Hold the FrontPage
I have just started making my own web page and would like to use FrontPage Express. Currently, I use Internet Explorer 5, but when I tried to install FrontPage Express from an ISP's CD, it wouldn't because it has to install IE4 with it. I also tried downloading it from the Microsoft website but they have removed it. Is there anywhere else that I can download it? Chris Uglow
chris@uglow.swinternet.co.uk
Jack Schofield replies: FrontPage Express does seem to come and go. At the moment it is available, and free, for IE5. Use the Start button option to go to the Windows Update Centre and it should be offered as one of the programs available for downloading: the updated FrontPage Express 2.0 (1229K) is in the Internet Authoring section about half way down.
It should also be possible to get it by running IE. In IE4, click on the Help menu and select Product Updates; in IE 5, click on the Tools menu and select Windows Update. However, FrontPage Express has disappeared from the latest IE 5.5, and at the time of writing, Microsoft UK could not tell me why, or if it was going to be restored. It seems that IE 5.5 users who want to install FPE will have to try to uninstall it and go back to IE 5.01.
There are, of course, dozens of HTML editors to download besides FPE. I like SiteAid 2.1. The alternatives include Evrsoft's 1st Page 2000 and Arachnophilia.
As for downloading FrontPage Express from elsewhere, there are, as usual, hacked versions around, as a simple web search will reveal. I do not recommend this, as it can tend to lead to installation and update problems.
Just stick to the fax
I use Windows 98 at home and would like to have the facility to send and receive faxes. I understand it was part of Windows 95, but Microsoft took it off for Windows 98. I have tried to download it without much success. Can you help? Dave Callaghan
David.Callaghan@rbi.co.uk
JS: Although Microsoft Fax is not actually part of Windows 98, an installation utility is included in the Tools\Oldwin 95\Message\Intl folder on the CD, and Microsoft says it "will support running the version of Microsoft Fax located on the Windows 98 CD-ROM to the best of our ability".
MFax (for short) needs a MAPI (mail application) to be installed first, so it is probably a good idea to install Windows Messaging. Find the file called wms.exe on the CD in the Tools\OldWin95\ Messaging directory, double-click it and follow the prompts.
Now go back to where you were on the CD and double-click the fax program, awfax.exe, to install Microsoft Fax. For help, read the Wmsfax.txt file on your CD (or http://support.microsoft.com/support/windows/readme/98/w98wms-faxtxt.asp) and the Microsoft Knowledge Base article Q196624 at http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q241/2/84.asp
Outlook users (not Outlook Express users) may have problems. The solution seems to be to uninstall Outlook 97, 98 or 2000, install the fax software, then reinstall Outlook. See http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q241/2/84.asp.
Time's up
Is it possible to set a limit on the number of minutes/ hours that I can play Patience or Minesweeper on my computer, other than by using non-existent self-control? Also, a friend has FreeCell and I don't. Is there some way of sending a copy to my PC? Julian Dunn
eisendora@compuserve.com
JS: I was going to suggest Time's Up! by the Fresh Software Company, but it seems to have disappeared. However, one of the many parental control programs should do the job. They are all available in free trial versions.
The best option may be Cyberpatrol 4.01, which has now become part of Surf Control. It is available in Windows and Mac versions but it is expensive at $49.95 a year. An obvious alternative is Net Nanny 4 but you should read reviews of the others.
If you have problems with Minesweeper then it is not a good idea to install FreeCell, which is far more addictive and a vastly better game. However, if freecell.exe is not in your C:\Windows directory, it should be on your Windows CD. Go to Start|Settings|Control Panel and double-click the icon for Add/Remove programs. Click the Windows Setup tab, then double-click the entry for Accessories, and put a tick next to Games. This should install all the games, including FreeCell.
Interestingly, the FreeCell Links Page on Gusworld ) includes a link to download a copy of FreeCell from Microsoft.
Virus warning!
From time to time I receive warnings about new viruses from well meaning friends. Usually the email suggests that I forward the warning to everyone in my address book. I am reluctant to do this. What do you think? Alan Quilley
quilley@bigfoot.com
JS: You are right. Every one of these I have seen has been a hoax, but you can check them first at www.Vmyths.com
