HOUSE CALLS

If you’re having trouble with your mobile device or are simply confused by modern computing, the portable physician is here to administer some mobile medicine

CHIT CHAT
I’ve recently purchased six laptops for my company and they have all been connected using a peer-to-peer network, to which I have also added a print server. Although my staff can transfer files and share data between themselves they want to know if there’s a way of using MS Messenger between them over the network. Is this possible, as it’s causing a bit of friction and I can see no easy way of setting this up through the menus in Messenger? If not, do you know of another way of doing this?

PAUL FOSTER, VIA EMAIL

Microsoft Messenger is an Internet-based service that can only be used over such a setup. In most office networks, individual machines connect through a dedicated server. As you are using a peer-to-peer network, where each machine links to the others without going through a central server, the option of using MS Messenger is not open to you. While the standard MS Messenger won’t meet your needs, there are third-party applications that provide a similar service without having to access a server, it is often the case with setting up a peer-to-peer network.

PopMessenger 1.5 is a convenient instant messenger designed for SoHo networks that can send messages from one machine to another. Unlike most instant messaging solutions, it doesn’t require a dedicated server or an Internet connection to operate, so it’s ideal for peer-to-peer operations. Although you will have to install the program on each machine on the network and specify groups, it will walk you through troubleshooting issues. PopMessenger 1.5 can be found at www.soft14.com and costs £11.50.

MASTER BLASTER
I’ve done something to my laptop and don’t know how to rectify it. Whenever I connect to the Internet I’m able to surf for up to ten minutes and then a box pops up informing me there has been an error and that Windows will need to close down. I don’t know what I have done to cause this, but it happens every time that I connect. Can you help?

CHRIS JAMES, BROMLEY

It would seem that the dreaded Blaster worm is still alive and active on the Internet. It went wild in 2003 when a code was written to exploit a flaw in Windows XP. Since then, a patch has been released to cure the problem. However, as the worm only becomes obvious once you are infected, there’s little incentive to install the patch until it’s too late. Microsoft predict that the Blaster worm may live on the Internet for up to two years, or until every machine is protected.

The update is available from www.microsoft.com/security/incident/blast.asp#. The trick with Blaster is that it closes down your machine if you settle on a website for longer than one minute, so downloading the patch is impossible on your machine. Therefore, you will need to ask a friend to get the patch and copy it to a disk.

Once you’ve installed the update, it’s important to set in place a firewall to protect against similar attacks. Windows XP ships with a pre-installed firewall that can be activated by going to Start>Control Panel>Network and Internet Connections and select Network Connections. Next, choose the Advanced tab and under Internet Connection Firewall select Protect my Computer and Network.

KEYBOARD CHAOS
I’ve bought a laptop that doesn’t have a standard keyboard. What I mean by this is that rather than a ‘£’ sign it has a ‘$’ symbol. Previously, I owned a desktop PC running Windows 98, so I know that you can change the keyboard from the Keyboard section of the Control Panel, but Windows XP doesn’t seem to have this feature. I hope you can help me find a UK configuration?

K TAYLOR, VIA EMAIL

Windows 98 did indeed have a very user-friendly keyboard section. However, when it comes to Windows XP, Microsoft has decided to make things a little trickier. In order to change to a different language set you still need to go to the Control Panel. However, you now have to choose Regional and Language Options and select the Languages>Details box. Here you will find which language the keyboard has been set to. If you need to change this then click on Add and choose from the dialogue box that appears.

It’s also worth checking that the right language set is being used on your laptop. Select the Advanced tab, choose the one you require and click Apply. If for some reason you find that the correct language has not been installed, you will need to install the language set from the Windows XP discs that were shipped with your machine.

SAILING AWAY
I’m looking for a laptop to use on a boat. This means I only have 12 volts available for charging/running. At one time this wasn’t a problem because many early machines were 12 volts. What’s the situation now? Can you advise me?

DAVEMARDALL, VIA EMAIL

The amount of power a laptop uses is one of the most critical issues with its design, as it can affect the lifespan and usability of the machine’s components. To this end, most still work within a 12-volt operation mode. We would, however, suggest opting for one of the more semi-ruggedised units from companies, such as Panasonic, Itronix and Ergo, who specialise in creating devices for more extreme terrains.

BRIGHT LIGHTS
I’m thinking of moving over from a desktop PC to a laptop and was wondering about how best to deal with the brightness of the screen. I find that during the day I’m currently fine with my PC, but when it gets dark I often like to turn the brightness down. Is this possible with a laptop or are they fixed?

PAMELA LUCAS, VIA EMAIL

Laptop screen technology has come a long way in recent years and that includes the brightness and clarity of the screens. Therefore, being able to control the brightness and setting it at a level that’s right for you has become an important feature. All laptops now come with quick access buttons that allow the user to immediately alter the brightness of the display. The laptop manufacturer you choose will determine the combination. For example, Dell laptops use the Fn key and the directional keys for setting the contrast of the screen as well as the overall brightness.

INTENSIVE CARE

Almost all modern laptops come supplied with what appears to be a small hole in the chassis. In reality, this is a specially strengthened part of the machine and is referred to as a Kensington Lock – after the company that designed it. It allows the user to attach a hardware security latch, such as the Kensington SlimMicroSaver Cable (£28 inc. VAT) or the Belkin C100 Notebook Lock (£20inc. VAT). The laptop can then be fixed to any immovable object, such as a desk, thereby reducing the chance of your laptop being stolen. When you’re out and about, it’s worth considering carrying your laptop in a case that doesn’t let everyone know that you’ve got a valuable piece of kit with you. There’s now a wide range of laptop carry cases that look like sports bags or, if you need a more professional presence, a standard briefcase.

Check out www.crumpler.co.uk or www.targus.com/uk for examples