1. What is PKZip and do I need it?
2. What is RealPlayer 5.0?
3. What is the big deal about "bookmarks?"
4. I want to buy merchandise through private online classified ads, but I'm concerned about getting ripped off. Any suggestions?

Answers

1. What is PKZip and do I need it?

PKZip is a program that can compress and uncompress files, particularly .ZIP files. Anyone who wants to download or e-mail large files, shuchas shareware programs, are almost always "zipped". Go the PKWare site at http://www.pkware.com for a trial version of the program.

2.  What is RealPlayer 5.0?

RealPlayer is what is called "streaming technology". It permits you to listen and watch Internet files such as video,over the Net as it is being downloaded to your computer. If you want to take advanteage of Live Broadcasting on the Net, this is a must. You can download it free from http://www.real.com/products/player/index.html.

3. What is the big deal about "bookmarks?"

In Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator, bookmarks are a way to return to to a site after leaving it, without having to type in the address or search for it. Bookmarking a site is as simple as clicking on the browser's "Favorites" or "Bookmark" button and choosing the "add" option. What is not so simple is organizing and managing a massive list of bookmarks.

4.  I want to buy merchandise through private online classified ads, but I'm concerned about getting ripped off. Any suggestions?

One alternative is i-Escrow. This company acts as a liaison between you and the seller, and handles all the details of the transaction. You give the company your money as the seller ships the merchandise. When you receive and approve the goods, i-Escrow hands the cash over to the seller. They even accept credit cards.