Happy New Century to Everyone! 

All I can say is I’m glad nobody had any major Y2K issues, and that none of MY customers
should have been taken by those numerous companies out there that were looking for their
ownY2K fortunes. Just because we have passed into 2000 doesn’t mean to stop updating 
your programs. You should refer to my first newsletter on Windows Update and updates.com
and keep your software up to date!   ITS FREE
 
Business has been EXTREMELY busy this first month with many people ordering those new
systems after the Y2K event. I, as always, appreciate your patience as I try to prioritize 
system problems and family time with my number of requests. Plus I can’t seem to 
remember as well either and occasionally one slips out of my appointment book, sorry. 
Just let me know and I will get there. 

MOST IMPORTANTLY …make note….I will be on VACATION Feb. 11th til the 21st. And the rule
is no computers! I don’t really mind, the salt water probably wouldn’t be good for it anyway.
And I presume it might take me a few days to get through all the messages after I return. 
I'm so glad so many of you enjoyed my newsletters. I have received many nice responses
and requests to add to the email list. Thank you. All previous newsletters are posted on 
my web site for easy reference! just go to www.mark-etal.com. 

Most news is the same as before but we will add a little bit to it this time. For all those 
people who got new machines as well as those who didn't, here's a few MUST HAVE 
programs for you to check out if you don't have them already. and as I encourage. most 
are FREE.FREE.FREE 

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FREE INTERNET and EMAIL and TELEPHONE and CALL MANAGER 
See last month’s newsletter on my web page www.mark-etal.com 


go to download.com and check out these following necessities 
I load on all my customer's machines 

WINZIP 7.0 for uncompressing files downloaded from the internet
ICQ 99B lets you see and talk to your internet friends online 
ACROBAT READER 4.05 needed for help files and IRS forms online
PRINTKEY 5.10 lets you print the screen at anytime
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ICQ AND OTHER MESSENGER SERVICES 
One of the programs listed above is ICQ, it is one of the many popular Messenger programs
available now. AOL has its buddy list and instant messenger, Microsoft has MSMessenger, 
Yahoo also has one. These programs let people send messages to each other , with one 
click instead of going into your email program looking up the person’s address and waiting 
for the servers to deliver it. They also show you who in your list is online at the present 
time and allow you to search for random new friends to meet online. I personally don’t look
for people to add to my lists but it is the easiest way to send me a quick message or 
question. 

On ICQ my # is 255928, ICQ is probably the industry standard that all the others try to keep 
up with. It has many features for easy use and I like the auto launch feature. Auto Launch 
starts programs AFTER ICQ has detected a connection to the internet. So I can save time 
at Boot up by not loading all my internet programs like instant messenger, it loads from 
ICQ launch list only after connected. 

I also like Microsoft’s Messenger for a couple reasons:
1) everybody should have their web-based e-mail account at Hotmail or similar web 
page (see last month)
2) MSMessenger keeps you name list on their server so if you use more than one machine 
you don’thave to add new people to all machines to keep them in sync. Messenger is the 
same anywhere. This is also nice if you have to use a friends machine or use another while
on vacation
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ANTI-VIRUS......" repeat from last months newsletter" 
I can't stress this one enough, go to the mall and buy a $30 program to save your data.
I recommend McAfee but Norton will work just as well. Get just the Anti Virus program.
I am STRONGLY against all the other WONDER utilities and tools... they just don't work. 
IF you find a virus... call me immediately. I do not charge for service calls to remove 
viruses and I will also know which ones are around and how frequent. 
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Mark-et al. Computers
Mark Hayden, President
317-892-4516 
www.mark-etal.com