InBox

By DON McALLISTER

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

An update on the provincial 0867 dial-up hassles raised last week: We've had interesting responses from many internet users who live outside main cities and are frequently disconnected. Not all dial-up problems have been related, but many users from the provinces are concerned.

I have found a solution for ihug provincial dial-up users - change to the old nationwide number of 087304484. For some strange reason, this works. But Stan and many Xtra users are still looking for an answer. Can any readers provide one? While intermittent disconnections are rampant, not all problems are related to internet providers or telecommunications services. Many readers are reporting disconnection symptoms with known causes:

* Some fax machines fight for line control - use a telephone privacy jack that is available from Dick Smith Electronics for: $17.60 (product ref: F9772).

* Cheap generic modems work well over a good line, but hate line noise. Higher-priced recognised brand modems can reduce problems.

* Connect your modem to the home master point - the first on the line.

* Keep your connection leads less than 1.8 metres long.

* Try not to run the leads past any large electrical appliance.

* Some mains-powered phones and telephone accessories can affect the modem.

More on killing spam junk mail. Ian suggests users try spam-killing software called Mailwasher, available from a local Christchurch site. It's a free download, but donate $20 or more to register it and remove the ads.

Dick Smith Electronics

More information on computer disconnection

Mailwasher

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