TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: CAR BUYING AND STARGAZING

Thinking about buying or selling a car? Today's TOURBUS will help you get the best deal. Also in this issue, astronomy online, switching to Linux, how to avoid an LSASS kicking. Read on!

Buying a Car, Selling a Car

Are you thinking about buying a new car? If you're thinking of buying or selling an Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC , Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Porsche, Saab, Saturn, Subaru, Toyota, VW, or Volvo...

...I'll point you to the websites you MUST visit before your trip to see the man in the polyester suit.

http://askbobrankin.com/buying_selling_car_online.html

There Goes The Neighborhood

I got a lot of comments on my "House Values" article, both positive and negative. A free online service that can estimate the value of your house is a very cool idea, but it seems to be ruffling the feathers of many real estate professionals.

Keep in mind the service is still in beta test, so the results may not be 100% accurate for every neighborhood. Try it on your house (or a neighbor's) and see what you think!

http://askbobrankin.com/house_values.html

Attention Stargazers...

If you're an amateur astronomer, or you just enjoy looking up into the night sky, the Internet is full of resources for you. For the best star pictures, astronomy websites, user groups and telescope reviews, read all about Astronomy Online here:

http://askbobrankin.com/astronomy_online.html

Linux: Time to Switch?

Every once in a while I mention Linux -- a free alternative to the Microsoft Windows operating system. It used to be that Linux was just for geeks. But modern Linux variants are easy to install, have friendly graphical interfaces, and come with a full suite of software for word processing, spreadsheets, email, web browsing and more.

Lots of people are switching to Linux because both the operating system and all the software you'll ever need are available for free. Others find it attractive because there are very few problems with viruses, spyware and security. If you're curious about Linux and would like to try it out, these articles will help you get started:

History of Linux http://www.askbobrankin.com/history_of_linux.html

Where Can I Download Linux? http://www.askbobrankin.com/where_can_i_download_linux.html

Help with Basic Linux Commands http://www.askbobrankin.com/help_with_basic_linux_commands.html

Is LSASS.EXE a Virus?

A TOURBUS reader recently asked me this question about viruses:

> "When I run the Windows XP Task Manager, I see a process named
> lsass.exe that is active. I'm worried that this might be a
> virus -- should I get rid of it?"

Ahh, poor LSASS... so much fear and uncertainty surrounds the topic. So it should be comforting that I can give you an authoritative "Probably Not" answer to that question. That's because lsass.exe is both an essential part of the Windows operating system, AND a nasty computer virus. So how can you be sure if your LSASS is good or evil? Here's the answer:

http://www.askbobrankin.com/what_is_lsass.html

That's all for now, see you next time! -- Bob Rankin