InBox

By DON McALLISTER

Welcome to InBox, where we attempt to answer your internet questions.

Q. Annette writes: Can you tell me what "Overlap" is. I have three different computers at different locations, all with Xtra (one account). I have been charged hundreds of dollars for "overlap". Is this because I am on all computers at different locations at the same time? If so ... why didn't Xtra inform me of this?

A. In the early days dual logins weren't allowed, Annette, but most internet providers introduced a charge for more than one computer logged on using a single account. The hourly charge for each extra computer logged on is $2.50 an hour for Xtra users. If those three computers had been logged on at different times, there would have been no "overlap" charges incurred.

It only takes 100 hours of overlapping logins to get stung for a massive $250; so now it's safer to run separate accounts for each machine!

* * *

Q. Some of my contacts on MSN have a picture icon yet others do not, says Jenni. I can see my picture, yet several contacts have nothing at all. Is it my end or their end that's the cause? What frustrates me is that these contacts often request I send them my picture files; I don't want to give them the pictures just for them to be able to view them!

A. Most versions of Windows come with MSN Messenger built in, Jenni. Unfortunately that version is not picture capable. Tell those contacts to down-load version 6.2 from: MSN Messenger. There are ways to grab pictures from that window and save them to a drive, but the resolution is so bad they will not blow up to a bigger size (leaving full control of higher-resolution originals with you).

* * *

Q. My grandson changed my desktop picture size; now it's smaller, with a border, writes a confused Rose. How can I make it take up the whole screen again?

A. Windows has a setting for the desktop called stretch that makes the picture fit, Rose. Right click the desktop and select the "Desktop" tab, in the "Position" drop down change from "Centre" to "Stretch" and click apply!


* Email us your question about computers