FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  406 (16/03/04)

Q

I am having a problem updating my AVG anti virus software. The program directs me to the Czech web site from where I have regularly updated my software for a few years. Suddenly I cannot get through to the site. Have they stopped supporting the free version?

Nigel Penn, via email

A

AVG version 6 is still going strong and I continue to recommend it as an alternative to commercial virus scanners. However, AVG does seem to have got itself into a bit of a tangle with recent updates. Update 516 makes changes to the way AVG downloads new virus signatures and if it is not installed then no new updates are downloaded and you may see error messages like ‘cannot establish an automatic connection to the Internet’. There is a simple fix but first check which version you are using by opening AVG and going to Program Info on the Help menu. If it shows version 6.0.515 or lower then you need to install update 516. You’ll find it at: http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_updt6.php?lng=fe (it should be the last item on the page). Click the file name to start the download and when asked where you want to save it, direct it to: C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG6\UPDATE (or wherever you AVG Update folder is located). When you next open AVG 516 will be automatically installed and routine updates should then progress normally.

Q

Last month got a shock on my bill for a premium 0909 number, which I
certainly didn't dial. I have been told that this is possibly from a pop-up screen which when deleted sends back my ISP number and dials up these numbers of which I am totally unaware - until I get the bill that is! Is there any download you know of which I can obtain to make sure this sort of thing doesn't happen again?
Jim Devine, via emails

A

This worrying new scam is due to an Internet ‘dialler’ program being inadvertently downloaded onto your PC whilst surfing the web. They often sneak in when a persistent ‘pop-up’ box appears on the screen, and refuses to go away when the close ‘X’ icon is clicked. In frustration a lot of users give up and click the OK box to get rid of it. The program is then surreptitiously installed and takes over the modem, dialling out to a high-cost premium rate number.

When confronted with a nuisance pop-up box press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and ‘End Task’ your browser program. If you think you’ve been infected by one of these programs install and run adware and Spyware cleaner utilities like AdAware (www.lavasoftusa.com) and Spybot S&D (http://www.safer-networking.org/). Both are freeware and do a cracking job of eradicating nasties like these. If you have been caught by one of these diallers you should complain to your phone service provider and ICSTIS, the regulator for companies using premium rate telephone numbers. There’s a form for making complaints on-line at: www.icstis.org.uk/

Q

I took a lot of digital photographs with my Nikon Coolpix 3100 at a recent event. I downloaded them onto my PC with the Nikon View Software, transferred them to CD using the CD writer in Windows XP Professional. I sent the same CD containing about 17Mb to several people. Most are having problems on inferior PCs - some get some pictures, some get none - but should they have problems?  What is likely to be the cause and is there anything I can do to help?

Fred Dunsdon, via email

A

The images that you have recorded onto the CDs are straightforward JPEG files, which should be readable on just about any PC, though far from being ‘inferior’ as you put it, some machines are simply more discriminating. The problem must be at your end and the most likely suspect is the media. The quality of blank CD-Rs is alarmingly variable and the somewhat basic CD burning software include in Windows XP is not very helpful when it comes to error checking. Try changing your brand of blank discs – preferably to one that is well known -- and while you are at it upgrade to a better CD burning program. Roxio Easy CD & DVD Creator (version 5.5 and above) works well on XP and includes the very useful Direct CD utility that allows you to use a CD-R like a giant floppy disc.

Q

After some 7 years I think that I'm going to have to change from CompuServe. The amount of Spam I’m receiving has grown to unmanageable levels. If I do change, is there any way in which emails can be forwarded automatically or will I have to stay with CompuServe until people get used to my new address?
Brian Crangle, via email

A

As a long time CompuServe user I too am dismayed by the recent increase in the amount of Spam I am being sent. My preferred solution is to stop it ever reaching my Inbox by using the Spam filtering program MailWasher (free from www.mailwasher.net, though it is well worth upgrading to the Pro version for $29.95). For a more detailed look at anti-spam strategies and software have a look at Boot Camps 300 and 301. Changing your ISP may give you temporary respite but the problem is now so acute that no service provider or filtering system can ever promise you a free-free inbox. Spam is not going to go away anytime soon but we can all hasten its demise by never replying to emails and never click the ‘remove me’ link as this only confirms your email address and adds it to other spammers lists. If you purchase goods online its worth setting up a separate email account just for that purpose and keep your other account for personal use.