We've been in the computer business now for over 5 years. During that time, we're constantly being asked "why should I buy a computer from you, when I can buy it from a big-name manufacturer for less?" Well, we did some research this month, and we think you'll be surprised by some of the results. We've found everything from vendors selling "remanufactured" components in new machines to class-action lawsuits for misleading advertising and technical support policies. Want to hear what we've found about all of the leading computer manufacturers? Just give us a call and request our free report: document 903072. We think you'll be surprised at what we've found.

Q: I read somewhere that Intel has put an electronic tag in all of their new Pentium III processors to track Internet transactions. Is Big Brother watching me? Should I be concerned for my privacy? >Geoffrey, Tonawanda NY

A: Intel has added a new electronic processor identification serial number to their new Pentium III processors. This is supposed to be an added security feature for companies and organizations. It basically has the ability to transmit a serial number if requested - however Intel assures its customers that you have to run special software to enable this feature. Right now, Internet sites can track your activity by using "cookies," or special files sent to your web browser which contain information on you. This new feature will allow web sites to identify you from your processor serial number. Other software applications and network servers will also be able to read your electronic signature - if you enable the feature. At least, this is how it's supposed to work in theory. We don't think it will be a big security problem for the near future - just don't turn the ID on. Is it paving the road for government control in the far future? Your guess is as good as ours. For more information on the Pentium III processor, call and request document 903073. >Rick

Q: I'm trying to copy and paste information from one Word document to another, however I don't want all of the font settings, colors, and other garbage. Is there any way I can copy just the text without having to retype it all? >Harry, Cheektowaga NY

A: The easiest way to do this is to highlight your text and copy it as normal. Now, when you switch to your destination document, click Edit > Paste Special and choose Unformatted Text. You will now paste just the text without all of the formatting. You may still need to edit out some of the bullets or other objects you may have had in your old text, but the majority of the document should copy acceptably. >Iain

Q: We have a debate going on in our office on whether or not it's harmful to use a vacuum cleaner to routinely clean your keyboard, mouse, and the inside of your computer. Can you resolve this debate for us? >Joanne, Amherst NY

A: We would recommend against cleaning your system with a vacuum cleaner. Whenever you have air passing by plastic, you have an environment full of static electricity (much like combing your hair). If you were to build up a static charge and touch your keyboard (or a component inside your PC) you could zap your system and damage a component. We recommend using cans of environmentally friendly compressed air to blow dust out of your keyboard and tower. For our list of tips on proper preventative maintenance for your PC, call and request document 903074.

TIP: Get in the habit now of working with four-digit years in everything you do: spreadsheets, letters, and even when you hand write checks. The Year-2000 problem isn't just a computer problem. It's a people problem too! For a free copy of our Y2K report, call for document 903075.

We've recently picked up a new line of Notebook Computers. If you would like information, please call and request document 903076. We'll send you information on our complete line, as well as pricing. We have top-quality notebook PCs available starting for as little as $1459.

March Special: Sign up for any class, bring a second person with you for half price!

We have classes now available in Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, CorelDraw, WordPerfect, QuickBooks, and more. All hands on. Maximum four (4) students per class for the finest in individualized attention. One-on-one training also available. Request document 903077 for all the details.

For a FREE 30-day Internet account, call for document 903078.

Documents are free by fax to the Buffalo/WNY area. You can call us at 716-837-4685, fax us at 833-6724, email us at amicron@amicron.com, or visit our web site at www.amicron.com. Be sure to leave your name and fax number. For a complete listing of documents, or for back issues of this newsletter, request document 903079. ComputerFAQs is copyright ©1995-1999 by Amicron Technology Services, all rights reserved. Please contact us if you are interested in any of our products or services, or if you would like your number removed from our database. We never sell our database of fax numbers to any outside sources.