Inbox

By DON McALLISTER

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

Q. Dave complained that last week's InBox suggestion of the free Spybot or "Spywareguard" downloads actually require payment before targeted invaders can be removed.

A. No, Dave, this is not the case. The real Spybot is free and will remove what it finds without demanding payment. For an explanation see the front page of Spybot's site which warns about two fake Spybot copycats (SpyHunter and SpyKiller) that require payment to become removal capable.

Spywareguard or SpywareBlaster, on the other hand, are "freeware" or "donation-ware" which means they ask for donations, but don't disable features if you choose not to contribute.

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Q. After reading last week's inbox on the rogue 0900 dialler, Sally is worried: "I was concerned that I could still be at risk from the 0900 dialler program scams, even though I use Jetstream. My old modem is only used as a fax. Am I really at risk?"

A. Yes, you are definitely at risk, Sally. When activated, those nasty little scammers create a new internet connection (Ignoring Jetstream/Jetstart) then connect to their designated 0900 $45 per call numbers.

Ask Telecom to place a 0900 number block on your line. Better still get a full toll block.

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Q. Greg is afflicted with an ICQ signature every time he sends an email in Outlook Express - yet he removed ICQ from his system ages ago.

A. The signature can be removed form Tools/Options/Signatures, Greg. Highlight the ICQ signature entry and click "Remove".

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Q. Kevin's mouse dies every time Windows XP resumes from standby. "In this state all I can do is CTRL ALT DEL - ALT U - ALT R to shut down and restart. I need a better solution."

A. It seems Microsoft found the bug a week ago, Kevin. It has posted an interim hotfix here.


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