Nokia Test is a freeware utility that will guide you through testing and adjusting any monitor for an optimum display. There are test patterns for Geometry, Convergence, Resolution, Moiré, Brightness, Contrast, Focus, Readability, Color and Screen Regulation. You put up the test pattern and then make the adjustments to your monitor.

There is also an excellent help file that explains all the technical terms and procedures necessary to understand how to correctly set up and adjust your monitor. You might also want to check out DisplayMate Technologies. This company writes the software that all the computer magazines use to test and compare monitors. They also write video diagnostic software for professionals. There is a wealth of information on these pages with everything from what to look for when you buy a new monitor, how to care for it, and how you should adjust it.

Nokia Test runs under all versions of Windows and can be used on any computer display. There is nothing to install. Simply extract the zip file into a directory of your choice and a Nokia Test directory will be created. You can run the program directly from the directory or make a shortcut to Ntest.exe and run it from where ever you wish.

Nokia Test may not be the newest or the most advanced display diagnostic software available but it is easy to use ... and you can't beat the price!

Download the file here.

There are many cleaners sold specifically as LCD cleaners. These are perfectly acceptable for cleaning LCD's. If you do not wish to purchase one of these products, the following is a list of what is and is not acceptable for cleaning your LCD.

The following cleaners are acceptable:
• Water
• IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol)
• Hexane
• Petroleum Benzine

NOTICE: The following cleaners are unacceptable:
• Acetone
• Ethyl alcohol
• Toluene
• Ethyl acid
• Ammonia
• Methyl chloride
(These might cause permanent damage to the LCD due to a chemical reaction. Some commercial window cleaners contain ammonia and are generally unacceptable.)

Clean the LCD display with a soft, clean cloth and commercial window cleaner that does not contain wax, abrasives or other unacceptable chemicals listed above. Apply the cleaner to the cloth, and then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom.

A hostile takeover of Joy's blog (Confessions of a G33k) prompted me to revisit BlogShares. I noticed among Joy's incoming links are links to both Super Fast Computer and SUPER fast COMPUTER.

Of course, a human would instantly notice these two links are indeed one and the same blog. BlogShares is run by a lousy computer, however.

I rightfully claimed ownership of Super Fast Computer months ago. Now I must claim ownership of SUPER fast COMPUTER and try and convince the system to amalgamate the two links. Hence, I have to display this button on my blog for verification by the web spider:



Clear as mud?

P.S. Who is this navaratnam vijay guy anyway? He has purchased all of the shares for the Confessions of a Geek blog— including my own. I bet Joy is going to be pissed when she learns about the takeover!