In Box highlights

Compiled by Peter Sinclair

Welcome to InBox, where we attempt to answer your internet questions.

Denis Courtenay represents a number of people who've e-mailed me on the same subject: "I have lots of records and cassettes from the old days which I am still keen on playing. I would love to have them digitized so I can play them either in my computer or a CD player. Can it be done?"

I called up expert geek and music-lover Don McAllister, and he replies: "It can be done, quite easily too:

1) buy a lead (available from Dick Smith's) which on one end has a stereo plug for the 'LINE IN' on your soundcard, on the other the plugs for your stereo's 'LINE OUT'

2) connect it

3) get an MP3 creation program - my 14-year-old son Ben uses Cool Edit Pro, available online as a demo (4.2Mb)

4) record the music to a folder on your hard drive

5) use a CD writer (available from most computer retailers for between $300 and $1200 depending on quality) to transfer the songs onto a CD in digital audio, and 'terminate' the disk in ISO (a special format which lets all CD readers and most stereos read the disk). Note: this is still analogue-sourced audio, and will reproduce the original sound-quality (tape-hiss, anyone?)

"The no-sweat option: use Napster to find the songs you want, download them in MP3, then convert to CD's. Most current and classic songs are available this way, and it saves the hassle of setting up your stereo..."

Well, Denis, you did ask.

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Now some advice from Linley Caudwell: "In last week's InBox, Ashley King wanted to copy addresses to take overseas. It may be useful for him to sign up with a global e-mail provider like Hotmail or Yahoo! Mail and store his addresses electronically with one of them before he goes overseas. He can even set up his POP (post office protocol) account there so he can clear his local mail while he is away."

Thanks, Linley.

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That just leaves room for William J. Tait: "Is there any project or move by the Rugby Union or anyone to put Keith Quinn's Rugby data on the net? From what I saw on television, the database is not something the world of rugby should lose."

Sorry, Bill – I got in touch with TVNZ, and there are no plans they know of.

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More of your InBox questions will be answered Wednesday in CyberLunch, on air 12:00-1:00 with Murray Lindsay and Peter Sinclair on Classic Hits 97FM.

If there's anything you want to know about the exciting world of the web, just e-mail inbox@herald.co.nz.

Links

CoolEdit Pro

Napster

Hotmail

Yahoo! Mail

Rugby Heaven