What's the best PC magazine? | FerrariChat

What's the best PC magazine?

Discussion in 'Technology' started by Entelechy, Dec 6, 2003.

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  1. Entelechy

    Entelechy Formula Junior

    May 19, 2001
    712
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Chris Cummings
    My father is a PC user, with only the most basic computer skills. He's always asking me questions, but my knowledge is limited as I'm a Mac user. I told him to subscribe to a good PC magazine, as there seem to be plenty out there (basically trying to find the PC equivalent of "Mac Addict"). Any recommendations for someone of his level? Thanks...

    Also, he was asking if there is PC software similar to Mac's iTunes where you can create a music library and burn CDs. I'm sure their must be (probably a few)...any rec's as well?

    Thanks in advance,
    ~Chris
     
  2. tvrfreak

    tvrfreak F1 Rookie
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    Mar 31, 2003
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    Chris,
    there's quite a few rags out there. He should go to a big bookstore and check them out. PC World comes to mind, but there's lots.

    Most CD burners come with software that allows you to manage music and create custom CDs. EZ-CD by Roxio is well-known--check out Roxio's website for the latest offerings. Searching CNET with phrases like "manage playlists and burn CDs" should yield good shareware packages as well.

    :)
     
  3. Evolved

    Evolved F1 Veteran

    Nov 5, 2003
    8,700
    I don't know about mangeing music libraries but I do know Roxio is pure garbage.


    The best burning software is Nero by Ahead Software.

    The pc magazines are not geared towards novices. Even PC novice magazine isn't

    Get one of those "Visully" books with lots of pictures or better yet send him to a class at the local community college or library.

    -Dave
     
  4. Entelechy

    Entelechy Formula Junior

    May 19, 2001
    712
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    Chris Cummings
    Thanks Faisal, and Oppie - I'll forward these on - keep 'em comin' :)
     
  5. tvrfreak

    tvrfreak F1 Rookie
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    Sorry, Oppie's right. Roxio is pure garbage.

    I think Adaptec makes Easy-CD. I couldn't remember who made it and when I did a quick search on Google, EZ-CD by Roxio showed up. I guess they named it EZ-CD to confuse people into buying their stuff, which is indeed pure crap.
     
  6. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    Jul 20, 2003
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    Start > Programs > Adaptec Easy CD Creator > Features > Easy CD Creator > *Click*

    If he likes, he can drag the shortcut to *wherever* on the Start menu, and/or create a shortcut on the desktop, if so inclined.

    That can be done by;
    Start > Programs > Adaptec Easy CD Creator > Features > Easy CD Creator > *Right-Click* > Send to > Desktop.

    (He'll still have the selection available on the Start>Programs>, etc.. But, if he chooses "Create Shortcut" instead of "Send to," all it'll do is add another shortcut to the menu, rather than to the desktop. Stooooopid, ain't it?)

    I think I'll be near a store tomorrow - I'll pop in and see which Mag is newbie-friendly - and I promise it is friendly without being condescending.
     
  7. Entelechy

    Entelechy Formula Junior

    May 19, 2001
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    Chris Cummings
    Faisal, thanks again. Thomas, thanks for the instructions, and that would be great - thanks man :)
     
  8. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    "Smart Computing" is the name of the magazine. "In Plain English" is the catch-phrase, and it's true.
    http://www.smartcomputing.com/

    Just needed some ZZZZZZZ's to remember.

    *whew*
    :eek: Speaking of remembering - good thing I just remembered the tub water was running - 1/4" from disaster. :eek:

    After he reads that for a while, then he can move on to PC World or PC Connection mag. The writing in each has gotten more old-dog-new-tricks-friendly - in either case, best for him to leaf through an unsealed issue at a bookstore to see what he likes.

    How old is your Pop? Mine's 70.
     
  9. Entelechy

    Entelechy Formula Junior

    May 19, 2001
    712
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    Chris Cummings
    Brilliant - thanks again Thomas...My father's in his early 60's...it cracks me up because he's such an audiophile and has this amazing home theater system, projection screen, and stereo system (All Macintosh components and Martin Logan speakers), but he can't seem to grasp the basics of operating a PC. Even CD burning - he bought a top-of-the-line Pioneer Elite CD burner years ago and still doesn't have a clue how to work it. Now it'll probably never see any action because it's so easy with computers.

    I used to resist them as well, until a friend/mentor "pulled me through the wormhole" - now I'm doing the same for others, but on the Mac side :)

    Don't know what your schedule's like, but if you ever want to grab lunch sometime (how Hollywood :) ) let me know...we're on the Sony lot.

    Cheers,
    ~Chris
     
  10. Evolved

    Evolved F1 Veteran

    Nov 5, 2003
    8,700

    Don't be surprised. My father was en engineer at IBM for 30 years. He literally invented a bunch of the technologies inside of every computer today. He's got a bunch of awards in his house He is a truely brilliant man. YET Windows XP shortcuts still confuse him. His mind still works at full capacity even with his advanced age. He get s a kick out casino's now that he is retired. Apparently he can count cards, even with multiple decks and pretty much knows the exact odds at any number of casino games. Keeps his synapses firing. I don't think he has ever lost a game.
     
  11. Entelechy

    Entelechy Formula Junior

    May 19, 2001
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    Chris Cummings
    Oppie, that makes me feel better, thanks :)
     
  12. Ekasilicon

    Ekasilicon Formula Junior

    Jan 21, 2003
    507
  13. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    I'd like nothing better - but, schedule's just horrendous these days - Monkey Wrench after Monkey Wrench after... Can't name a time and date just yet.
    When the time comes (will be unresolved for a long while), you'll be blown away by news which has nothing whatsoever to do with Industry stuff we've discussed in the past - but which appears will turn lemons into lemonade. Thrust upon us, it has occupied my household's attention as of late and could take a long while to resolve. Nevertheless, I look forward to being free of this matter, and in so doing, freeing up others - not only in my household. Big time. Perhaps this'll merit an appearance on "Nightline." But still, before that info is disclosed, we shall most certainly meet and discuss other goings-on & ambitions as well as just enjoy the day's offerings.

    BTW, I am also working on another story (fiction this time) which just hit me over the head the other day - all I can say is, it's something that hasn't been done before. Muahahahaha.

    Now, most importantly, really - earlier I saw a commercial for something you're heavily involved with - "Big Fish." That 30 seconds looked like Forrest Gump met the Brothers Grimm under the Big Top during a Dream and woke up with a mind-bender - in a good way. I think folks will insist on seeing it more than once.

    Many happy returns!
     

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