Updated note: Win98 is still reliable. As of September, 2003, I'm still using it on some computers. However, today Windows XP is more reliable and recommended. If you're seriously going to work with comptuers in business, Win XP is a better selection. Get it on a new computer and use the old Win98 computer for a dedicated purpose.

The following article can still help as you work with systems like Win98. If you'd like more information drop at e-mail to terry@terrybrock.com and I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Terry

Note to Website visitors: This column is from Terry's new column, Technology Tools, published by the American City Business Journals.  Learn about Windows 98 as well as WinFax Pro Version 8 and CaptureEze. 

This column marks the first in a series requested by you, our readers. This column will feature new technology tools which are valuable and useful to you in your business and personal life. The Business Chronicle receives no compensation from any of the manufacturers on any of the products you see featured here.

If you have a favorite product (hardware, software, peripheral or Internet tool which you have found to be particularly valuable please let us know and we will consider reviewing it.

Win98-One Guy’s Installation Experience

To inaugurate this column, we’ll look at Windows 98, the new release of the operating system from Microsoft. Unlike its much-hyped predecessor, Windows 95, Win98 is more of an evolution than a revolution.

Being the dare-devil that I am, I decided to try the upgrade. Hey, I hadn’t been abused in a while so I thought it would be interesting. When I loaded the software on the system (using a Toshiba 740CDT, 166 Mhz with 48 MB of RAM and about 200 MB of free disk space) I discovered why upgrading is often like getting a root canal and a hemorrhoid operation at the same time!

The installation (from CD-ROM) went smoothly for the first 15 minutes, then the program told me I didn’t have enough disk space. When I checked, it saw that I only had 10 MB left. What consumed the extra space is still one of the great wonders of the universe. So, I left the installation, deleted some important-but-could-be-erased files. Then the machine tried to reboot and I got a series of errors.

To make a long story short (space is limited after all!), I called Microsoft Technical Support and had a very helpful technician walk me through. The bottom line was that after about 2.5 hours of working with him and some on my own, I was able to get Win98 up and running.

Win98 does have a lot of nice features. Some of the best include:

• FAT32. This is a technical feature which allows files to take less space on your hard drive. This frees up much-needed disk space.
• System File Checker. This feature keeps track of critical files and can restore them if they are changed.
• Backup & Restore. You will thank your lucky Redmond stars for this one when (not if) your system looses that valuable sales report you needed so much. It has been designed to be easy (really!) and relatively pain-free!
• Windows Update. For registered users you can go out live on the Internet and get the very latest update of Windows without having to install it with new disks. This is easier for Microsoft, but a real god-send for us users.
• Web Integration. You’ll see the desktop much like the Web. If you know the Web, you’ll know this style.

Bottom line for serious business professionals: If you’re using Win 3.1 or earlier, welcome to the 21^st Century! Upgrade now. If you’re using a very early version of Win95, there is enough good stuff, bug fixes and genuinely helpful tools built in that make it worth your upgrade. If you’re using a later version of Win95 purchased within the past 6 months and you have third party support for those tools, you could safely sit this one out and wait for the real big advance when Windows NT version 5.0 comes out. Until that time, try not to be abused!

Rating - « « « « (out of 5)

Windows 98, Microsoft, Inc. www.microsoft.com, 800-426-9400

WinFax Pro Version 8.0 – Automate Your Fax Communication

Faxing is still a big part of business today. Even with e-mail making up more and more business communication we like the fax. The old standard in faxing on the PC, WinFax Pro has a new version that does a good job.

I found the new version to install fairly intuitively. It was smooth and the entire experience was rather pleasant. After some initial trouble sending faxes (due to a conflict with the address book installed) it worked fine. New features here include:

• Support for Windows NT 3.51 and 4.0. If you’re using either of these operating systems, you’ll welcome this new benefit.
• Controller. This feature installs in the task bar on Windows (lower right corner) and gives you the ability to send faxes without having to launch the entire program. This will save on memory and additional hassles.
• ACT! Integration. Since Symantec publishes both programs, it is a natural that they would integrate. If you’re using ACT! as a contact manager, this is one to consider.
• Microsoft Outlook support. If you’re using Outlook, consider this feature as a real boost to your sales enhancement.
• NET SatisFAXtion support. If you use this product for broadcast faxing, WinFax Pro can now be used as a client to direct the operation.

WinFax Pro has been the standard in faxing software. With this new version, it enhances the program and provides some helpful features. If you’re a current user, an upgrade is a no-brainer. If you don’t have the program but do a lot of faxing, this is one to consider.

Rating **** (out of 5)

WinFax Pro, Version 8, Symantec, www.symantec.com , 800-441-7234

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Image Capture Made Easy with Capture Eze

If you produce a newsletter, print pictures or want to add pictures to a Website, this program is one you should consider. It provides an interface that is very easy to use. Installation is a breeze from its one floppy disk.

The program allows you to capture what you have on screen and then use the full screen or a section of it. You can automatically have the image printed or can save it to a file. If you choose, you can also enhance the image with cropping, brightness enhancement and more.

When I tried it, the installation took about 5 minutes. I didn’t even need to consult the handy reference guide because the program itself was quite intuitive. Within a few minutes I was able to capture screens (like you see here) and then save them as a file in a JPG format (my preferred format).

If you need to produce in-house training guides on how to use certain software, this is a great program to have. For the price ($39.99 retail), you can’t go wrong. If you want to produce some quick handouts for clients and prospects, you can use CaptureEze to create some professional quality handouts. Used in combination with your favorite word processor, you’ll be able to have professional-looking materials available quickly and easily.

This is one to consider and use in the office and at home.

Rating

***** (out of 5)

CaptureEze, Application Techniques, Inc. 978-433-5201, e-mail to support@pizazz-us.com, www.screencapture.com