Q. Bob's new PC works well, except in getting email. He has checked the settings and while he can send, he can't receive. His server type is POP3, the address is pop.xtra.co.nz, and the SMTP server is smtp.xtra.co.nz.
A. That is an incorrect Xtra POP3 server name. Internet providers treat
the POP (short for Post Office Protocol) server in several different ways and the user has to get it right. Xtra's POP3 server should read pop3.xtra.co.nz, like Orcon at pop3.orcon.net.nz and Paradise at pop3.paradise.co.nz. Ihug, on the other hand, has a POP server of pop.ihug.co.nz as does Clear, with pop.clear.net.nz. Then there's Iconz, which uses mail.iconz.co.nz for both the POP and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) servers. There's no universal rule of thumb with naming POP or SMTP servers, so enter exactly what they stipulate.
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Q. Glenn wrote in to suggest a second tool to keep tabs on current TradeMe frauds, scams and account intrusions - at Scambusters Forum - because the website's management often removes messages that could be damaging to its system.
A. Yes, TradeMe does monitor and remove any postings that could either damage its service or hurt a trader's interest. The Scambusters forum is an effective tool, but usually the TradeMe community board is the first to raise concern. When used in tandem, a full picture can emerge very quickly. Scambusters requires users to set up a free account in order to view forums, but it's a simple process to complete.
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Q. Lee needs help with terminology. She writes that techno-speak wasn't taught in the seventies when she was at school and she is failing the "absorb mumbo jumbo by osmosis from the ether" class. She wants to know if there's a website out there that can translate all the lingo for ordinary mortals.
A. Try this site: whatis.com. If you enter a query in the search engine "Search our IT-specific encyclopaedia for:" it should give a clear explanation as to the meaning. Alternatively, you can try a Google search - type in the word "define", followed by a colon, followed by your term and the results should start flowing.
