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Introduces a section which reviews several computers and computer products from small and lesser-known vendors. Method of evaluation; Ratings of PCs, computer notebooks, printers, monitors, graphics boards, and modems according to features and cost; Recommendations. INSET: YOUR GUIDE TO THE TOP 100.

The article evaluates several computer monitors including Dell's UltraSharp 3007WFP, HP's LP3065, and Samsung's SyncMaster 305T. INSET: A Big Monitor That Includes TV Capability.

The article reviews the computer software Terminal Here Plugin 0.95 from Pyehouse.

Evaluates several monitor color calibrators. Spyder2Pro Studio hardware-software package from ColorVision; Eye-One Display 2 with Eye-One Match software from Gretag-Macbeth; Monaco OptixXR Pro hardware-software package from X-Rite.

The article offers step-by-step instructions for setting up two monitors to double the screen real estate.

This article evaluates three brands of dual-processor workstations. With its four gigabytes of memory and Nvidia 1100 graphics card, the IBM IntelliStation A Pro should have been the excellent workstation in the review. The vast memory resources make it a natural for classic workstation environment where several applications need to run together in real time. The A Pro has the usual IBM workstation case that opens easily to reveal a well-designed, accessible interior with a selection of PCI-X slots for easy expansion, however, the product run slower in multitasking tests. The MPC NetFrame 600 uses an Intel server motherboard and retains all of the reliability features users would expect in a departmental server. The NetFrame 600 was nearly as fast as the IBM A Pro even in single tasking, and it surpass the IBM in multitasking, despite the IBM A Pro having four times the memory. In real-world testing with multiple applications and tasks, the MPC was faster than the Opteron-based IBM. The Hewlett-Packard Workstation xw8000 is intended for use as an office workstation. It is small enough that users could see it on the desktop computer. The top-mounted optical drives are easy to reach, and the mid-mounted power button is also convenient. Unfortunately, Universal Serial Bus, FireWire and sound connectors are inconveniently located at the bottom of the front panel. The case opens easily with a simple latch to reveal a clean design with minimal cable intrusion. The product performed like NetFrame 600, other than being slightly slower, which was expected from the slightly slower processor. Single-tasking tests showed that the xw8000 was slightly slower than the Opteron. INSET: Putting Three Workstations Through Their Paces.

This article focuses on several integration tools for exposing mainframe-derived services. Presently, enterprises seem intent on disseminating the core business value that extols to a wider audience. As companies draw up plans for service-oriented architectures that treat applications as reusable services, mainframes promise to play a central role. However, the key is in selecting the right integration tools for exposing mainframe-derived services. One of the options is to deploy software that emulates a 3270 mainframe terminal and roll mainframe applications into Web applications. Fortunately, new tools from companies such as WRQ and NetManage are taking this approach to a new level. According to Benoit Lheureux, a Gartner research director, terminal emulation approach is mostly foolproof. In addition, he says that it is nonintrusive. The downsides are performance limitations and brittleness, for instance, if a mainframe application changes without warning, any application that depend on the 3270 connection break. WRQ's Verastream product is an example of how sophisticated the terminal-emulation approach can get. Although terminal emulation solutions may go as far as exposing 3270 streams as Web services, they are primarily designed for human interaction through a browser. INSET: Is It Time to Retire Big Iron?.

The article reviews several products including the Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock, the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station, and the Apple Thunderbolt Display from Apple.

The article presents views and insights concerning the modernization of mainframe code. It offers information on how the code was written using the different programs. According to Alan Walker, vice president of Sabre, IT organizations have begun to make transition plans for mainframe applications. Dale Vechio, an analyst at Gartner Inc., says that applications fall into one of three groups based on scale and a gradual transition to packaged applications might help such businesses. One analyst says that the total operating costs of running applications on the mainframe can be easily 10 times that of a Unix or Windows architecture. INSET: The Cobol Brain Drain.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in the previous issues including "OS X Lion," in the September 2011 issue, "Four Lion Terminal Hacks" and a letter thanking former chief executive officer (CEO) of Apple Inc. Steve Jobs for his work.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in the March 2007 issue including "Hello, iPhone," "Too Much Integration," and "Resize Partitions On-the-Fly," by Kirk McElhearn.

This article focuses on the efforts of various companies to improve the quality of their flat screens. Toshiba and Canon, for example, are producing thinner, lighter and better flat panels, based on a technology called Surface Conduction Electron-Emitter Display. It shoots electrons through thousands of nanometers-wide slits onto a phosphor-coated screen, blending the best of traditional cathode ray tubes and liquid crystal displays (LCD). The Toshiba-Canon joint venture, SED Inc., will manufacture initial products by 2005, with volume production expected in 2007. Cenoa Color takes a different approach in displaying colors on screen. Its Multi-Primary Color (MPC) technology provides additional colors, such as yellow and cyan, that TV can mix to display an expanded range of colors, including brighter versions of colors that red-green-blue (RGB) screens pro-duce poorly. Using the MPC chip and up to three additional primary colors, TV and monitors can deliver more-realistic color, particularly the flesh tones and yellows where the RGB method is weakest. MPG should be appear in high-end rear-projection televisions in the second quarter of 2005. Sony is taking another tack to meet a similar challenge, introducing in Japan the Qualia 005 line of 40- and 46-inch LCD TV which use white light-emitting diodes to backlight the screen.

This article provides information on the 30-inch Apple Cinema Display HD, an addition to Apple's flat-panel lineup. This display monitor serves up a resolution of 2,560 by 1,600 pixels. With it, one can edit high-definition video, with room to spare for tools and palettes. Apple says that the 30-inch monitor displays 77 percent more pixels than 23-inch Cinema Display. The new monitor is so big that no existing graphics card has enough power to drive it. Apple has switched from its proprietary Apple Display Connector to a Digital Video Interface connector. Apple has also introduced new versions of the 20-inch Apple Cinema Display and the 23-inch Apple Cinema Display HD. Like their massive 30-inch counterpart, these two Cinema Displays adopt a thin aluminium bezel that looks more like the metallic cases of the Power Mac G5s and aluminum PowerBooks. An aluminum stand with an adjustable hinge supports the displays; the stand is detachable. More significantly, Apple replaces its ADC connection with a single cable that comes out the back of each panel and breaks out into DVI, universal serial bus, FireWire, and power connections. The standard DVI connector on the displays allows PowerBook users and users of older Macs to hook up to the panels right out of the box, without needing a bulky and expensive DVI-to-ADC converter.

Evaluates the Philips 150P, Eizo FlexScan L330, and Sony SDM-N50PS LCD computer monitors. Cost; Key features; Recommendation.

Offers advice for adding a second monitor to one's computer, which is allowed by the Windows 98 computer operating system. Items necessary, including two graphics cards backed with drivers that support the Windows multiple-monitor capacity; Configuration concerns; Recommendations.

Offers tips and ideas for computer hardware. The importance of keeping hardware clean; What to clean and how; How to add a new hard drive but keep the old drive letter assignments.

The article offers step-by-step instructions for setting up multiple computer monitors.

The article offers step-by-step instructions for making the Terminal window temporarily translucent.

The article reports that users of large or multiple computer monitors are more productive. Results of a survey state that researchers have estimated that productivity gains of employees in both word processing and spreadsheet work can deliver savings of $2.1 million per year for a 250-person company. It is stated that savings are made even after accounting for the expense of buying the larger monitors.

The article presents the case of a computer user who used a CompUSA LCD/CRT Cleaning Kit from CompUSA Inc. to clean the screen of his Dell 18-inch liquid crystal display monitor. After using the cleaning kit, the customer noticed the discoloration of the screen. The product's packaging does not state its ingredients. The manual from Dell Computer Corp. warns users not to apply industrial-strength cleaners or petroleum-based products to Dell monitors. John Young-Hein, vice president of Meridew Enterprises, which makes a different line of cleaning products called Klear Screen, says that many screen-cleaning gels contain alcohol or ammonia, big no-nos for an LCD.

The article presents information on some improvements suggested by the author regarding an operating system (OS) named as Macintosh OS, X 10.5 to be launched by Apple Computer Inc. The author wants OS X to have an option for tabbed Terminal windows.

The article evaluates several liquid crystal display monitors including the Ultrasharp 1707FP from Dell, the Multi-Sync 70 GX2 from NEC and the PM17TU from Asus and offers information on their features and prices.

The article presents a comparison of several computer monitors including LG Electronics Flatron L1950B, Dell UltraSharp 1905FP and ViewSonic VP930b and offers information on their features, specifications and performance.

The article evaluates the laptop-battery monitor CoconutBattery 1.3 from Christoph Sinai.

The article evaluates several Liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors related to the computer industry. L2335 from Hewlett-Packard, has an ability to pivot to portrait mode, the L2335 also provides excellent video-in options and very good color fidelity and viewing angle. Multisync LCD2070NX from NEC Display Solutions, is great for people who want a moderately priced 20-inch monitor that can display bright, accurate colors. SDM-HS95P from Sony lacks some of the features found on other displays (such as a USB hub, speakers, or the ability to pivot), but the SDM-HS95P is a bright and nicely designed LCD that performs well. SDM-HS75P, from Sony is a good choice for people who have limited desk space and who want a bright and shiny, well-designed display.

This article evaluates the LCD monitor L2335 from Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP). Along with its outstanding value and ability to pivot to portrait mode, the HP 12335 provides video-in options and color fidelity and viewing angle.

This section presents a list of the top 10 computer monitors for the month of September 2005, along with a summary of their features and specifications, performance and bottom line.

Evaluates two LCD monitors. Benefits of the 321 LCD Monitor from LaCie for professionals who are willing to pay the price for accurate color; 10-bit color and optional hardware calibration of the LaCie monitor; Price of a 23-inch display monitor from Hewlett-Packard Co.

Evaluates several computer monitors available in the U.S. market as of July 2005. SDM-HS95P from Sony; FlexScan L768 from Eizo; SyncMaster 920t from Samsung.

This article presents tips and free utilities on how to maximize the use and function of computer monitors. The first step is to increase the monitor's resolution. The problem with increasing resolution is that the fonts are too small. To fix this problem, users should use the Screen resolution control located in the Settings tab of Properties. Users can maximize their screen real estate by using virtual desktops. Virtual desktop programs let users place their open applications onto separate desktops and then quickly switch among them. The graphics board may have come with a virtual desktop tool. If not, they can use Microsoft's free Virtual Desktop Manager, part of PowerToys for Windows XP; it does a decent job, but it is limited to four virtual desktops at one time. To have double vision, there is a good chance that the graphics board includes both an analog output and a digital one. If so, users can try connecting two monitors to one personal computer. If existing graphics board has dual display outputs, simply connect the second monitor to the open port; Windows XP will recognize it automatically. If the board has only one port, and users are willing to spend some quality time inside the case of the computer, they should discard their current card and install one that has dual ports.

This article presents the chart of the Top 10 Computer Monitors ranked by PC World magazine for April 2005.

Evaluates the Flatron L1980U liquid crystal display monitor from LG Electronics. Appearance; Capabilities; Price.

This section presents tips on personal computer (PC) remedies. A user turn on a PC and nothing happens; the screen is blank. If all is quiet on the PC front, the machine may not be getting power. Users should make sure both ends of the power cables to the PC and monitor are firmly seated in their sockets. Then verify that the surge protector has not been zapped by an overcharge. If the power supply is bad, replace it. If the disk whirs and the supply hums, but the monitor stays dark. The display's brightness and contrast settings may have been set inadvertently to their highest or lowest level, blanking the screen. Users can connect the monitor to another PC or to a notebook computer. If the monitor works, the problem is with the PC or its graphics card. If it does not, it is time for a new display. If the hard disk, power supply and monitor all check out, then one have left the realm of fast fixes. One should get a technician on the phone or call the local PC repair shop to schedule a drop-off or a technical house call.

Evaluates several computer monitors available in the U.S. market in January 2005. FlexScan L768 from Eizo Nanao Corp.; SyncMaster 193P from Samsung Co. Ltd.; Philips Brilliance 190P5EB from Philips Electronics NV.

This article evaluates the ColorPlus monitor calibration package from Pantone ColorVision. Known for its $249 SpyderPro package for professional photographers, the company offers ColorPlus as its first product for consumers. Included are a hardware sensor and wizard-based calibration software; though ColorPlus has fewer options than its sibling. When used to calibrate a 19-inch Samsung SyncMaster 955DF cathode ray tube, the software will advice the user to make manual adjustments and then it will make changes as it automatically cycled through a range of colors. The entire process will take five minutes. The software supports the International Color Consortium specification.

Reviews two pieces of computer terminal emulation software. PowerTerm 1.0 from Ericom; CelView 3.0.1 from Celcorp.

Reports that inexpensive flat-panel display monitors may vanish, as demand for them outstrips the supply. How growing demand is erasing the surplus of raw LCD panels that was spawned in 2001 by sluggish notebook sales and improved manufacturing; Price increases by vendors to cover increased costs; Plan of some vendors to cut rebates first, rather than raise prices outright; Buying tips for LCD monitors.

Evaluates several computer monitors. Samsung SyncMaster 950p; Dell M991; ViewSonic GS790; Optiquest Q95; MGC Technologies 997SN; Cornerstone Technology C910; CTX International PR960F; ADI MicroScan G910; NEC MultiSync FE950+; LG Flatron 915FT Plus; Key features of each; Pros and cons; Cost; Recommendations.

Evaluates several computer monitors. Evaluation in terms of cost and quality of text and graphics; Key features; Pros and cons; Recommendations; Mention of new products including the DecaView GF385, the Sceptre D77D, and the Dell M781p.

Reviews the Dell 1501FP 15-inch LCD computer monitor. Features; Cost; Recommendation.

Lists the top ten microcomputer monitors, as ranked by `PC World' magazine. Street price; Overall rating; Quality of text/graphics.

Lists the top ten computer monitors available in the United States market, as ranked by performance. Includes IBM P72; ViewSonic PT775; Optiquest V73; DecaView PA 380.

Relates the author's experiences in using a Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 2020u 22-inch computer monitor. Quality of images; Universal Serial Bus hub; Price; Weight; Tips to prolong a monitor's life.

Discusses the plans by Apple Computer to introduce three color-displays ranging from 15- to 20-inches with built-in calibration functions. The high resolution that will be available; The projected cost.

The article discusses the continuous usage of mainframe systems. It is stated that the system has developed a growth curve of its usage compared to the previous years, including the zSeries mainframe of the International Business Machines Corp. (IBM). On the other hand, it is emphasized that it is not always economical to keep migrating to the latest software or mainframe platform. Moreover, electronics and electromechanical equipment manufacturer LaBarge Inc. stresses that implementing a new enterprise resource planning system is expensive. INSET: Pulling The Plug On Cobol.

The article evaluates the Sun Ultra 20 technical workstation from Sun Microsystems and offers information on its features and cost.

This article features Version 3.1 of VMware's GSX Server, a virtualization platform that relies on a host operating system (OS). Apparently, the first release of VMware Workstation in 1999 marked the birth of simple system virtualization on the x86 architecture. In the years since, VMware has matured, adding significantly to its product line with GSX Server. Virtualization software simplifies computing infrastructure by partitioning and isolating servers into virtual machines, each of which can run its own OS and applications. Virtual machines running under VMWare's Workstation product can be accessed by any other system via the network, but access to the server console is limited to the workstation running the application. GSX Server, on the other hand, runs as a daemon process on a host server and thus does not have any console-location constraints. Using a modified, integrated Virtual Network Computing server, any virtual system running on the host is accessible to any VMware console client on the network, regardless of guest OS. Moreover, console access is not limited to a single connection, as multiple users can connect to a single virtual system console simultaneously.

Focuses on the computer terminals introduced by Sun Microsystems Inc. and IBM. Changes in the client of Sun Microsystems; Questions regarding safety and bandwidth of the network.

Reports that Microsoft's multiuser version of Windows NT known as Windows Terminal Server (WTS), will be launched in April 1998. Product launching includes Citrix Systems' Picasso software and several Windows-based terminals; Packaging of WTS with Microsoft's proprietary protocol called Remote Desktop Protocol; Pricing.

Announces Microsoft Corp.'s plan to host a Partnership Pavilion in November 1997 at Comdex in Las Vegas, Nevada to release a beta version of its multiuser Windows Hydra and detail its Windows-based Terminal (WBT) strategy. Intel's support for the WBT concept; Critical element missing in the WBT/Hydra push; Other companies planning to showcase their WBT systems. INSET: NetPC: Microsoft's other move..