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Buying PC for a gift? Check warranty SAN FRANCISCO With a record 3.3 million home PCs expected to be purchased this holiday season, it's bound to happen to some. Open the boxes, put together the computer, turn it 'on' and then nothing. Or worse, a a 0 I U. a. 3 i may still be in luck.

"Each state has laws creating 'implied warranties," said Canon. "While many states permit limits to them 30 days for example they can often provide you protection if your PC doesn't work the way it is described on the box or as a salesperson explains." To find out the specific consumer protection laws in your state, visit ComputerLife Online (www.computerlife.com) for links to the states' laws. You may also want to visit the Consumer Information Center (http:www.puelo.gsa.gov) or the Federal Trade Commission (http:www.ftc.gov). tracts or extended coverage provided by the store, advises Maggie Canon, editor-in-chief of ComputerLife magazine. In its upcoming January feature, 'Stuck with a Lemon? ComputerLife provides detailed infortation about consumer protection for PC buyers and a list of online resources for specific state-by-state information.

"Most computer manufacturers provide warranties, but they vary significantly on what is covered, who determines the problem, and how the repair is made," said Canon. "You may be responsible for shipping the entire computer back to the manufacturer, with no replacement for weeks. If you're buying a computer through a retailer, they'll often offer a service contract, known as an extended warranty or a retail guarantee. And for longer protection, you can purchase a service contract that extends the time of the manufacturer's warranty, noted Canon. "You should always use a credit card for computer she said.

"Some companies provide extended coverage for credit card purchases, plus you get all the protections provided to card holders." Even if you bought a computer without a warranty, you Pointers For Parents Tips On Picking An Online Service To Suit Your Family First true 3-D computer game environment in two new products message like: fatal disk error. You may not be able to avoid the lemon, but you can be prepared to make lemonade if you shop wisely. Before you buy, make sure you've read the manufacturer's warranty and any service con- WOW! from CompuServe, offers distinct online versions for adults and children, easy electronic mail, parental controls, Internet access and multimedia sound and motion. should be simple to check monthly charges and keep track of how much money is spent before the bill actually arrives. 6.

Customer Services and Support. It's important for first time users to choose a service that has a well-established and responsive customer service staff. It should be easy to contact a representative to help with questions and concerns. the new online service from CompuServe, is a great example of an online service especially suited for home use," said Schepp. "WOW! offers as many as six members per household easy access to information, entertainment and communication including the Internet combined with affordability, as well as the flexibility to customize and control the online experience." 017L Found at Key Lex's mm wm Xw.J KJ ffi ROCKVILLE, Md.

Two new computer games called "Dagger-fair and "SkyNET," that offer players a true 3-D game environment, are now available, according to Vlatko Andonov, director of marketing for Be-thesda Softworks. "Daggerfall," a fantasy role-playing game, is the sequel to the award-winning "The Elder Scrolls: Arena," and "SkyNET" is the latest in "The Terminator" game series. Andonov says "Daggerfall" has gotten rave reviews from computer gaming experts like Johnny Wilson, editor in chief of Computer Gaming World, who calls "Daggerfall" revolutionary. Both games can be purchased at computer retailers nationwide. (Or call 1-800-677-0700).

"What makes Daggerfall ground-breaking is Bethesda's proprietary Xngine(R)," which not only delivers the first true 3-D game environment, but quicker action, unrestricted viewing angles and complete roth's- of (NAPS) A recent study reveals that an estimated 36 million Americans are expected to go online from home for the first time this year. For first-time users, the challenge is how to choose the service that is right for the whole family within a crowded and often overhyped marketplace. Debra Schepp, co-author of Kidnet: The Kid's Guide to Surfing Through Cyberspace, has been exploring cyberspace for more than ten years and recommends the following guidelines be used in order to get the most for parents and kids alike out of the online experience. 1. Ease of Use.

The software should be inviting and friendly and information should be able to be stored and retrieved easily. 2. Variety of Content Choices. There should be enough areas to offer information and communications about special interests and hobbies for your whole 3. Security.

Online services should offer parental control features to tailor children's online travel. 4. Quality of Online Life. Online services are somewhat like real neighborhoods. Some of them are bound together by community ties and some are largely anonymous groupings of people sharing the same space.

5. Cost. Look for an online service that offers such features as offline e-mail preparation and a "favorite places" menu to help find favorite online sites quickly. It Can Be ed on Bethesda's Xngine(R), is set in the apocalyptic world of "The Terminator." Cyborg enemies come at players in SVGA graphics with new options and weapons. Players can pick how many jeeps and weapons they want on the battlefield.

And they can choose to race across a ravine in a jeep, destroy a nuclear sub or infiltrate an enemy base. According to Andonov, another feature that sets "SkyNET" apart from other actionadventure games is that the setting isn't all cramped indoor corridor mazes, like some others on the market. "Players face their opponents in a city filled with broken-down cars and trucks. They can jump from rooftop to rooftop to take everyone across the rolling hills of Los Angeles. Players can even duck and hide behind the famous Hollywood sign," Andonov notes.

But one of "SkyNETV most exciting new features is a multi-player mode. Players can battle real-life opponents around the block or around the world -from the comfort of their own homes. SOURCE: Bethesda Softworks, Inc. DELEGATE DUTIES Instead of trying to do everything during the busy holiday season, delegate responsibilities to other family members. Culinary consultant Dee Coutelle says cooking chores can easily be shared.

"Turn annual tasks like baking cookies into an enjoyable family celebration," she suggests. "Buy the things you need ahead of time. Then schedule an afternoon or evening for the family to congregate in the kitchen for a holiday bakefest while you listen to your favorite Jioliday music (CNS) freedom of movement. It brings the mythical world of Tamriel to life," says Andonov. Each "Daggerfall" player has total freedom to create his own character, who then serves as the game's protagonist.

Players select all of the character's attributes: name, face, race, gender, occupation and personal history. Players even pick their prejudices and phobias all affecting how a character views the world and interacts with other characters in the game. No two players will have the same "Daggerfall" experience. Andonov notes that, "The mythical world of Tamriel is roughly twice the size of Great Britain. Players can visit more than 6,000 towns, cities and villages, meeting and interacting with more than 750,000 characters, from human beings of all races to monsters of every variety.

A player's imagination is virtually the only limitation." "SkyNET," which is also bas- 530 W. Green Hazleton, PA 18201 455-3661 UP TO 50 OFF FALL AND WINTER FASHIONS Sweaters and Holiday fashions 9-5 Thurs. Fri. 9-8 Sat. 9-4 'I Open Sundays 1 1-5 Until Christmas -PINjyPFREEPABKING WM Gift Certificates Available Great Selection of Stocking Stuffers including products by Matrix, Nexxus and much more! NOW DOING NAILS! beauty Satan VIA ii I 1 27 N.

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