FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  272 (19/07/01)

Q

With reference to Tony Willcocks letter on 'Getting rid of Monitor Flicker', (F!F!F! July 5th) you should be aware that some types of fluorescent lighting can cause a strobe effect which looks like monitor flicker, but can be eliminated by a simple shrouding of the top of the screen to prevent the overhead lighting falling directly on the monitor screen.
Barry A. Leighton, Information Systems Officer
Manchester Metropolitan University

I have had two cases of hard to trace flicker, both caused by poorly shielded electrical equipment close to the rear of the monitor, affecting the top of the picture in one case and the whole of the picture in the other case. One was caused by the power unit to an external modem and the other by a cheap mains powered speaker. In both cases relocating the offending item effected a cure.

Stuart Wright, rustyandstu@poulton165.fsnet.co.uk

I had a similar problem and it was caused by a faulty extension cable between the monitor and the PC. He should borrow another cable from a colleague to see if that solves the problem.

Geoffrey Brangwyn

We have had a problem over the last few weeks, with monitors beginning to flicker around the department. It seems to happen in hot weather and the solution in most cases is to move the users desk fan away from the monitor.  I have also known the same problem to occur with PC's in the vicinity of fish tanks fitted with air pumps.
Richard Webb

A

Very many thanks to everyone who wrote in with suggestions and solutions and I think we can consider the flicker problem well and truly solved, shame about the fish tank next to the PC though, it sounds very restful…

Q

Is it possible to install an additional ISP (thereby having two ISPs) whilst retaining my current ISP and how do I do this? My fear is that a second ISP will delete all connections with my current ISP. My business and website is linked to my current ISP so I do not wish to sever my link with this server who incidentally provides a good service.

John Palmer

A

You can have as many ISPs as you like, the trick is to install them manually, rather than use set-up discs, which can arbitrarily change settings. You can usually obtain the necessary details by registering on-line, at the ISPs web site where, after filling out the forms and creating a password you will be given the dial-up number, your username, email address and the addresses for your new mailbox. Armed with this information you can then start the Internet Connection Wizard (Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications) and fill in the details. When the new account has been set up you can select it from the 'Connect To' drop-down menu in the Dial-Up box that appears when you go on line, you can also use the Settings button to change the Default ISP.  

Q

I have recently set up my own letterhead in Word. I have typed in the name of the house, the street, village, town, postcode, telephone number and lastly my e-mail address. I then save this and the e-mail address turns a blue colour, instead of staying black as is the rest of the address. What am I doing wrong?

Geoffrey Smith

A

Absolutely nothing, Word is simply converting the email address into a 'hyperlink' that if clicked will open an e-mail message window. You can stop this happening by clicking Ctrl + Z (undo) when it happens, or switch the feature off from AutoCorrect on the Tools menu, select the 'Autoformat as you type' tab and uncheck the item under 'Internet and network paths with hyperlinks'.

Q

I had to format my hard drive when re-loading with Windows '98. All seemed OK except that I can't find the ever-popular Solitaire, Hearts, etc that were on the original disc. What's the trick to 'dig out' the original games?

Eric Macpherson

A

Go to Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel (Start > Settings) and select the Windows Setup tab, double click Accessories, put a tick in Games click OK and follow the instructions.

Q

I have a problem with the 15-inch monitor on my six-year old Elonex Pentium PC. Everything displayed on the screen has lost its 'crispness'.   Outlines have a fuzzy appearance as in an out of focus photograph. This is worst immediately upon booting up. Having described the problem to a local specialist monitor repairer he says the tube has failed and has no remedy. Can that be so?  Is there no adjustment of some sort that can be made? I am reluctant to 'ditch' what appears to be a perfectly good monitor in all other respects.

Digby Bond

A

It's not unusual for monitor picture tubes to show signs of ageing after six or seven years, though it sounds as if yours is a bit ahead of the game. Unfortunately once a tube has started to deteriorate any attempts improve sharpness will be short-lived and a replacement tube would cost almost as much as a new monitor. Shop around, 15-inch models can now be found for less than £95 and 17-inchers start at under £120.

Q

Can you tell me why, if I leave my computer running with or without the screensaver running for a while, when I come back to continue working on it, I am greeted by a black screen with nothing on it not even the mouse arrow? How do I get over this without having to reboot as I do now?

Alex Scott 

A

Your PC may have gone into a sleep, suspend or standby mode, in which case there is usually a way to 'wake up' the machine, usually with a keystroke or by moving the mouse. Check the settings in Power Management in Control Panel and your PC's BIOS program, (more info on the BIOS in Boot Camps 133 & 134).otherwise as your friendly local expert to have a look at it for you.

Q

For some time I have been able to connect to my ISP without a problem. My computer modem socket is wired, in parallel, with my analogue telephone. I have recently connected a BT DECT Digital Fax Answerphone to a third socket, in parallel. Now I can only access my ISP by unplugging the digital phone. Not too bad, but I keep forgetting to plug it back in when I've finished on the Internet and this sends my wife ballistic.  Have you met this problem before and is there a cure? 

Bill Sharples

A

It is possible that you have exceeded your line's Ringer Equivalence Number or 'REN' which is basically a way of working out how many devices you can safely attach to a BT line. All phones, faxes, modems etc. made in the last few years should have a REN number on them (usually on the underside), when added together they shouldn't come to more than 4. If they do you can get a device called a REN Booster (see: http://www.phoneshop.uk.com/ accessories/indexaccessories.htm) or have a word with BT Customer Services on 0800 800 150.