FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 057 (13/05/97)

CUSTOMS AND PRACTICE

I am going to the USA next week. If I see any software for my PC out there and I buy it, will it work on my PC when I get home? Is there anything else I should avoid buying when there?

Brian G.Skinner

A

Unlike video equipment and pre-recorded tapes, where the US and many other countries use a different technical standard to the UK, Windows and DOS computer software will run on any suitable machine, irrespective of where it is produced or sold. Of course, some software is country-specific --  tax or financial packages and route-finders for example -- but most of the popular business, leisure and games titles are written for the international market.

Plug-in expansion cards, memory modules and most internal components are also safe to buy. It’s probably a good idea to avoid video input or output cards, unless you’re sure they can be configured for our 625-line PAL system.  Steer well clear of any external peripherals that require a mains supply. This includes items like monitors and printers. Devices that use plug-in mains adaptors, such as modems and external disc drives, may be persuaded to work with a 240 volt AC adaptor, though don’t try this unless you know what you are doing. Don’t forget you will almost certainly forfeit the right to any technical backup and guarantees offered by the retailer, and you may have difficulty with manufacturers warranties, especially if the product in question isn’t distributed in the UK.

Lastly, you should also be aware that if the value of your purchases exceeds the ‘gifts, goods and souvenirs’ allowance of £145, you will be liable to pay duty when you return to the UK. This could easily wipe out any savings.

You can find full details at the HM Customs web site: http://www.open.gov.uk/customs/c&ehome.htm

NUISANCE CALLS

Simon Davies's article on privacy (Connected 29/04/97) prompts me to ask how to deal with irregular, randomly timed phone calls - some as early as 3 am - that emanate either from computers or fax machines? When a call occurs we hear beeps but not a continuous tone like a modem.  We have connected our old fax machine but have not been able to capture a fax. Leaving the phone off the hook is very inconvenient. However, when we get one of these calls one or more usually follows some minutes later. So we have to leave the phone disconnected in order to get any sleep.

Any suggestions please?

Bob Sarah

A

This is a growing problem, and it’s not just caused by wrongly programmed fax machines and modems. There’s a huge number of automated systems, such as refrigeration units and boilers, that use the telephone to send reports or notify faults. Caller ID systems and the 1471 number recall facility often doesn’t work as the call may originate from a company PBX system. BT tell us they have an action plan to deal with this type of call, culminating in a free change of number, if they can’t track down the offending equipment. Once alerted, via their customer services department (call 150), they will try to trace the number and notify the operator of the equipment. Subscribers can also try the BT Malicious Calls Bureau (freephone 0800 661441), who will deal with this kind of complaint. The Bureau operate a free general advice line on what to do about nuisance calls, on freephone 0800 666700, and leaflets are available from BT shops. 

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE

I have no real need for a mobile phone on a day to day basis, however, my wife and I live in rural Lincolnshire and in winter driving conditions can quickly become treacherous. I can see there are situations when a phone could be useful in an emergency. Would it be possible to either hire or rent a cellular phone just for the winter months, or does anyone make a simple emergency phone?

L. Phelps, Stickford, Lincs

A

Short term rentals are available but they’re very expensive, typically £20 to £30 per week. Several cellphone companies use to offer emergency tariffs, with low rental costs, but high call charges, however, they all seem to have disappeared.  The cheapest monthly line rentals are now all around £15. You may find local companies offering special rates for phones connected to the analogue networks, which are due to be phased out in the next ten years. Analogue coverage is usually better in isolated or rural areas. Old or unused cellphones often turn up at car boot sales, selling for just a few pounds. All digital models, and most analogue phones -- provided they’re still in working order -- can still be used to make 999 emergency calls, even if they’re not connected to a network.