This page is best viewed with Netscape�
Smartville Training Page
A Message From The Mayor
What is Smartville? It's a virtual town dedicated to advancing computer literacy among PC users. Most of our students have practically no computer experience when they first arrive, but soon learn to operate their devices like experts. This virtual learning facility also has a social aspect. Those that enroll are encouraged to look upon fellow students as neighbors. Like in any small community, lasting friendships are sometimes made in class.
The first thing we usually find we have to help people with are problems with illegal action messages, that force them to shut down programs. Does Windows kick you off-line, reboot your machine, and freeze your sceen? If you're tired of waiting for Scan disk to run, because Microsoft wants to spank you for trying to advance your skills, then do something about it! Join our workshop today, we know how to put Windows in it's place, and will teach you some tricks of your own to defend yourself.�
If the things mentioned above never happen to you, you're really in trouble. It means you walk Microsoft's chalk, and will therefore never grow beyond the level of a child in your understanding of computers. Want to know what's behind the problems mentioned? The next time a box pops up, stating that an applications has performed an illegal action, look in the extreme left hand corner and see whose flag is flying. The program that's named didn't generate the message, nor stop itself from running. Windows sent the Internet Explorer out to hunt it down and kill it. Microsoft's menu system is now judge and jury over all applications it runs. This corporation has secretly taken over your PC from the inside. Although we can't stop them completely, we can show you how to slow them down.
Our students/members are taught to get around the tricks Windows uses to stunt their growth. It's already too late to impact the design of Windows 2000, but we are organizing to demand changes in Microsoft's 2002 upgrade. As concerned PC users we want a voice in how the programs we buy from are designed. Did you know that you can't access DOS at all under Windows 2000. If no pressure is applied, their next release may pass shocks through your keyboard if you try to run software from another maker, or try to do anything in another environment. The link on the right is to a FAQ about this page. The second displays the school's charter. The Hot button next to it takes you to our home page, to use the search platform, and access the free software and services page. The musical note bars indicate that your speakers should be turned on to experience a page fully.
The Talking Heads
PCs still have the power to transform the world for the better, but unfortunately greedy, arrogant, corporations stand in the way of these devices achieving this end. Our goal is to foster the computer literacy these unscrupulous pirates have all but stamped out. Making PC users believe it's all right to avoid learning how to control their machines themselves has made the PC industry rich, They deliberately keep their victims weak and defenseless, in a world where mastering these devices is becoming a life and death matter. The truth is that Windows won't let you use your PC as a computer, Do I sound like an alarmist? Maybe it's because I am. It's time to stop playing games. You are in great danger, and it's time somebody told you why.
Hardware makers, software developers, the media, and the talking heads constantly on TV raving about the virtures of Windows programs all omit an important fact about these products. Click on the biggest talking head of them all to read a small part of the computer training manual that you will soon be able to get here. You can take a sneak peek at part of the first chapter. If you want to learn the secret they never reveal, click the icon below this paragraph.�It tells you a little about the origins, and nature of these advanced devices. They haven't changed very much since they were first invented. When you are done, tell me, is this the way your PC is being used?
Lost In The Sauce
The PC industry can be easily made to stop taking advantage of their customers, but only if educated consumers hold its feet to the fire. As it stands now, the only way you can gain full contol of a PC is by partitioning your hard drive, and creating an alternate environment to run another operating system. Releases of Windows newer than 3.1 completely take over your computer, by formatting your entire drive with the Windows operating system, without your permission. Fortunately, the training manual we use for our advanced course shows you how to do this, and teaches you a new programming technique that lets you dodge their forced upgrades. Newer shell releases are extremely dangerous because they fuse windows, the Internet Explorer, their operating system and their browser into a single piece of software that controls every aspect of a PC. This move means they dictate what software you can run, and this new combination menu systems can shut any program down that doesn't fit into Microsoft's master plan.
This may surpise you, but you aren't commanding your device. Microsoft is making decisions for you, and actually issuing the commands that you click on to send to the CPU. The question then becomes, are you truly computer literate, or do you just think your are?
Since the new world we will be speaking about only belongs to those that understand these machines intimately, I'd say any user that doesn't grow beyond Windows is in great danger. It can't make an automated processing device smarter through programming, and it won't let you do it either! The Age of Automation belongs to those with this very basic computer skill. The idea is to program PCs with knowledge, so they can make decisions and calculations that benefit you, or your company. Where does clicking on icons and typing fit into this picture? Don't get left behind.
Relying on Windows has also put corporations in great danger. If you work for a firm of any size, your job is at risk. There is probably a high tech foreign competitor targeting its market at this moment. What are you going to do when they either buy your firm, or drive it out of business? Like your own machine, your employer's computers are little more than toys compared to the automated expert systems being directed against them. Should foreign rivals decide to attack, count on your job going bye-bye. Even the clerks in a modern firm have advanced computer skills. These challengers come to the world market battle field with a full array of deadly business weapons. Those that watch, read, or listen to the news can't help but notice that large corporations around the world are being slowly absorbed by rivals half their size. Now you know how they are able to do this. Although they have less staff, and therefore a smaller payroll, they use computers to get more bang for their buck. Unfortunately, as a worker, you face the same problem on a smaller scale.
Here is a scary, but true statement. There is no place for people without technical skills in the new world order. Those that fall into this category are little more than surplus population. There is already a plan in place to take care of people without the skills to be productive members of this new society being build before our eyes. If you notice what's going on in countries, the emphasis in on building prisons, not on constructing training schools, or new colleges. Can you connect the dots? It's a known fact that starving people will steal, Don't get forced into this trap. Get to know your enemies, and you can make them your friends and allies!
Computers work for electricity, parts, and the salaries of the highly skilled professionals that operate, or interface with them. They run twenty-four hours a day, and can make calculations and logic decisions at millions of times the rate of speed of the human mind. Machines never make mistakes, if programmed correctly. Want to hear more about your rivals advantages? Consider this. They don't form unions, complain, or demand benefits. If this wasn't enough, they have on-site doctors that heal them when they get sick on the job. Who do you think is more attractive to a company fighting for survival against competitors that exploit their power to cut costs to the bone? If you can't program, repair, or harness the power of these devices in your area of expertise, why would anyone need your services? Where do you fit in the automated world you see springing up around you?
The industrial age is over. We have already entered the Age of Automation. Although you haven't been told this bluntly before, machines are displacing those that can't interface or program them. The abililty to write your own code is a fundamental skill those that plan to eat, and keep a roof over their heads, most rely on heavily in this new era. Your job is only safe as long as your company is. If your employer isn't automating, what chance do they stand against "thinking" machines that do thing faster, and more accurately than people can? More importantly, how do you stack up against the new class of worker being prepared for this new world as we speak?
Let's be realistic. A real computer expert can do the work of you, and nine of your co-workers by harnessing the power of the same device you are more than likely using as an electronic typewriter at work. Heed this warning. Those that bury their heads in the sand will be losing them very shortly. Merely using your computer to surf, chat, and retrieve information is like playing on rail road tracks with a feight train hurling toward you. Learn to exploit the power of your PC. It is fast becoming the only thing that can help you survival in the cold, hard world we all must face.
Your best bet for doing well, in the days ahead is to acquire computer knowledge, and start a small automated business, or web based business of your own. Those with programming skills stand a much better chance in this new world. Those with advanced abilities can either sell them to others, by taking a job, or can use them for their own benefit. Without much to bring to the bargaining table, you won't even be asked to sit down.
The PC Tips section of the page will show you how to write a tiny routine. Notice that code isn't as intimidating as you've been led to believe. Like anything else, programming isn't difficult if you're taught properly. The problem is you can quickly get lost if you don't have a firm foundation. Those that build on one can read technical manuals like comic books. Everyone that uses a PC needs basic computer skills . If you think you can compete in this rapidly changing world with finger speed, go ahead and try. Just remember what happened to John Henry. This time there isn't just one steam drill, You're facing billions of them. Sadly, the rush to automation can't be stop, so it's safer to jump on board. Everyone needs to learn how to write to their own programs in order to educate their computers. If you don't train them, they can't help you.
Make no mistake about it, you can't escape technology. No matter where you try to hide, it will hunt you down. Those that try prentending it isn't so will not be spared. Those that stubborning cling to Windows in the hope that it will save them will become road kill on the Information Highway. Look around you, computers have already taken over. Like them or not, they will be doing your job someday in the near future, if you don't take the threat they present seriously. At this moment Mcdonald's is testing automated franchises, and supermarkets are testing shopping cart scanners that will replace grocery checkers.�Look for more ATMs to replace bank tellers. Want gas? Just swipe your credit card, and get as much as you want. Very soon the only human at a gas station will be replaced by a security system run by a computer. These things are mentioned to let you know that the safety net that the service industry once provided is fast disappearing. You can't take two low wage jobs to make up for one if these positions no longer exist.
Once the technological war against your nation begins in earnest, many large corporations will be absorbed, or taken over. At this point foreign competitors are just sending out small raiding parties to acquire the weaker corporate giants in each market. After gaining a foot hold, they can drive the rest of their rivals out of business through better quality and lower prices. Slowly but surely they are buying up industrial bases across the globe. Once the real invasion is launched, Nations that have been caught napping will be hit from all sides by business expert systems that make them look like they're standing still,
Students from small countries like India, and Shingapore, that teach their children to program as soon as they can reach a keyboard, stand as much of a chance of survial than large industrial nations without a sophisticated work force. What will your children do when they have to face them in the business arena, type faster, or chat them to death? Believe me, this is no joke. I've said all this to pull your coat tails. You should seriously start thinking about opening your own automated, or web based business. If you can't do that, start mastering some real computer skills in your spare time. As far as the employment picture goes, who knows if your job will be around for long? How hi-tech is your employer?
I urge you to prepare yourself for the times that are already upon us. Don't look to the school system to train you, or our children. They have been tricked into thinking that teaching kids to use the Internet will somehow magically make them computer literate. No matter what your skill, trade, or profession, those that exploit the great power of these devices, through their own abilities, will run circles around you. If you don't want to learn to swim, at least learn to float. If you can't tread water, or dog paddle, you will never survive the rough seas the winds of change are bringing this way. As far as doing well in these times, God bless the child that's got their own. Don't look for help, because the calvary isn't on the way. Many will lose their homes, cars, and all else they value, because they refuse to smell the coffe that has been brewing under their noses for decades. Tell me. What electronic device do you use that doesn't involve a computer in some way?
Who Is This Guy Anyway?
I suppose you're wondering what qualifies me to unmask the demi-gods you have come to know and trust, and to make statements that should freighten you speechless. The weight of the argument is against me, but that doesn't mean I'm not correct. In fact, the US government finally agrees with me, so what I say about Microsoft can no longer be easily dismissed. You therefore might find what I have to say about the hacks they influence interesting. Click on the link below to see why I'm better qualified to discuss these subjects, and why you should listen to me, not them.
PC Troubleshooting
The Internet Explorer
This is my choice for the new Windows logo. The Internet Explorer is what is behind your constant need to reboot your computer. It can make you do it whenever it feels like it. This troublesome program is behind most of your software crashes, and system freezes. It's particularly fond of shutting down Netcape. If you notice, even the warning box freezes, and locks the computer so you have to reboot the machine. The best ways to hold this manic in check are...
Don't make IE your default browser. Doing this gives it permission to take total control over all operations, If you make this selection it, will pop up and shut down competiting applications more often, although it isn't involved in what you are doing. You can use the Netscape browser to tame the Internet Explorer. You shouldn't completely remove it from your PC however. There are going to be times when you simply can't use Netscape. Some sites are designed for IE, so you have no choice but to use it.
The best way to have the best browser, and to weaken the Internet Explorer's power to shut other programs down is to use the Netscape communicator. It's a superior product in many ways. It doesn't take over your hardware, and it has a built in page editor you can use from your desktop. However, using it won't solve the entire problem. As you might know, the Internet Explorer was made part of the operating system that runs the machine with the release of Windows 95, so it can't be escaped entirely. You can make it more difficult for it to punish you for not using it by reinstalling Netscape, and anwering yes when it asks if you want it to be your default browser.
As much as I resent Microsoft's assault on PCs, I am not biased enough to blame it for everything that goes wrong. Sometimes your service provider might be at fault. ISPs often kicked users off-line because they fail to see the twenty minute inactivity warning many give prior to kicking you off line. Their software doesn't see mouse movement, or typing, as activity. It therefore will disconnect you while you're in the middle of doing something, like page building, or filling in a form at a remote location.
Depending on where you are, this warning may only be displayed once, or in some cases, not at all. If you're getting kicked off regularly, this may be one of the reasons as well.
To remedy this situation, download ICQ from ICQ.COM, and keep it running while you work. It lets you avoid the hassle of clicking on a box every twenty minutes. Please be considerate, and don't abuse this trick. When you are finished using the Net, sign off, and free up the modem for other users.
If all else fails, and your PC still crashes constantly, you'll need to reinstall Windows, IE, and Netscape in that order, to be sure that the shut downs you're experiencing aren't coming from files Windows has corrupted, or caused by cross-linked directory errors. The first way discussed will preserve your files and settings. Be sure that you install Windows from CD, while it's running. If you load it from DOS it will format the drive, removing all your programs.
Sometimes Windows messes up a hard drive so badly that a full format has to be done. To do this, put the CD in the tray before you start the machine. Be aware that this will wipe out all other programs but Windows. This is an extreme measure that you may be forced to take in cases where your hard drive is hopelessly scrambled. When the machines starts, you'll see two selections. Choose install from CD. Making this selection both formats the hard drive, and reinstalls Windows. This means you'll have to reinstall all your software, and get the programs you've downloaded from sites again, if you don't have your hard drive backed up on bulk storage media like a tape drive. Once the formatting is complete, you'll be able to use Windows as you've always done, but all your programs will be gone.
Once the installation is complete you'll have to make a setting change. Two of the Windows setting will have been returned to the default for no apparent reason. Both your power, and sound settings will have been altered. The effect is that your PC will appear dead every fifteen minutes unless you press a key, because the power setting has been changed to laptop, and your device will started making sounds when you exit Windows. You can fix these problems by clicking on the Start button, then clicking on Control Panel. Go to the power setting icon and select never for all of them. Then, go to the sound settings, and deselect any you don't want to hear. They are listed by when they are played. This will complete the reinstallation.
These changes are another dirty trick that Microsoft plays on those fortunate enough to figure out they need to reinstall. I think the power settings is change dto fool you into upgrading to a new release, or buying new hardware and getting one with the purchase, The average person will think they've broken their machine by reinstalling Windows, so they never try to do it again. The monitor on the new system won't go blank every fifteen minutes because the setting is changed at the point of sale, They will therefore still believe that the original computer is still broken and throw it away. This is a good example of why you shouldn't attempt to avoid gaining technical expertise. They let you side step booby traps like these.
The little devil will take you to the Netscape download site to get their latest version. This graphic was used because the product has gotten decidedly worse since AOL bought the company. Now that a British company has bought them, who knows what will happen? It's beginning to manifest some of the bad habits that make Windows such a threat. It too is starting to dictate what users can do. You can download a great new browser called Neoplanet by clicking on the New button. Although it uses IE as an engine, it's harmless because the maker uses a watered down version. Be aware that unlike the other two browsers mentioned, it doesn't accept "cookies," but it's a lot of fun to use when you aren't visiting unsecured sites. It also has great e-mail features, like being able to pick up from five different POP accounts.
Home Page Showcase
Our Citizen's Pages
The Computer Center
If you don't already get computer catalogs through the mail, they are something you should have around. I've done business with all three companies linked to here, and know them as honest, and reliable. They cheerfully give refunds when products they have sold you don't work properly. I suggest you visit their sites and get on their mailing lists...
The link on the right is to PC Connection, the second to Microwharehouse, the third is to PC Mall, and the forth is to Gateway, in case you are in the market for a fast, inexpensive, quality PC. While I once recommended the Gateway SL 4000 series exclusively,. the release of the Pentium III is dumping a great many brand name PCs on the market at low prices. If you are interested in getting one, you can find plenty by getting catalogs from the other three companies . You will get much more information than you will from a Web site if you order their books.� By the way, I don't get a cent out of this. I just like the way these companies do business.
AIPG Club
Getting a little lonely because the village is empty? It's because everyone is over at our Yahoo club, Alliance International PC Group. Why not jump on the Smartville bus and take a ride over to where we hang out on our board? Click on the icon below to take a trip to where the action really is.
Smartville Mail Drop
Please click on the icon below to send questions, comments and suggestions to the designer of this page. Your feedback is important!
Sheriff Dan
Hey, there's the sheriff right now! Let's tell him about that guy we saw back there. He looks like he's up to no good. Seems like he's pretty busy right now getting target practice with those ballons. I think he and deputy Netscape have them on the run, but the Hole In the Head gang are a real tough bunch of mental thugs. They love to keep people ignorant, so they can steal their money. I'd going to post this letter to the mayor of Smartville. They're running all over us now, but this won't be like the Alamo. There are more PC users than there are of them. If we band together to exploit our power as consumers, this gang of mental cut throats will back down and return our PCs to us. Go ahead, and click on him! Although other law men are after him, I think that he's going to get away. They won't stop until they know we aren't dumb anymore.
Smartville News/Magazine
The New button on the right takes you to our newsletter, the Smartville Tip Sheet. The button next to it takes you to the Smartsonian magaine. It was compiled by a computer after categories of stories were given to a program. It's an example of automation in action, and features some interesting articals.�
Programmer's Corner
Have you ever lost an important file on your hard drive, and spent minutes, or even hours, trying to locate it with the Windows Explorer, or the find feature? Pretty dumb aren't they! It's not surprising though, they're designed to confuse you. The Explorer won't even show the main directory of your own hard drive to you, or let you see what it's doing. Creating the simple program below will show you how much of a fool has been made of you. It illustrates two points. Windows actually slows your PC down, and a few lines of simple code are often better than bulky, poorly designed windows applications.
By following the instructions below, and you can create a program more intelligent, and helpful, than the Windows Explorer. When you know how to pass your own commands to a device's processor directly, you can cut the middleman out and get things done faster, using less horsepower. Let's see what this short routine, created with software you've had all along, can do.�
The L.Bat Program Routine
Despite what you have been told, everyone can learn to program. Want to create a quick one now? I've made it easy for you. You don't have to type this routine. Just highlight it, click on the right mouse button, and choose copy from the menu that appears. Next, click on the Start Menu, click on Programs, click on Accesories, then click on the Note pad. Once you've done this, complete the steps below the routine.
@echo off
CLS
if "%0"=="L%1" goto contin
if "%0"=="l%1" goto contin
CLS
CD\
CLS
echo.
echo.
echo.
echo Searching for %1...
ATTRIB %1 /S | MORE
PAUSE
CLS
:contin
CLS
Exit
CLS
Click on the open notepad window. Press the right mouse button and click on paste. When you do this the program will appear in the notepad there. Click on the File Menu, Change the file type to text document, and save the file as c:\windows\command\L.bat, and close the Note Pad. Once you have done this, perform the steps below to run it. While it executes notice its speed. It scans your entire hard drive. and locates the file is in the time it takes you to look through a folder. Once you have found it, you can use the Windows Explorer to manage it.
Running The Program
1. Click on the Start Menu
2. Click on Programs
3. Click on DOS Prompt
4. Wait for a blank black screen
5. Type the following machine command
L win.ini
Program Overview
Pressing the Enter key will both load and run the program you just created. It will tell your CPU to search for any file you name, rather then you having to look for it visually. The computer will find this particular file in your Window's directory. How do I know that? Because applications that run under this shell must add instructions there when you load them, and Windows won't start without it. This huge file is part of the reason the loading process takes such a long time. You might want to examine it with the Note Pad, but don't change it. Just close the file when you're done. Once you gain skills, you can edit this file just like any other you can load into a text editor. Knowing how to identify, and remove commanded left behind by programs you've uninstalled from your machine helps speed up the loading process.
The second command proves how truly powerfuly this little program is. We will transform it into a mini search engine with a few keystrokes. What it revels about your hard drive is enough to turn your stomach.�
When you press any key the program will return to the Window's Desktop, so you'll have to go through the steps above to reach DOS once more. You'll have to go there again to run the command below.
L *.exe
Understanding What You Saw
What was this confusing junk, with names so long they wrapped around the screen? It's what Microsoft has secretly done to your hard drive. Now If you wanted to write your own program, you'd have to type a name string a mile long to point at directories in your routines. First they stopped PC users from getting to their own operating systems, the environment they must master to write and run their own routines. Then, they programmed Windows to turn off the machine when it exits. As you have just seen, they've also scrambled the directory structure of your hard drive, so it's useless if they are forced to let you out of their shell.Why? So you will be hobbled, even if you manage to escape. This lastest monkey business even stops professional programmers from using DOS freely.
Our Training Guide
I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our advanced training guide, a new book on computing called, "Beyond Windows," (The Users Guide To PC Automation). It's not ready for release at this time, but Smartville citizens will get a ten percent discount when it arrives. This is yet another perk you receive when you sign up for our free course.
This work features over fifty program models that just have to be typed to be run. These applications do more than teach readers computer theory. They unite to form a powerful automation system that actually does meaningful work. As someone that knows how frustrating, dry, and boring books on programming can be, I've made every effort to make this one fascinating.
This training manual teaches through repetition, so those that use it learn as they type the routines that comprise my system. This guide gives readers a strong foundation, then builds on it. It also showns people how to troubleshoot, fix, upgrade, and administrate their own PCs, and tells the gripping story of Microsoft's rise to power. It's a tale filled with more betrayal, treachery and greed than a Shakespeare play. This book is a must for anyone that wants to learn the means to get both Microsoft, and their stooges, off their back. As things stand now, your device serves them, not you. If you like buying the same old lame software over and over again, go ahead, but there is a better way. Developing a certain amount of computer expertise is the only way to defeat those that want to keep you poor, bare foot, and ignorant. It's easier to pick your pockets if they keep you in the dark. Those with computer skills understand how wasteful, and poorly designed their programs really are, and do something about it.
Free Downloads
Skeptical about the power of user programming? Then put it to the test, We'll send you several free programs written in Batch Basic, the easy to learn technique I'm created for beginners, They came straight out of, "Beyond Windows", my yet to be released training manual. These routines were just typed, and run through a second inexpensive piece of software called a compiler. It turned them into stand alone software that runs on any IBM compatible Computer. If you want to see the true speed and power of your PC, give them a try, They prove that users can still program intelligence into their machines, without a degree in computer science. DOS applications are smaller, faster, and more efficient.
Click on the button below to order yours today. There is no catch. They are yours to keep. Getting the demo won't put you on an e-mail list. These samples are my way of thanking you for visiting. We can't deliver to Hot Mail users, Their server rejects letters with large attachments, If you have another account, please use that instead. When the e-mail program appears just click send, and your request will be sent automatically.
Lake Smartville
The day is drawing to a close, but you still have time to go down to lake smartville and try to hook old Bill before the sun goes down. Some people say that he's the biggest fish in the lake. He didn't get that way by being stupid. He'll steal your bait before you know that he has even hit your line. Good luck! If you don't have skill, that's all you'll have going for you.
The Smartville Philosopher
Before you leave, why not take a hike up the mountain to meet old Sam? He's our town philosopher. Every town worth its salt has a wise man they can go to. He knows more about what we face than anybody else around here. He'll show you why you should take what you've learned in Smartville to heart.�He's been around, a very long time.
The Guest Book
Any information you give us won't be sold, traded, or exchanged. The following instructions are for residents, and those that want to join the group of motivated people that meet at CRCS to take our free class, to advance their understanding of computers, in order to better their lives.
Warning!
This guest book is for home page, newsletter, or site submissions only. If you would like us to feature your link, don't forget to leave an e-mail address so we can reach you. From time to time we feature pages of contributors outside the group. To qualify, your offering must have free software, or services, and have no porno, or pages that pay links other than the ones at the site at which you register with us.
Those that want to enroll in the free course we offer should use the Registration form on the home page. Visitors wishing to send comments, questions, and suggestions to the Web master can use the E-mail Me feature found under the Smartville mail drop heading.
