FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 083 (04/11/97)

E-CONOMAIL

Don’t laugh! I have a Packard Bell Legend 316 SX with 4Mb RAM and a 40Mb hard disc. It was brought in 1991 and it still serves me well for my limited word-processing and database need, using Lotus Works. However, my son at University will only communicate with us via Email now. Can I use Email with my prehistoric machine, or will I have to fork out for the latest equipment? I am not interested in the Internet, only Email. I have DOS 6 and Windows 3.1, which I rarely use. What is the easiest and cheapest solution?

Reg Tripp, Alton, Hampshire

A

Sending and receiving Email is a relatively undemanding task for a PC, so there is no need to upgrade, though be aware that your machine is getting on a bit and some components, like the hard disc drive, could be nearing the end of their working lives. Moreover the small capacity of your hard disc may be a limiting factor, it depends how much space you have remaining. You will need to buy a modem; it’s sensible to get a reasonably fast model, capable of working at 28.8 or 33.6kbps. Internal modems cost less than £40, though external models are generally easier to set up and use, prices start at around £60. In theory you don’t need to spend any more, you could set up a PC to PC communications link, using the Terminal program in Windows or the bundled software that comes with most modems, however, you would only be able to receive incoming Email whilst the PC is on and running the comms software.

The alternative is to subscribe to an on-line service, that will allocate you an Email address and mailbox, where messages can be sent and stored, until you are ready to access and retrieve them. Email and the Internet are now inextricably linked, which means that you can exchange Email with your son and others, even if they are abroad, for the cost of a local phone call. Internet Service Providers such as BT Internet and MSN both have low-user tariffs, starting at less than £5.00 a month. Access software is widely available, free of charge -- usually with a months free trial --  either from the numbers below, or from cover-mounted discs on computer magazines.MSN, telephone (0345) 002000 BT Internet, freefone (0800) 00001

HP SOURCE

Last year, when I brought my Hewlett Packard computer there was a lovely game on it called Ski Free which my two nieces adored. The game was pre-installed on the PC by Hewlett Packard. I have since had my computer changed for a newer model due to a defect and unfortunately this game is not on it. I have tried various avenues to obtain another copy, but with no success. Have you any suggestions as to where I could get hold of the game and how much it is likely to cost?

Charles Holroyd

A

Ski Free is an excellent little game from Microsoft, often bundled with Windows as part of a software package on new PCs. It actually has nothing to do with Hewlett Packard, it was probably supplied by the dealer or reseller, which may explain why you have had difficulty tracking it down. You can find versions of the game scattered around the internet -- it’s a small file that only takes a few seconds to download -- there’s even a site devoted to the game, that includes gameplay hints and tips, detailed explanations of the various characters and objects, cheats and a high score hall of fame: http://www.cris.com/~kittycat/SKIFREE.HTM

ANSWERING THE CALL

My company needs to purchase a new telephone answering machine with the following specification: 

1. up to one hour recording time

2. voice activation

3. pause, rewind and fast forward facilities

4. time and date logging

Dick Peabody, York

A

Virtually all telephone answering machines now use either micro-cassettes, with a maximum recording time of 30 minutes per side, or solid-state digital recording systems, most of which have a capacity of around 15 minutes. Ironically older machines, that used compact cassette, were able to record for up to an hour, though no-one seems to make them anymore. There is a device called the Storacall ATDR300, which uses two compact cassettes, giving a 6-hour capacity. It has all of the facilities you need but it will set you back in the region of £1600. For more information contact Storacall, on (01242) 578815.

A PC can also be used as a sophisticated telephone answer machine. Most voice  modems are bundled with telephone answering and voicemail software, though in order for the PC to answer calls out of office hours, it will have to be left switched on all of the time.