CrazyBrowser (alternative to Internet Explorer

Here ya go.

Which is better, DSL or cable?

Here's a review of Road Runner.

USB Device Stops Working or Won't Resume

WinXP by Default turns off USB Root Hubs to Conserve Power causing some devices not to resume correctly after Windows resumes from sleep, hibernation or computer inactivity
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In the Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus Controllers > USB Root Hub > Power Management, Uncheck the box per the illustration below. Uncheck all boxes on all root hubs.

What hardware is on your machine?

One solution for Windows XP, from Bryan Powell:

1. Right click on my computer and select "properties"
2. Click on the hardware tab
3. Click on the button that says device manager

A caller suggested the program Advisor, available from Belarc.com.

Disabling ports in Windows XP

A caller wanted to disable port 25, used for email purposes but subject to malicious attacks. Try working with the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) as described here.

Stinger virus protection

Stinger is an alternate virus scanner/checker. Find it here.

Swap files on an external drive

A caller asked about using an external hard drive to store swap files (temporary files used by browsers and others). This can in theory increase speed and efficiency by slowing fragmentation of the main hard drive. Here are Guy Moore's references for swap files for Windows Swap files and Mac OS X Swap files, version 1 and version 2.

Outlook Express problem

Two callers report problems with Outlook Express. The program halts and presents this message: "Outlook Express has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."

There is a discussion and possible fix available from Microsoft.

Problems with Internet Explorer.exe

Nancy reported a particularly nasty problem today when her Windows machine began telling her about problems with Internet Explorer. Here is one possible solution, and here is another.

If those don't work: listener John passed along this recommendation (we have not tried it, but here it is. Always exercise extreme caution when working with the registry):

system restore is found here :

start/programs/accessories/system tools

This should be done in safe mode!!!

also there is a dos option....

boot to DOS...

go to c:\system
type : scanreg /restore

The EXACT WORDING IS VERY VERY IMPORTANT...

if this fails, try : scanreg /fix

This is another option. If the scanreg/fix FAILS then there is a fatal registry error. Must run regedit to manually fix (probably will not work) or do a clean install of the O/s

Online definitions of computer terms

Try these sources for basic information: Webopedia, or HyperDictionary.com.

Windows update CD

For dial-up users, downloading an update to Windows may not work. Here is the source for a free Windows update CDs.

Running DOS games on a newer operating system

Zach from Richmond writes: "Saw a discussion about this recently - one suggestion was DOSBox."

Fat32 vs. NTFS file structure

Here's an article Bryan Powell found.

FAQ for Spybot automation issue

Josh of Oxford had a problem with ad blocking software not working properly. Try this FAQ.

How to edit, clean, and backup the registry

Information from the Microsoft support area. Be very careful when working with the Registry lest you delete a needed file.

Multiple sends in Outlook

Jim calling from I-70 had a problem with MS Outlook sending multiple copies of documents. Some settings of Outlook will send when you quit the program, and require the program to verify that the message has been delivered. If you send, then quit, then start up again it's possible the program does not recognize that it has been sent because it has not yet received a return receipt. Try adjusting the settings or preferences of Outlook, and wait a bit after you send before quitting.

10-gig Ethernet cabling

Chuck in Centerville writes:
In looking at a Cisco document, it appears that 10 gig will run on cat 5, 5e and 6. More specific requirements are determined by the switch selected.

Problems with Norton AntiVirus Live Update

Listener Don reports:

Having trouble activating Symantec products, such as Norton AntiVirus 2004? Symantec has taken care of the snag. Go to Symantec Supportto grab the fix.

Symantec also plugged a security hole in Norton AntiVirus's LiveUpdate feature (for retail products). Head to Symantec's Security Response page for a link to LiveUpdate 2.0.

Many versions of 2004 have a problem with security with Live Update. The fix is at
Symantec.com.

If you have any version of Live Update other than V2 this fix is required.

Speed test

If you want to check the speed of your cable, DSL or dial-up connection, go to Bandwidthplace.com. Note: you may need to sign up at this site.

Latest Mydoom Variant Can Delete Files

Several antivirus and security companies today warned that another
variant of the Mydoom worm is spreading. This one can delete files from
a user's computer. See Computerworld.com.