Wednesday, April 23, 1997

Computer connections can make home fix-it projects easier

By DAN KEATING

Knight-Ridder Newspapers

It's strange. I'm perfectly happy diving into the case of my computer, screwdriver in hand, to upgrade and fine-tune. But aim me at a leaky faucet, sticky door or dead electrical outlet, and I'm as likely to hurt myself with the screwdriver as do any good.

I think I finally found the way to make this strange combination work for me: There are some great ways that your computer can help you repair and maintain your home. Nobody's calling me Bob Vila, but I'm learning.

If you're a home-repair wizard, you can search online for exotic tools and advanced techniques. If you're closer to my first-time-homeowner "Mr. Flub-It" level, you can look for basic explanations and guidance. You can find question-and-answer spots, a worldwide discussion group, lots of World Wide Web sites and some multimedia CD-ROMs.

Some of the most useful information is straightforward guidance from Michigan State University, which has put a large collection of household tips online. Subjects range from homemade stain removers to basic explanations of wiring and plumbing, and you can search the entire archive for particular keywords. I find it useful, but it lacks pictures, which I consider a major setback.

While online information sources are helpful, I often find that the authors don't answer the specific question I have in mind. For that, I prefer the question-and-answer format.

The biggest source of that is the Internet (Usenet) discussion group alt.home.repair. If you know a lot about fix-ups, drop by and offer some help. If you need assistance, inquire politely (and keep it brief). Asking a question on an Internet discussion group doesn't mean you'll get pure professional help; you take what you get. But keep everything in perspective, judge the advice accordingly and you'll probably be better off than when you started.

Several World Wide Web sites also offer places where you can submit questions, such as Mister Fixit. The Mister Fixit site has a lot of information about both homes and cars, but I found it to be spotty, with some subjects neglected and others approached from a point of view that will help only the experienced. On the other hand, I found some excellent links to other, more detailed, sites.

If you really want to plunge into a topic, visit Toiletology and take the Toiletology 101 detailed course. You've never known how much there is to learn about Thomas Crapper's wonderful invention.

On the lighter side, you can check out Fix-it Guy. Don't worry, the authors are aware of the sexist name. The entire site is very tongue-in-cheek. For instance, its list of helpful links has real home-repair sites, and also medical information, since "accidents happen."

While the online resources are useful, I got the greatest benefit from a CD-ROM: Home Repair Encyclopedia. It offers suggested spring and fall projects, lots of general explanations and tips for what to look for at the hardware store when working on particular projects.

But the biggest difference is the wealth of drawings and animations. The moving images provide an excellent A-to-Z view of exactly how to do projects.

I'm off to finish rewiring the new addition to my house - well, maybe not. But now maybe I fantasize that I could.

Usenet discussion group

alt.home.repair

A great place to ask questions and get answers. If you can offer help to others, give it a try. If you need help, ask politely (and keep it brief).

Michigan State University

http://deptwww.msu.edu/msueimp/htdoc/-mod02/master02.html

Simple but detailed listings of all kinds of information, from homemade stain removers to telephone wiring. No pictures, though.

The Plumber

http://www.theplumber.com

Lots of info on, you guessed it, plumbing.

Mister Fixit

http://www.MisterFixit.com

Includes home and auto repair. Has links to other pages for good information, as well. I found it somewhat hit or miss, but there are lots of good things there.

Fix-it Guy

http://www.fixitguy.com/

Thee lighter side of home repair. Mostly humor. Has links to real repair sites and also to medical information, since "accidents happen."

HouseNet

http://www.housenet.com/

This slick site has articles and special features. You can also find it on America Online by searching for keyword: housenet.

Toiletology 101

http://www.toiletology.com/

Complete, detailed lessons about you-know-what.

"Books That Work: Home Repair Encyclopedia"

http://www.btw.com

Books That Work makes the Home Repair Encyclopedia, a multimedia CD-ROM available in computer stores. The World Wide Web site has the paint calculator that's on the disk. If you give it the dimensions of a room, it'll calculate how much paint you should buy.