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FAQS!
FACTS! FAX! 023 (17/09/96)
ESCOM
WOES
Earlier
this year I brought an Escom computer, I’ve been very pleased with it, equally
so with their support helpline. However, since they went belly-up, I’ve had
problems. I called Microsoft’s Helpline, who politely told me their software is
licensed to Escom, and I should contact them for assistance. I explained the
difficulty, and they generously gave me, ex gratia, the help I needed, but I
understand this will not continue. Who do I turn to now for advice? I certainly
don’t mind paying for it, on an ‘as-used’ basis.
M.J.A.G.,
Gerrards Cross
A
You
were very lucky! Microsoft have confirmed that they do not give free support for
products licensed to PC vendors, even if they subsequently go out of business.
The situation at Escom is still unclear, and it’s possible the business will be
sold, but in the meantime hardware and software support for existing Escom customers
has been taken over by ICL. Unfortunately it’s not free anymore; a year’s
on-site service and helpline assistance costs £99, or £199 for three years
cover. You can find out more by calling 0990 134394.
Other
companies are also able to help. Until the 30th of September, owners of Escom
computers can get free telephone help from Diamond Maintenance. They’ve set up
a service called the Escom Rescue Package, which offers on-site maintenance and
telephone support, for £80 (plus VAT) per annum. They also do on-site repairs
for other makes of PC; a typical charge for an home visit from one of their
engineers is around £50, plus parts. Diamond can be reached on (01622) 688817.
LITTLE
ARROWS
How
do I get rid of those irritating little arrows in the corner of ‘shortcuts’ on
the Windows 95 desktop? I understand it can be done by deleting a few entries
in the Windows registry, but which ones? I’m sure I can’t be the only one who
is bothered by them...
P.A.,
Woking
A
It’s
probably not a good idea to tinker about deleting files, unless you know what
you’re doing, and are prepared to suffer the consequences. The best way to do
it, is to use a small software utility called Tweak UI 0.98. This can do all
sorts of things to the way your desktop is presented, make changes to mouse
speed and sensitivity, animation, sound and document templates, and a lot more
besides. It’s available as a free download from Microsoft’s web site. The following
URL will take you directly to it:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/software/powertoy.htm
PSION
ZIPPED
Can
you tell me if the Iomega Zip Drive is compatible with a Psion 3a 2Mb computer?
My supplier was uncertain, and the helpline assistant at Iomega didn’t seem to
understand my query.
I.M.T.,
Skillington
A
It
is possible, in theory at least, though Psion tell us the 3a has no way of
recognising the Zip drive as it’s not classified as a standard accessory. In
order to exchange data with a Zip drive it would need specialist driver
software. Psion have no drivers of their own, nor do they know of any
third-party software. It’s the sort of thing that could turn up as shareware
though, so if you have Internet access it’s worth keeping an eye on the Psion forums
on the net and CompuServe, or post a message, asking if anyone has cracked the
problem.
Contacts:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/%7Elwmdcg/Psion/
http://www.cms.dmu.ac.uk/~cpn/Psion
The
Psion newsgroup can be found at: comp.sys.psion
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