InBox

By DON McALLISTER

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

Q. Peter received an update patch from Microsoft via email, but his anti-virus program spat the dummy at it. He was horrified that Microsoft could be passing on an infection.

A. Rest easy, Peter. Microsoft never sends updates by email for this reason.

Email is far too easy to disguise as legitimate to a novice receiver. Microsoft directs all updating to its website or, by request, the company can send an update CD via snail-mail.

A check of the "IP address" hidden within the "full" email header should show the source location. I'm prepared to bet that the location was the dialup of one of your acquaintances who had your address in his or her contact list.

Furthermore, the acquaintance is probably totally oblivious to the fact that he or she is infected and passing it on.

Microsoft's website

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Q. Jim has tried to eliminate the virtual machine errors caused by some web pages, yet Windows Update is not clear as to what he needs.

A. It's all due to serious legal wrangling in the United States, Jim. This page - explains the issue and gives you locations to update it.

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Q. Ian is haunted by Window 98 starting up to a black and white Dos menu. He'd prefer that his machine started Windows automatically without having to play with the menu midway.

A. Try this, Ian: Got to Start/Run and type msconfig. Go to General/Advanced, and uncheck "enable startup menu", now reboot (restart) the machine.

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Les suggests a valid reason why it is not always ideal to fully turn off power to certain appliances.

At this time of year moisture can collect while temperatures drop, causing condensation in circuit-boards of many appliances, which in turn may cause solder joints to fail when high load ensues on startup.

TVs and monitors use a tiny amount of standby power to eliminate moisture buildup. Yes, we need to save power, but if your equipment is a tad long in the tooth you may be wise to leave that wall plug live.


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