FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  565 (15/05/07)

Q. I have seen software advertised which examines your system and reports on any errors. The software then automatically corrects those errors and a number of them are ‘freeware’. Whilst I would like to have a system check, I am extremely nervous that these programs could cause serious damage. Can you recommend any safe diagnostic programs? I am using Windows XP.

David Wild, via email

A. I am highly sceptical about anything that purports to magically cure computer problems. Many of these programs report ‘false positives’, to frighten you into paying for fixes that are in all likelihood unnecessary, or make matters worse. Some of them may even contain malware payloads that could leave your PC open to hackers.

However, the real point is if such programs and online services really worked we would all be using them, and I would be out of a job… If your computer is behaving normally leave well alone. If you have a problem seek expert assistance. 

Q. I live in Spain and own a laptop with Wi-Fi. I am looking for info on Wi-Fi phones, which I can use in conjunction with my ISP and my laptop. I have seen various models. Skype is of no use to me, as I want to be able to contact people with an ordinary landline or mobile. The main problem out here is the cost of mobile calls to and from the UK. We are waiting for a new build to be completed so it is not practical to go on landline at the moment. Can I, like my laptop, use a phone from a hot spot?

George Leaney, via email

A. After a fairly slow start Wi-Fi phones have started to attract a fair amount of interest. Basically they are cordless phones that allow you to make and take phone calls using voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology when in range of a suitable wireless network or hotspot. There are also a few hybrid GSM mobile/Wi-Fi models that work like ordinary cellphones but switch to Wi-Fi operation when required.

Most of the models I have seen are designed to work with Skype, though it may be possible to configure some of them to work with other compatible VoIP systems. I’m not sure what you mean when you say Skype is no use to you. It is true that the free version can only call other Skype-equipped PCs, but there’s a second tier account, called SkypeOut, which lets you call landlines and mobiles, typically for between 1.4 and 1.6 pence per minute.

Q. When I first upgraded to Windows XP it was really easy to view and change images stored in My Pictures using Windows Photo & Fax viewer, but for some time now I’ve been unable to view any thumbnail photos. All I see is a sailing boat/sunset icon where the picture should be.

It doesn’t matter what View mode I use in the drop down box, the only way of seeing the image is to open each one by right clicking and selecting ‘Open with’ then selecting Internet Explorer’. Selecting Windows Photo & Fax Viewer makes no difference.

I run Sony Pixela software for downloading pictures from my camera. I have also loaded and unloaded Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 (too complicated for my needs). Could one of these be responsible for the XP viewing problems, or is there something else I’ve overlooked?

Nick Whythe, via email

A. I think your suspicions are correct and one of the other image processing software may have changed file associations and thumbnail view settings. It’s possible that a System Restore to a date before these programs were installed will set things straight, though there may be an easier solution. A small utility, called XP Thumbnail.exe from the Kelly’s Korner website should reset the Registry settings, however, before doing so I would create a new System Restore Point, just in case.

Q. I was recently a victim of a PestControl infection. The rogue software was on my PC for about 3 weeks. Could anyone have accessed my files during that time? I have cleared it from my PC using AVG Anti-Spyware, but do I need to do anything more?

Mike McKiernan, via email

A. Unfortunately there is no way of knowing if your security was compromised during those 3 weeks, but the chances of anything getting in out would be minimal if you had a decent firewall installed on your PC. (One that controls both incoming and outgoing connections, like Zone Alarm etc.).

Nevertheless I think it would be wise to alert the financial institutions whose account numbers, passwords or pin numbers you have stored on your machine. You should also check any bank account and credit card statements that you have received, to make sure there has been no unauthorised activity. If you are not already doing so run a weekly (at least) malware scan, and be very careful about the websites you visit and when opening email attachments.

Q. I am an expat living in Spain and I want to replace my computer with one running Windows Vista. Is it possible to change the language setting from Spanish to English, or do I have to buy an English copy?

David Veale, via email

A. Since Windows XP it has been possible to change the language of the operating system using a Multilingual User Interface (MUI) pack. However the system developed for XP only worked on English language versions of XP. Vista is different and essentially it is ‘language neutral’ so in theory it can be converted to any supported language with a suitable MUI pack. However, there had to be a catch… As far as I am aware this option is only available to large-scale corporate users, and it is a fairly complex procedure, so the short answer is no. It will be quicker, simpler and cheaper for you to obtain an English language version of Vista.

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© R. Maybury 2007 0805