Welcome to the August 25, 2001 issue of Hewie's Favorites News & Reviews. The new links are listed below. You can always see the latest links at http://www.hewie.net/23.html.

++ Passwords should be unique for every use
++ Brick & Mortar Stores using eBay
++ buy.com in and out of trouble
++ The Industry Standard folds
++ Intel to release 2Ghz Pentium 4 and slash prices
++ New Digital Camera column at PC World Magazine
++ Latest Additions to Hewie's Favorites Web Site

++ Passwords should be unique for every use
I have talked to several people recently about passwords. It is recommended that you use a different password for each instance where a password is needed. It is also recommended that the password is a combination of alpha and numeric characters. So far 99% of you have admitted that you don't do that as you read in the last 2 sentences. Think about all of the places that you have registered and used that "normal" password containing your kid 's name, your pet's name, your date of birth, your spouse's name, etc. Someone at any one of those sites now has the capabilities of going to your email account, your ISP, your Ebay account, or any place that you visit or buy, or have access to your account.

Of course, having to keep track of a different password for every login, every account, and every registered site is a nightmare. I do maintain different passwords. I didn't want to keep a list as someone could get to that list, especially on my computer. I have always tried to remember them. That is totally impossible! I searched and tried several programs to track passwords for me. I found one that I liked and have installed copies on both my PC and my Palm. It is eWallet from Ilium Software. The registered version ($29.95 from http://www.iliumsoft.com/wtrialm.htm ) encrypts the information on both computers so that they cannot be viewed. There are also versions for other PDAs or just your desktop. It makes it easy to have info available on software registrations, credit card numbers, pins, and passwords, yet keeps others from viewing.

++ Brick & Mortar Stores using eBay
>From HTML Goodies to Go Newsletter <http://www.htmlgoodies.com/letters/141.html>: It seems Ebay is being invaded by honest to goodness brick-and-mortar stores. According to a report I heard on a talk radio investment program, some major retailers are using Ebay to rid themselves of unwanted or out-of- fashion merchandise. The report stated that Bloomingdale's now has a staff of 12 whose only job is to take digital photographs, post to Ebay, and ship when sold. The retailer is said to make more than 1000 posts per day

++ buy.com in and out of trouble
One of my favorite sites <http://www.buy.com> for purchasing computer hardware and software almost closed this week. They have been in financial trouble and were scheduled to be purchased by their founder in November. This last week their credit card vendor was about to pull the plug. The founder bailed them out a second time Friday in order for them to stay in business. See < http://www.internetnews.com/ec-news/article/0,,4_872341,00.html >

++ The Industry Standard folds
One of my favorite print magazines and computer/Internet news sites is folding. I had subscribed to several of their daily enewsletters as well. The Industry Standard will be no more. For more info <http://www.nandotimes.com/business/story/64003p-917319c.html>.

++ Intel to release 2Ghz Pentium 4 and slash prices
Intel will introduce the 2Ghz Pentium4 on Monday and will slash prices on other Pentium 4 chips. In some cases the Pentium 4 will be cheaper than Pentium 3 CPU chips. If you are thinking about buying a new PC, wait a few days and watch the prices. Take a look at <http://www.zdnet.com/intweek/stories/news/0,4164,2807174,00.html> .

++ New Digital Camera column at PC World Magazine
PC World started a new column with digital camera tips, reviews, and information. In PC World's words, "Digital Focus, a column dedicated to helping you make the most of your digital camera, scanner, photo printer, and image editing software. Taking pictures--both in the analog and digital world--is a magical combination of art and science. Not only do you need to master the mechanics of your camera, but you also have to develop an eye for taking appealing photos." See the column at <http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,56365,00.asp>

++ Latest Additions to Hewie's Favorites Web Site