FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 011 (25/06/96)

ON THE CARDS

I am a student with free Internet access, but I graduate soon so I’m going to have to pay for it. I own a desktop PC and a portable (no PCMCIA slot) but I like the idea of being able to browse the Web, send and receive e-mail on the move. I’m planning to get a Nokia Orange mobile phone, so I believe I have two options: buy a new portable with a PCMCIA slot and Nokia Data Card; or, buy a Psion 3a palmtop, with a 3-Fax modem. Any comments?

R.L., Worthing

A

Why not stick with your present laptop? Even though it doesn’t have a PCMCIA slot you can still connect it to a modem, using the machine’s serial communications port. There’s plenty of fast battery-powered modems on the market, that will give you full net access, using a normal BT line. If you’re serious about using a mobile phone -- be warned it’s comparatively slow, not very reliable and rather expensive -- you could still use a Nokia Data Card with your portable. However, you will also need an ‘Expander’ module, that allows the card to work with non PCMCIA computers. The Data Card will set you back around £410, (look out also for special deals on Nokia 2110 phones with Data Cards for £300..) whilst the Expander costs £168. Nokia tell us Expanders are in short supply at the moment but there is another device, called the Modulette, that does the same job, they sell for around £280. You can send and receive e-mail using a Psion 3a, with a suitable modem, but the tiny screen cannot display Web pages and the small keyboard is hard going.

Contacts: Nokia Mobile phones, telephone (01480) 434343; Heath & Simmonds (Modulette) telephone (01202) 718388

IN THE CLUB

I am the Assistant Secretary to the Royal British Legion Club in Eastbourne. We have recently been given a 386 Minstrel PC with Windows 3.1, some accessories but no applications. I have been told that software is available, that would allow us to keep our club membership records on the computer. Have you heard of such a  program, and do you know where we can get hold of a copy?

D.R.F., Eastbourne

A

There’s a few commercial club management software packages on the market, but it’s worth taking a look at some of the shareware offerings first. Apart from anything else they’re very cheap and you only need pay a small fee if you actually end up using it. One that should suit your needs is called Club Membership System 3.0. It’s available from Invicta Shareware for just £2.00. The only catch is they stipulate a minimum order of 3 discs, (costing £6.00) but you’re bound to find something else of interest in their disc-based catalogue, which can be obtained by phoning 0181 302 6213.

SUPPRESSED THOUGHTS

I share your view that computers should be turned off when not in use, to minimise wear and tear, (FFF May 21), but I have also been told it’s a good idea to use a voltage surge suppression plug. Can you tell me how effective they are, and which makes do you recommended?

C.B., Eastleigh

A

The mains supply in this country is pretty reliable and serious surges or transients are comparatively rare. Nevertheless, they can and do happen. The power supplies in most PCs can handle brief voltage ‘spikes’ up to around 700 volts -- usually caused by other appliances switching on and off --  without too much difficulty, but a large voltage surge could fry the machine and result in data loss. Various devices are available, that dissipate harmful spikes. They’re built into plugs, multi-way adaptors, even wall-sockets, and they’re not too expensive -- typically £15 to £30 -- so they’re worth having if only for peace of mind. You can also get a gadget that monitor your mains supply, counting how many spikes exceeding 700 volts occur over a pre-determined period. The Surge Clock is available from Maplin Electronics for £27, along with a good selection of mains protection devices.

Contact Maplin Electronics, telephone (01702) 554161.