Reader Recommendations

I often ask what programs/websites/tools/gadgets people like and why. Here are some of your responses.

"You've got mail."

Carole writes, "What websites & gadgets do I like? I like changing the colours, font, sounds, etc. occasionally. There was one I loved but have been looking for for years to no avail. It was a 'sounds' program whereby Hal (do you remember Hal's computer voice from 2001 A Space Odyssey (sp?) said things like "you have mail" (I'm probably paraphrasing), etc. Ever hear of it or know where I can get it:-)

As luck would have it, I think I've found something that will work for you. Not a program, but two sites with sounds you can download and use for your email program. Both have HAL saying, "There's a message for you." Check here for sounds and directions for using them. This site has more sound files. Use the instructions from the first site to save and use these files, too. You can associate a sound file with any Windows event, not just your mail.

Gord has a great tip on organizing email. "A very simple application/change for email that I think should be taught to users more often so they can customize their inbox. I like the changes allowed in View/Columns, I'm sure you are aware of it and may have already suggested it to your readers but I will mention it anyhow.

As a retiree, I do not need to know the importance someone else has placed on an email but I do enjoy having the "watched" messages in color instead of "flagging" them. I also like to know the size of the incoming messages without going to Webmail so I can decide what do do with them.

As a result I go to View/Columns etc and change the settings to coincide with my preferences. I know it is a simple change but I believe it is one that many folks would enjoy knowing the possibilities available to them and yet I have rarely seen it mentioned, possibly you could pass this info on to others if you think it suitable."

Whether, like Gord, you want to add colour to certain messages, or whether you just want to view the ones that came in "today" or "yesterday" there are plenty of ways you can customize your Outlook Express or Thunderbird to get the job done. Don't be afraid to try different Views and different layout configurations until you get the combination you like. In Outlook Express, just use the built-in help to look for "Views" if you want more information.

Just the facts, Ma'am
Cécile likes to have the facts available at all times. Here are her suggestions:

The Weather Eye offers features such as current weather conditions for Canadian, US and International cities, short-term and long-term forecasts and Canadian weather alerts ensuring you stay on top of the weather anytime, anywhere, anyhow. They claim to be spyware free. Available here.

Faster and easier to read than a phone directory (and with reverse look-up, too!) Canada411.ca. Check it out here.

If you need government forms, get the federal forms here and information on our BC government here.

Thank you once again to everyone who sent tips and suggestions. Please keep them coming! Email Cate with your favourites.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.