PC hardware and programming

Page Contents

Programming (C, C++, VC++, Java, JScript, VB, VBA etc etc)
On-line learning (free!)
PC hardware
Overclocking
PC Software (commercial but comes recommended as good value)
PC hardware vendors
Programming, PC support services and training providers
CD-ROMs and writers
PC memory and 32 bit
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Programming (C, C++, VC++, Java, JScript, VB, VBA, XML etc etc)

 
Numerical Recipes The books and software are available in a variety of computer languages, such as C++, C, and Fortran, and provide routines and recipes, along with explanations and "tricks and tips for scientific computing." Visitors can download the whole C (or Fortran) book for free
Vlasishost.com | Free Php Software
HTML History, PHP History, PHP Programming, PHP Basics, HTML Code
A programming community with a generous collection of resources and links for programmers and web masters, where like minded people can meet, share ideas and hopefully help each other. Quick to download, graphically pleasant and accessible
Borland Developer Network (or follow link from the Borland home page) a museum, memorabilia and antique software -- for free (e.g. Turbo Pascal v1.0)
Python Programming Language Python is often compared to Tcl, Perl, Scheme or Java and runs on many brands of UNIX, on Windows, OS/2, Mac, Amiga, and many other platforms. The most recent version of Python is available for free from this website.  Also LiveWires: Children's Lesson in Python  and for High School Students  
The Brighton University Resource Kit for Students  is an archive with "compilers, tutorials and reference manuals for dozens of different programming languages, a dictionary of computing with over 13,000 entries.  The collection is distributed on CD and DVD, but fortunately has also been made available online
Speex: A Free Codec for Free Speech aims to lower the barrier of entry for voice applications by providing a free alternative to expensive proprietary speech codecs
BlueJ - The Interactive Java Environment a free "integrated Java environment.- an interactive environment that supports experimentation and visualization, and although it would not be used for extensive application development, it serves as an excellent teaching tool.
C++ In Action "Transcending the bare-bones essentials of the programming language and expanding into the techniques that make an effective code writer" 
Intel C++ Compiler 7.1 for Linux [pdf] a free C++ compiler  for non-commercial uses. Qualifying users can download the compiler directly from the Intel Web site. A "Getting Started Guide" and a product tutorialare also provided, which instruct users about the basics of using the C++  and other Intel compilers.
An Introduction to Programming Languages describes some of the differences between common programming languages and considers why and how a new language should be learnt.  Furthermore, it provides a set of classifications that can easily be used to identify which language is the most appropriate for the programmer's needs. In this respect, the material defines such concepts as threads, data structures, and object oriented programming
Mocha Programming Language Build 204 [397k] W9x/2k/XP FREE {Programming language} Mocha is a new programming language for applications distributed on a small scale. You can make simple applications. Features include "if" statements, nested functions, forms, and over 100 functions. To run Mocha, you'll need the Visual Basic 6.0 runtime file ,   (msvbvm60.dll), the Microsoft Common Dialog Control  (the former two files download as soon as you click on the link), and VBSmart.com's  XP menus and buttons controls (only for versions below 193). For the actual Mocha applications, you only need msvbvm60.dll. Run MochaDE.exe after extracting and OCX/DLL registration
#Develop v0.92 [3.2M] W9x/2k FREE {Program .net style} an open source development environment for creating C# and VB.net projects. This application feels just like you are coding in Visual Studio and it even has syntax
highlighting. With #Develop, you can even write ASP.NET, ADO.NET, XML, Java, and HTML code. On top of all of this, the program includes a forms designer and support for several different spoken languages.
jclassinfo v0.10 [33k] W9x/2k/XP FREE reads Java .class files and provides information about the class and dependencies. It is pure C implementation and does not depend on any external libraries except for the standard C library for your platform. Information includes VM requirements, inheritance, packages required, fields and method signatures, and class attributes
The Stony Brook Algorithm Repository  A collection of algorithm implementations for over seventy of the most fundamental problems in combinatorial algorithms.  Implemented in a variety of programming languages, from C++ to FORTRAN
Alice Alice is a free "3D interactive graphics programming environment". The Windows-based authoring tool includes a program that allows the user to create 3D models. Alice is then used to paint the objects, which can be included in Web sites and viewed by anyone with the free browser plug-in
The Developer's Gallery: Programming  Many resources about OpenGL and related technologies and an online book titled "A 3D Case Study using OpenGL." Many other tutorials and coding examples as well as information about two OpenGL toolkits and OpenAL, a complementary application programming interface used to create 3D sound.
SetupStream v2.02 [2.6M] W9x/2k/XP FREE {Create a setup wizard} do things such as make modifications to the Windows Registry, define a separate destination directory for each file, create shortcuts, and even display a license agreement that the user has to accept in order to proceed. It can place an uninstall wizard in the Add/Remove programs area
http://www.devguru.com resource site on programming ASP,CSS2, HTML, JavaScript, VBScript, WML,WSH etc
Squeak v3.2 [9.6M] W9x/2k/XP FREE {Smalltalk-80 implementation} write platform independent code
usable in Windows, Mac, Unix, and other operating systems. Support for audio and even network access.
Nuzzly v3.0.0 [2.5M] W9x/2k/XP FREE {Share source files} With an Explorer-like window, you can browse the shared directories of other programmers, or do a search (if you know specifically what you are looking for)
C# Computing 21 NET tutorials; concepts covered include recursion, exceptions, and numerical methods and touch on HTML and XML
WEBster: The Place on the Net to Learn Assembly Language Programming [.pdf, .zip, .tar, .gz] online books, titled The Art of Assembly Language for each platform and High Level Assembler no cosy download
EZ JavaScript v1.1 [269k] W9x/2k/XP FREE {Create JavaScripts} contains 50+ JavaScripts as well as a script wizard that lets you configure the included scripts.  The JavaScripts range from a fireworks background to a logo that follows your mouse
Data-Compression.com [.pdf] discusses "the principles and practice of data compression," and examines common techniques for different types of information.  Huffman coding and the Blahut algorithm. JPEG, one of the most popular image compression formats, is demonstrated 
Code Genie v3.0 [546k] W9x/2k/XP FREE {Edit code} with syntax highlighting for  HTML, Perl,  PHP, Java, JavaScript, VBScript, C++, CSS, Pascal, and Asm files it will also edit binary files
The XML Industry Portal  XML information for curious beginners or advanced users - frequently asked questions lists, tutorials, and articles to get started.Specifications and schemas that are specific to a particular industry
Some further useful XML links can be found in the content library of the meetingtomorrow web site
XML tutorials to help users learn and program in XML plus programming exercises and background information
Free Electronic Book: Thinking in Java, 2nd Edition [zip] provides a thorough introduction to the Java programming language. Spanning sixteen chapters plus appendices, Thinking in Java should be sufficient for all but the most advanced or obscure topics. The book covers the basics of objects, coding style, error handling, the Java input/output system, creating graphical user interfaces, and much more. The full text can be downloaded as a compressed file with additional source code to be used as examples and experimented with. Other electronic books written by the same author are also available on this site and cover C++, Python, and more.
Free Computer & Internet Online Books  links to over 800 online editions of books related to computers programming and the Internet. The online versions are generally identical to the printed versions; however, some originally came with a CD-ROM that cannot be electronically distributed 
Java.sun.com: New to Java Programming Center [pdf] offers a large collection of articles and tutorials on the Java programming language
The Java Tutorial: A Practical Guide for Programmers [.zip, .tar.gz], covers all the basics needed to start programming. Some of the general subjects discussed on the site include writing applets, 2D graphics, security, and custom networking. Each of the main sections has several lessons that describe
specific topics. The first few are probably essential for every Java beginner, but the specialized sections can be selected based on whatever particular task is required by the user. There are many examples of code that illustrate the important points. All of the material covered in the online tutorial can also be downloaded for viewing at home.
Java Programming Tutorials  also tutorials on C#, XML, Python, and JavaScript are available.  Free to view online, but a fee is required to download them for offline viewing
ResThief will examine every executable dropped on its window and extract all the resources (bitmaps, icons, AVI's, sounds, text - anything a programmer care to stuff into a program) and save them as separate files.
Operations Research: Java Objects OR-Objects 1.2.4 is the latest version of a very useful, free package "of 500 Java classes for developing Operations Research, Scientific and Engineering applications." Each class contains algorithms and data structures that are frequently needed by Java programmers, and they can be reused whenever a particular function is required. Instead of spending extra time implementing these, the programmer can simply include the necessary. The classes are grouped into several categories, which include graphing, geometry, probability, statistics, and matrices.
Windows 9x / ME VBScript Tools is handy for File, Drive, and Registry maintenance in Windows. Includes loads of useful scripts.
Cavaj Java Decompiler V1.11 [1.0M] W9x/2k/XP FREE reconstructs jJava source code from CLASS files. You can browse the reconstructed source code with the Class View for instant access to methods and fields
The Code Project  is an online repository of free tutorials, source code, and articles about a wide variety of programming languages. Sections devoted to
C++, HTML, DirectX, and .NET are among the resources available on the site. Discussion forums and message boards are also provided
Binary Calculator [28k] W9x/2k/XP FREE a simple RPN-style calculator designed for programmers. It lets you manipulate numbers in a variety of
formats and do binary operations on them that few other calculators allow. Directly turn bits on and off just by clicking them.  HEX OCT CHAR also.
Cprogramming.com: Your Resource for C/C++ includes Programming Tutorials covering regular and  graphics programming, discussions about the standard template library, and various programming articles
jRoundup has Java resources for everyone, Java applets and utilities, many tutorials and guides, discussion forums
FindTutorials FindTutorials offers hundreds of tutorials and professional online IT and Softskills training courses
Netscape's DevEdge site serves up lots of online web programming references including the Javascript Guide
Matt's Script Archive is a veritable cornucopia of website addons to help you enable search, chat, guest books, forms, counters and more.
XVI32 Hex Editor v2.21 [408k] W9x/NT FREE A hex viewer and editor for those who miss the old Norton Utilities disk editor
Cheap IT books (often those on just superseded products)
WatCom's multiplataform Fortran and "C" compilers! are now available for free download or make a voluntary donation
ITpapers  more than 23,000 white papers and other documents related to information technology
DevX Source Code Library users can download source code, algorithms, and sample applications
Allaire Enable your web applications with Java Server Pages - Allaire JRun  
Introduction for those new to JavaScript for users with some basic familiarity with programming languages who want to learn more about JavaScript
WDVL Authoring JavaScript  
JDEX -- Java Development Environment using Windows Explorer  
CREdit is a FREE programmers file editor. In many way's it's superior  to PFE 
Resource Explorer v1.0 [289k] W9x/NT/2k FREE{View EXE file components} Copy text and images from internal dialogs
Dependency Walker v2.0b5 [409k] W9x/NT FREE scans any 32-bit or 64-bit Windows module (exe, dll, ocx, sys, etc.) and builds a hierarchical tree diagram of all dependent modules
PrcView for Windows (free W98/2k)displays the executable, the number of threads in use, also give you a list of DLLs currently in use etc. etc.
RTF2HLP v1.0 [287k] W9x/NT/2k FREE directly converts a Microsoft Word RTF document to a HLP file. uses standard Word fields to store special information (links, bookmarks, graphics, etc.).
WinDowse v4.2 [200k] W9x/2k/XP FREE shows all the information about any program, window, or other component (name, function, icon, small icon, cursor, module handle, style, etc.
WinDowse v1.1 [200k] W9x/NT FREE Do you want to know what processes sit inside a program?
InspectExe v2.6.1 [256k] W9x/NT/2k FREE {Explore and diagnose executables}displays all import and export functions of an EXE file, exported symbols from library files, its Win32 sections, the resources contained within it, and all resource strings. Also whether the module can be loaded without executing
Steve Heller's Home Page (Author of "Who's Afraid of C++)
Dia v0.86 [1.8M] W9x/NT/2k FREE "Dia is designed to be much like the commercial Windows program 'Visio.' It currently has special objects to help draw entity relationship diagrams, UML diagrams, flowcharts, network diagrams, and simple circuits. It can load and save diagrams to a custom XML format (gzipped by default, to save space), can export diagrams to EPS or SVG formats and can print diagrams (including ones that span multiple pages).
Programming Mania -- "Programming Mania is the prime place to find all your Programming Needs
The Essential Unix / Linux Reference the most used (and useful) Unix / Linux commands
A Programmers Heaven  impressive and well-organized resource should appeal to any programmer, with over 9500 downloadable files and some 2600 related links. The files are organized in twenty zones, including Basic, Web Development, Delphi, Java, and LINUX, among others
Whatis, a large online encyclopedia of information technology (link to file formats data base)
ActivePerl (free) used to write CGI scripts for interactive Websites
Inprise/Borland launch free C++ compiler The Borland C++ 5.5 Compiler is the high performance foundation and core technology of Inprise/Borland’s C++Builder product line.
JavaPowered.com This site has a few Java tutorials and links to related resources, but its collection of downloadable Java applets is pretty substantial. Get some for your web pages!
Javascript Editor v1.12 [200k] W9x FREE
'Thinking in Java' Electronic Book  
VBATutor [Visual Basic for Applications] lessons and exercises are provided 'as is' to help those interested in learning how to use VBA
Whose afraid of C++ Steve Heller's book updates
Fusion
QuestionExchange - hot site for software help
S-Lang Library Information Page
MontaVista Software - Powering the Embedded Revolution
 

Pocket PC stuff

Freeware for Pocket PC from Handango and PCW also check out Lockergnome

On-line learning (free!)

Learn to TCPIP.com  for people with an interest in fundamental network operations. Provides audio presentations with accompanying lecture slides about Internet protocols, Network Access Points, and the connectivity of the Internet as a whole. Another slide presentation describes the Domain Naming System.  A series of lectures delves deeper into specific protocols, Ethernet, and network communication, subnetting and IP addressing.
Classroom Resources, a free collection of zipped PowerPoint presentations from Bob Rankin cover topics including guidelines for using Google, good Web page design, maintaining your PC or Mac
Tutorial Finder - Search a tutorial database of thousands upon thousands of Programming, graphics, and 3D modeling links.
Programming Tutorials - This website has over 20 programming languages listed and endless links to tutorial sites.
DevEdge Tech Central devoted to Web standards and technologies like Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), JavaScript, and more. Each section features educational articles written by expert developers that focus on a particular coding practice or authoring strategy. Users who want additional information or general tutorials can follow one of the many links given in the sidebars.
Introduction to Programming Using Java  an introductory programming course and for people who are trying to learn programming on their own." The free resource uses Java as a basis for discussing principles
of data types, subroutines, and other program characteristics that are similarly handled in most common programming languages. Additionally, many topics that are specific to the Java platform are addressed, and the author has developed a number of Java applets that demonstrate underlying concepts.
The Site for People Learning Perl [pdf] has full text of four books on Perl as well as sample chapters of four additional books. The main page of the site has a link to an external introduction to the Perl language
Cplusplus: The C++ Resources Network [zip] People who are learning the basics of C++, or more seasoned programmers who just need a refresher, can find a great deal of useful information on this Web site. An easy-to-follow tutorial, complete with detailed examples and clear explanations, is one of the best resources on the site. Several other valuable features include descriptions of individual instructions that are included in standard C++ header files, free source code, and more.
Visual Basic Introduction  three lessons that help readers become acquainted with the development environment and start creating applications
Pointers in C and C++  comprehensive discussion highlights proper uses of pointers in C and C++, as well as noting the differences in pointer representation between the two languages. Also tutorials on references and objects, array representation, and input/output tips
Linux/UNIX Tutorial Site the basics of logging in and browsing the directory structure as well as more advanced concepts such as networking utilities and system administration
Computer Aided Instruction Project  Several tutorials and lecture notes about different programming languages and mathematics. Programming guides for Java and QuickBasic are provided, as well as tutorials on vector mathematics and finite-state automata
Computer Science Student Resource Site refreshers, how-tos, and research guides
Atrevida: Game Programming Tutorials  A modest background in the C language is suggested, but many of the sections involve more theory than actual programming. There are nearly twenty topics that explain basic computer operation, graphics programming, and the 80x86 assembler
A practical guide to Active Server Pages - Manas Tungare offers a very helpful guide to download free in pdf format and his site contains many resources including ready made ASP scripts
Cisco Training Events for members of the IEE and IIE - with a networks and Internet comms bias
Information Technology Fundamentals offers several instructional modules free for public use. These modules are intended for people that are going into an IT related field. Topics include networking, peripheral devices, motherboards, storage media, and more.
SQL Interpreter and Tutorial with Live Practice Database.  People who have never heard of SQL can learn the basics, or more advanced users can refresh their memories. The essential commands and functions are introduced in a very straightforward manner. The focus is on tables: creating them, adding records to them, and deleting records from them. Once the user feels comfortable with this material, a link to the tutorial's sequel is given, which goes into intermediate and advanced topics in somewhat greater detail.
C and C++ tutorials  
Microsoft Academic Cooperative  only Microsoft tools are covered. The curriculum section offers tutorials, sample projects and case studies for lessons in Windows, C++, J++, InterDev, Visual Basic, Microsoft Office, Windows CE Toolkits, and SQL Server 7.0. These are downloadable in various formats (.doc, .pdf, .zip), and some of them link to free "online seminars" from Microsoft. 

PC hardware

NIST Internet Time Servers used by the NIST Internet Time Service (ITS). The table lists each server's name, IP address, and location - can be used to synchronise compatible ADSL routers such as the Draytek Vigour
CD Freaks - The worlds largest on-line CD/DVD community
NetworkTroubleshooting.com [pdf]  has a variety of resources to help network administrators diagnose problems with their systems. Some of the site is only accessible to paying users
Manufacturing Computer Solutions -news, articles,  thousands of IT products and services for UK manufacturing.
A kind of on-line old computer museum run by three French enthusiasts - they hope one day to create a real computer museum and in the meantime they are busy collecting interesting hardware, software and books about unusual computers - not IBM clones
Mike's Hardware find information about future computer components and software. Often-updated roadmap of the commercial computing industry.  Tentative release dates and specifications 
An impressive website having a whole mass of the information needed for BIOS identification, flashing etc.
Overclockers Club Hardcore hardware reviews, download some tweaking tools and beta drivers, read tech news
For all you need to know about Ethernet see Charels Spurgeon's site
Refill FAQ {Printer cartridge help}walk you through the basics of refilling while addressing problems associated with this "money saving" technique
Hardware Analysis feature reviews of all the latest gadgets, as well as interviews and links to news stories about what's happening in the world of hardware
BiCpu v1.3 [226k] 2k FREE Shows the CPU Usage for mono and dual motherboard PCs
PCForrest's Web Site Includes: "Quick Fixes, a Windows FAQ, Desktop Tweaks: IE, Startup & Shutdown, Bootlog Failures, Boot Splashes etcetc 
Motherboard Homeworld one of the most comprehensive online resources for motherboards allows searches by 20 specifications, side-by-side
Setting up DMA on HDDs and CDRs from Fred Langas list
Modem Help {Resource center for modem users}
PC lube and tune PC hardware and software tutorials
PCLT Exit Ramp
Yahoo! UK & Ireland
Yahoo! UK & Ireland - Computers and Internet
CPU SITE Future technology processors
Micro Computer Mart
Insight UK
Computer Stuff
PC Webopaedia
Intel Motherboard & BIOS Specs Page
Mark Sokos EISA bus file this was on a page headed www.controlled.com/isa.txt
Creative Labs Tech Support
homePCnetwork.com if your family has more than a couple of computers running constantly and you want to connect them together, before you buy any new hardware or software, consult this site
The Ultimate Upgrade Guide -- PC Magazine Online
3com modem site
3com 56k site
3com user support site
Betterbox Communications Limited - phone 01908 560200 PC plug in cards
Rotronic Interconnections Liimited - phone 01293 565556 - PC plug in cards
Independent Computer Repairs ltd - PC plug in cards
Check the PC Direct Web Site
Check prices at Smarttech
Configure a PC on-line at Dan technology
Check Viglen
Watford Electronics
Tech Direct PC supplier
Visual Basic Web Directory links to Websites containing information about Visual Basic.
New Motherboard (FIC) Web Site
Sierra modem drivers
Graphics Card (Protac Video Excel VC923/926 GD5436)
Tom's Hardware Guide an excellent compendium of news, reviews, and technical guides pertaining to PC hardware
Peter den Haan's EIDE storage page
Windows 98 Megasite--CMPNet
PC Direct Net Buyer
30,000 Internet resources related to computing
CNET reviews - comparative reviews - generation MMX: CNET reviews 6 PCs with Intel's speedy new chip
Pacific Image Communications, Inc.
Fujitsu (Poul's disk drive)

Overclocking

Check out a very popular site run by some friends of mine at:  www.digitalexplosion.co.uk

     http://www.3dfxcool.com/
     http://www.pcpowercooling.com/home.htm
     http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/
     http://www.inflowdirect.com/
     http://www.coolerguys.com/
     http://www.overclockin.com/
     http://www.ocworkbench.com/
     http://www.overclockers.com/
     http://www.hardocp.com/
     http://www.overclockershideout.com/
     http://www.athlonoc.com/
     http://bxboards.com/

PC Software (commercial but comes recommended as good value)

BootIt Next Generation can replace not only Drive Image, but also PartitionMagic and PQBoot (PowerQuest's boot manager). Those three tools from PowerQuest would occupy something like 160MB of disk space and cost $140. This fits on a single floppy and costs $35 (July 2003).  Its available as a try-before-you-buy item (but perhaps not a tool for the novice)

PC hardware vendors

SVP suppliers of PC consumables and hardware
www.micromart.co.uk -  product locator now lets you find details and great deals on just short of 12,000 computer products
AJP Computers Plc
Factory Prices DIrect
CCL Computer Components Wholesale

Programming,PC support services and training providers

Paul Milburn's web site 7wx is XML upside down, under construction but a brief summary of his Web Site support services
Encee - IT/CIM consultants, Sage and Autocad training based in Llanharan, Wales

CD-ROMs and writers

NIST 50 page guide on care and handling of CDs and DVDs for long term storage.
CDR faq site
Nero CDR software ahead index page
CDR CEQUADRAT WEB site
Welcome to CD-ROM Magazine Online!
Welcome to Hitachi America, Ltd.
Installing and configuring a sound card
Resolving COM ports and IRQs
Installing IDE Devices
Download Hitachi Drivers
Search Results
CD ROMs and sound cards (Sunworks)
February 1995 archive 2
http://www.wavetech.com/FTP/APlus-PC/A_PCCR.TXT
Neutron Information -- CD-ROM Drives
http://ecate.itc.it:1024/~zancana/FAQs/cd-rom-faq

PC memory and 32 bit architecture

Small Computers Faq
Beneath The Label
Cyberia Technical Support
GI -- Technical Support (1996 GME)
MS-WINDOWS 32-BIT FILE ACCESS FAQ
win32 stuff
Aditi's - Frequently Asked Questions
Aditi - Frequently Asked Questions on Windows
Aditi - Frequently Asked Questions on Win32
windows/32bit-file-faq/metafaq
http://www.insys.de/~pu...ADAPTEC/UTILS/32BIT.TXT
http://puma.join.ad.jp/...n/32bit-file-access-faq
Re: 32 bit windows cdrom access
Frequently asked questions
Maxtor FAQs -IDE INTERFACE
Fastest Windows Ever
Neutron Information -- Hard Drives
EIDE, VLB and 32 bit access
http://www.gl.umbc.edu/~bryan/FAQs/EIDE.faq
Really useful help about WDCTRL problems
32 Bit Disk Access in Windows 3.1x
Insight/32 BIT DISK ACCESS
pc-hardware-faq/enhanced-IDE/part2
http://www.best.com/~at...s/enhancer/enhancer.txt

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Copyright Bob Anderson
12 March 2009