FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  471 (21/06/05)

Q

I have an idea for an Internet site that I feel could be beneficial to users and possibly a money-making investment. I am looking at something that could possibly be as big as, for example Friends Reunited. I have done some research and cannot find anything similar on the web. The questions are, can I copyright the idea, and with literally no experience in setting up such a site, who can I safely approach to make my idea a reality.

Jon Kondrotas, via email

A

Let's deal with the copyright issues first. Under UK law material created by you and published on the Internet, marked with the international copyright symbol '(c)' and year of publication, is protected in the same way as other media.  If material on your web site is copied or used without permission it is up to you to pursue the offender for infringement of copyright. However, since your website will be accessible anywhere in the world, and copyright laws vary from country to country, in some instances this could prove difficult, expensive and ultimately fruitless.

There are thousands of companies and individuals with the necessary expertise to create a website for you but finding the right one for your project is going to entail some legwork. Since you are understandably vague about content the only advice I can give is for you to seek out the designers of web sites that have a similar structure or design to the one you envisage. Alternatively Google 'website design uk' and visit some web designer's home pages, which provide a showcase for their skills and should give you an idea of the work and costs involved.  

Q

We are hiring a hall for my daughter's 21st birthday party and my son would like to take charge of the music. He would like to use a laptop and connect it to speakers via an amplifier. Could you tell me if this is possible and what type of connection he requires from laptop to amplifier?

Sandra Worden, via email

A

Not only is it possible it's very easy, however you should check with the hall owners regarding public performance matters. All your son needs is a stereo minijack to phono lead or adaptor, readily obtainable from TV and audio retailers and PC stores for around £5.00. The jack plug goes into the laptop's headphone or audio output socket and the phono plugs on the other end connect to the amplifier's 'auxiliary' or 'external line input' sockets.

Q

I am one of the 1% of the UK population who do not own a TV, but I do like to watch movies. Is it possible to connect a cheap DVD player to a computer monitor in order to play DVDs in my lounge?  Lugging my PC down the stairs every week is not a viable option!

David Bull, via email

A

You need a gizmo called a video to VGA converter, which allows any device with a standard composite or S-Video output to connect to a CRT or LCD computer monitor. There are several to choose from, like the Trust TV-PC Pop View, which sells fro around and for a selection of other models have a look at: www.scancom.ltd.uk/up_converters.htm

Q

Every time I boot up, when the Desktop displays, a pop up window appears with the message "Windows -- No Disk". This window closes only after clicking on the top right hand closing cross about ten times. The computer then works normally. Can you please help?

Gordon Jones, via email

A

Since this message appears after Windows has finished booting it suggests that that there is an application on your PC, set to launch with Windows, that is trying to access a disc or removable storage device that is no longer present. Other possible causes are programs that you have loaded recently that are seeking the installation or data CD. Check also the Startup list by typing 'msconfig' (without the quotes) in Run on the Start menu. Uncheck any suspicious items (you should leave things like your virus checker, firewall and any other legitimate programs that you want to start with Windows) and reboot. Recheck the item if it turns out to be innocent.   

Q

On your advice, I now use Mozilla Thunderbird for my e-mails. Does it have an Undisclosed-Recipients facility for sending a group e-mail - and if so, how does it work?

Alison Day, via email

A

Thunderbird has a BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) option but it's tucked away and not displayed by default. To use it click on the 'To' drop-down menu in a message window, select BCC and then select the individuals or Group you want to receive your email from the Address Book icon.

Q

We have recently upgraded our computer and are now using Windows XP and instead of Works Suite 2000 we now have Microsoft Works 8.  This has meant that we can no longer open our .php files (mainly greeting cards and fancy labels for marmalade etc.). Could tell me whether it is possible to install only the Home Publishing part of the old Works Suite 2000 or whether this would 'upset' the functioning of Works 8?

Jackie Barr, via email

A

There's no reason why you can't install both applications or parts thereof. You can also choose which components to install from the Works 2000 CD's opening menu otherwise if you have plenty of space on your hard drive go for a complete installation. It should go smoothly but in case anything does go wrong you will be warned of any conflicts, so keep an eye out for on-screen messages.