InBox

By DON McALLISTER

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

Q. "I can't connect to secure sites using internet explorer. Previously I could, but from about two weeks ago, it's proved impossible to access banks, auction sites, in fact anything secure. What have I done wrong?" asks Alan.

A. It's probably an update that has failed, Alan. Check IE/Help/About Internet Explorer.

Is the "Cipher strength" listed as 0-bit? (It should read 128-bit), this suggests a few files have been corrupted. Check out this Microsoft support page for the full explanation and solution OR re-install Internet Explorer 6.

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Q. "We are moving to New Zealand with our Packard Bell Computer," says Chrissy. "Will it be compatible with NZ electricity and software?"

A. Yes, it's the same power Chrissy, but the wall plugs are different. You'll have to either purchase an adapter or simply replace the computer and monitor power leads with local ones (at about $10 each).

On the software front, you are compatible. Only your keyboard layout is different (we use US 101 format) but windows accounts for this. Your only change will be to Control Panel/Regional & language settings. There you need only to select NZ as the time zone.

International power incompatibilities normally arise when the voltage is different though many modern machines now auto switch to the correct voltage (auto switch to either 240v or 110v).

Plugging a 110v appliance incapable of auto selection into our 240v power tends to produce a loud bang, often accompanied by smoke!

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Q. "Is there a way to find out the owner of a .com [web address] that seems to have placed objectionable material about me for all to view?" asks Nigel. "I can't seem to get a response out of the email address listed and the whole exercise is becoming very embarrassing."

A. Every site has an owner listed by a domain registry, Nigel. In this case it will be Network Solutions that provides a .com "whois" tool. Type in the offending domain, enter the code it provides; the results will give you with the owner's full contact details, sometimes even a phone number!



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