Using ZDNet, COMPUTERS.COM, CMPnet and IDG.net To Search For Computer-Related Information
In the Basic Search mode, items that are the most current rather than the most relevant are presented first. The More Options mode will give you the choice of ordering your results by relevance or date.
An important advantage of using ZDNet is that often many kinds of information about a subject are available. For example, if you want to find out more about Word 97, you can search for reviews, tips and news about this software. And you can learn to use Word 97 by taking a course at ZD University. ZDNet is well-organized, easy to navigate, and seems to be built with the occasionally confused computer user in mind.
COMPUTERS.COM - HARDWARE REVIEWS AND COMPARISONS THAT ARE REALLY HELPFUL
If you plan to buy a new computer or any type of hardware, go directly to COMPUTERS.COM (http://www.computers.com), which is a specialized search engine for hardware reviews and information. At COMPUTERS.COM you can find reviews about a product, learn about the significance of its various features, get a complete list of its specifications and compare the prices popular retail outlets are charging for it.
COMPUTERS.COM also gives you the capacity to determine which products meet your needs. For example, suppose you're looking for a notebook computer. Selecting the category notebook computers will call up menus giving you the ability to specify the desired price, type of processor, speed, amount of RAM, size of hard disk, and weight including battery. You'll be presented with a list of reviews for products that fit your requirements.
Product Strengths and Weaknesses Explained
COMPUTERS.COM's reviews are exceptionally informative, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of a product when compared to similar products in the same price range. In addition, you can view several charts comparing your product to others in its category. For example, three charts for desktop computers compared basic features, performance and bundled software.
COMPUTERS.COM is actually part of CNET, which is one of the largest computer-related sites on the Web. Hardware is tested in CNET's labs and reviewed by its staff.
CMPnet - BOTH CONSUMER AND INDUSTRY-ORIENTED INFORMATION
CMPnet (http://www.cmpnet.com) is the site of CMP Media, publisher of 13 computer-related consumer and trade magazines, including Windows Magazine, Internet Week, and Home PC. CMPnet's magazine archives are searchable, and the site contains a great deal of additional material that's useful to consumers, but it's less comprehensive than ZDNet and much information is aimed at industry insiders.
There are separate searchable
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