2001 , 02:43 PM
Remember when you could get an Internet connection for free?

The Federal Trade Commission has been looking into some of those offers.

AMD Processors Provide Intel Alternative - May 16, 2001 , 02:43 PM
The sophisticated chips which power today's modern computers are most definitely getting cheaper.

This week, AMD unveiled new Athlon and Duron mobile processors designed to compete favorably with rival Pentium chips from Intel in both performance and price.

Coming Soon: .biz and .info - May 16, 2001 , 02:43 PM
If you are thinking about creating a new dot-com Web site, you'll soon have a couple of new naming options.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) said yesterday final arrangements have been made to register .biz and .info Web sites.

Bush Urges Ban on Internet Taxes - May 09, 2001 , 04:44 PM
There's a bit of good news for those of us who go shopping on the World Wide Web.

President Bush this week called for a permanent ban on Internet access taxes. "We need to understand how powerful the Internet can be to commerce and growth," Bush said.

Microsoft Sets Windows XP Launch Date - May 09, 2001 , 04:42 PM
October 25.

That's the date Microsoft has just set for release of its new Windows XP operating system, which Bill Gates says is most important release for computer users since Windows 95.

And if you thought there was a lot of hype back in 1995, just wait until October.

Online Research -- For a Price - May 09, 2001 , 04:40 PM
All right, college students -- pay attention.

Those late nights at the campus library could be a thing of the past if you are willing to pay for access to Questia.com, a new online research service.

"This is really the only place you can go on the Internet and get the full text of a book and interact with it," explained Questia founder, director, president and CEO Troy Williams.

"Tropico": Do-it-Yourself Dictator - May 03, 2001 , 04:35 PM
Have you ever dreamed about being a dictator on a tropical island?

Unlimited power is at your disposal, but lurking around every corner are political, social and economic challenges.

Welcome to Tropico -- a computer strategy game which blends all of those elements in a delightful and intriguing way.

Survey Details Internet Growth - May 03, 2001 , 04:31 PM
The same people who bring us TV ratings are now in the Internet game, and even though Internet-related businesses have been having a problem or two, there is no question that the World Wide Web is growing.

Nielsen's eRatings.com estimates there are now 211 million active Internet users around the world in March -- up 4 percent from the previous month.

Nielsen also found Web surfers are hanging out online longer.

Computer Corner: 1994 Retrospective - Apr 25, 2001 , 05:23 PM
The year 1994 will be remembered as a time when the Internet was just starting to become a household word.

Computer Corner introduced its viewers to the World Wide Web in March of that year by profiling a company which was one of the first Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in North Texas -- OnRamp Technologies.

From a modest office space at the Dallas Infomart, OnRamp founder Jeff Smith demonstrated some early Web sites, including an online tour of Vatican art treasures.

Intel Slashes Pentium 4 Prices - Apr 25, 2001 , 05:20 PM
If you've been itching for a fast new computer, hang on to your checkbook.

This week, Intel announced its fastest Pentium 4 processor -- 1.7 gigahertz -- while also slashing the price to about $350 -- about half what much slower chips cost just a few months ago.

Boeing Targets Airborne Surfers - Apr 25, 2001 , 05:20 PM
North Texas is all abuzz with Boeing talk, but the company isn't just building airplanes anymore.

One of Boeing's newest ventures is something called Connexion, which promises air travelers a way to link to the Internet at 30,000 feet.

Mavs Go Live on the Internet - Apr 18, 2001 , 04:44 PM
The Dallas Mavericks made Internet history Friday night when their exciting 101-97 win against the Sacramento Kings was broadcast around the world live on the Internet.

While audio versions of professional sporting events have become standard fare on the World Wide Web, the Kings-Mavericks contest was the NBA's first attempt at adding pictures to the sound. The NBA claims it is also the first professional sports league to offer live video.

New Notebook is Desktop Replacement - Apr 11, 2001 , 04:55 PM
I have made it clear time and again that while those tiny, pocket-sized organizers are just fine for many people, give me a computer with a real keyboard and a big screen.

The people at Gateway have done just that with their new Solo 9500 notebook model.

Borders, Amazon to Join Forces - Apr 11, 2001 , 04:29 PM
People who love to read probably know about Amazon.com, the number-one online bookseller.

Now Borders -- the nation's number-two bookstore -- is ready to abandon its own online shopping service.