Answers
Unfortunately, printing anything from your browser can be slow because web-based text must be "converted" into normal text. However, there is way around this. Simply, copy the document and paste it into your word processor and then print. The result, presto...it's on paper. There is one downside. Your word processor may not covert the text into the correct font and hence you may have to spend a bit of time fixing the layout inside your word processor before printing. Graphical elements can also be problematic when your word processor fails to recognize certain file formats. If text is all your are interested in, this is the way to go.
If you are concerned about layout, then use DataViz Web Buddy. In most instances, Web Buddy can successfully covert web pages into your word processor without changing the font, color or style. Then edit, add your annotations and you've assembled an entire web site in a presentation !
Offline Browsing Do you know you can save a web page on your hard drive for subsequent viewing. One way to do this is to insist that your browser read pages out of its cache instead of via your dial up connection. In Internet Explorer, this option is under "file" then " Work offline".One of the strengths of IE5 is its improved support for offline browsing. Netscape will automatically prompt you to read from cache if it does not detect an active dial up connection. Of course, only pages already stored in cache are visible i.e. pages you have visited. Both browsers can benefit from a cache manager such as Netsonic or Webcelerator to extend their caching potential.
An alternative is to save the pages on your hard drive. Your browser has basic support for this through the "save file" function. Inside your web browser, go "file" then "save as". Now specify a location you want the file to be saved. If you save it on your desktop, the file name will now appear on your desktop for easy access even when you are offline. However, there may be some image loss in your saved file. Web Buddy or Grab site are more effective solutions. With Web Buddy, you can even schedule a download and specify the "depth" of the web site you would like to acquire. Try Pointcast Network for customizable "channels", which are also viewable offline.
Bookmark the site If you do not want to save files on your hard drive, you can choose to save the universal resource locator (URL) or web address in your bookmarks or favorites. In this way, you can browse to these sites in your next internet session by simply selecting the appropriate bookmark or favorite. To add a favorite to Internet Explorer, choose "favorites" then "add to favorites". You can add the web address to one of your existing folders within favorites using "create in". If you choose "notify me of updates and download the page for offline viewing", Internet Explorer creates a "subscription". Periodically choosing "update all subscriptions" when you are online, will automatically update any changes made to your favorite so that the content stays current. Use "manage subscription" to delete any links which you no longer need updated and "organize favorites" to modify your favorites list. Here, you can drag a favorite from one folder to another, rename it, or delete it.
In Netscape Comunicator, you can bookmark your favorite sites under "communicator", "add bookmarks", then "file bookmarks". You can file your bookmark in any of the existing folders including the personal toolbar (this is the bar inside netscape for quick links to web sites). Netscape also has a nifty feature that allows you to click-hold,drag, then drop the bookmarks in the desired location. You can also manage your links from "edit bookmarks".
Both Netscape and Internet Explorer, allow you to place bookmarks on your desktop. The easiest way is to minimise your browser, then click on the address field (don't release !), and drag-then-drop the pointer anywhere on the desktop. This will create a link to the web address on your desktop !
Your browser captures certain details about a web site and then brings it to your screen. The larger your cache, the more details your browser will hold. First, you should set your cache inside your browser. Inside Netscape Navigator, this is found under network preferences. You should allow disk caching to at least 6000k. In fact, if the cache is set too low ( or to zero !!), your browser will fail to launch pages. In Netscape Communicator, this is found under advanced inside preferences. You find this by going to edit inside the browser. For Explorer, right click on the explorer icon on your desktop, choose properties then under general, go to settings for temporary internet files. Second, clearing the cache periodically can improve your internet performance. In Netscape, simply go to network preferences and then clear cache. With explorer, you will need to delete the files. Hit view files and delete. Finally, there are some excellent utilities which can extend your browser's caching ability and substantially decrease your waiting time. Case in point, Netsonic. You can get it now from our web site.
As you visit sites, your browser accumulates little bits of information, which it stores on your hard drive (without informing you !). This feature is particularly useful for offline browsing and for visited sites that do not change very much. The data expires after a period set within your browser and should be overwritten the next time you visit a web site already written to the cache. However, in some cases, browsing grinds to to trickle because the cache is somehow corrupt. In this case, you may need to clear your browser's cache to improve performance. For Internet Explorer, right click on the "e" on your desktop, then choose "properties". Now choose "delete files" under "temporary internet files". You can also choose to delete any subscription content which might be stored. For Netscape 3.x, the clear cache function is found under "options", "network preferences", then "cache". You must clear both the "disk cache" and "memory cache". With Netscape 4.x, the cache is located under "edit", "preferences", "advanced" then "cache". If you are using a cache manager such as webcelerator or netsonic, you will also need to clear their cache, which can be found under the advanced functions. Windows 98 has a "clean up" manager, which makes it relatively easy to clear the cache from Internet Explorer.
File transfers are best handled by personal file delivery software such as dropchute from Hilgreave Inc. The architecture is based on a direct PC to PC transfer so your files do not sit on a server waiting to be retrieved. E-mail protocols are slower and some servers place restrictions on mailbox size which inhibit this media for file transfers. FTP can be as reliable but the delivery is not immediate. Dropchute reports details about a transfer is progress, logs the stages of delivery and integrates a chat into the basic interface that allows immediate notification. Dropchute uses software compression to achieve higher transfer rates even with a 28.8 kbps connection. Avoid clogging your mailbox. Test drive dropchute !!
First, you should send your files in compressed form. This makes both sending and receiving e-mail more efficient. To do this, you will need a compression tool such as winzip. If you have this already, we can proceed, if not get it.
Now that you have winzip, the next step is to compress the file you want to send. Let us suppose, the file is called "test.doc" and is found is my documents. You should be able to open "my documents" from the desktop and see your file called "test.doc". If you right click on this file and choose properties, windows will tell you the size of the file. Take a note of this before we zip it. Hit "ok" once you have written this information down.
Now we're ready for winzip. Right click on the file again. You should see an option which reads "copy". Click on that to copy your file "test.doc". Close my documents. Now on your desktop (but not on any icon) right click again. This should give you a pop up window and a "paste" function. Hit on "paste" and now you should see your document "test.doc" on your desktop.
Now right click on the "test.doc" file and choose the option which reads "add to test.zip" ( In your case, it will use the name of the document you want to zip). Then "agree" and Winzip will automatically create a file called "test.zip" (which will look like the winzip icon). This is the compressed file.
Before you send this file, you may want to check it's size (and the effect of compression) . To do this, right click on the test.zip file, and choose properties. Make a note of the file size and compare this to the original size of the file. It should be smaller and in some cases, significantly smaller. If the file is still very large (more that 1mb), it may still present a problem being sent. In that case, you have to separate the file into parts (each with a different file name and repeat this procedure again).
Now you're ready to send the file. First go online, then open your mail client (outlook express or Netscape messenger) and choose compose new message. Type the address of the intended recipient in the address field and hit "insert" or "attach", then "file attachment". Now point the location to the desktop and choose the zip file "test.zip" which you have created. Hit "attach" and you should see "test.zip" attached to your message. You can type text into your message at this point. Hit "send" when you're done. This will send a copy of the zip file to the mail recipient. You're done !!
Once, you have confirmed the message has been sent, you can delete both the original file "test.doc" and the zip file "test.zip" from the desktop.To do that, click on each file in turn to highlight it, then hit the "del" key on your keyboard. Windows will ask you whether to place to files into the recycle bin. Click "ok" to confirm the deletion. This action will not destroy the original file in "my documents".
If you using an older version of Netscape than release 4.5, you cannot clear the location bar from within the program. One way to do this is to browse to different websites using the location bar until the content you want removed, is cleared. However, if you want to remove an objectionable address directly, you must edit the windows registry.
If you decide to do this, be very careful because the registry controls the entire windows environment and a careless edit could crash your system. First go the start bar, then hit on 'run'. Now type 'regedit' without the inverted commas, in the window and hit 'ok'. This will launch the registry editor. Now double click on "hkey_current_user" then "software", "netscape", "netscape navigator" ,and "url history". In the right pane, you should a list of the URLs currently in the location bar. Click on one address you would like removed and hit the delete key (del) on your keyboard. Windows will ask you confirm the deletion. Click on "ok". Repeat the process for any other URL's you want removed. When you are done, close the registry editor. Now when you open Netscape, the location bar no longer contain the addresses you removed.
In some cases, the location history is stored in a text file in the netscape user directory called "prefs" and "liprefs". You can edit these files using notepad. Be careful to not remove any other details because this can alter the account settings for Netscape Do not save the files as text files !
The same task can be performed with Internet Explorer by clearing the history. To do that, right click on the "e" on your desktop, then choose properties. Under "general", choose "clear history". This will remove all items in your location bar.
If you want to configure you dialer to automatically launch when your browser or e-mail is activated, here's what to do
First, look for the Internet Explorer icon, which may read "the internet" or "Internet Explorer" on your desktop (even if you are using netscape !!). Ok, right click on this icon and then scroll down to "properties". Now look for a tab called "connection". On this tab windows will ask how you intend to access the internet. You should say "phone line" and choose "internet works" as the associated dialer. You may also see a username and password dialogue box which you should fill in with the appropriate information. Remember to hit "ok" to save the changes.
Now, the next time you launch any browser, the dialer will automatically start up.You can take this a step further by acquiring ISP Dialer. This utility extends the capabilities of windows dial up networking (DUN). You can list alternate pilot numbers and ISP dialer will automatically find an available number if it encounters a busy tone. Click here to get it.
Outlook Express
Old way
To add a new recipient to my list, open the address book, choose "new contact" , add the name and e-mail address
New way
Double click on a message, then "tools", "add to address book" the address you need, type a nickname and hit OK. Now you can type a nick name in "to:" field and the address is inputted automatically.
Hit on "tools", then "options". Under "general", select "automatically put people I reply to in my address book". Now when you hit "reply to", the address of the recipient is added
Netscape Messenger
Old way
Open the address book, "new card" and fill in the details
New way
Right click on a message and choose "add to address book" the address you need. Fill in the nickname. Done !
Fortunately, both Outlook Express and Netscape Messenger can create e-mail as "HTML". This means if you want to email a web page to a friend, page can be viewed inside the e-mail. Try this. You're browsing with Internet Explorer. Hit on file, "send" then "send page by e-mail". This should launch your e-mail Outlook Express (by default). You should see the page in the body of the email. Put in the address and send. If you're using Netscape, hit on "file", and "send page". Netscape Messenger sends the page as both a link and within the body of the message !!
Want a more interesting background to reflect the occasion of your e-mail ? Try this. In Outlook Express, choose "compose message" , then "format" and "apply stationery". Choose from any of those available. You can add to your images to your stationary as well !!. Try adding a signature, which can be text, or an image from "tools", "stationery" then "signature". Remember to set "add this signature to all outgoing message" on. In Netscape Messenger, try this trick from your compose e-mail screen, "insert" then "image". Now select the file you want to use, hit "edit image" to preview it. You can make changes to the color contrast. When you're ready check "use as background" and hit "ok". Presto. New stationery.
One thing to remember about this, is that some older e-mail clients may have problems reading this type of message. Fancy stationery also adds to the "overhead" of your e-mail so don't go overboard !!
You don't need two browsers ! Simply open a second window. Inside your browser, go to "file", "new" then "window". Now you can look at another web site ! After opening more than three windows, your desktop looks a bit cluttered. Opera, from Opersoftware innovatively resolves this by opening several sites in one window ! And Opera is very fast ! Try it.
There is a nifty feature in Outlook Express, which completes the e-mail address for you (once the address already exists in the address book). To set it on, look under "tools", "options", then "send". Now look for the option which reads "automatically complete e-mail addresses when composing" and check this on. Now, you can type a partial e-mail address in your compose screen, Outlook will automatically fill in the details !!
If you have enabled your content advisor ratings for Internet Explorer, but somehow forgot your password, IE will simply not work. You won't be able to view any sites.
Fortunately, the password file is stored in the windows registry, so you can edit the file. Go to "run" on your start button, and type "regedit". Now look in the following location for the rating key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\current version\policies
Simply delete the rating key, and Internet Explorer will work. You can enter a new password and re-enable your content advisor.
Outlook Express is started using a file called "msimn.exe" located in the "Outlook Express" folder under "c:\program files". To restore the Outlook Express icon to the desktop, right click on this file and say "create shortcut". Now choose click on the shortcut, then choose "edit" and "cut". Close your windows until you get back to the desktop. Now right click in a clear area of the desktop and choose "paste". You should now see the Outlook Express icon restored to the desktop.
This can be particulary useful is you need your mail to be portable. Perhaps you have two offices or would like to take your mail home with you.
Outlook Express
By default, your Outlook Express mail folder and address book are located in the windows folder as follows below
"c:\windows\application data\microsoft\outlook express\mail"
and the address book
"c:\windows\application data\microsoft\address book"
In cases where the profile function is enabled, location changes slighly. Profiles allow unique settings for each user that logs unto the machine and is enabled in the control panel under "passwords". If each user has a unique profile, the location follows this pattern
"c:\windows\profiles\{name}\application data\microsoft\outlook express\mail"
and
"c:\windows\profiles\{name}\application data\microsoft\address book"
If you want to change these locations, you must be prepared to edit a few lines in the windows registry. Ok, let's say you zip drive has drive letter "F" and you are not using a profile. The first step is to create a "windows" folder on zip disk. To do that, click on the zip drive, then choose "file" and "new folder". Call your folder "windows". Now copy the "application data" folder unto the zip drive's "windows" folder. To do that open the "windows" folder on the "C" drive, click on the "application data" folder and choose "edit", then "copy". Now open your "windows" folder on the zip disk and hit "edit" and "paste". Now you should have all your mail and address book on the zip disk.
The final step is let windows know where to find the new location. Go to "start" and in "run", type "regedit". Now look for the following keys
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\outlook express\store root"
Modify this key to read (replace "c" with "f" )
"f:\windows\application data\microsoft\outlook express". This will change the location of your mail folders to the zip drive.
The address book location key is found under
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\wab\wab4\wab file name"
Modify this key to read (replace "c" with "f" )
"f:\windows\application data\microsoft\address book"
Now you may exit the registry, and you're done. Any new mail will now be written to your zip drive automatically. That means you must pop your zip disk in before opening outlook express. You will need to make the changes to registry at your second location to make use of the zip disk.
If you have profiles enabled, the registry keys are slightly different. In this case, look under
"HKEY_USERS\{name}\software\microsoft\outlook express\store root"
and
"HKEY_USERS\{name}\software\microsoft\wab\wab4\wab file name"
Netscape Messenger
The Netscape mail folder is found under program files in the netscape folder under users as follows
"c:\program files\netscape\users\{name}\mail"
Your first step is to copy this mail folder to your zip disk. To do that, right click on the "mail" folder and choose "copy". Now open your zip drive and choose "edit" then "paste". This should create a folder called "mail" on your disk disk. Now open Netscape. Under "edit" then "preferences", choose "mail and news". Now, look for "mail servers". Change the location of your mail folder to f:\mail (where "f" is the drive letter for your zip drive). Hit "ok". All new mail will now be written to your zip drive!
Yes, but it's not very neat. You will have to open your address book in Netscape, Eudora or Outlook Express, then copy and paste the address into the compose mail screen. The better solution is to use the online mail address book but this will require you to rebuild your entire address book. Not a nice prospect if you have lots of addresses.
If you happen to have a Yahoo address, you're in luck. There is an import utility within the address book. Here's an example of what to do. Export your address book to the desktop as either a text file or "LDIF" file type. This is both Netscape and Outlook Express support the LDIF format. Then, log onto to your Yahoo mail, and open the import/export utility in the address book. Now point the location back to your exported file on the desktop and hit import. When its done, the yahoo address book will have all your addresses !
It is easier to "export" your online address book to Outlook Express or Netscape. Simply open your online address book, then "select all" and "copy" the text. Now open Wordpad, and paste the copied text. Now, make some changes to the formating of the text to appear as below
Name, E-mail Address
John Public, john@networksgy.com
Joe Bloke, joe@iname.com
Eliotte Hemmingway, weezer@yahoo.com
Then, save the file as "user.txt" on the desktop. Pay attention to the Capitals in the first line. You should be able to import this text file into your address book !
If you encounter difficulty clearing mail because someone sent you a large file or attachment, your mail program may seemingly "stick" on one message. There is an easy way to solve this particular problem, simply download Remote Mail32, Simple Mail checker, or POP Scan Mailbox and clear the message directly from your mailbox on the server ! Or try Web Mail
Both Netscape and Outlook Express can be configured to save your password for future use. Here's how to set this on.
Netscape 3.x
Launch Netscape. Hit "options" then choose "mail and news preferences". Under "organisation", check the option which reads "save password". Hit "ok" to confirm your changes. You're done !
Netscape 4.x
Open Netscape Communicator. Hit on "edit" then "preferences". Now, double click on "mail and news". Depending on your Netscape version, hit on "more options" or "edit" under the properties for "incoming mail server". Now look to the "save password" function and check it. Hit "ok" to confirm the changes.
Outlook Express
Open Outlook Express. Under "tools", look for "accounts" then "mail". Double click on your account and under "servers", input your mail password. Hit "ok" to confirm the changes.
Now, you will not have to enter your password each time you check for mail !
First, register with an online mail service such as hotmail, yahoo or excite (check out hotlinks for more online mail). Now, use the advanced options to set up a POP account with the following settings
POP name : joe
POP server: mail.networksgy.com
where your e-mail address is "joe@networksgy.com".
You can also configure your reply address under the advanced options to read
"joe@networksgy.com" so that your messages are sent to the same address rather
than your new online address. Now, when you log on to your online mail, you can check for
messages in your networks account at the same time.
Both Netscape and Outlook Express allow you to create messages offline (that is, without an internet connection) and then queue them for future delivery or the next time you go online. This is useful in a large office, where telephone lines might be critical or with users who are not familiar with the keyboard (like me !) or if you would simply like to review a message before dispatching it. Unfortunately, typing e-mail does not count as internet activity because it does not invoke your modem. The result is, you may be disconnected before you have completed typing a long message ! Here's the solution
Netscape 3.x
In the compose message screen, choose "options" then set "deferred delivery" on. Now, when you hit send, your message will go into your "outbox". When you decide to send the messages, hit "file" then "send messages in outbox". You can compose as many messages as you wish before sending them off !
Netscape 4.x
After composing your message, hit "file" then "send later". This will place the message into the "unsent messages" folder. When you decide to send your mail, hit "file" and "send unsent messages". Netscape will also prompt you about "unsent mail" when you choose to close the message center.
Outlook Express
After you have composed your message, choose "file" then "send later using". The result is the message is placed into the "outbox " for future delivery. If you decide to send all of your messages in this way, you can set deferred delivery as your default under "tools", "options", "send" and then uncheck the "send messages immediately" check box.
Both Outlook Express and Netscape Communicator, have added an additional feature which allows you to create draft messages, that can be stored in your "drafts" folder for future use. This is useful if the text of your messages are more or less the same for a number of messages such as a weekly report or reminder notice. You can save messages as drafts under "file" then "save as" in your compose message screen.