InBox

By DON McALLISTER

Welcome to InBox, where we attempt to answer your internet questions.

Q. Colin writes: "I have a new Windows XP computer and the old Windows 98 computer is used by my flatmate. Can the two modems share one phone line?"

A. Two modems cannot share the phone line, Colin (unless one is a Jetstream modem and the other is of the old analogue type). But what will work is if the two computers are connected by a network, you can set them to share a single modem. Microsoft has a "How To" page that explains the process step by step.

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Q. Josh is angry with the quantity of popup spam messages he's getting - messages that continue even when he's not using his web browser. "What's causing this?" he asks.

A. It's the network messaging feature built into Windows NT, 2000 and XP, Josh. Unfortunately, spammers realise the Windows network messaging service (not to be confused with MSN Messenger) is enabled by default in XP. Jetstream and Jetstart connected machines always online without a firewall running are prime targets. Steve Gibson has a free "Shoot the Messenger" program to take control.

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Q. More on Ian's mouse problem from last week. Ian wrote back saying the weird effects he was getting continue.

A. David recognised the problem and suggests that the solution could be elsewhere: "The user has X11 (unix) mouse behaviour enabled, where the focus follows the mouse. This is usually enabled by the TweakUI applet although since it's simply a registry hack anything could enable it. Solution - install TweakUI and disable it." Ian has subsequently confirmed this solution solved his problem.


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