Mailing Lists for PC Support

Whether you're a novice or a techie, getting around on your PC or navigating the Internet is not always easy or predictable. So it's nice to know you can share your experiences, get (or give) advice, and commiserate with others just like you--simply by joining a mailing list. Here are some lists devoted to understanding computers and cyberspace.

PCWorks

Have you ever wished you knew someone who could answer straightforward computing questions without slapping you with a stiff consulting fee? If you join the PCWorks mailing list, you will. PCWorks is a collection of curious, information-hungry computer users paired up with knowledgeable techies ready to answer their questions. If you've got the questions--or the answers--they're waiting for you over at PCWorks.

To subscribe, send an e-mail to majordomo@mailinglist.net and type subscribe pcworks in the body of the message.

The Naked PC

The Naked PC is an announcement-style newsletter that promises to be "like the good neighbor who's also a computer consultant." Recent issues, archived on the Web, cover topics such as idiosyncrasies in Office 97 and choosing between an upgrade or a new PC. Annoyances of every description get plenty of coverage. The newsletter arrives every couple of weeks, give or take.

To subscribe, visit the Naked PC Web site (see link at right).

Screwdriver--Build Your Own PC

Geek talk galore is what you'll get in this discussion mailing list dedicated to the fine science and art of building an Intel-based PC. Founded by Mark L. Chambers, aka "The Chief" and author of Building a PC for Dummies, the Screwdriver list is for experts and novices alike who want do it themselves. Topics include how to find hardware, what's the cheapest price, and how to get your PC to do something specific such as shutdown automatically. Although it's all about building modern computers, subscribers relish talking about aspects of older systems like the Commodore 64.

To subscribe, send an e-mail to pclist@usa.net and type Subscribe in the subject line.

The History of Cyberspace Discussion

A project of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, this mailing list is moderated by David S. Bennahum. This list, which remembers the "good old days," discusses subjects like technical details about the origins of UNIX, or what others felt when they first discovered things like how to program "Hello World." People on the list certainly love descriptions of all those old machines. They also like to stump the crowd with a good quiz. This is an excellent list and well worth a look.

To subscribe, send an e-mail to listserv@maelstrom.stjohns.edu and type subscribe cyhist in the subject line. Or go to the Community Memory Web site (see link at right).