From:         Bob Rankin 
Subject:      TOURBUS - 21 FEB 2006 - House Values / Click of Doom

IN TODAY'S TOURBUS, A SUPERCOOL TOOL THAT LETS YOU ZOOM IN ON YOUR house from cyberspace and view the price tag. Also in this issue,

cookies demystified, the Click of Doom, and solutions for other annoying problems. Read on!

What's Your House Worth?

Ever wonder what your house (or one that's for sale) is really worth? Getting a property valuation from a realtor or appraiser can be a hassle, and might cost several hundred dollars. Now in just a few clicks, you can learn the estimated value of almost any house in the United States, and it won't cost you a nickel.

http://askbobrankin.com/house_values.html

Eat Your Cookies

I often get email from people who misunderstand or fear browser cookies. Today someone asked me about the "Google cookie is spyware" rumor, which is total rubbish. Others ask how to turn off cookies because their anti-virus or anti-spyware program falsely identifies them as security threats.

Should you really worry about cookies? I've written a a guide that tells you everything need to know about these tasty little critters. Read on for a closer look at the good, the bad, and the crumbly aspects of web browser cookies.

http://askbobrankin.com/eat_your_cookies.html

The Click of Doom

Is your hard drive making a clicking sound? Do you sometimes hear a repeated click-whir sound and then the computer locks up? Beware... it could be the Click of Doom!

Generally a clicking sound coming from your hard drive is a Bad Omen. It could be a harbinger of horrific hardware happenings, but it might also be something you can fix in a few seconds. If you've got "the click" read this article to find out what you should be doing ASAP!

http://askbobrankin.com/hard_drive_makes_a_clicking_sound.html

Computer Keeps Restarting?

Today a reader asked me this question about a misbehaving PC:

> "My PC running on Windows XP frequently restarts it self for no
> apparent reason. Any files or internet pages I have been working
> on are lost. The PC reboots to the desktop and I have to redo all
> my work. Any ideas please?"

There are several possible reasons why this might happen, including overheating, faulty memory, and hardware or software glitches. If this has ever happened to you, learn how to determine the cause and prevent this annoying problem.

http://askbobrankin.com/computer_restarts_itself.html

Directory Information Overload?

Sure, there are lots of online yellow pages websites. But all too often, I find it frustrating to get the phone number or address for a business or public facility. Point, click, search, wade through multiple pages of search results, drill down into confusing category headings, and MAYBE you can find that phone number. Here's good news... it just got easier to do what should be a simple task.

http://askbobrankin.com/directory_information_overload.html

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