FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 144 (14/01/99)

ZIP ZAP?

I have downloaded several programs from the Internet in the form of .zip files which I place in a folder that I have allocated for this purpose, called (predictably) 'Downloads'. Having unzipped the programs, they then take up residence in their own specific folders as any other ordinary programme would do. However, I notice that the original .zip file is still in my 'Download' folder.

Would I be correct in assuming that I may safely delete these .zip files since they are now duplicates (albeit in a compressed form) of the programs that are now up and running on my computer?

Jeff Lang

A

Yes, you can remove the original downloaded .zip files but it's a bit like throwing away a program's original installation disc. You might need it one day if, for example, a program is corrupted or you want to load it on another machine and there's no guarantee the program will always be available from the Internet. If you need to recover space on your hard disc drive then copy the original .zip file to a floppy disc or another suitable backup medium.

SEND HELP

Following the recommendations in Boot Camp Tip of the Week (Connected December 31st) I tried to add floppy drive A: to the list in Send To. The only destinations currently listed when I click 'Send To' are: Mail, Routing and Fax Recipients and Exchange Folder. I followed the instructions but to no avail. I have tried using Browse, but when I click on A: drive I do not see the relevant *.exe file.

David Buckley, London N5

A

You can add almost any item to the Send To list in Windows Explorer simply by dragging and dropping the folder or icon. In the case of the floppy drive open Windows Explorer and the Send To directory as per Tip of the Week, then scroll up the tree until you come to '3.5 inch floppy', click-hold and move it to the Send To window. Windows will ask if you want to create a shortcut, answer Yes, and it's done. 

THE RIGHT ADDRESS?

As a newcomer to Windows and the Internet from steam computing with MS DOS, I am compiling my first-ever electronic address book, which by happenstance, is the one in Internet Explorer. Does this one have the potential to become the only electronic address book I will ever need or is there a better one that I should create and maintain instead (or in parallel?), that will allow me to print labels for subsets such as friends, cricket club members etc?  

Roger Pickering

A

Address Book is a good general purpose design and will do just about everything that you require but this is a touchy subject that arouses a lot of passion amongst PC users. Many mourn the passing of the excellent Card File utility in Windows 3.1; others scorn the idea of a structured book altogether preferring to keep their contact details in a word-processor files. Rather than list our preferences and prejudices we'll throw his one open to our readers, who we know have some very strong opinions on this matter -- we'll publish the results in a couple of weeks time.

WHERE FORE ART THOU EURO?

I am informed that somewhere in the oceanic depths of Windows '98 there resides the Euro symbol. Could you please verify what is available in Windows?

Also can it be used as a normal font (i.e. change size, boldness etc.). Or, if it is available as a download from the Internet, where can it be found?

Douglas Smith

A

A timely reminder that the Euro symbol is included in the 'core' fonts used by Windows 98. The default keyboard shortcuts are Alt Gr + 4 (the right hand Alt key) and Ctrl + Alt + 4. If you are using a word processor like MS Word, you can also find it in the Symbol table on the Insert menu. It is on the Currency subset under 'Normal Text'. Since the critical core fonts are 'TrueType' you can treat the Euro symbol like any other character and change all or any of its attributes. Users of older versions of Windows can download updated font sets from the Microsoft web site: http://www.microsoft.com/typography/

fontpack/default.htm

CATCH THE BUS

I have a P2 300MHz computer running Windows 95. I am interested in buying a USB scanner but I am confused by adverts and reviews. My computer has two USB ports, the device manger shows a USB controller, and clicking the cross next to it shows a standard universal PCI to USB host controller and an USB root hub. Some scanner adverts state 'Windows 98 only' others suggest upgrading to Windows 98 first. Will a USB scanner work with my system or should I upgrade to Windows 98 first?

Trevor Graham Livingstone

A

Support for the Universal Serial Bus (USB) is undoubtedly much better in Windows 98, and it's a lot easier to set up than a parallel or SCSI interface. However, when a scanner manufacturer recommends using Windows 98, it is best to take their advice, unless you have masochistic tendencies…

POLE POSITIONS

I have been an MS-Word user for many years, but have reverted to DOS based WordPerfect for the character sets that I require when I write to my Polish relatives. The Polish language requires extra letters with a dot above z, acute accents on the c, n, o, s and z, the crossed l, and a right hand hook below the a and e.  These are all available with WordPerfect, but I cannot find them using MS-Word 6.0 and Windows 95. Are they there but hidden?

A E Wilmot

A

On the Insert menu in Word 6 select Symbol, type in the name of the font that you are using in WordPerfect (that contains the special characters) and press Return. You can then insert the characters into a document by double clicking, or assign them keyboard shortcuts. You could also try using the Character Map utility (Start > Programs > Accessories) this will also give you the character's ANSI code, so you can enter it in any application by pressing the Alt key plus the indicated 4-digit code.

FOLLOW UPS

DATE UPDATE

With reference to the query in F!F!F! (December 31st) regarding the use of the Date and Time facility in MS Word, your correspondent may not be aware of all the options.  From the Insert Menu, on 'Date and Time' there is a check box in the bottom left corner that switches off the automatic update. If he has a problem finding when a letter was written, use the Open dialogue box, the Properties button shows when the file was created.

Sylvia Bedbrook

PAGE POINT

A little extra point about the 'Page X of Y' facility in Microsoft Word (F!F!F! December 12th) - if you habitually compose documents in 'Page Layout' mode (as I tend to do), the 'Y' number stays as it was when you inserted the instruction, and doesn't change as you add or subtract from the total number of pages. This can lead to you seeing nonsense such as 'Page 14 of 8'. It's not a problem, just go to 'Normal View' (either in the View Menu, or the icon buttons at the bottom left of the screen), then back into 'Page Layout View' again and the total number will have updated.

Graeme Aldous