TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: RIP & BURN / SMART SHOPPING / UBUNTU

In today's TOURBUS, you'll learn the basics of ripping and burning your digital music, and I'll share my nineteen tips for smarter online shopping. You'll also get the scoop on the new Feisty Fawn release of Ubuntu Linux, and find out what NOT to put on a Myspace profile... Read on!

Your Mother Called...

Did you know... your fearless Busdriver has another job in addition to publishing the Tourbus newsletter? Since 1998, I've operated FlowersFast, an online florist service. It's kind of like FTD or 1-800-Flowers, only with better prices and friendlier service. :-)

FlowersFast offers flowers, gift baskets and gourmet food items for delivery all over the world. And since Mother's Day is approaching, this would be a great time for you to visit FlowersFast.com and send heartfelt thanks or greetings to the special mother, wife, sister, or grandmother in your life.

To make it even easier, I'm giving TOURBUS readers a special five dollar discount if you use promo code TOURBUS at checkout time. I hope you'll visit FlowersFast and try our service!

MOTHER'S DAY FLOWERS - http://www.flowersfast.com/save

Rip & Burn Basics

A reader asked me this question about burning music on to CDs: > "I have a big music collection on CDROM discs. I'd like to get
> all this music on my computer and burn my own mix CDs. Can you
> help me get started?"

I sometimes take it for granted that people know certain things about computers, but everyone has their own comfort level with technology. So maybe you've wondered how to copy music from a CD to your computer, or vice versa -- how to create your own CD from music on your PC?

Or perhaps you've got a bunch of CDs with only one or two songs on each that you really like. It takes just a few minutes to learn how to "rip" songs from a CD, and "burn" your own mix to a new disc. And even better, you probably already have the hardware and software you need to make it happen. Here's my illustrated tutorial to guide you through the process...

RIP & BURN - http://askbobrankin.com/rip_burn_basics.html

Smarter Online Shopping

I still meet people who tell me they've never purchased anything on the Internet. I always tell 'em that it's safer to use a credit card online than in a department store, and there are so many tools to help you find the right product AND save money in the process.

Have you experienced the frustration of making a purchase, only to find that very same item offered somewhere else at a lower price? Smart shoppers can eliminate this problem and avoid other snafus by using online comparison shopping tools, coupon finders and product review sites before the purchase.

Even if you think you're a savvy online shopper, I'm certain that you'll benefit from at least one of the NINETEEN tips for smarter and safer online shopping here:

SHOP! - http://askbobrankin.com/online_shopping.html

Ubuntu Linux - Feisty Fawn

If you read my article "Switching From Windows To Linux" last month, then you'll be interested in the new Ubuntu Linux release, nicknamed Feisty Fawn. From installation to every day use, this version is characterized by a number of improvements in stability and features.

Linux devotees will enjoy the improved desktop graphics, and easier connection to wireless networks. Newcomers will like the Windows migration tool, and everyone will love the "desktop on a cube" and "wobbly windows" effects. Read on to learn more about this new Ubuntu Linux release...

UBUNTU - http://askbobrankin.com/ubuntu_linux_feisty_fawn.html

SWITCHING - http://askbobrankin.com/switch_to_linux.html

Myspace and Copyrights

Some Myspace users are being stung by new rules that limit the type of images, music and videos that can be posted. I've seen reports of accounts being limited and even deleted in some cases. Myspace is in the crosshairs of lawyers from the entertainment industry, so they've begun to crack down on users who post copyrighted materials.

Myspace says they may terminate membership privileges of anyone who repeatedly infringes the copyright rights of others. But in some cases, profiles have been deleted without warning. And I've seen firsthand reports of accounts being flagged or removed when there was no copyright issue at all.

In this article, I answer the question "What is Copyrighted?" and explain what NOT to post on a Myspace profile. If you use Myspace, Youtube or other social networking sites, read on...

COPYRIGHT - http://askbobrankin.com/myspace_and_copyrights.html

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