DOS/PC/Windows

Resources in this category:

Accessibility at Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/

Microsoft offers demos and tutorials for people with vision, hearing, dexterity and language impairments. Learn how to access Microsoft Windows, Office and Internet Explorer. Information about assistive technologies and new products is also available.

Annoyances.org
http://www.annoyances.org/

"Annoyances.org is the most complete collection of information assembled for and by actual users of Microsoft Windows." Search this site for tips, tricks, performance enhancements, and fixes for all annoyances experienced with Windows Vista, XP, and previous versions of the Microsoft operating system.

comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* FAQ
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/pc-hardware-faq/part1/

"This FAQ covers Frequently Asked Questions from all groups in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* hierarchy. Software topics are only included if they are directly related to hardware or hardware interfacing.

The Computer Technology Documentation Project
http://www.comptechdoc.org/

This site contains computer documentation and information in various technical areas including markup and web languages, operating systems, hardware, programming, and networking. This documentation is suited for beginners and experts alike.

Dave's Guide to Buying a Home Computer
http://www.css.msu.edu/pc-guide.html

This site covers the steps to purchasing a PC computer. There is a guide to help you when looking for a new or used computer, setting up or upgrading, or trouble shooting. The author discusses things you need to be aware of before you decide to purchase a computer, whethew new or used. He also gives a detailed discussion of components and information on OS and software considerations.

forWindows.com
http://www.forwindows.com/

"forWindows.com was launched to replace the outdated site Paperbits Support Center for Windows NT founded in 1996. The goal of this site is to offer you help and support on the Microsoft Windows operating systems. We want to make this site a one-stop for you to locate and to manage device drivers, downloads, and technical support information. Our more ambitious goal would be to turn this site into your personalized portal for help and support on the Microsoft Windows platforms."

Gadgetwise
http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/

Gadgetwise is a blog that mixes information, analysis and opinion to help you figure out which tech products to buy, and how to get the best deal.

Geo's Windows NT Tips
http://www.nthelp.com/

An excellent page of Windows tips for all versions of Windows. Compiled by the Compuserve co-sysop. Also contains useful links to other training material.

Gurzki's Windows NT Guide
http://www.gurzki.de/winnt/index.html

"This document offers manufacturer independent information on the Windows NT Operating System and related topics." Site includes information on "operating system basics", "system architecture", "networking", and a news section. A useful site , suffers a bit from infrequent updating.

The Hand-Me-Down PC
http://www.daileyint.com/hmdpc/handtoc.htm

Full text of a 1998 book aimed at the layperson. Covers upgrading, purchasing, and troubleshooting personal computers.

Helpanswers.com: Online Support Center
http://www.helpanswers.com/

Provides free help with computer related resources, such as answering technical issues with your computer.

An Illustrated Guide to Building the New PCs
http://www.daileyint.com/build/

"Online version of the published McGraw-Hill book "Build Your Own PC" includes over 50 step-by-step assembly photographs for new ATX systems (PII, Celeron, AMD) and the AT to ATX transition guide - Catching up with the New Technology."

Microsoft -- Support and Services
http://support.microsoft.com/

"Use Support Online to access Microsoft Technical Support's entire collection of problem-solving tools and technical information, including the Knowledge Base,Troubleshooting Wizards, and downloads." This is the same searchable database used by Microsoft support technicians to answer most questions.

Microsoft Developer Network
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx

The official Microsoft resource for software developers working with Microsoft's operating systems and other related computer and Internet technogies. There are also other MSDN sites for a number of countries in various languages.

Motherboard HomeWorld
http://www.motherboards.org/

This is a good resource to find information on replacing and upgrading your motherboard. The author provides a section for newbies that gives detailed information about motherboards and where to start. There is a list of manufacturers and vendors to get information on purchasing or asking about your particular piece. There is also an article on chips and chipsets, and the author walks you through building your own PC. There is an FAQ and a search engine for the site.

MSDN Library
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/default.aspx

Essential information for those developing in the Microsoft environment, using Microsoft tools, products, and technologies. Includes documentation, tutorials, and sample code, and reference materials.

Network Administration Tools
http://www.netadmintools.com/

An rich site for system and network administrators. Contains tips, tricks, resources, tools and a reference section on GNU/Linux, "homebrew designs," databases and more. "We share a challenge both in fixing our systems for technical reasons, but in also architecting a safer world for information storage, manipulation, and transmission."

Office 2000 Tutorials
http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/

Florida Gulf Coast University's free online tutorials for Windows 2000 includes Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, and Front Page.

The PC Guide
http://www.pcguide.com/index.htm

Do you want to build or repair your own PC? This site includes detailed guides explaining how to do both. It also covers how to take care of and get more out of your computer, and how modern PCs and their parts work.

PC Lube and Tune
http://pclt.cis.yale.edu/pclt/default.htm

"The PCLT objective is to supply usable introductions, tutorials, and education on technical subjects to the large audience of computer users. The method is to supply system independent hypertext files through the Internet and World Wide Web."

PC Mag Radio
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,2007098,00.asp

"PC Magazine (www.pcmag.com), the most important technology publication in the world, delivers authoritative, labs-based comparative reviews of computing and Internet products to more than 6.6 million highly engaged technology buyers. PC Magazine defines technology for e-business and is the only magazine with in-depth reviews and accurate, repeatable testing from PC Magazine Labs placed in the unique context of today's business technology landscape."

PC Show and Tell
http://www.pcshowandtell.com/

Online software help. "PC Show and Tell is a FREE Internet library with more than 10,000 voice-enabled tutorials. These step-by-step shows help you maximize the use of your software. Now you can see and hear the answer to your 'how-to' questions! Our library includes 70 top software titles and websites including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, ICQ, AOL and many more."

System Optimization and PC Performance
http://www.sysopt.com/

This site gives product evaluations and reviews and provides benchmark comparison lists. There is information about system components such as BIOS, DRAM, and motherboards among other things. There is also a technological FAQ and forum as well as general information on books, diagnostics, and hardware and software companies.

Windows 95 Manual
http://www.windweaver.com/w95man.htm

An online introductory tutorial for Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system.

Windows NT/2000/2003/XP Admin Knowledge Base
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/kbase/WindowsTips/

"NT support site with an extensive NT Registry Index, Tips for NT Users, Tips for NT Administrators, and book recommendations relevant to NT."

ZDNet: Tech News and White Papers for IT Professionals
http://www.zdnet.com/

Online magazine by CNET. Site includes glossary, software, searchable archives as well as feature articles.