What I would like to see becoming more popular is the FireWire (IEEE1394), which up until now has not caught on well. It is much faster than USB and peripherals connected with FireWire can talk to each other without using the CPU. This is yet another vicious circle in the hardware development world. However, FireWire accommodates less peripherals than USB, but I doubt I could afford to plug in more than 63 devices. Some digital cameras offer IEEE1394 as a connection.

As for the speed of USB, the original development team of the USB concept (five companies), along with three new companies, is working on USB 2.0 to replace 1.1, which will increase the throughput nearly 20 times. Expect that version in a year or so. Next month will be more comments about the 810-chipset problems because of a lack of space this month. I found it an interesting situation. Also the latest surprise on USB development.

Stuffit, will ya!

"If you own Aladdin's StuffIt Deluxe 5.0.x for Macintosh, Aladdin recently released a free update, StuffIt Deluxe 5.1. This update includes enhancements and fixes, and eliminates the need for StuffIt Deluxe 5.0.x users to download DropStuff 5.1.2 and Expander 5.1.2 separately. The 5.1 update provides faster file compression and decompression than previous StuffIt Deluxe 5.0.x versions, and other improvements.

"StuffIt Deluxe 5.0.x is available as a download directly from Aladdin's Web site at: http://www.aladdinsys.com/updates/index.html. For more information on StuffIt Deluxe and its recent update, visit: http://www.aladdinsys.com/deluxe/."

There are new features, but to keep this item short as possible, I suggest you get more information from their web site. Prices for Aladdin products are as follows:

Stuffit Deluxe (Mac) - $49.95, reg. $79.95. The complete compression solution for Macs.

Aladdin DropStuff (Win) $20.00 - shareware regular price. Only cross-platform compression tool for Windows.

Spring Cleaning (Mac) $29.95 - reg. $49.95. The number one uninstaller for Mac. DragStrip (Win/Mac) $20.00. NEW - the ultimate desktop organizer.

MacTicker (Mac) $20.00 - NEW - The Stock Market on your desktop.

Aladdin FlashBack (Win/Mac) $29.95 (regularly $49.95). Provides unlimited undos to all your favorite software.

ShrinkWrap (Mac) $30.00 - Shareware, regular price. The easiest and most complete way to create disk images.

Sundial, California & Hawaii Collections (Win/Mac) $19.95 each, or $30 for both (regularly $29.95 each). Desktop pictures that change with the time of day.

Private File (Win) $19.95 (regularly $49.95). The easiest, cross-platform data protection.

In order to receive the above special pricing, user group members MUST use Code # UGDEAL 999. These prices are good through November 30th (maybe longer). Call 1-800-732-8881 to order (1-831-761-6200 in Canada) or e-mail them at sales@aladdinsys.com S&H is $7.50 for the first unit, $2.50 each additional unit in both US & Canada. Somehow, my money must have been caught up in this software because I was sure I had more money than I can find now. Does compressed money buy the same amount?

How About Surfing the Web For Absolutely FREE (Well, Almost Free)

Their explanation goes on, "we provide an e-mail address (total of 5 coming soon), personal Web space and toll-free tech support. If you want more information about our service to 'check us out,' please stop by our website at www.web-4life.net."

This special offer came together just before deadline so I have not had the chance to do anything but take a quick look at their home page and browse a bit. It was interesting to note that in the city where my mother lives, the only national ISP I knew about is AOL (line always busy there), but I noticed Web4Life has an access number there. That said a lot for me, but be sure to check for your area if you are interested in Web4life since they are not responsible for long distance charges.

During November & December '99, Web4Life wants to offer Computer User Group members a special package for WebCombo 2000. The retail price is $179.95 - but user group members can order it for $149.95, which includes the "Getting Started on the Internet" training video free. With the holiday season around the corner, members can ask for multiple discounts if they want to order Internet access as a gift.

Here's what's included with the Internet access: Unlimited dial up Internet access, all 50 States, Canada & Puerto Rico - 56Kflex-V.90 & X2 - Toll-Free tech support - personal Web space (5 mb) - 5 free E-Mail accounts - 7 Day money-back guarantee - Net 2 Phone software included - use any browser & e-mail (IE5 is included) - save $$ with AOL or Web TV - FREE Net Nanny software. http://www.web-4life.net.

You can order by phone with credit card by calling 1-888-267-1122, or send a check to the address listed. Shipping is $5.95 for the whole package. Right now the order form on the Internet is defaulted to the full price so you'll have to call Joy Porter to get the special. Be sure to specify which user group you are with.

Are You Over-Hyped About Y2K? Read This

It is a 5" x 5" book with 93 pages, and with easy-to-read type. I found it contained many suggestions we've heard before, but mixed in were many others that brought a smile. I don't laugh easily, but this made me smile a lot. I doubt that many would be offended by any of the light-hearted stuff. Such as suggestions concerning the shortage of supplies. She suggests you stock up on condoms in advance, which might raise the eyebrows of a snide clerk when you buy five boxes each time you stop in. I would rather think that clerk's attitude was admiration, especially if the clerk was aged. I'll bet that suggestion will also boost the sale of Viagra for a while. Few suggestions were on the risqué side.

I liked the suggestion about milk, and comments about a timepiece were practical, but whimsical. I can't tell you too much, so buy the book to learn (and chuckle) for yourself. The regular price per book is $7.95 but my readers can get it at 50% off. Check her web site . Ingrid also has a free Y2K weekly e-mail newsletter you can sign up for at her web site.

Scott Newland's Y2K Favor to User Groups

Looks like I'm out of space so meet me here again next month to discuss deals. The music conversion software will be next month because of getting the ordering logistics set up. I'll also talk about long-distance phone service for 3.9 cents-per-minute after friends have a chance to see if there are any catches. This column is written to make user group members aware of special pricing and my comments should not be construed to encourage, or discourage, the purchase of products. Bob (The Cheapskate) Click dealsguy@mindspring.com.

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