FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 116 (02/07/98)

RUN OFF

Most CD-ROMs supplied for the PC now state that they are Autoplay, and display the opening menu as soon as the disc is inserted into the drive. All was fine with my machine and this ran normally, however during recent weeks this function has not worked and I have to run programs the 'normal' way, i.e. using Windows Explorer or My Computer and clicking on the relevant program. Try as I might, I cannot get this function working. References in Help only refer to Autoplay on audio CD's. Do you have any suggestions?

Simon Lacey

There are several possible causes; the most obvious one is that the auto run function has become disabled. When a CD-ROM is loaded Windows 95 periodically checks the disc directory for a file called Autorun.inf.  (The flashing activity light on the front of the drive can become quite annoying, which is why a lot of people choose to switch it off). If Autorun.inf is present on the disc any programs listed in the file are automatically opened. To check or enable auto run open Control Panel, click on the System icon then the Device Manager tab. You will see the CD-ROM drive listed, double click on it to reveal the driver then click on the open branch to show the Properties windows. Select the Settings tab and use the mouse pointer to check the box marked Auto Insert Notification. You will then have to restart Windows 95 and hopefully all should be well.

THE RIGHT IMAGE

A few weeks ago, in an episode of Boot Camp dealing with Scanners (Connected June 18), a Windows 95 utility called Imaging was mentioned. I have searched high and low for this program, including the original CD-ROM, but I cannot find it anywhere. Do you have any more information?

D. Deveraux, Tonbridge Wells, Kent

We should have pointed out that Imaging is only included on recent versions of Windows 95, however it is available as a free upgrade, for version 1.0 from the Microsoft web site. The file can be downloaded from:

http://support.microsoft.com/download

/support/mslfiles/IMGINST.EXE

NEW FOR OLD

My six month old Time PC came with antivirus software pre-loaded.  When running this program I now obtain a closing message advising me to upgrade to a newer version. Should I upgrade or are better programs available?

Mark Landamore

Six months is a long time in the world of computer viruses. Some reports suggest that more than 300 new ones are created every month. On that basis even the most recent antiviral software is out of date by the time it has been released, hence the manufacturer's recommendation to update the virus checker's library. In fact most new infections can be identified by existing anti-virus software. Viruses tend to have predictable behaviour patterns, such as unexpectedly writing data to critical areas of the hard disc or modifying files without permission, so there's no need to panic if your software is up to a year old.

If the update is free then there's no reason not to take advantage of the offer, especially your PC is vulnerable to infection and the software has proved itself by detecting and successfully disinfecting suspect files. If you have pay that's different, and it might actually work out cheaper to change to one of the packages that provide free updates. 

PC TV OK?

I am interested in buying a DVD player later this year. I understand that DVD players are already available for PCs; given that Windows 98 can handle more than one monitor, would it be feasible for me to connect my PC into my television and view DVD movies, rather than endure a small monitor?

Paul Grove

For those who might have missed it, DVD (digital video/versatile disc) was officially launched in the UK a couple of months ago, though hardware has actually been on sale since before last Christmas. DVD is a kind of supercharged CD, capable of storing several gigabytes of digital data. The 12cm discs -- the same size as audio CDs and CD-ROMS -- can be used for computer software (DVD-ROM) or high quality video and audio (DVD Video).

You are right, it is possible to replay DVD Video discs on a PC fitted with a DVD ROM drive but there are a few points to consider. At the moment the cost of the necessary extra hardware and software is significantly more than the price of a dedicated DVD player, and that's assuming you already have a fast Pentium PC. First generation DVD video players are already selling for less than £300 and if the US market is anything to go by, prices will come down even further over the next year or so. In addition to a super quick Pentium PC you will also need a DVD-ROM drive, an MPEG2 decoder card, video graphics card with a TV output, plus a good quality stereo sound card. Windows 98 is optional. From a practical point of view it will mean moving your PC close to the TV, and it's unlikely you'll be able to do anything meaningful on the PC whilst its playing a DVD disc, even if you are using the Windows 98 multiple-monitor facility. Due to the extra layers of processing the picture quality from a PC is likely to be inferior to a purpose-designed DVD player. Moreover you may not be able to access the full range of facilities or effects available on some discs. In fact the only advantage a PC has over a DVD player is to circumvent regional coding. This is a restriction introduced by the major Hollywood studios, to prevent discs brought in the US (Region 1) playing on European (Region 2) DVD machines.

IN THE PICTURE

I have a Casio QV 100 digital camera. So far the results have been disappointing. I have been advised to change the printer, consequently I have progressed from an Epson 200 to a 600 via a 400!  My feeling is the printer is not the problem since the pictures appear 'grainy' on the monitor and print the same way.

Can you perhaps give me some unbiased advice? For your information I am using Windows 3.11 and the software supplied with the camera.

Michael H. McFarlin

The Casio QV-100 has two resolution modes; the 320 x 240 economy setting will definitely produce very grainy images. The 640 x 480 fine resolution mode is equivalent to VGA display standard, which can look very good indeed, so make sure you are using the higher setting. Nevertheless this model has received some mixed reviews and its low-light capabilities have come in for criticism. It is also possible that your expectations are too high. The current generation of mid-market digital cameras is still no match for conventional film cameras and images will look grainy, compared to photographic prints. You might find using specially formulated glossy paper helps but in the end it is normally the camera and not the PC, software or the printer, which determines picture quality.