38 MAXIMUMPC APRIL 2004
The F-Lock key on newer Microsoft
and Logitech keyboards is, simply put,
the bane of any hardware tweaker’s
or gamer’s existence. It works just like
Caps Lock and Num Lock, except for one
minor problem: When F-Lock is disabled,
the F-keys (F1 through F12) have new“improved” functions. F-Lock is turned off
by default, and there’s no way to change
that. So when you need to get into the
BIOS on your fast-booting PC, you have
to scramble to press the F-Lock key, and
then manage to press F1 in the second it
takes any modern BIOS to boot.Luckily there are fixes for both
Logitech and Microsoft keyboards
available on the web. A Registry hack
for Microsoft keyboards can be down-
loaded at http://www.mvps.org/jtsang/flock.html
and the Logitech keyboard fix is at
http://www.ben.pope.name/logitech.html.20) Work Around the F-Lock Key on Your New Keyboard
Installing your operating system used to
be fairly straightforward, but with ser-
vice packs, chipset drivers, and different
versions of DirectX, it’s difficult to know
the order in which updates should be
installed. Once and for all, here’s every-
thing you need to know.
First, install Windows XP. Seems self-explanatory, but you never know.
Before you connect your PC to the
Internet, go to Control Panel, Network
Connections, and Properties. Then go to
the Advanced tab and enable the Internet
Connection Firewall.
Once XP is installed, install Service Pack 1.
After you install the service pack, installyour motherboard’s chipset drivers.
Install the latest version of DirectX.
Install your videocard drivers, and
reboot. Then install the drivers for the rest
of your hardware, rebooting as needed.
Finish by visiting http://www.windowsupdate.com
and installing all the Critical Updates for
your PC.21) Properly Install Your Operating System
Using a Pocket PC to control all your audio and
video equipment is exactly the kind of thing that
could make people from primitive cultures worship
you as a god.
Some handhelds include consumer infrared
(CIR) transmitters (as opposed to the weaker
infrared transmitters intended for device-to-device
transfers) and a software program called Nevo
that will allow you to automatically call up codes
for your TV, DVD player, and other electronics.
You can also set macros that sequentially perform
multiple tasks.
If your Pocket PC doesn’t have Nevo , or the
infrared transmitter doesn’t, well, transmit very
well, we recommend installing Griffin Technology’s
Total Remote ( http://www.griffintechnology.com ). Total
Remote comes with a transmitter module that uses
your PDA’s audio jack to dramatically extend the
range of your Pocket PC.22) Turn Your Pocket PC
into a Universal Remote Control
Palm users can get in on the fun
with the excellent Novii Remote ($25,
http://www.novii.tv ). The colored buttons, while a
little garish, are extremely easy to distin-
guish from one another. The gray-scale
version also uses different button shad-
ings, so finding the pause when you’re
playing back your recording of Janet
Jackson’s Super Bowl mishap is a snap
even in low light.
Simply install the software and fol-
low the Quick Start guide to set up your
devices. If a device isn’t listed, you enter
a learning mode in which you point the
remote control at your Palm’s IR port and
“teach” it each button; a process that’s as
easy to do as it is ridiculous to watch.23) Turn Your Palm PDA
into a Universal Remote
Control
Looking to doll up your PC while add-
ing some functionality at the same
time? Say hello to our little friend the
multifunction LCD case display. We
decided on a subtle adjustable fan and
temperature display—the UC-A8FATR4
by Maxpoint ( http://www.maxpoint.com ). Here’s
how to set it up. (If you’re looking for
something more high-powered, we rec-
ommend the Matrix Orbital MX Series,
http://www.matrixorbital.com. )
RTFM! The manual will alert you to any-
thing unique about the installation you’re
about to undertake.If you plan to install a hard drive,
mount it to the included drive kit first
before installing the panel in the drive
bay. (Actually, you may want to attach the
mount kit to the panel even if you don’t
install a drive at this point—just so you
can keep all the pieces together.) Install
the panel into the 5.25-inch drive bay
and secure it tightly so it doesn’t move
around when you are pushing buttons.
Put the CPU heat sensor and fan sen-
sors in place before you power up your
system. Use your panel’s power splitters
to plug the power cables into the fans.Turn on your PC to power up the panel;
it’s easy to configure the alarm settings
and fan speeds for your system.
Make sure your installation is work-
ing properly by testing the fan speed
adjustors and by double-checking the
panel’s CPU reading against your BIOS.
If your BIOS doesn’t give a tempera-
ture, download and use Hmonitor from
http://www.hmonitor.com.
Once everything is working prop-
erly, power down your PC so you can
reroute the cables and replace the side
panel. Enjoy!24) Install a Multipuropse LCD on Your Case
One remote fits all —now,
there’s no reason to get up
ever again.DO-IT-YOURSELF GUIDE