If you use Firefox, links which open a new browser window can be annoying, since having the link open in a new tab would be more intuitive. Fortunately, there is a setting in Firefox to force links which want to open in a new window, to open in a new tab instead. Go to the ‘Tools’ menu > ‘Options’. In the window that appears, click ‘Tabs’. Tick the option ‘Force links that open new windows to open in’ and enable ‘a new tab’. You can also elect to ignore the new window command entirely and open the page in the existing window/tab by enabling ‘the same tab/window as the link’. Once you are finished click OK. Please be aware, you will need to be running Firefox 1.5 or above to have this function. (more…)

Recently I discovered my kids were logging onto the internet through a wireless connection. The problem is, we don’t have one! Presumably one of our neighbours does. Recognising the ethical and security issues, we have put a stop to this behaviour. However, we are going to upgrade to a broadband connection and have planned to get a wireless modem. How can I be sure we are using our network, and not a neighbours? Also, how can I secure the wireless connection to prevent others from accessing our network? (more…)

Since installing PC-cillin multiple problems have occurred on my computer running Windows XP. When attempting to logon to my ISP (through Transact) the connection either cannot be established, drops-out or a message appears claiming the server cannot be contacted. My ISP has suggested multiple solutions, but none of which have resolved the problem. Secondly, the computer now takes a very long time to start: 3 - 4 minutes pass before the computer is normally useable. Furthermore, the computer also freezes on shutdown. Coincidently, a website recently appeared offering a free diagnostic and reporting software called Error Nuker, which I have been invited to download. I’m a bit wary of this software and wondered if you could offer any guidance. Being not particularly computer literate, this product looks very inviting given it claims to find all kinds of problems on the computer. (more…)

A PDF file allows me to copy an image, by selecting the image and right-click then select ‘Copy image to clipboard’. After pasting the image into a Word document the image is initially very small, but this is not a real problem as the image can be enlarged. However, the image appears flipped upside-down, and I am unable to find any options to flip the image so it appears at the correct orientation. When selecting the image to show the Picture Toolbar, the ‘flip’ buttons are greyed out and cannot be accessed. How can I flip the image? The computer is running Windows XP Service Pack 2. (more…)

Microsoft recently released the Windows Vista Beta 2 Customer Preview Program, allowing members of the public to download and install Windows Vista Ultimate Beta 2 which is the next version of Windows due for release early next year. Be aware, as this software is beta code it could be unstable. Therefore, under no circumstances should the software be loaded onto your primary computer or any other computers that you require to be stable. To download Vista Beta 2 visit: www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/preview.mspx. If you are really feeling adventurous, you can also try the Microsoft Office 2007 Beta 2. This is available for public download from: www.microsoft.com/office/preview/beta/getthebeta.mspx. Again, this is beta software and should not be loaded onto your primary machine. I only suggest you install these programs if you have a spare computer, onto which you don’t mind loading potentially unstable software. (more…)