FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  493 (27/12/05)

Q

I have spent the last 6 months familiarising myself with the advantages of broadband's ‘always on’ facility. I particularly like the way my anti-virus software and Windows automatically and quietly checks for updates while I do other things. Is there some way to set up Outlook Express in a similar way? The ideal scenario would be that OE would automatically run and open on startup, with an icon in the system tray only, and while I work at other things, constantly check for email and notify me when it arrives. This, to me, is what always on really means.

Averill Buchanan, via email

A

Everything you want to do is possible though there is a better way to utilise your broadband connection for email and help protect your PC from spam and unsafe attachments. But first, to achieve your initial goal of having Outlook Express launch with Windows all you have to do is go to the Start menu then All Programs, hold down the Ctrl key and drag a copy of the Outlook Express shortcut icon onto the Startup folder and release. Next open Outlook Express, select Tools > Options then the General tab, tick the item ‘Check for new messages every’ and set a suitable interval in the ‘Minutes’ box. To move the icon from the Taskbar to the System Tray you can download a small freeware utility called HideOE.

The alternative approach and the one I use to avoid being swamped by Spam and emails carrying potentially malicious payloads is to use a ‘Filter’ program like Mailwasher. It’s free but the extra features on the ‘Pro’ version (£21) are well worth having. This automatically checks the contents of your mailbox on your ISP’s server at predetermined intervals. It alerts you when new mail has arrived and flags up or deletes emails that it has determined is spam before they can get anywhere near your PC. You can also preview your emails and add any undesirable messages to your blocked senders list after which it launches Outlook Express and downloads the remaining safe and wanted emails. Mailwasher is easy to install and configure and it imports your account settings from Outlook Express. By the way, if you use it do not set OE to launch with Windows or automatically check your mail as this defeats the object of using a filter program.

Q

I have had a wireless network (very simple, desktop PC plus laptop) for some time now and am looking at upgrading the desktop PC. I need more memory and bigger hard drive. The type of memory that the PC uses is quite expensive and an upgrade would not cost much less than buying a new machine. Hence, I am thinking of adding a new PC to the network. How difficult would this be and what would be the ideal configuration? Any help would be most appreciated.

Chris Johns, via email

A

Adding one or more PCs to your existing Wi-Fi setup should not be a problem, particularly if the new PC uses Windows XP. If it is going to be located physically close to the other desktop then you may be able to use a cabled connection, which is cheaper, faster and easier to set up, however, this depends on both the new PC and Wi-Fi router/access point having LAN sockets. If you want to be able to share files and resources like a printer amongst your PC you will need to set up Windows file and printer sharing but all this is taken care of by the XP Network Wizard (Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications), simply install the new network hardware or cable, launch the Wizard then follow the prompts and instructions. I would also have a look at Boot Camps 389 - 391 in the Archive, which takes an in-depth look at wireless networking and has some useful troubleshooting advice, should you run into difficulties. 

Q

I am going to be away for about 3 weeks and wonder what is the best thing to do with my computer?  Is it better to leave it plugged in and risk a thunderstorm or would it be OK to unplug it? Also, every time I switch on an advertisement for an ISP comes on and the only options are to Register or Register later. How do I get rid of it?

Janet Peckham, Dalbeattie

A

Unless you actually need to leave the PC running whilst you are away I can see no reason to leave it plugged it and although thunderstorms are comparatively rare at this time of year it’s still prudent to unplug the modem cable from the telephone socket. The persistent ad is almost certainly the result of a malware infection and you should run a cleaner utility like AdAware, Spybot and MS AntiSpyware (XP only); they are all free and links to the downloads can be found on the BootLog Software page.

Q

I have a new computer that has MSDOS and Windows 98 installed because I want to continue using my Qbasic programs. My Internet connection (not broadband) used to work properly but now I only get 10 minutes and it times out. If I shutdown and then reboot I get another 10 minutes. I can get a good connection on my old computer so it doesn't

appear to be a problem with my ISP. I have looked at all the power management facilities, including the BIOS and the Registry but to no avail. Any ideas? 

Paul Spence, via email

A

Windows Dial-Up Networking has a feature that disconnects your PC from the Internet if the connection is idle for more than a preset amount of time.  It’s not usually enabled but the default setting is 10 minutes so this is the place to look. It’s well quite well hidden; go to Start > Settings > Control Panel, double-click the Internet Options icon then the Connections tab, highlight your connection, click the Settings button then under Dial-Up settings click the Advanced button and uncheck ‘Disconnect if idle for 10 minutes’ or set it to a longer period to stop you racking up a hefty phone bill, just in case you forget to disconnect manually.

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© R. Maybury 2005, 2012