BrowserTune 2000

'Gotta hand it to that Fred Langa fella ... he's a smart dude. Besides being an author, lecturer, consultant and former editor of Windows Magazine, he also coded this very cool test of over 300 separate browser features and functions. If things don't look quite right on the Internet or your browser isn't performing perfectly, this'll tell you why. All browsers, all Windows. Thanks, Fred.

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PC Pitstop

Run your Pc into the shop for a once-over. This service is thorough and thoroughly amazing. Check your entire system including virus protection, disk health, connection speed and more. After the check-up, the website rolls out a graph to show slow operations or problems and offers easy user solutions. Free tech help is also available on-site. Get the most out of your PC and Internet connection. Hit the Pitstop. All Windows, most browsers.

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Pricewatch

One if the beauties of the Internet is shopping from home. No crowds, no transportation expense, no pants if that's your choice. As long as you're at it, you might as well get the best available price for the item wanted. While this service is primarily oriented to computers and tech goodies, BizRate offers soft goods, games, cosmetics and jewelry and rates the stores. Have fun & know that your credit card really is safe online, but  use the rating services to be certain you're dealing with a reliable, legitimate vendors.

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ResellerRatings

While this site deals only with computer and high-tech vendors, that's where we're most likely to drop the big bucks. The lists, created by the people who have purchased online, paint a very clear picture of fine customer service or arrogant indifference to customers. Go with the winners & reap the benefits of low price, fast delivery and merchants who stand behind their products.

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Lost PC

This is a clever service which, after signup, checks the location of your computer. This is accomplished through IP and telephone numbers. Your computer is 'fingerprinted (through hardware identification) and once a month users receive an Email with the PC's location (and some advertising). If a computer is reported a stolen, the website watches for for its 'signature' online, then Emails the new location back to the rightful owner. If the monthly Emails seem worth it, give it a try.

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Reference Desk

Where general reference is needed, this site will probably have it for you. Dictionary, encyclopedia, people finder, maps, news, weather, weights & measures, arts, literature and stuff. There's a ton of stuff here.
When you need general knowledge, this is a good place to start looking.

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Webopedia

If the knowledge you seek in in the field of computers and the Internet, it's probably here. As partart of the Internet.com commercial enterprise it's not long on details, but provides accurate definitions of tech terms.

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Extension Search

I'll bet if you've read this far that you get those 'phone calls from friends and relatives who need help with their computers. Well, me too, pal. A frequent question seems to be regarding a file that can't be opened. You might as well sound as sharp as they think you are. Virtually every file extension for graphics, applications and documents in existence is listed at this simple search site which will advise what program will open them.

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All Experts

The spirit of the Internet lives here, where experts answer questions on a multitude of topics. Sure, computers, Internet and tech subjects are covered, but also home, health, pets, cars, real estate shopping, sports and many more topics. Each volunteer expert is profiled so you may choose someone with expertise in a particular field. Bravo and kudos.

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Hey, freeware fans! Have you encountered any online services that you'd like to share in this space? Drop me a note!