Broken Link Directory: 4zero4.net
Every second, some 200 web pages "die" - and every day, millions of Internet users click on broken links leading to these dead web pages. It is estimated that more than one out of twenty hyperlinks refers to a nonexistent URL. Everyone has experienced the annoyance of waiting for a link, only to reach a "file not found" (error 404) message. This website was created to provide a public directory of broken links, to help solve the dead link problem. The site cooperates with search engines and link checking companies to locate bad links, then provides tools for webmasters to eliminate them. One of their innovative ideas is a sweepstakes for private users who report broken links. Free link-checking programs are listed here in English, German, and French. Webmasters will also appreciate the 404 gallery and tips on how to configure 404 error pages and redirect visitors to active sites. http://www.4zero4.net

NPWare.org
This software download site specializes in free and discount software for nonprofit organizations. Software categories include business, educational, Internet, programming, utilities, and miscellaneous. To list software here, the developer must either offer it for free or at a discount to nonprofit organizations. There is also a selection of useful links for nonprofits. http://www.npware.org/

SCLUG - LUG (Linux User Group) Fest
Want to see what Linux can do? Want to meet other people from the Linux User Group community? You'll get your chance at the Linux User Group Fest on October 28th,2000 at Nortel Networks, Simi Valley, CA, USA. The LUG Fest will be run in an expo style, with speakers and demonstration tables. There will be a wireless LAN setup as well. This LUG Fest will be the third hosted by SCLUG, the Simi Conejo Linux Users Group. The SCLUG website has reports on the previous LUG Fests, plus information for potential sponsors, demonstrators, and attendees. SCLUG's aim is to educate people about Linux, and help people learn to use it; their website has useful information, events listings, chats, and links that will help you find a Linux User Group in your area. http://www.lugfest.org

SearchEngines.com
SearchEngines.com is a comprehensive resource center for webmasters, with a complete guide to search engine optimization, submission, and promotion. Here you can learn both how to search efficiently and how to prepare your website for search engines. There are links to search engines categorized by general, world, topical, and reference. New users will find tips on safe surfing and how to find credible information. For webmasters, there are articles on optimal site design; keywords, titles, and meta-tags; spam, frames, and mistakes; and Web promotion. http://www.searchengines.com

Infolets: Internet Innovations Explored
"The Internet is an incubator of innovation," according to this website. Infolets explores ideas, projects, and products that are innovative and interesting. Some of the areas explored are design, finance, infrastructure, Net devices, mobile communication, online shopping, programming, W3C, Web apps , and XML. This site will be of interest to inventors and other forward-looking people in business and technology. The site emphasizes ideas that are both new and practical. http://www.infolets.com/

Virus Hoaxes and Netlore
The Internet is a new world of information, but it can also be a source of misinformation. Virus warnings, "strange but true" stories, and chain letters can circulate a lot of false information and waste valuable Web resources. Email about bogus viruses can cause some people to damage their own data trying to eliminate a virus that doesn't exist. If you receive a virus warning, chain letter, or other suspicious email, you can search this site to find out if it is a known hoax before forwarding it. The site is categorized into virus hoaxes; netlore and chain letters; fear mongering (email with false health or criminal warnings); missing kids or dying people (pleas to help people who don't exist or don't really need help). There is also information on protecting yourself from real computer viruses, and an explanation of how email forwarding expands exponentially.

Multimedia Authoring Web
This site, sponsored by Maricopa Community Colleges, is a resource collection of around 1,000 categorized links for multimedia and web developers. Here, authoring is defined as "programming by non-programmers." The links listed cover authoring languages, multimedia centers, media design concepts, tutorials, listservs, copyrights, clip art, professional organizations, publications, WWW, and media types (audio, digital documents, graphics, CD-ROM/DVD, animation, 3D/ VR, video, and text). http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/authoring/

PC911 - Friendly Computer Help
This site is packed with well-written, easy-to-read computer information, emphasizing friendly expert computer help in plain English, not geek-speak. PC911 is designed to help users with PC repair, maintenance, upgrades, PC basics, Windows, and the Internet. There are easy-to-follow tutorials, tips, tricks, and tweaks to understand your PC better and get more out of it. There is also a message board where you can get answers to computer questions. Other features include PC news, reviews from experts and users, downloads, a free newsletter, and a glossary of computer lingo. http://www.pcnineoneone.com/index.html

ShowMeLinux
These are exciting times in the world of Linux. Here you can find links to Linux sites, the latest Linux news, events and expos, product reviews, and more. There are articles on the future of Linux, covering such subjects as business trends and new software development. Technicians can find out about certification in Linux technologies. Users can read reviews of Linux software and games. Both beginners and experienced users can send in technical questions and get answers from experts. http://www.showmelinux.com

FTPMail
Here is a new idea for secure email: a communication platform that uses the Point to Point File Transfer Protocol to transfer information instead of Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP). Ordinarily, when you send email, it goes first to an email server where it waits in a queue for minutes or hours, depending on the volume of mail; then it goes to another email server where it again waits in a queue. At these points the email could be read, copied, deleted, archived, or forwarded without your knowledge. FTPMail does not use queues or email servers; the mail is sent directly from your computer to a secure FTP server and immediately placed into the recipient's mailbox. Messages are encoded using strong encryption, and automatically decoded when read. The FTP Protocol is used to transport non-textual (binary) information between two computers; these messages are ignored by government monitors and others who monitor text messages. It's a good technology for privacy and speed of email; best of all, the small program is free to download. http://www.ftpmail.net

TechSetGO! The Fast Lane for Techs
This site, designed by techs for techs, has direct links to a PC technician's most sought-after web pages. Here technicians can find needed drivers, client downloads, communications links, manufacturer and developer support, and more. The site will help techs locate both training and jobs using their skills. You can also get a TechSetGO! email address for business. http://www.techsetgo.com

WindowsTracker.com
Technology advances so fast, it's hard to keep track of the latest versions of all the software products you use. Here's the solution. WindowsTracker maintains a database of more than 4,000 applications, patches, and updates for Windows-based PCs. This database is scanned hourly for any updates, and as soon as one is found, it is posted to the front page of the site. The interface is simple, making it easy to find, research, and download applications, patches, and updates. Links to software downloads include a description, a rating, and user reviews of each product. WindowsTracker is the sister site of Versiontracker.com, the popular Macintosh resource. http://www.windowstracker.com

DomainNotes.com: The Ultimate Domain Names Resource
Domain Notes has the latest domain name news, in-depth articles, and information on legal precedents, buying and selling, and dealing with Internic. Here you can find a list of domain registrars, brokers and auctions, pricing services, and domain software. A FAQ, discussion forum, and weekly newsletter provide domain tips and tricks. You can also look up a country's domain, foreign registrar, and whois info; check the availability of a domain name; and use the Domain Name Wizard to find an appropriate domain for your business. http://www.domainnotes.com/

Turboclip
This Internet portal and organizational tool is designed to provide the user with access to customized and conveniently organized information from anywhere, at any time, and from any device. Unlike generic portals which may not cover the user's specific areas of interest, Turboclip allows each user to create a customized portal including chosen fields of interest and to easily organize related information. The service is free but requires registration; no software download is necessary. Registered users can access their fields of interest from anywhere by computer or wireless device. In addition, users can get email, join forums, set up a personal calendar, and share bookmarks with friends. Possible future additions are mobile office features with word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. http://www.turboclip.com

ShieldsUp!
What's the chance of someone hacking into your PC while you're connected to the Internet? Here you can find out how vulnerable your computer is, and what to do about it. Steve Gibson's interesting and detailed articles explain about security risks and protection strategies for users surfing the Internet. The "Test my Shields and Probe my Ports" section tells you immediately if you have open ports or other security problems. The site has recommendations for the best protection software, both free and commercial, including programs to prevent corporate spying as you use the Web. You can also find out why some "security" software is worse than no protection at all. In addition to the info about firewalls, virus protection, and data recovery, there are some additional topics like programs for Zip and Jaz drive testing and sub-pixel font rendering. The only drawback is that these resources are for PC/Windows users only. http://www.grc.com

Technocopia
Technocopia is a user's guide to the technological lifestyle. Here you can find out what wonderful technologies are out now and preview what's coming up next to make life easier and more fun. The site is divided into technology in your home (home automation, appliances, energy), work (office, communications), play (home theatre, hobbies and sports, pet tech, toys), life (health, assistive tech, transportation), and your future (robots, explorations). There are reviews of products like home security technology, firewalls, smart toys, etc. and discussions on upcoming trends like robotics in heart surgery, biometrics, hi-tech mailboxes, and microturbines that will power personal computers for long times at a low cost. http://www.technocopia.com/

KingCode.com
KingCode is an online reference tool for program developers. Programming resources here are searchable by programming language, so developers can quickly find what they need for their projects. In addition there are links to related technology news stories and quick downloads. Technologies supported include C++, DHTML, HTML, Java and Java JDK, JavaScript, Perl and Rebol. http://www.kingcode.com/

CompInfo: The Computer Information Center
CompInfo is a large online collection of computer and IT resources. Here you can find computer news, job leads, technology investments, and a calendar of IT events. You can also locate sources of tech help, anti-virus information, downloadable software, recommended books, magazines, and reference materials. For computers you can find manufacturers, distributors, resellers, solution providers, consultants, user groups, and more. http://www.compinfo-center.com

Shaggy's Place
This site is a diary of an experiment to set up a website from the remote outback of Australia with no office facilities, no access to landlines, and no mobile phone network, using Telstra MiniSat MultiMedia global ISDN satellite communication service. Here "propeller-head" Shaggy demonstrates the power of mobile satellite communications to send and receive email, data, fax, text, audio and video at fast speeds from remote locations, while continuing to perform his normal job working on IT projects and building the demonstration module for the site. http://www.global-satellite.com/remote

Mannerud on Security
This site provides users with news, information, resources, services, and products on computer security and privacy. Accessible both to home users and IT professionals, the site has security warnings, virus information, recommended reading, and the latest breakthroughs in security software. Here you can find out how to protect your child on the Internet, how to find out which websites are snooping on you, how to surf anonymously, and what software to use to set up a firewall for your computer. The latest advisories from NIPC, FBI, and CERT are posted. http://www.mannerud.org

Visual Basic Web Mag
This site has the latest news on Visual Basic, plus hundreds of articles, book reviews, and product reviews. The resources section includes over 1,000 annotated links to VB-related websites covering topics from CGI to database development to Internet programming. There is a special section for beginners, and you can post your questions on the message board or try the newsgroups listed here. Other features include technology tips, vendor links, job opportunities, and more. http://www.vbwm.com/

SearchIQ
You've heard of Yahoo, Lycos, Infoseek, and Excite, but have you heard of Ixquick, C4, InfoZoid, or SurfWax? This site rates search engines by IQ. Here you can find which search engines to use and which to avoid. You can find out your favorite search engine's IQ, and read detailed reviews on the strengths and weaknesses of each engine so you know which one to use for each type of search. Search IQ reviews general search engines, metasearch engines, and link guides, and lists specialty engines for many topic areas. You can also get smart searching tips and search directly from the site.

PC Show and Tell
PC Show and Tell is an Internet library of over 16,000 voice-enabled tutorials on the use of popular software, in the form of one-minute 'How-To' videos. This free service currently supports over 90 different applications, including Internet services and portals such as Yahoo! and ICQ. For the individual PC user, the tutorials are free. http://www.pcshowandtell.com

SelfPromotion.com
Want to attract more people to your website? This service automatically registers your URL at all the major search engines and indexes. The site submission process takes only about 10 minutes. In addition, here webmasters can find a step-by-step tutorial on how to promote a website, plus articles and advice for in-depth site promotion, including how to create a winning site, website mistakes to avoid, how to prepare your site for the search engines, and how to handle ecommerce. SelfPromotion.com calls itself a "ShareService" which means you can use it for free, then pay what you think it's worth. http://www.selfpromotion.com/