Just a Few Clicks Will Remove Password Window
Question: When I start Windows 98, a box opens that asks me for a password. Is there some way I can get rid of this box? I don’t want to have a password entered before I start a Windows session.
--Cindy L., Los Angeles
Answer: To remove the password request window, start by double-clicking on My Computer and then on Control Panel. In Control Panel, double-click on Passwords and then on the General tab. Then click on the Change Windows Password button. In the Change Windows Password window, type your old password in the Old password box. Press the Tab key to move to the New password box. Press the Enter key here (to enter no password). Press the Tab key again to move down to the Confirm new password box. Press Enter again (to confirm no password). A dialog box will appear and confirm that your password has been successfully changed.
Faster Delivery by Proxy
Q: I have seen settings in both Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape that allow me to specify a proxy server. What is a proxy server and should I be using it?
--Jennifer K., Los Angeles
A: A proxy server is a computer that acts as a buffer between your computer and a server computer on the Internet. It intercepts your computer’s requests to the server computer to see if it can provide the information for you. If the proxy server has the information your computer is looking for, the proxy server supplies it so that you get the information faster. Proxy servers also can act as firewalls to protect your computer from unwanted intrusions from the Internet.
Staying Connected
Q: Internet Explorer used to ask me if I want to stay connected to the Net when I close it. It doesn’t ask any more, and I’d like to have that option so that I can leave my connection active and receive e-mail.
--Norman B., Seal Beach
A: The box that asks if you want to remain connected to the Net when you close Internet Explorer can be turned on or off at your option. From within Internet Explorer, click on Tools and then on Internet Options. Open the Connections tab, and in the Dial-up Settings click on the Settings button. In the Dial-up Settings box, click on Advanced. Click in the box to the left of Disconnect when the connection may no longer be needed. As long as there is a check mark in that box, Internet Explorer will disconnect you from the Internet whenever you close it. You can remove the check mark to restore the auto-disconnect dialog box.
Opening the Window
Q: When I started using my new computer it would show a window that said “Welcome to Windows 98.” I must have done something to it because it no longer comes up. How can I get it back?
--Andrea G., Los Angeles
A: The “Welcome to Windows 98” window opens when you start Windows. It offers four headings, including Register Now, Connect to the Internet, Discover Windows 98 and Maintain Your Computer. In the lower left corner of this window is a place for a check mark next to “Show this screen each time Windows 98 starts.”
You may have removed the check mark from that box, and that’s why “Welcome to Windows 98” doesn’t appear when you start Windows. If you want the welcome window back, just click on Start and then on Run. Type “welcome” (without the quotes) and press the Enter key or click OK. Now the welcome window is back, and you can replace the missing check mark so that it comes up each time you start your computer.
One Screen, No Fee
Q: When I start my computer, I have to click and click to get the things I use for a typical session. Is there a way to have the things I use available all on one screen?
--Stanley D., El Monte
A: I recently started using a product that may just fit the bill. It’s called Enfish Onespace and it’s available free at https://www.enfish.com. With Onespace in place, your opening screen displays several windows. One window lets you select appointments, to-do lists and calls. A second window displays current news and weather forecasts for your ZIP Code. Another window makes your e-mail in-box available. Onespace also has a navigation pane for easy access to everything else. The whole thing can be customized if you want to change what appears in the various windows. The really good news is that this program is free, and there are no ad banners to deal with.
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Jeff Levy hosts the “On Computers” radio talk show from 9 a.m. to noon Sundays on KFI-AM (640). He can be reached at jefflevykfi@hotmail.com.
