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The Rural Voice, 2000-11, Page 39AgriTech ing up information, a replacement for tape drives. For a good quality system, Nichol recommends looking at the maker of all the components, not just the brand name on the front. Well-known companies may use lower quality motherboards or other elements to keep the price down. "It is about getting the most for the money." A good quality system with all the features usually runs between $1,500 and $2,000, he said. As for programs for small business, Nichol said the most valuable is a good accounting package, of which there are several. Specific to farming, card readers for combine GPS systems can be installed on the home computer for the downloading of data. When questioned about the speed with which computers become out- dated, Nichol said they really never do. It is the user who has outgrown the system. The computer will still do what it always did. When you feel your system is outdated, it is time to upgrade or buy a new one better suit- ed to your current needs, he added. Because a computer system and all the possible features are very individ- ualized, the best advice is to really know your needs before going shop- ping and go where your questions are answered to your satisfaction. As technology continues to infil- trate every aspect of our lives, it is up to each person and family to take advantage of the economic, business, educational, social and recreational possibilities. Now that I know what to ask for when I improve my system, should I go for the upgrade or buy another machine so some combination of web surfing, investment management, bill paying, writing or game playing can be done simultaneously. We may soon be a three -computer family. Contact me at becker@wcl.on.ca. Janice Becker is a computer enthusi- ast and journalist living near Walton, ON. HYDRA -SPREAD MANURE SPREADERS 285 BU. — 368 BU. — 421 BU. — 465 BU. — 550 BU. Eliminate some of life's problems (like chains. worn gears, shafts 8 bearings) with HYDRA -SPREAD The Canadian alternative in spreaders. N. E. HAGEDORN & SONS LIMITED - Paisley, Ont. website www.manurespreader.com 1-800-707-7271 Thinking C%istirurcs,? Think Books The Rural Voice has opened a new book service featuring books on a rural theme. Now have special books, not easily located else- where, delivered to your mail box. Many of the books featured have already been reviewed in The Rural Voice. JOURNEY TO PERFECTION The Agricultural Art of Ross Butler Admire the art of Oxford County artist Ross Butler whose paintings of cows and horses were once in every Ontario classroom. Read the story of his struggle to have his art accepted. $29.95 BY THE LABOUR OF THEIR HANDS The Story of Ontario Cheddar Cheese Communities across Ontario once had their own cheese factories with their own unique taste and their own history. Included are the stories of many of the western Ontario cheese factories. $19.95 RIVERS OF OIL North America's petroleum industry began in Lambton County. Here's the story of the early days of the industry near towns like Petrolia and Oil Springs. $19.95 RUSTY RAILS A photographic record of the branchline railways in Midwestern Ontario from 1961-1996. Many of these rail lines are gone now, but their memory lingers, as does their affect on our history. $39.95 Send cheque or money order for Lull amount to: Books: The Rural Voice, P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON NOM 1H0 MAIL BOOKS TO: Name: Address: Code: Phone No.: Prices subject to change with Increases in wholesale prices, postage, taxes, etc. Please refer to current Issue for correct figures. Incorrect payment will delay delivery. 404- — NOVEMBER 2000 35 Qty. Total Journey to Perfection $29.95 By the Labour of Their Hands $19.95 Rivers of Oil $19.95 Rusty Rails $39.95 Shipping & Handling Total for Books $3.75 for 1 book Shipping & Handling $425 for 2 books Add 7% GST on subtotal $4.75 for 3 or more books Order Total Send cheque or money order for Lull amount to: Books: The Rural Voice, P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON NOM 1H0 MAIL BOOKS TO: Name: Address: Code: Phone No.: Prices subject to change with Increases in wholesale prices, postage, taxes, etc. Please refer to current Issue for correct figures. Incorrect payment will delay delivery. 404- — NOVEMBER 2000 35