Inbox

By DON McALLISTER

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

* Ali asks: "How often should you change your internet provider password, and how do you change it?"

It depends on how concerned you are about security, Ali. If you think you are at risk, once a week. Otherwise, once a month is enough (though many foolish users tend to leave it for years). Use a scrambled mix of letters and numbers as it is less likely your password will be compromised. Your internet provider, Xtra, has a page for this task (selfservice.xtra.co.nz/live/selfservice/ChgPwd).

* "Your Inbox advice about getting email links to Auto Connect seemed to be what I needed. Unfortunately, I can't find Remote Access Control in my Windows computer," says a confused Richard.

That's not surprising, Richard - that is a Macintosh OS9 tool. To enable your Windows 98 machine's Auto Dial feature, go to Start/Settings/Control Panel/Internet Options/Connections. Highlight the connection you normally use, then select Always Dial My Default Connection. Click on Set Default, now click OK.

*Bob would like his machine to automatically disconnect if he's not using the internet.

Open IE/Tools/Internet Options/Connections/Settings/Advanced. Tick Disconnect if Idle For and enter the minutes. Then click OK.

* Maureen wants to know how to save her address book to floppy before she has any problems that require major repairs.

Assuming you use Outlook Express and Windows 98, Maureen, insert a formatted floppy, open OE/Addressbook/File/Export/Addressbook. In the drop-down menu select (A) drive. In the File Name section type the filename, click Save. To restore, select Import instead of Export.

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