 Our November & December Issue PicksA look inside selected Japanese computer magazines In addition to a compact guidebook of "best printer buys" - obviously intended for those planning to create their own nengaj™ (New Year's postcards) - the November issue of ASCII magazine features four special articles. The first reports on NEC's sudden move from its proprietary PC98 computers into the world standard next-generation 32-bit architecture, which is incorporated into NEC's new PC98-NX series. The article describes the new NX series products, explains the differences between PC/AT compatibles, the PC98 series, and the PC98-NX series, and recounts the history of Microsoft's transition from its PC95 to PC98 specifications.The second story focuses on how to build your own PC. The hardware components needed for a tailor-made PC are described in detail, with a guide to the best parts shops in Akihabara. One way to cut down on cost when it comes to making your own PC, suggests the article, is to buy a $1,000 PC such as Compaq's Presario 2100 and customize it. For Mac users who want a tailor-made PC, there is Infiniti 4200GT from Amulet COM, which has a CPU plus video and sound capabilities on the motherboard. The third story describes 34 ways to make better use of the Internet. Interesting, but the best topic is the final one, which provides a detailed guide of tune-up software for maintaining an efficient hard disk environment. This article introduces a variety of software that can speed up hard disk and CD-ROM access, software that increases memory without the need for additional hardware, virus checkers, and data backup kits. Besides these four major articles, the November ASCII also has a fascinating industry story about Honda's P2 cable-less two-legged robot. Internet ASCII is a monthly magazine focusing, as the name suggests, on the Internet. The December issue comes with two CD-ROMs: one a hybrid (Windows and Macintosh) CD-ROM that includes the most useful Japanese Website catalogues (also listed in the magazine) plus Internet Explorer 4.0J, a sample version of Netscape Communicator 4.01, and Netscape/ej Communicator 4.01 (which can be installed with a separately purchased decryption key). The other CD-ROM contains the "500 Best" shareware and freeware programs, some of which are explained in one of the magazine's special stories. Internet ASCII's articles for December include the "Editor's Choice Special": a guide to the latest desktop/mobile PCs and peripherals for the Internet, complete with a shopping map/guide to Akihabara. There is also a Mac-focused article that looks at the real story behind the agreement between Apple and Microsoft, and then introduces the new MacOS 8, QuickTime, and Rhapsody. The browser section of the magazine looks at how to expand the functions of Internet Explorer 4.0 with PowerToys, and how to use Netcaster (a Netscape Communicator component) to read push-type contents. The December issue of Best PC, published by Nikkei, covers the new winter PCs: 18 desktops and 25 notebooks. The issue also presents research on the prices and market tendencies of 58 Windows desktops, 61 Windows notebooks, and 38 Macintoshes. Another story covers removable data storage devices (such as CD-RWs (CD-ReWritables), superdisks, removable hard disks, and ZIP) as well as postcard-creation software (including Fudemame 8 and Fudejiman 11), the printers best suited for making New Year's postcards, and system tune-up software. There is also a mid-October comparison of prices between eight major computer stores in Tokyo. DTP World Special Edition 97/98, published by Works Corporation, covers 296 FAQs (frequently asked questions) - everything from tips on buying a computer, using fonts, and making tracings and drawings, to explanations of frequently used DTP (desktop publishing) terms, networking tips, and various "secret" techniques to use with DTP software such as QuarkXpress, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator. This is a good guide for designers or those thinking about working in DTP.¨
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