Dennis Faas

Infopackets Reader Elizabeth K. asks: " I want to read my Yahoo email using Outlook Express. Can you please tell me how to do this? " My response: Outlook Express only supports POP3 and IMAP mail server protocols. In not-so-techy-terms, a protocol ... is simply a method of communication between computers (such as your computer and the yahoo mail server). The web version of Yahoo email doesn't use POP3 email protocol because it operates over the browser. If you want to use POP3, you can: Sign up for a free service offered by Yahoo which allows you to use POP3 protocol with any email ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'Dak59' asks, " I've read quite a few different things about Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), but some of the comments I read are varying. Is it safe to install? Would you advise to download SP2, or not? " My response: I would ... recommend installing SP2, as it offers many new security features that are not otherwise available as a "patch" or "hot fix" using the Windows Update web site. I am not alone in this opinion, as they are countless reputable web sites that are promoting the usefulness of SP2 (including: updateXP.com , winSuperSite.com , ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Bruce J. writes: " Dear Dennis, I am writing to you about a rather strange problem that appears in my System Configuration Utility. When I click on the Startup tab, there is a column area labeled 'SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ ... CurrentVersion \ Run'. There is nothing listed in this column and I'm really not sure what this is, or if it's a virus of some sort. I was hoping that maybe you could help me identify this? Thanks for your time and consideration on this issue. " My response: You didn't mention what program you're using to edit your Startup preferences, ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Ron H. writes: " Dear Dennis, I enjoy your newsletters, as they are very helpful. I would like to know if there is a way to password protect a web browser (MS Internet Explorer in particular) to prevent access to the internet for ... unauthorized persons? This is a plant security problem where some off-shift personnel have access to the computer for e-mail but do not need to have access to the web browser. Any help with this matter would be appreciated. " My response: In this case, your best bet is to get in touch with your IT guy at the plant and tell him to restrict ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Linda K. writes: " Dear Dennis, I am running Windows 98 and would like to know what 'Direct X' is? I have trouble playing some games because there are system requirements (namely, Direct X 6.0 or greater). How can I solve this ... problem? " My response: Direct X is a "pre-requisite" software package made by Microsoft that allows you to play games. In a nutshell, Direct-X defines the gaming 'foundation' for the games you play via Windows (consisting of sound, and video specifications, among others). You can download Direct X from Microsoft's web site: http ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Denise A. writes: " Hi Dennis, First let me say that I thoroughly enjoy your newsletter. What a wealth of information it is! I just finished reading Tuesday's Gazette article, ' restricting access to portions of the start menu ', ... for the sake of security. My question is this: can a folder or certain file be password protected? I am running Windows XP. " My response: If you own more than one computer and have a local area network, you can can restrict who has access to what by setting the "share" privileges on Folders. On the other hand: if you only own 1 ... (view more)

Recall -- Yesterday, Infopackets Reader Don R. asked if I had any suggestions for running old DOS programs in a Windows environment. In my response , I provided some links to sites with helpful DOS / Windows information (especially for games), but ... then asked Infopackets Readers for additional info. DOS-enthusiast Mike K. writes: " You're welcome to 'steal' anything useful from my website (KennedySoftware.ie). In particular, you might take a very quick look at LesSpace, PatchCRT, and some long-winded notes on running 'Old-Apps' in newer OSes and PCs. If you or any of your Readers have ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Judy R. writes: " Dear Dennis, I am looking for a laptop that would support an online business. I have a decent computer at home, but would like to have a separate computer for the business. I was thinking of a laptop; are there ... any you would recommend? I would need some ability to back-up. We have DSL High Speed Internet at home and would like to go wireless. We're a little lost on how to do that, though we have the parts. PS: I enjoy your newsletter -- some of it is way over my head, but I am getting some good basic information. Keep up the good work. Thank you. ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Don R. writes: " Dear Dennis, I run some old DOS programs on my new XP PC and am running into memory problems. I have tried all the memory manager options I see, but they have no result. Any suggestions? " Side note: MS DOS is the ... predecessor operating system to Microsoft Windows. Unlike Windows, DOS operates from a command line. For example: to load a program, you would typically need to navigate to a program folder (by issuing DOS commands) and then execute a program by typing in its name. A sample MS DOS Window can be seen here . My response: I get asked this ( ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Joseph B. writes: " Dear Dennis, Is there a way in XP Home to remove access to programs from other users? For instance, I have Quicken that I use, but I do not want my 8 year old son to have access to the program. Can you give me ... any suggestions? " My response: As you may already be aware, user accounts can be assigned using WinXP (Control Panel -> Users). Noting this, some programs give you the option to specify that "All" or "Some" users have access to a program -- but only at the time of the install. If this option is not available, you ... (view more)