WELCOME
FROM THE EDITOR
A hands-on experience
W
ith so much to do and explore on
your PC and the internet, there’s
never an excuse to be bored.
Surfing the web is great fun, but there are
also endless useful and engaging tasks
to enjoy. In this special issue, we’ve
shuffled things around and brought
you our biggest-ever practical section
(page 33), complete with eight brilliant
step-by-step workshops. You’ll find
hands-on projects tackling music,
security, photography and video as well as our regular Practical
favourites like Problem Solver and Hints & Tips. Plus we’ve
moved this special Practical section to the middle of the
magazine, so you can easily pull it out and keep it. So without
further delay, I’d better let you get busy!
See you next issue!
Andrew Craig, Editor
andrew_craig@ipcmedia.com
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Average sales, Jan-Dec 2005,
31,886 copies per issue
Visit us online at www.webuser.co.uk
17 - 31 August 2006 Issue 142
CONTENTS
PRACTICAL WEB USER
33 COVER FEATURE: Expand your PC skills
Our biggest Practical section ever!
34 How to make Windows XP secure
36 Create high-quality audio tracks
37 Make your own DivX movies
38 How to set up a spam filter p33
39 Brighten up dull digital photos
40 Store your passwords securely
41 Integrate a blog into your website
42 PracticalFeature: Network your music collection
45 Hints&Tips
46 PracticalExplorer: Windows Media Player 11
48 ProblemSolver 50 DIY WebPages
FEATURES
FEATURING LINKS
TO 221 WEBSITES 14 This
The fight for network neutrality
hot topic is dominating US news sites and blogs, but why
is network neutrality such an important issue? We discover
24 Life-hacking websites
We find the best sites for making your life easier
58 Grouptest: Bookmarking websites
Our pick of the sites that let you save your Favorites online
REGULARS
6 News All the latest on the web this fortnight, including
Unplugged, My Bookmarks and Everyone’s Clicking On
17 Consumer Champion & Shopping Challenge
Including the best price for a Dyson DC14 Animal vacuum cleaner
18 Letters 20 Best New Websites
26 Downloaded
53 Most Wanted
56 New Products • Serif WebPlus 10 • Spy Sweeper 5.0
p24 62 Instant Expert: Phishing scams
64 Project: Fix your operating system, part 2
p53
66 COMPETITION: Win an Easily.co.uk web package and a Dell
Inspiron laptop
p14 67 Classified including Web User Directory
72 Web User Essentials 74 Seen this? & Next Issue
This fortnight’s best
FREE downloads
26 Film & TV 30 Sport & Games
…trailers, clips and …spectate or play
great short films – the choice is yours
28 Music 31 Software
…and audio content …top free programs p26
17 August 2006 5
 NEWS
All the latest on the web this fortnight
EMPLOYMENT
TUC website reveals
bosses’ wages
E
mployees can find out how much
their boss earns and other
information about their company at
the TUC’s new website.
Worksmart.org.uk gathers company
information such as staff pay and
pensions compared to directors, profits
and losses, shareholder details and
arrangements for staff representation.
TUC assistant general secretary,
Kay Carberry said: “Most employees
in the country will now have freedom
to get important information about
their company with the click of a
mouse rather than digging through
company reports.
“Company finder also enables job
seekers to check out a firm before
interviews or accepting a post.”
You can also compare your wages
with the same job at a different
company as well as find out how much
you would be paid if your earnings had
increased at the same rate as that of
your directors.
www.worksmart.org.uk
SECURITY WATCH
S
ecurity experts
are advising
STOP
laptop users
to run the latest
security patches
after Intel has admitted
vulnerabilies in its Centrino’s
wireless technology. The flaws
mean laptops can be exploited by
hackers to spread malicious codes
such as worms, wirelessly
between laptops. Intel has
published extra information about
the security flaws and details of
which hardware is affected.
www.webuser.co.uk/viruses
6 17 August 2006 Competition Where’s Netty?
Get daily news at www.webuser.co.uk/news
Internet Explorer 7 to
via Auto Updates
M
icrosoft will distribute Internet Explorer 7 for
Windows XP as a ‘high priority’ item in its Automatic
Updates system, it has announced.
Automatic Updates are normally used to deliver security
patches, but the software giant has decided to use the
system as a way of rolling out its new browser.
IE7 is currently in beta, but Microsoft expects to have the
software ready to distribute by the forth quarter of this year.
If you have Automatic Updates switched on you will be
asked if you want to install the new browser. You will also be
able to download IE7 from the Microsoft Download Centre.
Graham Titterington, principal analyst at technology
consultancy Ovum, said the move will benefit home users
due to the increased security the browser will offer.
“It’s a clever move from Microsoft because it will see
everyone using Internet Explorer moving across to IE7
unless they are die-hard against it and choose not to.
“People using IE5 or IE6 will see the improvements the
new browser offers, and will be be using the best version.
“The improvements are nothing earth shattering, but the
anti-phishing feature will make it easier to see which sites
are secure,” Titterington added.
Meanwhile Microsoft’s closest rival browser, Mozilla
Firefox, has started a promotion where people who get a
friend to download Firefox will have their names added to a
monument at the company’s headquarters.
www.microsoft.com
www.worldfirefoxday.com
ARTWORK
Electronic artwork changes to suit
C
omputer scientists have developed special software recognises eight key facial
a piece of electronic art that changes features that characterise the emotional state
to match the mood of the person of the person viewing the artwork.
looking at it. The software then adapts the colours and
Using images collected through a webcam, brush strokes of the digital artwork to suit
Last issue Netty was taking on Nacho Libre in a wrestling contest on page 42.
 ≥ YOUR NEWS TEAM Quentin Reade
News Editor
Veronique De Freitas
Staff Writer

VIDEO
NEWS
IN BRIEF
Quote ≥ Brits spend 50 days a AOL launches
arrive of the fortnight
“Very soon customers are
going to be able to turn around
to their provider and say ‘Why
should I carry on paying for my
year on net
Broadband users in the
UK spend more than 50
days a year surfing the
net. According to price-
comparison website
video portal and
offers free email
internet connection?’.” uSwitch, almost 10
Chris Williams, uSwitch, on million homes in the UK
‘free broadband’ deals have a broadband
connection and web users
spend more than 23 hours
a week browsing websites.
The figures reveal 87 per cent
of internet users shop online,
39 per cent download music
and 12 per cent of people
make internet phone calls over
the internet.
www.uswitch.com

≥ Windows Live Spaces

hits problems

A
Microsoft has OL has launched
admitted its a beta version of
new Live its new free-to-
Spaces use video portal.
blogging The service will
service operate in a similar
has been way to YouTube,
beset with letting you find,
problems and watch and share
user complaints. videos across the web, but AOL plans to
Live Spaces is an updated offer the widest variety of clips of any site.
version of blogging site MSN The site will feature more than 45 video-
Spaces, with added social on-demand channels, including content
networking capabilities. The from The History Channel, Endemol USA,
company said the problems MTV Networks and Warner Bros. Free
Windows XP users with were “one of those gotchas streaming content will be available, and
Automatic Updates switched that only showed up once we there will also be downloads to buy.
on will be asked to download were in production”. AOL’s video search will also return results
Internet Explorer 7 www.spaces.live.com from all main video sources on the internet,
including YouTube, Yahoo, Google Video,
≥ Lords investigate iFilm, and AtomFilms.
internet safety Josette Bonte, vice president of content
The House of Lords is and IPTV at technology consultancy Ovum,
investigating personal internet said: “AOL Video will become the richest

your mood security, the first in-depth

government study into the
area. It is
video destination on the web.”
The announcement comes as AOL
unveils it’s offering free email, instant
the changing mood of inviting messaging and 5GB of online storage to
the viewer. evidence people in the UK.
For example, when the on a www.aolvideo.com
viewer is angry the colours range of www.aol.co.uk
are dark and appear to issues to
have been applied to the do with
canvas with more violent personal
brush strokes. internet
If their expression changes security, and said it is keen
to happy, the artwork adapts to receive evidence from
so that the colours are vibrant and more subtly applied. people who have had
The project from the Universities of Bath and Boston problems. The deadline for the
forms part of on-going research looking to develop a submission of written evidence
range of advanced artwork tools for use in the computer is 23 October.
graphics industry. www.parliament.uk/hlscience
www.cs.bath.ac.uk/~vision/empaint

Spot him in this issue, email news@web-user.co.uk and you could win a prize. (Issue 139’s winner: Janny Wright, UK) 17 August 2006 7
 NEWS All the latest on the web this fortnight

UNPLUGGED
Web on the move
≥ Mobile surfing for £1
T-Mobile’s pre-pay customers
can now browse the net from
their phones for a maximum
charge of £1 a day. The Web
’n’ Walk service was previously
only available for people on
monthly plans. The new offer
is available on the Motorola v3
RAZR and Nokia 6131, but T-
Mobile plans to extend the
range later this year.
www.t-mobile.co.uk
≥ Norwich goes wireless
People in Norwich and
surrounding areas will soon
be able to log into the UK’s
largest free community
wireless network. Called
Norfolk Open Link, the system
is still being piloted, but will
offer free broadband for local
businesses and the general
public. The Wi-Fi network is
available within a 4km radius
of Norwich’s County Hall, as
well as at local universities,
hospitals and business parks.
www.norfolkopenlink.com
RESEARCH
Domesday digitised
A
digital version of the Domesday
Book is now available online. The
920-year-old survey of 11th-century
land can be accessed on the National
Archives website.
You can search by town, city or village
free of charge, and copies of each page,
with a translation into modern English,
can be ordered for £3.50 each.
The Domesday Book was
commissioned in 1085 by William I,
and work on digitising it has been going
on for more than 20 years.
Adrian Ailes, the Domesday expert at
the National Archives, called the online
edition “a fantastic achievement”.
He said: “I think people warm to the
Domesday Book and its specific contents
because it contains 13,418 place names.
“Everyone is related in some way to this
piece of history, it is very tangible.”
The National Archives Documents
Online service is also working on an online
version of the 1911 census.
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/domesday

≥ Nokia most stolen

Nokia mobiles are the most-
frequently stolen phones,
followed by Samsung, Sony
Ericsson and Motorola. The
Nokia 6230, followed by the
Samsung D500, are the most- WEBSITE
stolen phones, according to BROADBAND
research by Loughborough
University based on data from CNN launches citizen Britain’s biggest broadband
100,000 stolen phone crimes
journalism site cities revealed
C
in London.
NN has added a

S
www.nokia.co.uk
‘citizen journalism’ windon homes are more likely to have a
section to its website broadband connection than anywhere else in the
W that features user-
submitted video, audio,
UK, a new report reveals.
According to broadband research company Point
articles and graphics. Topic, Swindon is “the most broadband place in
HAT

Called ‘CNN Exchange’, Britain” in terms of the share of homes that have
the site lets people upload broadband – more than 50 per cent.
submissions and also interact with the site’s The City of London has the highest number of
ON EART

Our regular pick of the
best extras for Google
Earth and Google Maps
H?
Google Earth Cool Places
www.googleearthcoolplaces.com
An ever-expanding collection of interesting
places and objects found on Google Earth
news reports, commentaries and polls.
Mitch Gelman, senior vice president and
executive producer for CNN.com, said:
“User-generated content has the potential to
play a pivotal role in journalism whether it’s
online or offline. With CNN Exchange, we’ve
essentially created a one-stop shop for CNN.
com users to share their contributions with other
internet users, as well as to weigh in on the day’s
most pressing news.”
CNN Exchange includes an online toolkit with
tips on creating and submitting stories.
www.cnn.com/exchange
broadband lines per person, with almost 1.4 DSL or
cable modem connections per resident, owing to the
large number of businesses in the area.
According to Point Topic, Swindon’ s broadband
take-up is due to a high proportion of young people
and good coverage by the ntl:Telewest cable network
and BT’ s ADSL-enabled exchanges.
Other towns well served by broadband include
Wokingham, High Wycombe, Milton Keynes,
Watford and Stevenage, all with 48 per cent or more
households with broadband.
www.point-topic.com

8 w
17 August 2006 Buzzword of the fortnight Greyware – TrendMicro’s term for applications that
 Don’t miss our daily news updates at www.webuser.co.uk/news
Number
of the fortnight IN BRIEF
200 million ≥ PlusNet customer
The number of times emails gone forever
Firefox has been PlusNet has admitted it has
downloaded permanently lost 700GB of
customer emails, after
efforts to retrieve them
failed. The company claims
50 per cent of the emails
lost were spam, 48 per cent
had been read, and just 1-2
per cent were unread.
www.plus.net
≥ BT to cut call prices
BT is dropping the price of
some of its phone bundles
by almost a third, as well as
cutting the price of VoIP
calls. The monthly price for
its evening and weekend
call package (Option 2) has
fallen by 28 per cent to
£3.95 and anytime calling
package customers (Option
3) has seen a 31 per cent
cut to £9.95.
www.bt.com
≥ UK fails to stop illegal
weapons websites
The Government is failing to
MUSIC
Kazaa stops illegal file-sharing
F
ile-sharing site Kazaa is set
to become a legal music
download site after a
lengthy legal battle.
The site has also promised to
pay $100m (£53m) in damages
to the record industry, after
people shared millions of songs
via its network.
Kazaa’s owner, Sharman
Networks, has been challenged
in courts all around the world.
Last year an Australian court
ruled that the peer-to-peer
service breached copyright, and
ordered the site to modify its
software to make it harder to
share copyrighted material.
Jonathan Arber, research
analyst at technology
consultancy Ovum, said: “The
legal tide has slowly and
inexorably been turning against
Kazaa and file-sharing
companies like it for some time
now, as heralded by the
landmark Grokster-MGM
decision in June 2005.
“It is fairly unsurprising that
Kazaa has chosen to settle up
NEWS
a hefty sum, the legal costs
must have been crippling it, and
had it come to a court ruling,
Sharman could have been
ordered to pay even higher
damages. So far, so expected –
Sharman is cutting its losses
and making a run for it.
“This victory is largely
symbolic for the record industry
– the hardcore file-sharers will
long ago have moved on, and
Kazaa’s remaining users will
soon find another platform.
However, it does emphasise
the fact that the era of
businesses based around
illegal file-sharing is well and
truly over.”
www.kazaa.com

WIN!
clamp down on UK rather than continue to fight
websites trading illegal seemingly unwinnable legal
weapons, according to a battles. Indeed, while $100m is
new report. The House of
Commons Quadripartite
Committee report claims AUCTIONS
1 of 5 copies of this the Government is too
great TV slideshow passive in monitoring the
net for sites offering illegal eBay targets stolen phones
software! weapons. The Government

E
admitted it has no customs Bay has teamed up with
officers dedicated to the National Mobile Phone
stopping the online trade. Crime Unit (NMPCU) to
www.markthomasinfo.com stop ‘blocked and barred’
mobile phone handsets being
sold on the site. It is hoped the
WEB 2.0 SITE OF THE
FORTNIGHT joint operation will stop the sale
of stolen mobile phones online.
SingShot According to eBay, any sale of
www.singshot.com blocked/barred mobile phones
will be taken down as “they are
buyers and sellers means we
have an extensive network to
help keep the site as safe as
possible,” he added.
The popular auction site has
also launched an online guide to
warn people about the sale of
stolen phones and advise them
on how to ensure a handset is
not stolen.
www.ebay.co.uk

W
ith this fantastic piece
of software you can
turn your digital
photos into amazing,
multimedia slideshows to
display on your television. To
stand a chance of winning one
of the five copies we’re giving
away, just answer the question
posed at www.webuser.co.uk/
competitions.
• Photos On TV is out to buy
now through GSP Software
priced £9.99.
SingShot is an online singing
community that lets you record your
own version of songs and share them
with others. The site gives you your
own ‘recording studio’ where you can
organise your recordings, add
favourite members and recordings,
and contact other members.
in breach of eBay’s policy on
Encouraging Illegal Activities.”
Garreth Griffith, head of Trust
& Safety at eBay.co.uk, said:
“Giving our customers the
knowledge and engaging that
knowledge to help with our
investigations work means we
have 15 million pairs of eyes and
ears out there working with us
on a day-to-day basis.
“Working with law
enforcement and harnessing the
strength of our community of

are annoying or undesirable, such as spyware, adware and remote access tools 17 August 2006 9
 NEWS
COMMENT
Daniel Booth
Features Editor
Lessons in life
W
hen they were
handing out common
sense I wasn’t so
much at the back of the
queue as stuck at home
trying to unscrew a plug with
a paintbrush. While I’m not
as bad as Big Brother’s Glyn,
who reacted to boiling an
egg for the first time like he
was Isaac Newton
discovering the law of
gravity, I usually respond to
domestic problems with
head-scratching confusion.
Which is why the
emergence of life-hacking
sites fills me with such relief.
These sites, reviewed on
page 24, are user-generated
treasure troves brimming
with help, tips, advice and
tricks to help your life run
more smoothly.
Many tips cover
professional and technical
issues, with the aim of
“generated
These sites are user-
treasure troves
brimming with tips
”
turning us into super-
productive, multi-tasking
Alan Sugars and Bill
Gateses. But it’s the more
day-to-day, how-did-they-
discover-that suggestions
that excite me. I now know
that sticky CDs can be
polished with baby
shampoo, Post-It! notes
should be used to clean
crumb-infested keyboards
and old T-shirts can be
customised into protective
sleeves for your laptop.
There’s even a perverse
satisfaction in knowing
solutions to problems I’ll
almost certainly never face,
such as erasing permanent
marks from a dry board, or
duct-taping two bikes
together to make a tandem.
But I think I’ll definitely
ignore the tip that baking
soda can be used to
exfoliate skin. I may be daft,
but I’m not stupid.
10 17 August 2006
All the latest on the web this fortnight
WHAT’S HOT
iTunes
www.apple.com/
itunes
Song sales in
Europe pass the
200 million mark.
Online takeaways
www.dominos.co.uk
Domino’s sells up to 100,000 pizzas to
online customers each night.
iPod killer rumours
www.microsoft.com
Microsoft is to launch an
MP3 player called Zune, but
has yet to release details.
Online banking
www.transversal.com
Report claims online banks’ customer
service has sunk to an all-time low.
Trojans
www.sophos.com
On the rise again, with 3,715 new
threats discovered in July.
WHAT’S NOT
PRODUCT NEWS
2GB microSD card
SanDisk has introduced a 2GB
microSD card – the largest
capacity of the world’s
smallest removable Flash
memory card – to meet the
demand for a new generation
of MP3 music phones.
Using the SanDisk microSD
card, phones such as the LG
Chocolate phone and others
with a mircoSD card slot, will
be able to store up to 1,000
digital songs.
The card is sold with an
adapter that lets it fit into a
standard-size SD slot of
other devices, and can also
be used to store videos and
photographs.
The cards will be available in
September and will cost
around £60.
www.sandisk.com
Up for grabs!!!
MUSIC
Coke and iTunes give
C
oca-Cola and Apple are giving away 70
million songs in a new promotion.
Beginning later this month, 70 million
song codes will be included in promotional
packs of Coca-Cola and Diet Coke, which will
be redeemable for a free song from the iTunes
Music Store.
To exchange the codes for tracks, you will
need to visit the new Coke Music site, and then
access iTunes from there.
You will be able to choose any 79p track from
the iTunes catalogue of over three million songs.
More new products on page 56
Shuttle Mini X100 SMC Wi-Fi
Skype phone
If you fancy wandering around
your house while making
Skype calls, this new phone
from SMC Networks may be
for you.
The Wi-Fi phone includes
Skype software that lets you
make free calls to Skype
Shuttle has revealed a new users anywhere in the world
super-small desktop PC. The without the use of a PC (but
Mini X100 series is 5.3cm tall, you’ll need to be within the
with a surface size the same as reach of a wireless network).
an A4 sheet of paper. It also lets you make paid-for
The unit comes in two calls to landlines and mobile
configurations: the Shuttle phones using Skype’s
Mini X100BA for business SkypeOut function.
users and the Shuttle Mini The phone offers three hours
X100HA for home users. talk-time and 30 hours battery
The X100BA costs around life. It can be recharged from
£560, with performance any USB-
focusing on word-processing enabled
and spreadsheets. The higher- socket or
spec home edition – with a mains
better graphics capability and charger.
a 200GB hard disk, costs The phone
around £680. costs around
Both units feature Intel £150.
mobile processors. www.wifi
http://eu.shuttle.com/en phone24.com
Win a set of golf clubs, closes 30 August, at www.golfpunkonline.com/
competitions/tsg-clubs.asp
 Don’t miss our daily news updates at www.webuser.co.uk/news NEWS
WEB USER’S
CLICKING ON… MYBOOKMARKS
away free music Websites that have kept us busy this fortnight…
’If an A-bomb Falls’
Mark Boulton
Web User reader,
The promotion will begin in mid-August and run
for six weeks, with a five song limit per person.
1 www.ep.tc/comics/
a-bomb
Hastings,
East Sussex
It’s not the first time Coke has offered digital A scary Fifties’ comic London Underground History
downloads. In 2004 Coke launched advises on nuclear www.underground-history.co.uk
MyCokeMusic, but shut the site last month after protection.
admitting it failed to compete with iTunes and
other download sites such as Wippit.com. Drawball
Wippit.com, the UK’s second largest music
download site, said it welcomed the Coke and
2.com/1145334330
http://best.drawball
iTunes promotion as it believes it will drive more Sketch on an
people to legal downloads. interactive ball with
www.coca-cola.com/music other online artists.

The Brick I’ve been fascinated for a

3www.thebrick
Testament long time by the various
abandoned stations on the
testament.com London Underground
The greatest story ever network and this is a great
told. In Lego. and well-designed site
about them.
Fish Eat Fish
4games.com/fisheatfish
www.addicting Digital Spy
www.digitalspy.co.uk
.html
Eat the smaller fish and
don’t get eaten by the
bigger fish.

EVERYONE’S CLICKING ON…

Our guide to this fortnight’s most clickable sites
One of the sites I check
every day. It has all the
THIS GAME latest Sky, Freeview, Cable
and entertainment news,
Zyrx plus lively forums. It’s a top
www.robotubegames.com/games/zyrx.swf site with a nice design and
We haven’t played a memory game since remembering all the objects on a tray is updated daily.
at someone’s eighth birthday party, and our ability hasn’t improved much since
then. The aim is to match the pattern of white dots shown in the top left, the Arcaplay
catch being the pattern quickly disappears, leaving you floundering. www.arcaplay.com

THIS TIME-WASTER
My Heritage
www.myheritage.com
‘Face recognition’ software – it’s the kind of technology that Buck Rogers might
use so the canteen computer would know how he likes his eggs, yet this
genealogy site uses such alchemy to organise your family tree. The site learns A great site for fun and
faces and names, so you’re saved from retyping entries as you create your tree. addictive online arcade
games, there are hundreds
to choose from with many
THIS BIZARRE SITE new games being added
all the time. Also try www.
Ghost Town of Route 66 play.vg.
www.legendsofamerica.com/66-GhostTowns.html
Other than the A234 through Penge, there is no more romantic road in the Your Bookmarks
world than the legendary Route 66 that snakes its way across the US. Sadly, it Send short reviews (30 words
doesn’t technically exist anymore and neither do these towns that populated each max) of your favourite
the route. This site explores dozens of spooky former settlements left to rot. three sites to mybookmarks
@web-user.co.uk

Win a weekend for two in a five-star hotel, closes Win a Fuji FinePix F30 Zoom camera, closes 1 September, at 17 August 2006 11
9 September, at www.moremagazine.co.uk/potnoodle www.newwoman.co.uk/comp/competition.asp?CID=590

WHAT THE BLOGS
ARE SAYING:
US kids face MySpace ban
The US is considering introducing new
legislation that requires schools and
libraries to limit access to social
networking sites such as MySpace. The
bill identifies social networking sites as
hunting grounds for paedophiles.
To be sure, there are legitimate
grounds for the act. A large body
of anecdotal evidence suggests
that sites such as MySpace.com have
ts
indeed become favoured tools by adul
to prey on min ors. This is due in
who seek
use there is
large part to the fact that beca
so much personal informat ion on user
act
postings, it’s easy for predators to cont
and befriend their chos en victims.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) estimates that one in five children
who use the internet have received
sexual advances online.
www.technewsworld.com
The Deleting Online Predators Act
deletes the ability of schools and
libraries to determine whether kids
can constructively take advantage of social
networking and other interactive services
that are extremely popular among teens
rather than ‘deleting’ online predators. The
bill requires recipients of universal service
support for schools and libraries to protect
minors from commercial social networking
sites and chat rooms. This in turn could
force school and library officials to ban a
wide range of sites, including Amazon.com
and many news sites that allow for
user feedback and interaction.
www.onlinecomputertips.com
I was appalled, but not surprised,
by the overwhelming support and
passage of the bill in the House.
There were three things working in the
bill’s favour: 1) the fact that most
congressmen have probably never used
social networking software, 2) the title
of
the bill – anyone who voted against that
bill could easily be portrayed as someone
who voted to protect sexual predator
s,
and 3) the fact that it’s an election year
and congressmen want to be seen as
people who are protecting people’s kids
from sexual predators. It doesn’t mat
ter
what the bill was about really; what
mattered was what it was called and
how
most people would construe a vote
against a bill with that title.
http://meredith.wolfwater.com
All the latest on the web this fortnight
NEWS
TRAVEL
Thomas Cook and Expedia in online advert spat
H
olidaymakers looking to more competitive online fares
book their next sojourn than Expedia. The ASA said:
might be interested to “We concluded that that
know that Thomas Cook is implication was not justified
more experienced at providing and was therefore misleading.
holidays than Expedia, but it is We told Thomas Cook to
not necessarily cheaper. amend the ads to avoid
That is the conclusion of implying they were likely to
the UK advertising watchdog, beat Expedia on price.”
the Advertising Standards However, the ASA also
Authority (ASA), following a concluded that Thomas Cook
spat between the two travel was a well-established
companies over Thomas provider of holidays
Cook’s adverts. and Expedia was a
Thomas Cook had angered newer entrant into the
Expedia by stating in recent market and, therefore,
adverts: “Experience over readers of the advert
Expedia every time! ... For would understand the
fantastic fares it’s got to be claims because
thomascook.com”. Expedia “Thomas Cook had
complained that the ads were greater experience of
“misleading and denigratory”. providing holidays than
Following an investigation, Expedia, the specialist
the ASA ticked off Thomas provider”.
Cook for implying it offered www.thomascook.com
TELEPHONY
Skype unveils new toolbars
I
nternet phone call firm Skype has will now recognise any phone number
launched a new set of toolbars that should contained in a Microsoft Office document,
help make it easier to use the service. email or web page, so you can make a call
The new Skype toolbars let people start with one click.
voice and video calls or instant Alistair Shrimpton, Skype
messages directly from other market development manager
applications such as Microsoft for the UK, Ireland and
Outlook and Internet Explorer. Netherlands, said the changes
As well as new toolbars will make internet telephony
for the MS Office, Outlook more integrated.
Express and Thunderbird “A Skype user can instantly
applications, Skype has also connect with the desired
upgraded the existing toolbars for Internet party with just one click, making internet
Explorer and Firefox. calling extremely convenient,” he said.
The toolbars, which are free to download, www.skype.com
CARS
Belgian drivers beat parking fines online
B
elgians faced with parking fines are The head of the company said
heading online to beat the rap. the scheme isn’t illegal, and
A new scheme lets drivers buy likened people buying used
used parking tickets via the web and then tickets to people collecting
present the second-hand tickets as proof stamps. However, local
they did buy one, claiming parking councils say they might
wardens just didn’t see it. take legal action because
The site was set up by The Continental they are losing out on
Computer Company in Antwerp, and lets thousands of euros.
people buy a used ticket for £5. www.3-c.be
17 August 2006 13
NEWS FEATURE
NETWORK NEUTRALITY
The fight for
network neutrality
The battle over ‘net neutrality’ is dominating news sites and blogs on
the other side of the pond. But what is it? Why is it important? And why
should we care? Ross Wigham explains
A
fierce argument is raging in the US
that could revolutionise the way the
internet works.
Big telecom and cable companies want
to charge websites for a better, faster
service; effectively creating a two-tier
internet, with those who pay getting data
delivered quicker, and those who don’t
facing a ‘second-rate’ service.
Ultimately, these costs could be passed
onto consumers who want guaranteed fast,
top-quality services, or to advertisers on
large websites.
The battle lines are drawn in the US
Congress with web companies like Google
and Amazon opposed to the plans, arguing
the idea of premium services at a price will
destroy the way the net works.
The argument is about the concept of
‘net neutrality’, which guarantees equality
for all websites and provides people and
websites with the same delivery service
through ISPs. On the other side of the
debate, broadband providers argue that a
premium service for those who are willing to
pay more would provide faster downloads
and more efficient usage.
Technical difficulties
The issue is becoming increasingly
complicated and embittered as both sides
slug it out. The issue is being debated in
Congress, but the lack of technical expertise
of some of the debaters is causing problems,
with one senator ridiculed for his description
of the web as a ‘series of tubes’.
However, another senator, Lois Capps,
summed up the debate quite succinctly,
saying that if net neutrality is abandoned,
“the phone and cable companies will decide
the speed at which different bits of data can
move across the network, in essence
creating ‘fast lanes’ and ‘slow lanes’ for the
internet. That would segregate internet
traffic based on who can pay by forcing
companies and individuals to pay a premium
for their websites to be in the fast lane, while
relegating those without deep pockets to the
slow lanes.”
14 17 August 2006
Proponents of premium charges argue
they would not slow down internet access
for those who don’t pay the higher fees,
but would simply offer users a faster,
clutter-free service.
However, opponents are rallying against
the concept of a ‘two-tier’ internet, saying
it goes against everything the internet
stands for. Pro-net neutral websites like
www.savetheinternet.com, see a far
more sinister future where large providers
sign exclusive deals with search engines
and slow down or block activity from
the others.
“The Senate must step in to defend the
internet from gatekeepers who plan to tax
innovation and throttle the free market,”
said Ben Scott, policy director of Free
Press, which coordinates the Save the
Internet Coalition.
What’s the problem?
Google’s chief internet evangelist Vint
Cerf believes the providers are looking
to tackle a problem that isn’t there: “The
internet’s open, neutral architecture has
proven to be an enormous engine for
market innovation, economic growth,
social discourse, and the free flow
of ideas.
“Allowing broadband carriers to
control what people see and do
online would fundamentally
undermine the principles
that have made the
internet such a success.
We must do all we
can to preserve the
fundamental enabling
principles of the
internet: user choice,
innovation, and global
competitiveness,”
he said.
However,
many other
experts warn
that the
growth of

online TV, streaming movies, music
downloads and VoIP means a premium
service is the only way to preserve capacity.
Market forces
Michael Philpott, a broadband analyst
with technology consultantancy Ovum,
thinks the popularity of these new services
and the state of the UK market makes the
emergence of a premium service inevitable.
“The UK is a very competitive marketplace
and with the current price war revenues for
providers can only go down,” he explained.
“I think it’s a legitimate business move to
offer customers the chance to pay more for a
better service. If an experienced gamer
wants to pay a bit more to get the best out of
the internet then that’s fine,” he added.
Philpot dismissed the idea of networks
blocking searches from other engines
because of exclusivity deals and said the
premium service should not slow down or
block the activity of other users.
“If the platform is designed properly it
should not slow down the internet for users.
If it’s done properly it would just be a way
for consumers that download music or
watch movies online to get the best out of
the service.”
However, at the moment, Britons will just
have to wait to see how the US debate pans
out. With US-sites dominating the internet,
any decision on network neutrality will send
ripple effects that will be felt worldwide –
and could shape the development of the net
for years to come.
www.savetheinternet.com
Watch Moby talk about the issue:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=
Hwm0nS7iDMI
NEWS FEATURE
NETWORK NEUTRALITY
What the debaters are saying
What we’re talking about is
giving our customers’ choices.
For example, if they want to use [a
VoIP serv ice] like Skype or Vonage and be
k
guaranteed the voice quality won’t brea
t wan t to pay extra for that.
up, they migh
e
And Google might want to pay to mak
an
sure its video service is transmitted in
uninterru pted flow.
BellSouth spokesman Bill
McCloskey
[The] internet is a crucial engine
for economic growth and free
speech. We are working together
to urge Congress to preserve network
neutrality, the First Amendment for the
internet that ensures that the internet
remains open to innovation and progress.
From its beginnings, the internet has
levelled the playing field for all. Everyday
people can have their voices heard by
thousands, even millions of people.
The Savetheinternet.com Coalition –
representing millions of Americans from
all walks of life – is working together to
ensure that Congress passes no
telecommunications legislation without
meaningful and enforceable
Network Neutrality protections.
Save the Internet Coalition
Right now, what’s great about the
internet is that all information is
equal. Whether it’s coming from
AT&T and the White House or some
kid in
his basement in Brooklyn, all informa
tion
is delivered at the same speed.
Musician Moby
Right now Microsoft, Yahoo and
eBay, they are converging into the
communications sector. What
they want is regulation that prevents
nd
competition the other way, so broadba
be able to converge,
companies shouldn’t
and com pete with e- com mer ce.
integrate
dard
We think that is a classic double stan
and Americans can see that .
Pro-regulation techcom analyst
Scott Cleland
I ain’t going to let them do that
because we have spent this capital
and we have to have a return on it.
AT&T chief executive officer Ed
Whitacre, speaking to BusinessWeek,
complains that Google and VoIP
provider Vonage were
using “my pipes free”.
17 August 2006 15
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 We solve your consumer
problems and shop around
for the best deals online
By Lisa Kelly CONSUMER
CHAMPION
Bulldog sends user barking Shoppingchallenge Dyson DC14 Animal
Each issue we scour the net to find the best deals on a popular product
such as this Dyson DC14 Animal vacuum cleaner. If you’ve
coe, Liverpool
READER: Barry Bris got a challenge, let us know
t problems with ISP
PROBLEM: Paymen No matter how much you love your
shaggy dog, hairy cat or other furry EY SAVED
£91.01
creature, your carpet probably isn’t so MON
keen – and nor are your sneezing

W
eb users want the best broadband deal they can house guests. This super-vacuum
get, but once signed up with a service provider, from Dyson will sort things out, thanks
you would expect payment to be as painless as to its bacteria-killing allergy screen
possible. When things go wrong, it can lead to financial and mini turbine head that picks up
problems, as in the case of reader Barry Briscoe, an pet hair from confined spaces. It also
unemployed musician from Liverpool, who signed up to cleans carpets and hard floors. For
Bulldog’s Unlimited 8Mps broadband for £19.50 per more info visit www.dyson.co.uk.
month in July 2005, paying via Switch.
Mr Briscoe was very happy with the service until
Bulldog stopped accepting payment by Switch. He sent a
direct debit form to the ISP instructing it to take payment
from his NatWest bank account. But no payments were
taken, despite Mr Briscoe’s regular pleas to take the
money owed as he wanted to avoid building up a big debt.
Then, on 5 July 2006, Bulldog debited over £200
7.9 PRICE

from Mr Briscoe’s account – the full amount that had RICE

0
9
TREET P
£299.0
EB

built up since Mr Briscoe returned his direct debit form –

TW

resulting in charges from NatWest for going overdrawn.

£20
BES

Web User told Mr Briscoe that under the Direct Debit

HIGH-S

Scheme operated by participating banks and building

societies he should be protected from being hit by a
large lump sum payment and suggested he contact
NatWest. This scheme guarantees that if the details of
a direct debit change the organisation collecting the
Winner
payment will notify you – normally 10 working days in
advance of your account being debited. Freenet Electrical
In the event of an error a full and immediate refund www.freenet.ltd.uk
should be made by your bank, even if the error was Basic price: £199.99
made by the organisation collecting the payment – in Delivery charge: £8
this case Bulldog. Unfortunately the customer service Claimed delivery time: Normally 2-10
advisor at NatWest who dealt with Mr Briscoe’s working days, but may be up to 28
complaint was unaware of the scheme and declined to Returns: 7 days from delivery
authorise a refund. Meanwhile Bulldog refunded the full How to pay: Visa/Delta/Mastercard/
amount and apologised to Mr Briscoe after Web User Maestro
contacted the company. A spokeswoman promised “to TOTAL PRICE: £207.99
look at a payment plan and provide assistance”.
Web User also alerted NatWest of its obligation under
the Direct Debit Scheme. A NatWest statement said:
“We apologise that Mr Briscoe was given incorrect
information when he queried the direct debit to Bulldog
Communications. Under the Direct Debit Indemnity
Scheme, if the direct debit originator has not given
notice of the claim, then the customer is entitled to a
refund from the bank. This has been raised as a training
issue with the staff involved.” It added: “We will also be
crediting Mr Briscoe’s account with £50 in recognition Go Shop Direct 247 Electrical Duck
of the inconvenience he has suffered.” www.goshopdirect.co.uk www.247electrical.co.uk www.duck.co.uk
Basic price: £215.99 Basic price: £216.92 Basic price: £212.98
Delivery charge: Free Delivery charge: Free Delivery charge: £3.95
Do you need our help? Claimed delivery time:
2-3 days
Claimed delivery time:
2 days
Claimed delivery time:
3-4 working days
How to pay: Visa/Delta/ How to pay: Visa/Delta/ How to pay: Visa/Delta/
•
Been caught out by an online scam? Had a problem with
Electron/Mastercard/ Mastercard/Maestro/ Mastercard/Maestro/
at consumerchampion@webuser.co.uk
•
internet shopping you’d like us to investigate? Email Lisa
Maestro/Solo Solo Solo
TOTAL PRICE: £215.99 TOTAL PRICE: £216.92 TOTAL PRICE: £216.93

17 August 2006 17
 LETTERS
Have your say: letters@web-user.co.uk
HOT TOPICS
These are some of the questions and
subjects you have been debating on
our forum in the past fortnight. Have your
say at www.webuser.co.uk/forums.
1 Would you describe yourself as a tech-lover
or consider your house to be a techie home?
What services and equipment do you use or
consider essential in your home?
We have two high-end
gaming PCs, three
televisions, three
mobile phones
(all with MP3 and
camera), GameCube,
DS, Xbox 360, two
Sony DVD players,
Sky in two rooms, 8MB
digital camera, laptop,
two video players and an £800 hi-fi
(soon to be upgraded). I love gadgets.
Evilmonkeyzz, via Web User Forums
2 Where’s the most unusual place
you have spotted someone
reading Web User?
I was at the doctor and
took up a bagful of
old Web User
magazines for the
waiting-room, to
give the chaps a
change from Good
Housekeeping and
People’s Friend.
Before I went in,
three blokes had
picked a copy up.
Radiogandy, via Web
User Forums
3 A recent poll asked 2,000
people what their most
intolerable thing was. What would
be top of your list if you were asked?
People who litter their forum posts with
so many emoticons that they become
impossible to read. Oh, and posters who
manage to make a sentence of 200
words without one comma or full stop
anywhere. And I nearly forgot, the
people who think it’s some sort of victory
to refuse to use a spell checker before
they post.
Greysts, via Web User Forums
18 17 August 2006
Happy newcomer
I find myself writing humbly to
apologise for years of dismissing
internet magazines as useless.
I’m an experienced user who until
recently felt that if you found some
good Usenet Groups you didn’t need a
magazine at all. However, I found myself
waiting for my wife and bought a copy of
Web User – I admit because of its low price
– to pass the time. Instead of meaningless
repeats of how to speed your PC up, I found
an interesting, informative and fun read that
my wife – a relative newbie – also read from
cover to cover.
I’ve found some excellent extensions for
Firefox, an update to Eraser I didn’t know
existed, some excellent websites and what
I’ve been looking for ages – an RSS
newsreader that is versatile and feature
packed! However, the Most Wanted gadget
section is far too attractive and I feel I have
to have the fingerprint-reader device and as
for the Bluetooth headphones…!
I’ll be buying the magazine from now on as
I’ve found out that a low price doesn’t mean
low content and in this age of ADSL/
broadband, a ‘free’ CD/DVD is unnecessary.
Plus the links using tiny URLs is effective
and means you only download what you
want and, in addition, it’s
environmentally friendly.
Thanks for the magazine,
please keep it up.
Peter Anderson, via email
Transmitter delay
Ofcom has finally announced
that a public consultation will
take place to address the
legalisation of FM transmitters
for iPods. These devices are
particularly handy for iPod
users travelling by road as most
car stereos have no ‘audio in’
socket – an FM transmitter for
iPods solves this problem.
However, the British public have
been denied the opportunity to
CONTACT US
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Your Shout!
STAR LETTER
This issue’s £25 winner!
Phishing revenge
I receive quite a few phishing
£W 25
messages and you
possibly do too. There is
one way we can fight
back, go to www.
inne r phishfighting.com
and read how to make
the phishers’ lives
miserable, for a change.
Here you will learn how to find
the destination URL from the phishing
email. After submitting this, the phisher’s
website will be bombarded with hundreds
of realistic-looking, but fake, entries.
So, read all the instructions carefully and
get your own back.
Mary Anderson, Dorset
Editor replies: We had a letter not so long
ago that suggested ways of taking revenge
on spammers, which security experts
advised against. However, because
www.phishfighting.com claims it only
submits data entries once every 20
use an FM transmitter to listen to their own
music on their own equipment, due to out-
of-date legislation. It’s farcical that the 1949
Wireless Act has the power to stop people
using their own low-powered FM
transmitters in 2006.
With radio being the
technological success story of the
Forties, the Act was implemented
to stop people using transmitters
for pirate broadcasts. However,
this is hardly relevant to those
who want to listen to their iPod
tunes over an FM frequency
today. Countries that had similar
out-of-date legislation, including
Germany and the US, have
updated their laws. Surely it’s
time for the UK to come out of
the dark ages too?
Karen Hicks, senior product manager,
Kensington Technology Group
All contributions to Web User must be original, not copies or duplicated to other
publications. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify any letter or
to reuse any submission sent to the letters column of Web User magazine, in any
format or medium.
Newsletter
Sign up now for our free email newsletter
– in your Inbox every fortnight.
See www.webuser.co.uk/newsletter
Have you tried the beta version of Internet Explorer 7?
 LETTERS
ASK WEB USER
seconds and can therefore not be classed as Sophos, also adds: “Although I
a Denial of Service (DoS) attack on a sympathise with those who are angry Got a non-technical query about the
website, we decided to find out if it was with phishers who try to con people out of wonderful web? Email it to askwebuser@
a legitimate way of tackling phishing. their hard-earned cash, I wouldn’t say webuser.co.uk and we’ll try to help
A spokeswoman for email security firm this is the best approach to take. It’s far
Symantec said: “Strictly speaking, the better to contact the computer crime
amount of data being generated by this authorities and even an ISP to report your iWoofer
website does not constitute a real DoS
attack, but rather appears geared to
findings so that they can take down the
site quickly and efficiently.” Q I have tried to purchase
the Apple iWoofer as
annoy the recipient. Symantec doesn’t featured in Web User. Neither
encourage people the Apple store in Regent
to take action Street nor iWorld.co.uk sell
against phishers this piece of kit. Do you
through sites know whether it is actually
such as this. in this country and where
Instead we I can buy one?
recommend Steve Turner, via email
consumers act
to protect
themselves from A Web User replies:
The iWoofer iPod Speaker System is
phishing attacks definitely available at www.iworld.co.uk
through their for £95. There are two models, the
own vigilance iWoofer fits the iPod Video and all other
and through docking iPods and the iWoofer nano fits
anti-phishing the iPod nano and iPod shuffle only.
software.”
Carole Theriault, Amazon sales
senior security
consultant at Q I would like to start selling my stuff
on the internet, like books and
DVDs. Is it true you can sell your things
to Amazon?
not required. So why is the request made, G R Hunter, via email
Virus beater and just what do Pixmania do with the
Thank you so much for your excellent
Issue 140, with the special feature on
information that it receives? Pixmania
appears to be a French company. The A Web User replies:Well, you can sell
items via Amazon rather than to it.
‘best free software’. I have solved my handbook to my product was in French – Amazon.co.uk’s Marketplace lets you
computer virus infection with one of your which I do not sufficiently understand. buy and sell new, used, collectable and
recommended free anti-virus packages. If I want a copy of the manual I need to print refurbished items on the same page that
It was so fortunate for me to come across this from the CD supplied which, I admit, Amazon displays an item on the website.
your magazine at the time when I needed I was notified about at the time of order. You can sell books, CDs, DVDs, videos,
help. I have never had such good value for so What no one told me was that the video games and electronics items.
little expense. And what is more important instruction booklet is over 200 pages.
is that I have found a computer magazine Philip, via email Sporty search
that is quite readable.
P Lee, via email Q You recently reviewed a website
that provided details about joining
local sports clubs (identifying what was
Pixmania proof available in your area, with contacts
I too received the demand for personal and details for the sport indicated).
details from Pixmania (Star Letter, Issue What was it?
141), but being concerned about identity Rydell, via email
theft, I declined the ‘demand’. I was also a
little upset that this requirement was not
brought to my attention when I originally A Web User replies: Sportsbase
(www.sportsbase.co.uk) is a
undertook the purchase. Despite sending no directory of sports clubs, sporting venues
documents or proof, I received an order and fitness centres in the UK and Ireland.
saying my order was being processed. It includes 35,000 clubs covering 70
Therefore it appears the documents are sports and fitness activities including
aerobics, salsa, golf and tennis.

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Yes 35% No 65% (Source: www.webuser.co.uk) 17 August 2006 19

 BESTNEW We review this fortnight’s crop
WEBSITES
SITE OF THE FORTNIGHT
BBC Tribe
www.bbc.co.uk/tribe
Our rating ★★★★★
If you’ve ever wanted to escape the strains of modern life
and try a simpler way of life with some of the world’s
forgotten races, then the BBC’s Tribe website is for you.
The website is an accompaniment to adventurer Bruce
Parry’s TV series and gives users unprecedented access to
the lives of the various tribes he visits. The site contains
details of the first series as well as a week-by-week look
at the most recent series, which aired on BBC2. The
former Marine Commando lived with tribes in areas as
diverse as Ethiopia and the Himalayas to gain an insight
into unique and ancient ways of living. You can view tons of
video clips online and sign up for a newsletter that details
Parry’s latest travels. There is also an interactive look at
each tribe that includes history, maps and image galleries
of their daily life. The site is a huge resource of information
about various languages, survival techniques and the
issues faced by tribes across the world. You can even send
in a question to our intrepid explorer. It’s interesting stuff
we haven’t seen elsewhere on the web.

Lily Allen
www.lilyallenmusic.com
Our rating ★★★★★
Pop songstress Lily Allen
has already topped the UK
charts, largely thanks to her
extremely popular MySpace Transaid
page that lets people listen www.transaid.org
to her tracks before they are
released. Now with a new
Our rating ★★★★★
album out, Keith Allen’s Charity Transaid uses transport
daughter also has a new to try to improve the lives of
website. The homepage people in the developing world
offers all the usual band-site by increasing access to basic
treats – images, news and services and medical equipment.
tracks to listen to, but also This lively and interesting
features an entertaining website contains details of all the
and candid blog, a chat area, organisation’s latest projects,
and a downloads section which are mainly in sub-Saharan
where you can buy her Africa at present, and explains
tracks. It’s a great place to how to get involved. You can
get an insight into this access information on everything
summer’s pop sensation. from irrigation in Malawi to
medical care in Kenya. Signing
up to the newsletter could also
win you a pair of Barclays
Premiership tickets. The site has
a great Flash game that
highlights the problems facing
health workers in Africa and
there’s a page for the charity’s
‘Supporter of the Month’.

20 17 August 2006 Our website of the fortnight one year ago www.bargainholidays.com Featuring more than two
 BESTNEWWEBSITES
of the best new and revamped websites

Travelbag
www.travelbag.co.uk
Our rating ★★★★★
Global travellers have long known about the Travelbag
website and network of shops, but the firm has now
unveiled a new online design. The website is bolder,
much easier to navigate and now has several quick links Bravia Advert We Will Buy Your Car
to popular online areas. The new-look homepage has a www.bravia-advert.com www.wewillbuyyourcar.com
Reviews by Quentin Reade, Ross Wigham, Toby Earle and Veronique De Freitas
box providing details of all the current special offers,
and gap-year travellers can click straight through to
Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★
details of round-the-world tickets. You can access If you’ve ever wondered about This new site lets consumers
flights, hotels and car hire from a search box on the that infectious Sony TV cut out the Arthur Daleys and
homepage or sign up for the company’s newsletter. The advertisement where thousands tyre kickers by selling their cars
revamped site of colourful balls are bouncing directly over the internet. The
contains bags down the street to quirky site is aimed at car owners who
of essential musical accompaniment from are too busy to sell vehicles in
travel Jose Gonzalez, then you’re not the small ads or deal with a
information the only one. Click on Balls to stream of prospective buyers.
and seems a read all about how it was made Once details are entered into the
lot easier to and watch clips of Gonzalez site you will usually be presented
use than performing live in London. After with an instant offer and an
other sites in sending 250,000 multi- agreed date of collection. There
the market. coloured ‘superballs’ bouncing is no bill for advertising the car
down the streets of San and sellers don’t have to deal
Francisco, Sony’s next series of with strangers calling at work or
ads has a lot to live up to. home. The site will make
Read all about the next an instant offer for most
wave at this site, and cars under six years old
check out the behind the and the money is
scenes footage and transferred directly into
regular video dairies customers’ bank
from the set. accounts. Easy.

million flights and holidays from every major tour operator in the UK 17 August 2006 21
 BESTNEWWEBSITES
BLOG ON C
One Old Green Bus
http://doubledecker
buses.org/blog
‘It’s better to give than receive’
goes the old saying. Many
people appear to agree and
are only too happy to donate
money online. Not to charities,
but to strangers who’ve turned
their financial dreams into an
online event. Remember
Karyn Bosnak’s credit card
debt that was paid off by
complete strangers donating
money to her site? For some
reason, being part of these
online incidents really does
appeal to many people, so if
you’re feeling generous, here’s
your chance to help someone.
Matthew James Didier
wants a big green double
decker bus. He reckons that if
he and his family manage to
raise the $20,000 it will take
to renovate it, their lives will
be complete. And who are we
to deny him such happiness?
So raid the piggy bank, and
give someone you don’t know
your money.
C Washing powder manufacturer Persil has
BLOG OFF
Farah Damji
www.myspace.com/
farahdamji
Blogging is a great way to
keep in touch with all your
friends, but in Farah’s case,
it was a great way to let
the police know she’d
legged it from jail and was
enjoying being free. The
ex-magazine editor is now
back in prison and won’t be
updating her blog for a while
yet, we imagine.
22 17 August 2006
We review this fortnight’s crop
Isabella Oliver Podcast User Magazine Primal Scream
www.isabellaoliver.com www.podcastuser www.primalscream.net
Our rating ★★★★★ magazine.com Our rating ★★★★★
Pregnant women looking for Our rating ★★★★★ Primal Scream fans won’t be
stylish maternity clothes can Podcast User Magazine is disappointed by the new home
now head online to a UK version dedicated to the latest of the Mercury Prize
of popular US shop Isabella online phenomenon and the winning rockers. The
Oliver. The chic site offers technology that lets you fresh-looking home
reasonable prices, along with create or download radio page features a video
sections that narrow searches shows. The free online player with interviews,
for the perfect maternity magazine is available in PDF all the latest tracks and
outfit into various categories format and can be downloaded some ‘secret videos’ from the
designed to make it easier to from the site or delivered directly band. One great touch is the
find clothing based on to your PC using a Podcast keypad, which lets you type in
trimester, body shape, Aggregator. It contains the name of your favourite
size and on budget. news and reviews of the Primal Scream song and play
Important style tips latest software and the videos for older tracks such
and advice will help hardware, along with as Come Together. As well as
women find the information on podcasts all the usual stuff like news
easiest ways to look from around the globe, and tour dates, fans can also
good throughout written in a clear and easy- register with the site to join the
pregnancy. to-read style. mailing list.
To enjoy even more website reviews, visit www.webuser.co.uk/sites
Persil Be My Coach
www.persilbemycoach.co.uk
Our rating ★★★★★
put together a great-looking new site to
encourage parents to play sports with their
children. Fronted by Dame Kelly Holmes
and Steven Gerrard, the site is divided into
two sections, one for parents and one for
children. While the flashy and colourful
design makes it harder to navigate than
most sites, with a bit of patience there is a
wealth of information on here, including a
section on how to get a coaching kit (you’ll
need to buy some Persil and collect
tokens), one on the importance of getting
active and a corner with advice from
experts. There is also a personal Desktop
coach to download.
Steven Gerrard holds the
uniquely shaped Persil Skills Ball
and Kelly Holmes displays the
contents of the Persil Skills Kit
Our website of the fortnight one year ago www.livefootballontv.co.uk – Does what it says: lists
 of the best new and revamped websites
Bounty Decathlon
www.bountydecathlon.com
Our rating ★★★★★
This tongue-in-cheek site is the brainchild of Bounty Kitchen
Towels and takes its cross-dressing house husband TV
characters into cyberspace. The Bounty Decathlon is based on
the popular TV adverts and is basically a series of online games
involving house work. It’s much more fun than
it sounds, with games involving toilet
cleaning, flipping fried eggs and
protecting the barbecue. You get 30
seconds to complete each game
successfully and move onto the next
level. The characters from the ads –
Brenda and Audrey – feature in all of
the games and bring more of the
same unique humour. Competitors
can automatically send an email to
challenge friends to beat their high
score. Addictive and good clean fun.
Trouble Homegrown
www.troublehomegrown www.jaguar.co.uk/newxkr www.download
.co.uk Our rating ★★★★★ christina.com
Our rating ★★★★★ Jaguar’s new sports car will Our rating ★★★★★
In the post-Pop Idol world
anyone can be a star, or at least
that’s what television executives
would have you believe. This
new site from TV network
Trouble is a kind of online talent
show where you can post
pictures and videos of unique
skills or simply add images
where you are just being
yourself. There is some fun stuff
on here if you wade through the
uploads, and each month the
best material from registered
users of the site is used on the
digital TV channel. You can also
use the site as a quick way to
enter the channel’s Bump &
Grind dance competition. We
know you want to.
all the live football coming up on the box
BESTNEWWEBSITES
Linese
www.linese.com
Our rating ★★★★★
It’s often said that Chinese
languages are the most difficult
to learn, but the Chinese
government hopes its new site
will help foreigners pick up
some Mandarin at least. The site
features audio-visual
presentations, interactive
exercises and advice for
teachers of Chinese. While parts
of the site don’t work that well,
and some even appear to be
unfinished, with a bit of
determined surfing it may be
possible to pick up some of the
lingo. Of more use to most of us
will be the photographs and
information about China’s
famous landmarks and stars
such as kung-fu actor Jackie
Chan and basketball player
Yao Ming.
Jaguar XKR
leave you with little change from
£70,000, but if you want to
find out more, this great-looking
new site will answer most of
your questions. The site kicks off
with a video showing the car
going through its paces, and
then lets you enter three
sections – Drive, Feel and See.
Drive features details of the car’s
engineering, while Feel and See
offer galleries of its interior and
exterior. The photos can be
downloaded as wallpapers and
a nifty feature lets you change
the colour and styling of the
car inside and out.
Good fun
for petrol-
heads.
C
GIVEITAMISS
Peugeot 207
www.207.peugeot.co.uk
Our rating ★★★★★
This site boasts that the new
Peugeot 207 will be the ‘ride
of your life’ and continues the
CCTV theme used on the
television adverts. Of course,
the site features every detail
you could possibly need
about the car including all the
specifications, performance
figures and safety test results,
as well as an extensive gallery
of pictures. But while the
home page features some
nice animation, unless you
fancy buying the cars there
isn’t anything else
here that makes
for interesting
surfing.
Download Christina
Fans of American starlet
Christina Aguilera and soft drink
Pepsi might enjoy this site. Miss
Aguilera is the latest face of
Pepsi, and fans can download
videos of the latest campaign
featuring her music, see how the
advert was made, and even
download it to a mobile phone.
There are also wallpaper and
screensaver downloads with
Christina in various national
costumes from around the
world. As you would expect, it’s
all slickly put together, and you
can also enter a
competition
to win a
Sony mobile
phone.
17 August 2006 23
FEATURE

SECRETS TO A
LIFE HACKING

Another day, another web phenomenon. This time it’s life hacking, a flurry of
sites crammed with tips to make your life easier. By Jane Hoskyn

D
o you ever feel like you’re running
to stand still? In 2003, technology
writer Danny O’Brien hated never
getting anything done despite being
constantly busy. So he asked 70
“sickeningly overprolific” people how
they juggled their lives. He gathered
together their best tips, called them
“life hacks”, and shared them in an
industry conference speech. Overnight,
Danny became a messiah to a million
overworked people.
The definition of “life hack” quickly
expanded to mean any tip that solves
an everyday problem in a clever way,
and a rash of websites jumped aboard
the bandwagon. Read on to find out the
ones we consider worth a look.

Lifehacker www.lifehacker.com
Professional blog network
Gawker launched this site
in early 2005, riding the
wave of Danny O’Brien’s ‘life
hack’ craze.
What we liked: Lifehacker is
like a good cover version of an
old song – it improves on the
original (in this case, our Silver Award
winner, 43 Folders). The site’s mission
statement sums up life hacking beautifully:
“Computers make us more productive.
Yeah, right. Lifehacker recommends the
software downloads and websites that
actually save time. Don’t live to geek; geek
to live.” We couldn’t resist a closer look.
Popular recent posts are linked at the top,
and they tend to be computer-related. But
scroll down the entries, scores of which are
added every day by editor Gina Trapani and
her army of clued-in bloggers, and a wider-
ranging remit emerges: Top 10 summer
cocktails, Keep your hair chlorine-free, Get
good at delivering bad news. And all topics are
covered with wit and genuine insight.
Wading through the posts might seem at
odds with the life-hacker philosophy, but
Lifehacker has that worked out, too. “Too
much Lifehacker every day can get you
down,” it says, inviting you to subscribe to the
Friday Highlights round-up. There’s also an
RSS feed, plus a searchable archive and FAQ.
What we didn’t like: Lifehacker is the only
one of our top three sites that doesn’t have
a community discussion board, though
users can comment on each post. A couple
of sidebars of links to recent posts or topic
categories would also make navigating the
archive a lot easier.
Quality of content ★★★★★
Breadth of topics ★★★★★
Site features ★★★★★
Site navigation ★★★★★
OVERALL ★★★★★

43 Folders www.43folders.com
San Francisco writer, musician
and sometime web developer
Merlin Mann launched the
original life-hacking blog two
years ago, and it soon merged
with a site run by Danny O'Brien.
What we liked: Don’t be fooled
by the sparse exterior, because
43 Folders is fill of wit, warmth
and community spirit. Click Archive in the
right-hand sidebar to browse by topic –
Home life, Mind and spirit, Productivity
and so on – or to read a list of post titles,
many of which are a variation on “how to
get the most out of your Mac OS”. Merlin
delivers the latest tips in a podcast, and
there’s a companion ‘wiki’ site (http://
wiki.43folders.com), Google Group
(www.43folders.com/group) and
messageboard (http://board.
43folders.com). For non-RSS
updates, type your email address
into the bottom-right box.
What we didn’t like: Links to the
wiki and messageboard are buried
in tiny letters right at the bottom.
And because Merlin is hopelessly
devoted to his Mac, you can count
the PC tips here on the fingers of
one mitten.
The other reason we’ve pushed
43 Folders into second place is the volume
of posts – one a day, compared with Quality of content ★★★★★
Lifehacker’s five or six. But that’s a small Breadth of topics ★★★★★
quibble. Quality of blog posts is vastly more Site features ★★★★★
important than quantity, and if you’re a Mac
user this site should go straight to the top of Site navigation ★★★★★
your bookmarks list. OVERALL ★★★★★

24 17 August 2006

BETTER LIFE
Lifehack www.lifehack.org
This community-
based blog
was launched
in May 2005,
hard on the
heels of the more
polished
Lifehacker.
What we liked:
Like 43 Folders, Lifehack
has embraced the web’s
community potential. ‘Latest
Community Activity’ is listed
at the top, with links to
discussions, from the obscure
(Swiss Army knife
recommendations), to the very
useful (how to retrieve your
Hotmail password). More homepage
menus list the most popular blog posts,
including ‘How to download Google Video’
and ‘20 things they don’t want you to
know’ (“you never have to pay full price”,
that kind of thing).
Stay up-to-date by subscribing to
RSS feeds and podcasts, and by signing
up for email alerts.
What we didn’t like: Lifehack may seem
to have the best of Lifehacker and 43
Folders – broad topics and a busy
community – but it lacks the
FEATURE
LIFE HACKING
SEVEN GREAT LIFE-BOOSTING TIPS
Clean your PC with a Post-It note
http://tinyurl.com/k9kq2
The stickier the note, the
e!
better it is at cleaning dust,
l e an m
crumbs and gunk from your C
keyboard – especially from
between the keys.
Remember names
www.43folders.com/2006/07/10/
remember-names
Always get Steve mixed up with Simon?
Then follow these clued-up tips to
giving names to faces.
Prepare pre-holiday check-list
www.ehow.com/how_135840_
sophistication of Lifehacker and the prepare-vacation-
charisma of 43 Folders, often sounding countdown.html
like an “improve your cashflow” email An impressively thorough
from your bank’s marketing department. three-month countdown to
Broken links stopped us exploring the making sure your holiday
forum properly. plans go smoothly.
★★★★★ Lace your shoes properly
Quality of content http://tinyurl.com/z5dsd
Breadth of topics ★★★★★ Seriously – you can make your feet fit
Site features ★★★★★ more snugly into your shoes with these
Site navigation ★★★★★ inventive techniques.
OVERALL ★★★★★ Speed-read a book
www.lifehack.org/articles/
lifehack/speed-reading-
techniques.html
Skim through huge books
with these hints. Apparently
you can train your peripheral
vision to absorb large
amounts of data.
Never cut yourself shaving again
www.43folders.com/2006/06/07/
shaving-tips
Top tips for ensuring a smoother shave.
It encourages you to ‘splurge’ on
shaving cream.
Pour ketchup correctly
www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/
pouring-ketchup-technique.html
Did you know that holding
the bottle upside down
and tapping the bottom
is not the optimum
ketchup-pouring
technique? Instead, hold it
sideways and tap the lower
‘neck’ of the bottle.
17 August 2006 25
 FILM & TV
This fortnight’s best FREE downloads
MUSIC
PAGE 28

Mamba jumbo

Snakes On a Plane
Available: Fri 18 Aug
From: www.mymovies.net
This disaster movie has garnered a loyal online fanbase simply
because of its brilliant name. In fact, Samuel L Jackson has said
he only took the lead due to the title. When it was changed to
the less imaginative Pacific Air Flight 121 the uproar was
enough to force the producer to backtrack. As for the plot – the
deadly serpents are released by an assassin hoping to kill the
main witness in a forthcoming trial.

ONLINE TV TREATS
Rob Brydon’s Annually Retentive
www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree
Catch this
splendid
satire of
comedy
panel shows
fronted by
Rob Brydon,
perhaps best known for his character
Keith Barron, the desperately optimistic
cab driver. Here he plays himself as an
utter rotter who’s constantly insulting
his guests. Inspired.

Richard and Judy

http://geo.channel4.com/player/
simulcast/index.jsp
Unable to find
a TV when
Richard’s
placing both
feet in his
You, Me and Dupree
mouth and Available: Fri 25 Aug
Judy’s From: www.mymovies.net
interrupting Owen Wilson must love weddings: first he played it for laughs
their guests? Then click on this link and in The Wedding Crashers, and now he’s a best man who
tune into the nattily titled ‘simulcast’, won’t leave the home of his mate (Matt Dillion) and new wife
which is broadcast at, yes, the same (Kate Hudson).
time as the couple’s show airs on telly.

26 17 August 2006 Get 6 issues of Web User for £1 – see page 51 for details
 GAMES SOFTWARE
PAGE 30 PAGE 31 FILM & TV
SHORT FILMS
1The Moment
www.atomfilms.com/af/content/
moment
This is only 25
seconds, so
won’t keep you
occupied for long,
but the premise is
whizzed through
when other short
films would
labour the point. A bloke starts checking
out his reflection, not realising
humiliation is only seconds away.

2Leap of Faith
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/filmnetwork/
A11664768
At first sight this little yellow robot
appears to have thrown himself off a
gloomy bridge, unable to cope with the
A Scanner Darkly oppressing city he lives in. But then his
bungee cord tightens and that’s when
Available: Fri 18 Aug the story takes a neat twist.
A stunning hybrid of animation and live action (known as
rotoscoping) from director Richard Linklater, this adaptation of
sci-fi author Philip K Dick’s novel stars Keanu Reeves, Winona
Ryder and Woody Harrelson. Stupendous and mind-blowing.
The first 24 minutes are free to watch at http://
3Parallel/Parallel
www.undergroundfilm.org/films/
detail.tcl?wid=1028848
A very clever experimental film about
uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/scanner_darkly/trailers.php. two parallel worlds that are filmed side-
by-side. The thin fabric separating them
slowly begins to dissolve leading to, as
BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS any self-respecting physicist would tell
you, chaos. Almost understandably,
Lost auditions clip there are a few sweary outbursts from
http://tinyurl.com/zjctv the shocked inhabitants.
Now international
megastars with
permanent suntans
after spending so much
4Town Planner
www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2746697
After going
time in Hawaii, Sawyer, through
Hurley and other Lost years of
stalwarts were once schooling
jobbing actors. Watch their auditions for the and higher
show here. education
to become
a qualified
TV COMPETITION town

Win 1 of 5 Black
planner, what would your first step be?
Plan a village? What about a small
Books DVDs! commuter hamlet? Or would you pack it
in and head to New York to become a
Marilyn Hotchkiss’ This DVD box-set contains
all three hilarious series of
country singer, like this chap?
Ballroom Dancing & the excellent Channel 4
Charm School
Available: Fri 25 Aug
comedy Black Books.
That’s 18 side-splitting
episodes starring Dylan
5The Kiss
www.channel4.com/film/reviews/
film.jsp?id=111194
A bit of a racy sex comedy this, with a
From: www.mymovies.net Moran, Bill Bailey and
frustrated wife narked off at her husband
The frontrunner for the ‘Longest Film Tamsin Greig. To stand a chance of
for spending too much time fixing his car
Title of the Year’ award is a time- winning one of the five copies we’re giving
and not enough with her in the bedroom.
skipping drama starring Robert Carlyle, away, just answer the question posed at
Then their gay neighbour (Hugo
who gains meaning in life by looking www.webuser.co.uk/competitions.
Weaving, before he made his name in
for the long-lost love of a dying man
(John Goodman).
• The Complete Black Books is out to
buy now through Channel 4 DVD priced
The Matrix and Lord of the Rings) starts
working on the car.
£29.99.

Get the latest updates at www.webuser.co.uk/downloaded 17 August 2006 27

 MUSIC
This fortnight’s best FREE downloads

FESTIVAL COVERAGE
Carling Weekend: Reading Festival
Live performances (video)
Available: From Fri 25 Aug
From: www.tiscali.co.uk/reading
If you want to enjoy some excellent festival
coverage from the mud-free sanctuary of your
home, visit Tiscali’s official Carling Weekend
site, which will capture the excitement from
the Reading half of the event. There will be
substantial almost-live coverage of bands
playing the Main Stage, which will be archived
so you can access them on-demand. Once the
Festival has finished, Tiscali will put its video
package of exclusive backstage sessions and
interviews recorded during the Festival online.
It all adds up to a superb bundle of blistering
live footage.

ALSO ONLINE
LILY ALLEN
Single: LDN (audio)
Available: Now
The chart-topping starlet’s
new single isn’t out until 25
September, but you can catch
it now at MySpace.
From: www.myspace.com/
lillyballen
AOL SESSIONS
Behind-the-scenes clips
(video)
Available: Now
Watch sound checks, outtakes
and other impromptu footage
as Paul Weller, Keane and
The Streets prepare for their
AOL sessions.
From: www.aol.co.uk/music
BASEMENT JAXX
Album tracks (audio)
Available: Now
Listen to the tracks Hush Boy
and Hey You from the duo’s
new album Crazy Itch Radio.
From: www.myspace.com/
basementjaxx
THE FRATELLIS
Live session (video)
Available: Now
The Scottish band play tracks
from their forthcoming album
Costello Music.
From: www.aol.co.uk/music
KEANE
Live session (video)
Available: Now
Catch six live tracks from the
indie trio.
From: www.aol.co.uk/music
THE KILLERS
Single: When You Were Young
(audio)
Available: Now
The Killers return with a new
single in September. Get a
taste of it here.
From: www.myspace.com/
thekillers
ROBBIE WILLIAMS
Single: Rudebox (audio)
Available: Now
Robbie’s new single isn’t
released until 4 September, but
you can download it now at
MySpace.
From: www.myspace.com/
robbiewilliams12345
THE DEARS
Album: Gang of Losers (audio)
Available: Mon 21 Aug
Hear the new album from the
Canadian six-piece a week
before it hits the shops.
From: www.nme.com
MCALMONT & BUTLER
Live session (audio)
Available: Tues 22 Aug
The reunited duo play three
tracks, including the new
single Speed.
From: www.xfm.co.uk
KASABIAN
Live session (audio)
Available: Sat 26 Aug
Hear the Leicester band in
session on Radio 2’s Dermot
O’Leary show. It will be
available online for a week
after broadcast.
From: www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/
shows/dermot
LIAM FROST
Live session (audio)
Available: Mon 28 Aug
The Manchester singer-
songwriter performs live on
Radio 2. Listen out for the
recent single The Mourners
of St Paul’s.
From: www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/
shows/radcliffe

28 17 August 2006 Get 6 issues of Web User for £1 – see page 51 for details
 iTUNES TIP AUDIO
This fortnight’s best FREE downloads
Exercise parental control
If you’re worried about your kids running up your This fortnight’s best free spoken-word highlights on the web
credit card bill by buying songs from the iTunes
music store without your knowledge, you can
prevent access to it. Click on the Edit menu and
select Preferences, then click the Parental Control
PODCAST PICK
tab. Select the Disable Music Store option in the DOCTOR WHO
Sources list and click OK. You can also use this www.gallifreyanembassy.org/portal/index.php
feature to prevent If you’re still mourning the end of the second
young eyes series of the new Dr Who, not to mention Billie
viewing explicit Piper’s farewell, check out The Doctor Who
content offered by Podshock. Run by the Gallifreyan Embassy
the store, while website, it’s a weekly bulletin devoted to the
allowing access face-changing Timelord. With input from fans
to the rest of it. around the world – as well as Britain – it’s a
testament to the show’s enduring popularity.

BETTER THAN iPOD?

Microsoft Zune
If anyone can topple Apple from
the top of the MP3 player tree,
it’s likely to be its old nemesis
Microsoft. The company's long-
awaited portable audio device,
the Zune, has now been confirmed
for launch later this year, boasting
a 30GB hard drive, large screen,
Wi-Fi, FM radio and the ability to
download tracks on the fly from
online music stores. There will be
black, brown and cotton colour models to choose
from and at least 13 accessories. The price has yet
to be confirmed, but you can register for updates at
www.comingzune.com.
A-Z OF FREE MUSIC
THE DOORS
www.thedoors.com
Tune into Doors radio for non-stop classics.
DURAN DURAN
www.lizardking
duran.com/
audio_station.htm
Huge collection
of bootlegs and
B-sides.
DEPECHE MODE
http://archives.depechemode.com/video
Watch gig footage, videos, rare TV appearances and
exclusive clips.
SPEECH! SPEECH!
APOLLO 11 MOON
LANDINGS
www.historyplace.com/
unitedstates/apollo11
A compendium of audio
goodies relating to the Apollo
11 Moon landing in 1969.
You can hear Neil Armstrong’s
famous words as he first steps
onto the lunar surface, Richard
Nixon’s congratulatory phone
call to Buzz Aldrin and John F
Kennedy’s 1962 promise to
reach the Moon by the end of
the decade. They made it with
just five months to spare.
D
COMEDY CLIP
NORMAN WISDOM
www.normanwisdom.com
The biggest star of post-war
British cinema is honoured in
this collection of film trailers,
starting with the much-loved
1953 gem Trouble In Store, in which Wisdom sang what became his theme
tune Don’t Laugh At Me (Cause I’m a Fool).

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK POETS’ CORNER

Dictionary karaoke
www.dictionaraoke.org
Ever wondered how Bohemian Rhapsody would
sound performed by a choir of androids? No, us
neither. But this
collection of hits ‘sung’
by talking online
dictionaries is strangely
fascinating. Some of the
tracks almost work as
funky slices of electro-
pop. Some of them may
make you want to run
away screaming.
SYLVIA PLATH
www.salon.com/
audio/2000/10/05/plath
Listen to Sylvia Plath, one of
the great tortured poets of the
20th century, read two
poems – Black Rook in Rainy
Weather and Noember
Graveyard. Both were
written in 1956, seven
years before she killed
herself aged 30.

Get the latest updates at www.webuser.co.uk/downloaded 17 August 2006 29

 GAMES
This fortnight’s best FREE downloads
PIRATES OF THE
CARIBBEAN: THE
LEGEND OF JACK SPARROW
(Game preview)
From: http://pirates.bethsoft
.com/movies.html
This piratical outing is a rip-
roaring, swash-buckling action
game, boasting loads of
showboating swordplay.
STRIDER v0.3.5.1 –
For Half-Life 2
(Game extra)
From: www.stridermod
.com/download.htm
Fancy playing Half-Life 2
deathmatch online, but in
those huge War of the
Worlds-style strider
machines? The latest version
of this mod includes multiple
bug fixes.

Panzer Elite Action: Dunes Kudos (Demo)

of War (Demo) From: www.kudosgame.com
From: www.gamershell.com/download_14635.shtml Download the Kudos demo for a
This single-player demo of Dunes of War (a standalone taste of this Sims-style life
expansion for Panzer Elite Action) is now available. Who simulator. Decide on your career,
knows why you’d want to fight over a huge pile of sand, friends and relationships, and
but in this tank-based action game you must battle for even small details like which TV
control of the North African desert. The full game will be channel to watch. Don’t expect
released in the Autumn. fancy graphics though – this one’s
all about the gameplay.

SPORT Tennis: US
Open
Rugby League:
Powergen Cup Final
Live video
Available: Sat 26 Aug
From: www.bbc.co.uk/rugbyleague
It’s a David and Goliath affair this year, as Audio/video
unfancied Huddersfield take on Super Available: From Mon 28 Aug
League pace-setters St Helens. You can From: www.usopen.org
watch the whole match live on your The official site of the US Open
computer, as the BBC’s TV coverage will be simulcast online. has all you need to follow the
There are also video highlights from throughout the competition. tournament online. The radio
station broadcasts live

Cricket: C&G
commentary from all the big
matches, while the video
Trophy Final section shows highlights at the
end of each day’s play. Dig a
Audio little deeper to find podcasts,
Available: Sat 26 Aug press conferences and replays
From: www.bbc.co.uk/cricket of classic matches.
This final promises to be fascinating
as Lancashire and Sussex, two of the
County Championship front-runners, clash
at Lords. Live commentary is available from
the Beeb’s cricket site, courtesy of Radio Five Live,
while the video archive is packed with interviews from
the tournament’s main players.

30 17 August 2006
 SOFTWARE
This fortnight’s best FREE downloads

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Adobe Lightroom
Although this new tool is aimed primarily at
professional photographers, anyone with an eye
for composition and colour can use it to improve
their digital images.
Photos are stored in the Library and categorised
by collections, shoots and keywords. A choice of
views is available – grid, loupe and compare – and
you can easily flick between different images and
zoom in and out at speed. Lightroom loads even
the largest of photos almost immediately.
The Quick Develop panel lets you adjust a
photo’s exposure, brightness, contrast and
saturation, but there are plenty more calibration
tools, effects and presets accessible in the
Develop module. The further into the program
you delve, the more features you uncover.
Adobe Lightroom is a beta product and subject Download at: http://labs.adobe.com/
to change during the course of its development. technologies/lightroom
It’s free at the moment but the software will expire Minimum requirements: Windows XP,
in January 2007. Pentium 4 processor, 1GB RAM
File size: 6.9MB

GAME
Oolite 1.65
The idea of this game is to
fly from planet to planet,
buying and selling goods.
Along the way you’ll
encounter police and
pirate ships, and you
can even become a pirate
yourself. It’s based on the
classic Eighties game
Elite, and while the
graphics have been
updated, Oolite still has
a cool retro vibe to it.
Download at:
http://oolite.aegidian.org
Minimum requirements: Windows
File size: 18.8MB
SCREENSAVER
Galaxy God
Galaxy God is a clever
screensaver that picks one of
your digital photos at random
and explodes it into hundreds
of thousands of pixels.
These fly around the screen,
building up into celestial
bodies, which collide with one
another before eventually Download at:
forming a single planet www.galaxygod.com
complete with its own orbiting Minimum requirements:
satellites. It sounds a bit weird, Windows
but it’s endlessly fascinating. File size: 1.31MB

DESKTOP TOOL GAME

SideSlide Scorched 3D
You’re in charge of a
This useful little program tank loaded with
hides at the edge of your missiles and your task
screen, appearing the is to destroy all the
moment you hover your other tanks scattered
mouse pointer over it. around an island base.
The SideSlide can store To fire at them you set
program shortcuts, files, the angle, direction and
folders, bookmarks Download at: www.northglide power of each shot. It’s
and notes, with .com/sideslide.html turn based, so there’s Download at:
everything neatly sorted Minimum requirements: Windows the risk of your own www.scorched3d.co.uk
into individual and File size: 1.58MB tank being destroyed Minimum requirements: Windows
resizable windows. while you’re still trying File size: 43MB
to hit a target.

Get our top 10 free programs at www.webuser.co.uk/freesoftware 17 August 2006 31

 the biggest brands at low low prices
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WORKSHOP SPECIAL PULL
O& KUEETP
PRACTICAL 18 pages of
WEBUSER practical help & advice

PC SKILLS
YOUR
PracticalWorkshops
How to make Windows XP secure 34
Create high-quality audio tracks 36
Make your own DivX movies 37
How to set up a spam filter 38
Brighten up sky in digital photos 39
Store your passwords securely 40
Integrate a blog into your website 41
PLUS! Our regular Practical section
PracticalFeature 42
Network your music collection

Hints&Tips 45
The best tips sent in by readers this issue

PracticalExplorer 46
The low-down on Windows Media Player

ProblemSolver 48
Our experts answer your questions

DIY WebPages 50
Readers’ websites/web-building advice

I
sn’t it great when you learn a new PC tip and use it for the
first time? Discovering new ways to reinforce your security,
spruce up your digital photos or download better quality
music is extremely satisfying, and makes your time online more
enjoyable and efficient. So in this issue we’ve assembled our
biggest ever Practical section – 18 pages of terrific tips,
amazing advice and wonderful workshops delivering crystal-
clear step-by-step guidance. Never before have we devoted so
much space to boosting your PC expertise. Get stuck in and
you’ll find yourself a smarter computer user within hours.

17 August 2006 33
PRACTICALWEBUSER WORKSHOP SPECIAL
Secure Windows XP
X
P might well be Microsoft’s most secure operating system to
date, but it is still at risk from online threats. You could find
your PC bombarded with viruses, Trojans and worms,
1 Install patches and critical updates
as soon as they become available
by using Automatic Updates. Go to
Start, Settings then Control Panel.
Click on Performance and
Maintenance then ‘See basic
information...’ then click on System.
(If you view the Control Panel using the
Classic View, the System icon will
appear when you select Control
Panel). Select the Automatic Updates
tab 1 then select Automatic
(recommended) 2 and hit OK.
2 If you’d prefer to control
which updates to install
you can opt for a manual
update instead. Go to http://
windowsupdate.microsoft.
com. You can get high priority
updates by clicking Express 1
or choose your updates by
clicking Custom. 2
3
If you haven’t done so
already, you should update
Windows with Service Pack 2.
This adds several security
features and turns on the
Windows Firewall. Go to www.
microsoft.com/windowsxp/
sp2/default.mspx and click the
link 1 to download it.
4
The Windows Firewall helps
to prevent external attacks
on your computer. Go to Start,
Settings, Control Panel and
select Security Center. If the
firewall is off turn it on. 1 You
can also click on Windows
Firewall 2 to adjust its settings.
5
The Windows
Firewall lacks
outbound protection
– which means
malicious software
can still communicate
with the outside
world. You could
consider a more
secure option such
as ZoneAlarm from
www.zonelabs.com.
Make sure you
download the free version. 1
34 17 August 2006
Program: Windows XP
Time taken: 35 minutes
adware, spyware, hacker intrusions and more. But thankfully, by
taking some simple precautions and adopting sensible working
practices you can greatly reduce your exposure to such hazards.
1
6 A good anti-virus program
is essential (if you haven’t
got one try AVG Free from
http://free.grisoft.com) but it’s
also worth installing an anti- 1
spyware tool such as ewido
from www.ewido.net. Click on
Complete System Scan to
search for spyware and other
problems. 1
2
7 XP has two levels of user
security – Administrator
and Limited. It is much safer
to log-in as a limited user for 1
day-to-day usage. To add a
1 limited user account go to
2 Start, Settings, Control
Panel, User Accounts, click
on Create A New Account,
1 name it, then choose
Limited as the account type.
8
Limited users
aren’t
allowed to install
software (to avoid
1 security risks). 1
You can get round
this by right-
clicking on a
program you want
to install and
selecting ‘Run as…’ 1 from the menu. You will then need to log in
as an administrator to install the program.
1
9
XP user accounts are set up with blank passwords by default,
which isn’t especially safe. It’s easy, however, to assign a
2 password to each account . Go to the User Accounts screen (visited
in Step 7), select the account you want to add a password to, then
select ‘Create a password’. 1
1
1
Get more practical help and ideas at www.webuser.co.uk/forums
 PRACTICALWORKSHOP

10 For an additional layer of

security, you can remove
the friendly Welcome screen that
15 Right-click in the right window and select New, DWORD
Value. Give it the name of the account you want to hide. 1
This account won’t become entirely invisible – its profile will still be
greets you when you load XP 1 shown in the Documents and Settings folder – but it won’t appear
and replace it with the Windows on the Welcome screen.
2000 login box. From User
Accounts click on Change The
Way Users Log On Or Off. 1 On
the next page untick the Use The
Welcome Screen option.

11 If you have no need for

the Guest account you
should disable it. On the
User Accounts page, select 1
the Guest account. 1 On
the next page click the link to
Turn Off The Guest Account.
XP Home doesn’t properly
remove this account so you
1
should set a password, as
well as disabling it.

12 An
administrator
16 To
access
the account
account is set up you need to
automatically when restart the
you install XP. 3 computer (you
Renaming it can help can’t get into it
to thwart hackers. 1 2 if other users
Log in as an are logged on)
administrator and and press
right-click on My Ctrl+Alt+Del
Computer. Select twice at the Welcome screen to display the Log On To Windows
Manage, then select dialogue box. Enter the account login name/password to access it.
Local Users and Groups on the left 1 , and double click Users. 2

17
Click Administrator, 3 press F2 and give the account a new name.
If you have a

13
program you
Windows can create a very strong password for your account. think might be
Go to Start/ Run and type ‘command’. In the window type ‘net infected with a virus
user username /random’ 1 (replace ‘username’ with your account or spyware, you can
name). You MUST make a note of the password it supplies or you run it in a sandbox
won’t be able to log in next time Windows starts. environment (a
secure and
1
disposable section of
your hard disk or
memory) where it
1 won’t be able to
interfere with your
system files. Download Sandboxie from www.sandboxie.com. You

14
can sandbox any program by running it from the File menu. 1
It’s possible to hide

18
any existing account.
Go to Start/Run, type A sandboxed 1
‘regedit’ in the box and press program is
Enter. Navigate through the marked with a hash
registry editor to HKEY_ (#) sign in the title 2
LOCAL_MACHINE\ bar. 1 Click
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Sandboxie Control in
Windows NT\Current your system tray to
Version\Winlogon\Special view any contained
Accounts\UserList 1 by processes. 2 When
clicking on the little plus you’ve finished, close
signs. 2 2 your programs as
1 3
usual and select
Delete Contents of Sandbox. 3

17 August 2006 35
PRACTICALWEBUSER WORKSHOP SPECIAL
Create high-quality audio tracks Program: FLAC
Time taken: 15 minutes

MP3 might be the most popular audio format, but that doesn’t make
it the best. Like JPGs, the format is lossy – it strips out certain sounds.
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is a lossless alternative that
compresses music files, but doesn’t jettison any data so the quality
isn’t compromised. Download the Windows version from http://flac.
sourceforge.net/download.html. TIP: Before using FLAC, you should
download the free music player WinAmp (www.winamp.com), and
the free trial version of Nero (www.nero.com) if you don’t already use
it and want to try out its FLAC plug-in. When FLAC downloads it will
automatically add plug-ins to WinAmp and Nero.

1 To use the software you will

need some WAV tracks ripped
directly from a CD. Drag and drop
1
6 During the
compression
stage, FLAC adds
these files onto FLAC or use the ReplayGain 2
Add Files button. 1 Next, choose metadata to each
an encoding option. 2 0 is the track. This ensures
fastest, but offers the least 2 that all audio tracks 1
compression, while 8 is the slowest play at a consistent
but has the best compression. volume. You can
Around 5 or 6 is fine. alter the ReplayGain
options in WinAmp
3

2
by pressing Ctrl+P,
You can select a destination clicking Input in the
for the saved files. 1 The left-hand menu, 1 selecting FLAC decoder 2 and clicking
default is the same directory as Configure. 3
the source tracks. You can also

7
choose to delete the WAV files 2
once the program has finished Next, click the Output
with them 2 and continue 3 tab. 1 ReplayGain 1
decoding even if the program 1 offers two settings –
encounters errors. 3 RadioGain gives all tracks
the same perceived
2

3
loudness, while
When you’ve 2 AlbumGain looks at each
set all the track from the same CD on
options you can its own merits (so
begin the encoding intentionally quiet songs
process. Click the remain in context). Tick
Encode button. 1 Album Mode 2 to turn
The FLAC front-end this on. Leaving it unticked
will launch a will keep RadioGain on.
Command window 1
2 and start to

8
convert each track. Any errors will be shown here so pay careful
attention. When it has finished, press any key to close the window. When FLAC
was installed it

4
also added a plug-
FLAC files in for Nero that 3
compress by allows the CD-
around 33 per cent. authoring tool to rip
It’s a noticeable audio tracks
difference, but the directly into the
files are still huge in 1 FLAC format. To 2
comparison to use it, launch Nero 1
MP3s. You can test SmartStart,
your new FLAC files highlight the Audio
by dragging and icon (the musical note), and use the scrollbar at the bottom of
dropping them onto the program and clicking Test. 1 SmartStart until you see the Convert Audio CDs to Audio Files
option. Select Free Lossless Audio Codec in the Output File Format

5
box. 1 Click Settings 2 to set the compression level. 3
Most Windows audio players won’t
recognise FLAC files. To play them you will
1

need to install a special plug-in. However, when
you installed the FLAC software it will have
offered to install WinAmp (and the required
plug-in) for you. To listen to your new files
simply open them in WinAmp by dragging and
dropping them. 1
9
Just as you were able to encode Wav files
to the FLAC format, so you can do the
1 reverse using the FLAC converter. Drag your
2
tracks to the software 1 and click on
Decode. 2

36 17 August 2006 Get more practical help and ideas at www.webuser.co.uk/forums

 PRACTICALWORKSHOP

Make your own DivX movies Program: DivX

Time taken: 15 minutes

D
ivX allows compression of DVD-quality movies so they fit onto a
single CD, with little loss of quality. The free version (www.divx.
com) only lets you watch movies – to create them you will need
the Pro version, which costs $19.99 (about £10.81). However, a
15-day trial of the DivX Converter is included with the free download.
NOTE: You can’t play RealPlayer or Quicktime clips in DivX, so
you’ll need to convert them first. DivX is compatible with most other
formats, such as .WMV and .AVI.

1 DivX is very straightforward.

To use it all you have to do is
drag-and-drop your video file onto
6 Under Advanced you
can specify a custom
resolution 1 so the video
the converter. 1 The software will be stretched or squished
will quickly analyse the clip to accordingly to fit the display
make sure it is a format that it
1 you plan to watch it on. 1
can convert. You can click the padlock 2 3
button 2 to lock or unlock
the aspect ratio sliders. 3 4
You can also lower the bit-
rate of the file. 4 The lower

2
You can add as many
video files as you wish.
The converter will simply
queue them up. 1 You
can view the files you have
the bit-rate the smaller (and
poorer quality) the file will
1 be. The estimated file size is 5
2 shown here. 5
3

7
awaiting conversion by
clicking on View List. 2 The Media Options tab 1 1 2
You can delete any videos lets you select audio
from the queue by selecting them and clicking Remove. 3 tracks and also add subtitles. 3
Under File Information 2

3
you will be able to give your
You could just press the large video a title and specify the
Convert button 1 and let the type of movie and genre. 3
software get on with it, but there are You can also add information
some other options to consider first. such as copyright details. 4
Use the arrows to move left and
4
right, 2 and pick the output
resolution that best suits the type of 2
player you’ll be viewing the video
on. The options are Home Theatre, 1
High Def, Handheld and Portable.

4 If you want greater

control over the size,
quality and bit-rate of the 1 8 You can use the
converter to
finished video, click View 2 combine a series of 1
List. 1 Select one of the video clips into one
queued files, then click on multi-scene DivX file
Modify 2 to call up the with a menu. Click the 2
File Settings box. View List button 1
and tick Combine

5
Videos into a Single
You can change the video DivX File and Include Menu. 2 The videos must all be of the
profile using the drop- same resolution and frame rate.
down menu 1 and toggle the 1

9
available options between 3
Simple and Advanced. 2 If 2 Click
you want your video to be a set Convert 1
file size – to make sure it fits on to start the
a single CD or DVD for example process.
– you can choose it here. 3 Depending on 2
the size of your
video clips, 1
the conversion
could take a
while. A bar 2
shows you what percentage of video has been processed.

17 August 2006 37
PRACTICALWEBUSER WORKSHOP SPECIAL
Set-up a spam filter *NOT COMPATIBLE WITH HOTMAIL Program: Mailwasher Free
Time taken: 10 minutes

U
nsolicited commercial emails – or spam to give them their more
common name – are unfortunately a fact of internet life. But
that doesn’t mean you just have to put up with the tide of
annoying messages cluttering up your Inbox. A spam filter might not
stop every unwanted message, but it can certainly make a
difference. The program Mailwasher Free from www.mailwasher
.net is one of the better anti-spam tools, although you can’t use it on
Hotmail, unfortunately.

1 Mailwasher sits between the

mail server and your email
program and lets you view 1
6 Click the Check
Mail button 1
and the program
1
3
messages before they even make will show mail you
it into your Inbox. When the have waiting for 2
program starts for the first time
2 you online. 2 You
you will be presented with the can block
Accounts screen. 1 Click the Run messages from
Wizard button. 2 certain senders by
putting a tick next
to blacklist. 3 Mail

2 You have the option to let the

program set up an account
automatically, 1 or you can enter the
1
from blacklisted
accounts is
automatically marked for deletion. Select a message and press
details manually 2 if you prefer. The free Space to preview its contents.
version of Mail Washer only works with 2

7
one account.
Mailwasher lets
you bounce

3
messages back so 1
If you choose the 1 it looks to the
automatic option, the 2 spammer that your
program will search for address is no longer
details of existing email valid. To do this tick
accounts and display them 3 the Bounce box. 1
here. 1 It pulls these If a message
details from your email appears saying you
program (Outlook Express, can’t perform that
for example). If the account action, go to Tools,
you want is there select it Accounts and click
2 or deselect any others 4 the Properties button. Click the ‘Bouncing & outgoing mail’ tab and
3 and click on Accept. 4 enable bouncing.

4 To set up an account manually,

select that option. On the next
screen click Setup Accounts, then
8 You can safeguard
messages from
people you know by
2
1
click the Add button. A box telling you adding them to your
that the program only supports POP3 Friends List. 1 You
accounts will appear. Click OK. You can add and delete
can now enter your account details. people on both your
Type a name for the account, then 1 Allowed and Blocked
click Next. 1 lists by clicking on
Tools, Spam Tools. 2

5 On the following screen enter

9
your POP3 Server address,
1 User Name 2 and Password. 1 Click on Process
3 Additional settings can be 2 Mail 1 to begin 1
accessed by clicking the 3 deleting, bouncing and
‘Advanced account options’ accepting your mail.
button. 4 Click the ‘Bouncing & 4 Once all the pending
outgoing mail’ tab, tick the Enable messages have been
Bouncing box and fill in the dealt with the software
requested details. To find out your will open your email
POP3 and SMTP server program so you can
addresses, search for ‘POP3’ and download the
‘SMTP’ in your webmail’s Help box, or ask your ISP. remaining emails.
TIP: If you use Yahoo Mail, click on the top-right Help link.

38 17 August 2006 Get more practical help and ideas at www.webuser.co.uk/forums

 PRACTICALWORKSHOP

How to brighten up sky in photos Program: Photoshop Elements 4.0

Time taken: 20 minutes

T
he sky might be blue, but digital cameras often see it as white.
A bleached backdrop can easily spoil an otherwise interesting
shot by drawing the eye away from the intended focus.
Thankfully, replacing lacklustre skies is very easy to do in
Photoshop Elements 4.0, which is free for a 30-day trial from
www.adobe.com/uk/products/photoshopelwin.
TIP: Make sure you unzip all the installation files before you start
installing – or you’ll be prompted for a serial number you don’t have.

1 This picture of Rome’s Colosseum isn’t bad, but the washed out
sky diminishes its impact. You can colour the white by selecting it
with the Magic Wand tool 1 and choosing a nice sky-blue colour. 2
5 Right-click the background
layer in the Layers Palette 1
and select Duplicate Layer. 2
Click the brush icon, 3 pick a large brush size, 4 set the Mode to Then press OK. If the Layers
1
Hard Light, 5 the Opacity to around 14% 6 and paint your sky in. window isn’t visible, click on
Window in the menu bar and 2
select it.

4 5 6

1
6 In the Layers Palette – at the
bottom right of your screen – drag
this new background copy above the
cloud layer. It should look like this, 1 1
with the cloud layer sandwiched
between two background layers.

2 7 Now comes
the clever part.
Hold the left
mouse button

2
down over the
It’s still easy to improve this. Adding Eraser tool 1 until
clouds should do the trick. The a fly-out menu
easiest option is to select the sky using appears. Select
the Magic Wand and then going to Filter, the Magic Eraser
Render, Clouds. 1 1 tool. 2
TIP: You can select more than one area
of sky by pressing the Shift key as you 1
use the Magic Wand. 2

3 The effect is still a bit

amateurish. What we need
is some real sky. You can spend 1 2
8 Click the Magic Eraser on
any bland areas of sky. It will
some time photographing the instantly remove them to reveal
outdoors, or search for some your new cloud layer below. 1 3
shots on Google Images. When You can click the sky layer 2 to 1
you’ve found some nice sky and move or resize it if required. 2
saved it onto your Desktop, drag Reducing its opacity 3 will
and drop it onto the image. 1 It will appear as a new layer. 2 make it look more natural.
TIP: If it doesn’t open as a new layer and appears in a new box, go to
Select in the Menu, then choose All. Next, choose Edit, then Copy.
Then close the sky picture, click on the background picture, select

9
Edit then Paste. The copied sky will appear as a new layer.
Remember to click 1

4
Resize the new sky so
it fits over the existing
white one by clicking the
handles icon and using it to
enlarge the image. 1 Don’t
worry too much about
distorting the shape of the
image, so long as it still
looks relatively natural.
Click on Commit
Transform. 2
1 2
the Magic Eraser
everywhere there is
plain sky – inside the
Colosseum’s open
windows, for example.
When you’re happy,
click Layer 1 on the
menu bar and select
Flatten Image. Tidy up 2
any jagged edges
(where the sky meets
the image) by blurring them with a small Blur tool brush. 2

17 August 2006 39
PRACTICALWEBUSER WORKSHOP SPECIAL
Store your passwords securely Program: KeePass 1.05
Time taken: 10 minutes

R
emembering log-in details for all the websites, email accounts
and networks you regularly access can be a nightmare. This is
especially true if you follow the sensible advice to make your
passwords as varied and complicated as possible to prevent other
people guessing them. Rather than keeping passwords scrawled
on bits of paper or in a Word document on your computer, the
safest and easiest way to store them in one place is to use KeePass.
This excellent program is free to download from http://keepass.
sourceforge.net, and encrypts and protects all your passwords using
a master password, key file or both. This ensures that only you can
access its database, within which you can organise passwords into
groups such as Windows, Internet and Network. You can even save
the database onto a USB memory stick to carry your passwords
around with you.

1 Once you’ve installed KeePass,

you can set up your master
password straight away. Launch
1
2
6 You’re now all
set up to start
using KeePass to 1
the program, then click on the File store your passwords.
menu 1 and select New. 2 Right-click on the
right-hand pane of 2

2
the main KeePass
When the ‘Set master window 1 and select
key’ box opens, type in Add Entry. 2
the master password you

7
want to use to protect your
other passwords. 1 The 1 Choose a category
strength of the password is
2 for the password
displayed as a colour bar you want to store
underneath, going from 3 from the Group 1
orange (weak) to green drop-down menu 1 2
(strong). 2 If you can’t think of a suitably strong password, click and enter a title. 2 3
the Generate Random Password button. 3 Type in your user 4
name, 3 the URL of 5

3
Using the Password Generator,
you can decide which characters
your random password should
contain from the options available,
1 choose to include only specific
characters 2 and specify the
the relevant website
(if applicable) 4 and
the password itself. 5 You may need to press Shift and End to clear
the pre-generated password. Click OK to confirm these details and to
1 add the password to your KeePass database. Repeat this process for
as many passwords as you want to store.

8
number of characters. 3 Click the
Generate button 4 and your new 2 You can easily
password will be created. 5 Click 3 view all the
the three dots icon to remove the
5 4 passwords stored
asterisks so you can make a note of 6 within a group by
the password, then click Accept. 6 2
clicking on the group 1
name in the left-hand

4
column of the KeePass 3
You can also create a the window. 1 Its
key file for extra contents will then
protection by selecting the 1 2 be displayed on the
‘and’ option 1 and then right. 2 You can copy a user name or password to the Clipboard
selecting a disk drive to 3 to save you needing to type it in by right-clicking on a password
save the file to from the and choosing the relevant option. 3
drop-down menu. 2 This can be a hard disk, USB memory stick or

9
floppy disk. Click OK to continue. 3
Finally, save your

5
KeePass database
Re-enter the master by clicking on the File
password and click OK. menu and choosing
The Get Random box will Save. 1 Choose a
now open, which you can 2 location on your hard
4
use to generate random disk or removable 1
values to protect your key media to save it into,
file. To do this, click the Use 1 then give it a name
Mouse as Random Source and click Save.
button 1 and move your 3 5 To open it again,
2
mouse around the grey area you’ll need to launch
2 until the field below is full. 3 Next type some random characters KeePass, enter your master password and select the key file (if you
into the box on the right 4 – you don’t need to remember these – created one). You can change the password at any time by choosing
then click OK. 5 Change Master Key from the File menu. 2

40 17 August 2006 Get more practical help and ideas at www.webuser.co.uk/forums

 PRACTICALWORKSHOP

Integrate a blog into your site Website: Blogger

Time taken: 10 minutes

I
t seems nearly everyone has a blog these days. If you’re a blogger This will give visitors to your site the opportunity to read your blog
who also has a separate website, or you want to create a new while they are there. You’ll still be able to edit the blog in the same
blog, you can combine the two quite easily using Blogger. way as always.

1 To create a blog from scratch go to

www.blogger.com/adv-create-
blog.g. This is the advanced creation 1
4 Click the Settings
tab and select
Publishing. You can
page, which lets you set up and host 2 add a Username and 1
your blog elsewhere. Give your blog a Password for your FTP
title 1 and decide if it is to be listed site here 1 so you
or unlisted. 2 don’t have to enter
them every time you
publish an entry. Click

2 Now enter the server details of

the site where your blog is to be
hosted 1 and its filename and
1

2
Save Settings. 2 2

URL. 2 Enter the word verification

details 3 and click Continue. 3
5 If you already have
a Blogspot.com
blog, you can move it
1
onto your site. Click the 2

3 On the next page choose a

template for your blog – it should
be one that complements the design
1 3 2
Settings tab, 1 select
Publishing 2 and click
the Switch to: FTP link. 3
of your site. Your blog will now be 3 You will be taken to a
created. You can begin posting 1 or page where you can
view your blog. 2 Click Template 3 add your site’s location
if you wish to alter the look of the and FTP details.
page so it matches your site better.
PRACTICALFEATURE
MYTUNESRSS 2.1

I
f you have a wireless home network, there
Network your have probably been times when you’ve
wanted to listen to songs on one computer,

music collection
Access and listen to tracks from your iTunes Music
but they’re all stored on another. MyTunesRSS
lets you access them through your web
browser, rather than laboriously transferring
hundreds of tracks between PCs manually.
This free application lets you browse and
Library through any web browser using MyTunesRSS search your iTunes Music Library from any
browser on any computer connected to the
network. You can use existing playlists or
create new ones, then convert them into RSS
feeds that are updated automatically when
tracks are added or removed. Playlists can
also be downloaded or streamed over your
network, letting you listen to tracks on a PC
that doesn’t have iTunes. You can even play
your music on a Sony PSP with no need for
a USB link. It’s also possible to access
MyTunesRSS via the net on a computer
outside your network, but this means setting
up port forwarding on your broadband router.
Here we show you how to set up the
program to make your music collection
accessible via any web browser.

About MyTunesRSS 2.1

MyTunesRSS is free to download from www.
codewave.de/products/mytunesrss. It’s a
Java program, so can run on any computer
supporting Java 1.5 and Apple iTunes, with
separate downloads for Windows and Mac
OS X as well as a platform-independent
version. It works with any web browser, and
with MP3 and AAC files but not DRM files
bought from the iTunes Music Store.

1 Once you have

downloaded
the MyTunesRSS
1 3 By default the
Library file is
stored in the
1

zip file and iTunes folder

extracted the within the My 2
items from 2 Music folder in
within it to a My Documents.
folder on your Navigate to this
hard disk, location, then select the iTunes Music Library file 1 and click Open
double-click the MyTunesRSS program file 1 to run the to load it. 2 If it’s not located here, you can look for the file using the
program. A message will appear saying that the application is Windows search facility (click on the Start menu and select Search
being initialised. 2 for Files and Folders).

2 The main
MyTunesRSS
window will
1 4 Back in the main window, in
the Server section of the
General tab, 1 enter a port number
1
2
3
now open. On to use for MyTunesRSS on your
the General tab, 2 computer or stick with the default
in the iTunes port of 8080. 2 Below this, type in
section, 1 click on a password to prevent anyone else
the three dots accessing your library, 3 then click
Browse icon to the right of the path field 2 to locate your iTunes the Start Server button at the 4
Music Library XML file. bottom of the window. 4

42 17 August 2006 Get more advice at www.webuser.co.uk/forums

 PRACTICALFEATURE
MYTUNESRSS 2.1
1

5 A message will now

appear saying that the
server is starting. 1 To
8 To create
a new
playlist using
1
4
complete the connection, MyTunesRSS,
you may need to grant click the ‘browse 2 3
the program Java 2 library’ option
Platform Standard to view a list of
Edition permission to all the artists
access the internet and featured in
act as a server via your your music
firewall software. 2 collection. 1 Click the Albums or Tracks figure 2 next to an
artist’s name for further details, then click the green ‘plus sign’
icon next to an artist, album or song to add the selected content
to your playlist. 3 When you’re done, click the green tick icon at
2 the top of the page to continue. 4

6 Once the server is up and running, you’ll be able to access

MyTunesRSS through your web browser. Launch the
browser then type http://localhost: followed by the port number
you specified in Step 4 into the Address Bar, for example http://
localhost:8080. 1 The MyTunesRSS login page will now
load in your browser. Type in your password 2 and click the
login button. 3
9 You should now type in a name for the playlist, 1 and review
the songs listed below, clicking the red cross icon next to an
entry if you want it removed. 2 You can also click the ‘add more
songs’ link in the top-right corner to choose further tracks, 3 before
clicking the ‘save playlist’ button at the bottom of the window.
3
1

2
1

2
3
10 You can also search
for a specific artist,
album or song by typing a
query into the search box
on the playlists page 1 1 2

7
and clicking Search. 2
You’ll now be presented with an alphabetical list of your When the search results
iTunes playlists. 1 To find out which songs are contained appear, click ‘new playlist’ then select the desired content as before.
in a playlist, click on its number of tracks figure in the first column
on the right. 2 To view a playlist as an RSS feed so you can

11
subscribe to it through your feed reader, click on the RSS icon in
the second column. 3 To listen to or download a playlist, click the To access
Play icon in the third column, 4 then select either Open or Save. MyTunesRSS
from another
computer on a
1
network, you need to
find out the IP
2 3 4 address of the host
computer acting as a
server. You can do this 2
1 by clicking the
General tab in the 3
MyTunesRSS
window, 1 then
clicking the
Information button in
the Server section. 2
A message will say that the server status is being retrieved, 3 then
an IP address number will appear in the ‘Server running’ field.

17 August 2006 43
PRACTICALFEATURE
MYTUNESRSS 2.1
1

12 If a number doesn’t
appear, you can
find out the network IP
2 14 If you want to access
MyTunesRSS over the
internet from a computer outside
address by double- 3 your network, for example your
clicking the two-screen work PC, you need to set up port
networking icon in the forwarding on your router to
Windows System Tray. 1 forward incoming traffic on port
When the Status box 80 to port 8080. This process 2
opens, click the Support varies depending on your router
tab, 2 and you’ll see hardware and software, but you can find detailed guides for all
your IP address in available models at www.portforward.com. 1 You’ll also need to
the Connection know your external IP address, which is different from your network
Status section. 3 1 address, but the Port Forward site will detect this for you. 2

13 Now
launch 2
15 Finally, you can set
up MyTunesRSS to
update your Music Library
1 1
your web automatically when you
browser on make changes in iTunes.
the second Disconnect from the server,
computer and then click the Options tab in
type the IP 3 the MyTunesRSS window 1
address of the and select the option
server into the ‘Automatically update
Address bar, 1 database while server is 2
and click Go. 2 Your browser should now load the MyTunesRSS running’. 2 You can also 3
login page, 3 as in Step 6, allowing you to log in and access your specify how often to check for
iTunes Music Library. updates by entering a figure or using the arrow keys. 3

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receive each fortnight. Or visit the Hints & Tips forum at www.webuser.co.uk/forums
TOP TIP £25 Winner!
GENERAL PC
Free 2GB secure
storage online
F
ree remote back-up is finally here!
Download and install Mozy from
http://mozy.com to ensure your data
is safely backed up at a secure, remote
location. The Mozy Free option has no
set-up fee and no monthly payments,
you can get started in seconds and upload
2GB of data that is always kept private
and encrypted. Although it took me a few
hours to upload my important documents,
address book, photos and other files, once
you have selected what you want to upload
VIDEO
Download YouTube videos
If you want to save videos from YouTube,
Google Video, iFilm or other video sites to
your hard disk so you can view them offline
then go to http://javimoya.com/blog/
youtube_en.php or http://keepvid.com.
Just copy and paste the video URL into the
box on the site and a download link will be
created. Once you have downloaded the
video to your hard disk, you will need an
FLV (Flash Video) player to view it. You will
find a link to one on the same page as the
download link. Happy viewing.
Chrisowen, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
Download and save video clips from YouTube and
other video sites to view offline using KeepVid
BROWSERS
Portable web browsing
This tip is for users of Opera and Firefox
browsers. When you are away from your
own computer and you want to surf the
internet, you are without your bookmarks
and personal settings on the computer you
are using. Now, if you own a USB Flash
drive, you can take your entire browser with
you, along with your bookmarks, extensions
Subscribe to Web User now. Call 0845 676 7778
Broadband users can store up to 2GB of data at a
secure, remote location using Mozy Free
you can leave Mozy to get on with it. You
can then set it to update the uploaded files
on a weekly basis, which should only take
minutes. Note that you need a broadband
connection to use the service.
Ourstanley, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
Carry Portable Opera 9 on a USB Flash drive so you
can use the browser on computers on your travels
and saved passwords. Just install the
Portable Firefox Browser (16MB) from
http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/
firefox_portable or the Portable Opera 9
Browser (8MB) from www.opera-usb.com/
operausben.htm on your Flash drive. Plug it
into the USB port of the computer you are
using and start browsing with your familiar
set-up. It doesn’t affect the guest computer
and your settings remain private.
Dangermouse75, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
EMAIL
Bigger AOL mailbox
If you are an AOL member navigate to
http://downloads.channel.aol.com/browser
and download AOL Explorer 1.5. This has
now come out of beta and is a standalone
browser with tabbed browsing. AOL’s web
mail service AIM Mail has also been
upgraded with a massive 2GB email
mailbox assigned to whoever is logged in.
AOL’s web
mail now
offers 2GB
of storage –
even for
non-members
HINTS&TIPS
This means with seven screen names
(for current member accounts) you have a
theoretical mailbox total of 14GB, though
existing AOL members actually get unlimited
storage. This makes Google Mail look rather
small by comparison. AOL’s software also
has a different interface to the original AOL
mailbox with drag-and-drop functionality.
Non-members can apply for all of this by
registering for an AOL screen name at
http://webmail.aol.com.
BedstorfromAP, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
GENERAL PC
Computer terms defined
Find definitions of obscure computerese at the Free
On-Line Dictionary of Computing
If you’ve ever been baffled by a piece of
computer or web-related terminology, head
to the Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing
at http://foldoc.org. Here you can search
and find definitions for such terms as
‘blowing your buffer’, ‘deep magic’,
‘cyberchondriac’ and many more.
Doublell, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
VOIP
Skype video chat for Macs
It’s easy now
to have video
chats between
PCs and Macs
thanks to the
new Skype
1.5 for Mac
software. You Mac users can now enjoy free
can make internet video calls to anywhere
video calls to in the world via Skype
anyone else on
Skype, no matter what kind of computer
they are using, and smile, wave, laugh or
pull funny faces with anyone, anywhere in
the world. And all for free, of course.
Dangermouse75, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
GENERAL PC
Learn PC skills visually
If you’re new to PCs or simply want to
improve your skills, have a look at the online
computer help books at http://inpics.net.
These allow you to learn with pictures
instead of words and are downloadable as
PDF files.
Widget, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
17 August 2006 45
PRACTICALEXPLORER
WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER 11
Get the most from
Windows Media Player 11
Every issue we take a closer look at a website or
program. Our subject this time around is the
latest version of Microsoft’s media player
Download from:
www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia
W
indows Media Player 11 is still in beta
but don’t be put off by this unfinished tag.
All the features are in place and it’s very
stable. It’s also a marked improvement on
previous versions, which makes it well worth
upgrading to.
The most noticeable change has been made
to the interface, which is now a sleek and
streamlined jet-black affair. The layout is similar
in style to Internet Explorer 7 (again, only
available as a beta version at present), with
the emphasis on buttons rather than menus.
There are easy-to-use playback controls, a
tabbed menu system and IE7-style back and
forward buttons.
But it’s not just the look that’s changed.
Media Player 11 has been made much more
user-friendly, with enhanced ripping, burning
and synchronising features. The way that
media is categorised and sorted has also
been improved.
Finding and organising media
A revamped Library system makes accessing your music, video and pictures much easier
1
2 2
3
1 If you click the Library button 1 you’ll
gain access to your Playlists 2 and all
the media files stored in your Library. 3
Windows Media Player automatically
adds any audio or video it finds in specific
folders (My Music and My Video for
example). It also adds songs when you
first play them.
46 17 August 2006
Back and Forward
buttons
The inclusion of web
browser-style buttons might
seem odd, but it works well.
These are used to jump
backwards and forwards
through everything you’ve
done so far in the player –
moving from the Now
Playing window, to the
Library, then to Burn,
and so on.
Classic Menus
Microsoft would prefer you to access the various options
via its tabbed buttons along the top. For this reason it
hides the old-style menus by default. You can easily get
them back however – simply right-click a blank area next
to a tab and select Show Classic Menus.
Settings
Use these arrow keys to move through the
options. These include Video Settings
(change the hue, saturation, brightness
and contrast of any video), Color Chooser
(alter Media Player’s interface colour) and
Quiet Mode (set the difference between loud
and soft sounds). Alternatively, bring up
these arrows by clicking View (in the classic
menu), then Enhancements and scroll down.
1 2
1
2 You can change the type of media
being shown in two ways. Click the
arrow beneath the Library button 1 and
3 Files on your PC are sorted by relevant
categories. Songs, for example, can
be listed by Album, Artist or Year, 1 while
select Music, Pictures, Video, Recorded Videos can be sorted by Actors and Genre.
TV or Other. Alternatively click the Select More categories, such as parental rating
a Category button – positioned top left and composer, can be added by clicking
containing the relevant media icon. 2 the arrow next to the Library button on the
toolbar 2 (under the main black border).
Get more advice at www.webuser.co.uk/forums
 PRACTICALEXPLORER
WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER 11

Rip and burn

The process of copying music to and from CDs
using Media Player is now even smoother

Sync
1 1
If you have a hardware MP3
player you can use this option
to synchronise it with the
music stored in the Library.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t
recognise Apple iPods.

To rip a CD click the Rip button, then insert the

disc into your drive. A Rip Options box will appear
the first time you ever do this, offering to add
copy protection to your ripped music. Use the
down arrow under Rip 1 to select your copying
options, then click on Start Rip. 2

2
3
Player mode 1
buttons 2
These two buttons sit well
together. The top one toggles
the player to full screen and
back, while the bottom
button switches it to skin
mode (which gives the player
a completely different look).
You can change the default To record tracks on to CD, click the Burn button
skin by right-clicking the and insert a blank disc into your drive. Drag
interface and selecting View, items from the Library on the left 1 to the Burn
then Skin Chooser. List on the right. 2 You can sort your tracks
before burning by clicking the arrow next to
Burn List. 3

1 2
3 1
1

4 To search for a music track or

video file, select the media
type you want under the Select a
5 You can also perform advanced
searches in the same way you
would in a search engine. To look for
3

Category button 1 then enter
your keywords in the Search box.
2 Windows Media Player
automatically refines the results
of your search as you type.
an exact phrase type it in quotes, eg
“Easy Listening.” 1 If you right-click
a track in a playlist and select Find In
Library, WMP will find the song’s
original location in your library.
Media Player will analyse the tracks and
estimate how much space is left on the CD. 1
If you copy too many songs over it will split them
across multiple discs. 2 Click Start Burn 3 to
begin the recording process.

Next issue: Practical Explorer – Skype 2.5 17 August 2006 47


PROBLEMSOLVER
SECURITY
Spybot and Windows Security Center
Q
I’ve just started to use Spybot –
Search & Destroy from
www.safer-networking.org to
scan my computer for spyware. It keeps
finding the same two problems again and
again, called Windows Security Center
AntiVirusDisableNotify and Windows
Security Center FirewallDisableNotify.
Do I need to fix these problems every time
I run a scan or are they okay to stay?
Gareth George, via email
A These problems are nothing to
worry about, but are a result of
Spybot detecting that you have
turned off the feature in Windows Security
Center that alerts you when your anti-virus
program or firewall is out of date. You can
turn this feature back on by going to Start,
Settings, Control Panel and selecting
Security Center. When the Security Center
opens, click the option in the left-hand
column entitled ‘Change the way Security
WEB DESIGN
Adding PayPal to your website
Q
I have built a new website using
Microsoft Word and would like to
include a PayPal or credit card
purchase page so customers can buy my
products. How can I obtain and install this
item on my website?
Andrew M Allington, via email
Add credit card and PayPal payment options to your
website using Website Payments Standard
A
PayPal provides a service called
Website Payments Standard (WPS) Downloader Free from www.stardown
that allows budding e-tailers to
accept credit cards, bank transfers and
PayPal payments for products sold through
their websites. Go to www.paypal.com
and click on Merchant Services, then click
Website Payments Standard. Here you can
view a demo of how the service works, set up Opera, Star Downloader should open
a free PayPal Shopping Cart by generating
customised HTML code for your site (or
integrate WPS with your existing shopping
48 17 August 2006
ASK OUR EXPERTS Each fortnight our experts answer your technical
questions about the internet. If you’re puzzled
by a problem, we’re here to help. Contact us at
ANDY SHAW ROBERT IRVINE problemsolver@web-user.co.uk
Windows Security Center’s Alert Settings tell you
when your security software needs updating
Center alerts me’ then activate the Alert
Settings for Firewall and Virus Protection,
and click OK. Alternatively, you can
simply instruct Spybot to ignore these
items by right-clicking on each one in your
scan results and selecting ‘exclude this
detection from future scans’.
cart software) and sign up for the necessary
PayPal Business Account. Website Payment
Standard is free to use, with no monthly fees
or cancellation charge, though PayPal asks
for between 1.9 and 2.9 per cent (depending
on your monthly income) of each transaction
plus an additional £0.20. Full details are
available in the Merchant Services section
of the PayPal site.
BROWSERS
Using Star Downloader
Q
Would you kindly let me know how
I can integrate Star Downloader
(www.stardownloader.com) into
Opera, and explain how I can use Star
Downloader to download programs?
JP Jordan, via email
A
Star Downloader is a download
manager that accelerates your
downloads by splitting the files
into several parts and downloading them
simultaneously. To use the program with
Opera, download and install Star
loader.com then launch it and click the
Options button. On the Integration page,
select the ‘Enable Browser Integration’ and
‘Integrate with Opera’ options, then click ‘Set
to default’. Click OK and close the program.
Now when you click on a download link in
automatically so you can download the file.
If not, click on the Tools menu in Opera
and choose Preferences. Click on the
Advanced tab and select Downloads in the
left-hand column, then scroll down the list
of file types until you get to ‘application/
x-msdownload.exe’. Highlight this and click
the Edit button, then select ‘Use plug-in’ and
choose Star Downloader from the drop-
down menu. Click OK to confirm, then
repeat these steps for the file types
‘application/octet-stream’ and ‘application/
zip’. Click OK to close the Preferences box.
You can use Star Downloader rather than Opera’s
download manager to get files quickly from the web
EMAIL
Can’t open attachments
Q
I am having a problem with files
attached to email messages in
Outlook Express. Whenever I
receive an email with an attachment the
Save Attachments option in the File menu
is greyed out so I can’t access it and there is
a message in the Attachment field saying:
‘Outlook Express removed access to the
following unsafe attachments’. I have even
tried to test this by sending an email to
myself but the same problem occurs. How
can I regain the ability to open attachments?
Brian Cloves, via email
A
This problem arises when Outlook
Express blocks all attachments by
default as a security precaution.
You can fix it by clicking on the Tools menu
and selecting Options, then clicking the
Security tab. Deselect the option ‘Do not
allow attachments to be saved or opened
that could potentially be a virus’ and click
OK. You should now be able to open all
attachments, but if you do receive a file that
could be unsafe, use the Save Attachments
option to save it to a folder on your hard disk,
then scan with your anti-virus software
before opening it.
You can stop Outlook Express automatically
blocking all attachments that could contain a virus
 PROBLEMSOLVER
Our pick of the best posts from our reader forums this fortnight. To get help or offer advice
to other readers, visit us online at www.webuser.co.uk/forums – it’s friendly and free!
EMAIL AND INSTANT MESSAGING AV and Kaspersky scanning my email before
it’s delivered.
Keeping spam Anniel, via Webuser.co.uk/forums

filters up to date A Yes, you should always update your

spam filters so they can learn the

Q
I use Thunderbird and I am
getting a bit sick of marking all my
mail as either junk or not junk, and
no matter how hard I try, I still have junk
mail making its way into my Inbox. I have
been very patient, but I do not want to
have to go back again to retrain the junk
filter, so should I use Mailwasher
(www.mailwasher.net) and if I do, will it
work with Thunderbird? By the way, I have
new types of spam you receive.
As long as spam persists, we will have to
keep updating. However, Thunderbird
isn’t to blame, it’s the senders. You could
use a third-party software program like
Mailwasher, which will still pick up spam,
but won’t need to be updated manually as it
will do that itself after a few commands.
The easiest ways to prevent spam are to
never open it or reply to it, don’t give out
your web address in a public forum and be
Software such as Mailwasher can help beat spam
careful who you give your email address to.
If in doubt, get a free web-based email
account to give out, but don’t use one with
a common name, such as one which might
have your surname.
Mouse, via Webuser.co.uk/forums

BFC1-08002BE10318}. instructions and allow you to access the net

GENERAL PC RELATED
Missing files
Q
I have Lite-On SOHW-1693S and
Lite-On 812S DVD drives, neither
of which I’ve used for a few weeks.
Just now I went to use both, and neither of
the drives appear in My Computer and I
cannot access them using PowerDVD or
any DVD program. The bays open and the
lights flash, but DVDs do not spin. CDs don’t
work either and I cannot select the source
with Windows Media Player. I can find the
two drives in System Information but only
located in ‘Problem Drives’ and in the
description it says ‘Error code 41’ for both.
I have the most recent firmware, but when
I tried to update them it failed, giving a
message along the lines of ‘This firmware is
for 1693S only’ – which is the model I have.
• On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then
click OK. Quit Registry Editor. Now restart
your computer.
• After you remove the Upperfilters value
and the Lowerfilters value, if you notice
lost functionality in a particular program,
such as CD recording software, you may
need to reinstall that software.
Jonny 555, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
NETWORKING AND WI-FI
AOL router set-up
Q
I just purchased a Speedtouch 576
router from AOL and I want to
connect it wirelessly to my laptop,
which is my only computer. It has Intel
Centrino and so far I have managed to set up
a wired connection, but when I take out the
yellow Ethernet cable the laptop will not
via your new connection.
Bbtech, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
SECURITY
Is F-Secure safe?
Q
I received a circular in this morning’s
post from Barclays, offering
24-months free subscription to an
anti-virus software package called F-Secure.
Presumably this offer has been made to all
Barclays e-customers. On checking out
F-Secure’s UK website, I see the download is
almost 60MB and it recommends all other
anti-virus on your PC should be removed.
I can’t say I’ve ever seen F-Secure reviewed
or even mentioned here on Web User. Does
anyone have any idea whether this anti-virus
software is any good?
Papi11on, via Webuser.co.uk/forums

A
Salmend, via Webuser.co.uk/forums connect to AOL. I have tried talking to AOL,

A
To resolve this problem, you will
need to make changes in Windows
Registry, the database that stores
settings and options for your operating
system. However, please note that
Microsoft does warn that if you use
Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause
but it has been useless. I downloaded the
XP SP2 and that solved the ‘Little or no
connectivity issue’, and I used the set-up CD
AOL gave me. I’m wondering if I’m having
trouble with the internal adapter in my
laptop, but I cannot find the software for it.
My laptop is an Acer Aspire 1680.
Angeltears, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
F-Secure anti-virus is very, very
reputable in the IT Industry. I use
it on the network I manage in the
shop where I work and have nothing but
good things to say about it. Although it’s
not the easiest anti-virus software to use,
I definitely recommend it.
Neo, via Webuser.co.uk/forums

serious problems that may require you to
reinstall your operating system, so proceed
at your own risk.
• Firstly, click on Start and then Run. Type
in ‘Regedt32.exe’ and click OK. Locate the
UpperFilters value under the following key in
the registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\
Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-
08002BE10318}.
• On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then
click OK.
• Locate the LowerFilters value under the
same key in the registry: HKEY_LOCAL_
MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Contro l\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-
A A
I have set up a few routers on Web User’s review of F-Secure can
AOL systems, and have given the be found at www.webuser.co.uk/
router the task of identifying and
configuring the AOL connection. I think
products/FSecure_Internet_
Security_2006_review_2781-198.html.
the problems have started when trying to Madeline, via Webuser.co.uk/forums
connect using the AOL browser software,
and for this reason it may be worth
considering saving your Favourites and
Address Book, and removing AOL’s
software in favour of another browser such
as Internet Explorer. If you don’t want to do
that, I managed to get its software to
connect by following the log-on screen, and
telling it that you were now using a new way
of connecting. It should then follow your F-Secure: a ‘reputable’ anti-virus program

Get more advice at www.webuser.co.uk/forums 17 August 2006 49

DIYWEBPAGES
Useful advice to help you start and improve your website from Mark Wilson
IE7 Readiness Toolkit
D
espite the growth of Firefox, Internet
Explorer is still the most popular web
browser in the world and, with the
release of public betas of IE7, it’s important
that any websites you design are compatible
with it. The Internet Explorer Readiness
Toolkit is packed with the information you
need to know to ensure your site is fully
compatible with IE7. The Developer
Checklist provides details on how to ensure
your pages correctly identify IE7, how to get
Learn PHP scripts
Enhance your site with PHP components using the
beginner’s tutorials at KillerPHP.com
PHP is a scripting language that can
empower you to do a lot of cool things
with your website. It may not be the most
cutting-edge language for web design,
but it is a reliable stalwart that is highly
adaptable. Learning any new programming
language can be daunting, but KillerPHP.
com (www.killerphp.com) includes a
number of video tutorials to help get you
started. The site is still in the early stages
of development, so you can expect to see
more video clips appearing over the coming
months. The tutorials assume no previous
knowledge of PHP, making them ideal for
beginners who want to try something new.
Royalty-free photographs
Images are important to any website, but
the sad fact is that most of us aren’t very
READERS’ WEBSITES Email details of your non-commercial website to readerswebsites@web-user.co.uk
Garden and Country Web Search
www.gardenwebsearch.co.uk
P
aul Barnes was driven to create this
website after suffering frustration at
the hands of famous search engines,
which failed to return gardening related
pages to his queries. Garden and Country
Web Search is a directory that lists sites
concerned with gardening. It boasts a
very professional layout and a clean,
uncluttered page, despite the amount of
50 17 August 2006
RSS feeds working properly and how to
use some of the new techniques at your
disposal. The ‘Test and Investigate’ section
of the toolkit provides links to online
resources that can be used to check the
compatibility of existing CSS code as well
as testing any extensions that are in use.
The toolkit also includes links to other
helpful programs that can further help with
site testing. Find out more by paying a visit Check your site is compatible with the latest version
to http://tinyurl.com/elqr6. of Internet Explorer using the Readiness Toolkit
good at taking high-quality photos. Whether Increase the
you’re looking for an image to illustrate a impact of your site
story or a texture for a background, A Digital by setting up a
Dreamer (www.adigitaldreamer.com) is blog as you design
sure to have something to suit your needs. it and using
Head to the free downloads section and FeedBurner (www.
you’ll find a huge gallery of images to search feedburner.com)
through. The site also has an extensive to advertise it
collection of free fonts that are perfect for the time spent. Site Reference includes
designing logos. All images and fonts are excellent advice about the initial steps you
royalty free and available for personal use. should take. Even if your finished site is
some time off, it’s important to register
your domain name and at least put a
holding page in place – complete with the
relevant metatags. A great tip offered by
the site is to set up a blog complete with
relevant content and publicise the blog
using FeedBurner until the finished site
goes live. Find out more by visiting
http://tinyurl.com/esqqb.
Breathe new life into your website with professional-
quality images and fonts from A Digital Dreamer
TOP 5 WEB-DESIGN
DISCUSSION TOPICS
1 Working with iFrames
BACK TO BASICS: 2 Obtaining SSL certificate
3 CSS navigation menus
Search engine friendly 4 E-commerce solutions
5 Creating navigation tabs
Before thinking about search engine
optimisation (SEO) most people wait until
From Reader-helps-reader at
they have their website up and running .
www.webuser.co.uk/forums
But if you start planning SEO right from the Share your site with other readers in our Readers’ Websites forum
start, the benefits you reap should outweigh
The Garden and
information that’s crammed in. The superb
Windows-style navigation system makes it Country Web
easy to work through the various categories
Search website is a
directory designed
to access almost 5,000 websites. With so specifically with
many gardening resources listed, it’s good gardeners in mind
to see Paul has chosen to include a search
facility as well as category navigation. Some
hard work has gone into the site and there’s
little that needs improving. The one thing we Find more tips on web building or post
might recommend is a more interesting details of your own non-commercial website
logo. Other than that, this is a first-class
at our Readers’ Websites forum at
www.webuser.co.uk/forums
resource for the green fingered.
 TRY OUR FREE NO OBLIGATION 30 DAY TRIAL!

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THE LATEST HOT KIT ON THE NET BY ROBERT IRVINE

£89
1GB

PACKARD BELL VIBE 360

£109
2GB

Sleek and stylish MP3 player

The iconic status bestowed on the iPod Nano means
other MP3 players offering more functions and superior performance
are often unfairly overlooked. Hopefully this won’t be the case with
the Packard Bell Vibe 360, a fantastic audio device with a slim, sexy
design and several attractive features. Available in 1GB and 2GB
capacities, you can store up to about 250 or 500 tracks in MP3
or WMA format, navigating your songs via the simple directional
touchpad and menu system. You can also view video files on the
player’s 1.8in colour screen, with software included for converting your
movies into the correct format. A decent battery life of 15 hours for
music and three for video playback, plus a Nano-beating price, make
the Vibe 360 a serious contender for the iPod’s crown.

Where to see it: www.packardbell.co.uk

NEW! Find more gadgets at www.webuser.co.uk/mostwanted 17 August 2006 53

THE LATEST HOT KIT ON THE NET

INTEMPO PP-01, £15 (EXTRA SCREEN)

Customisable digital radio
The wide variety of digital radios now available
produces something of a shopping dilemma.
Do you opt for a retro model that wouldn’t look
£99
DIGITAL RADIO
out of place in a Fifties kitchen or a futuristic
device to impress the neighbours? Choose an
£15
EXTRA SCREEN
Intempo PP-01 and you can decide exactly how
your radio looks by way of an interchangeable
speaker plate. This can be replaced with
one of the supplied alternative designs or
a customised cover of your own. Upload
a photo to www.mybiggerpicture.com and
the site will use it to create a high-quality screen,
effectively turning the PP-01 into a picture
frame. This ultra-slim radio offers both DAB
and FM reception, a line-in jack for connecting
your MP3 player, and an impressive 20 hours
of battery life from its rechargeable battery.

Where to see it: www.intempodigital.com

SAITEK PRO GAMER COMMAND UNIT

PC game controller
with keyboard
Many of the latest PC games are so complex
that playing them with a standard keyboard
and mouse can be tricky and frustrating.
When you’re deep in the heat of an online
battle, having the right functions within easy
£30 reach can make the difference between
emerging victorious and being blown to
smithereens. Saitek has solved this problem
with the Pro Gamer Command Unit, which
combines all the controls you need to play First
Person Shooter (FPS) and strategy games so
you can access them quickly and easily. These
include 20 buttons to which you can assign up
to 144 commands, a four-way hat switch, and
an adjustable thumb control area. The unit also
features a backlight and laser-etched keys so
you can keep on gaming long into the night.

Where to see it: www.aria.co.uk

54 17 August 2006

PHILIPS VOIP321
All-in-one landline
and Skype phone
When you’re happily chatting away over the net
via the miracle of VoIP, somebody ringing you on
the landline can prove a nuisance rather than a
nice surprise. Invest in a Philips VoIP321 and
there are no such problems, as you can make
and take both web and terrestrial calls using a
single handset. The lightweight (78g) cordless
phone gains its dual functionality through a base
station that connects to a USB port on your PC
and a standard telephone wall socket. This
enables you to find out which of your contacts
are online simply by checking the handset’s
screen, without needing to go to the computer.
The VoIP321 also allows you to conduct
Skype conference calls and enjoy free internet
conversations with anyone in the world, as well
as offering low rates for landline numbers.
Where to see it: http://accessories.skype.com
£55
SINGLE PHONE
£90
DUO PHONE
NEW! Find more gadgets at www.webuser.co.uk/mostwanted
THE LATEST KIT ON THE NET
comingsoon
Digital camera with less blur
The latest digital camera from Pentax has
plenty to offer keen amateur photographers.
In addition to an impressive seven-megapixel
resolution, the Optio S7 features Blur
Reduction Technology, making it ideal for
snapping objects, and Face Recognition
that automatically focuses and tracks
your subject’s lovely mug. The S7 is due
out at the end of this month for around
£250 and you can view the camera’s full
specifications at www.pentax.co.uk.
Even slimmer
Motorola phone
If you thought Motorola’s hugely
popular RAZR was as slim as mobile
phones could get, meet the even
skinnier Moto KRZR K1. A millimetre
thinner than the RAZR, the handset
packs in a two-megapixel camera,
integrated music player with
Bluetooth stereo audio, and new
messaging applications, and sports
a metallic gloss finish with a solid
glass outer screen. It’s available
later this year, visit www.motorola.
com/uk for more information.
Burn home movies
directly onto DVD
The prospect of transferring hours of
holiday camcorder footage to DVD can be a
daunting one. Sony aims to simplify the task
with its new VRD-MC3 DVDirect recorder,
with which you can burn digital video and
photos onto disc at the touch of a button.
This standalone device connects directly
to your camera, or accepts
its memory card,
allowing you to
bypass your
PC altogether.
It goes on sale
in October for
around £205.
Find out more at
www.sony.co.uk.
17 August 2006 55
NEW PRODUCTS
SERIF WEBPLUS 10
Web
design
made easy
Mark Wilson discovers whether the latest version of Serif’s website
building software can bring advanced design options to beginners
C
reating your own website for the
first time shouldn’t mean having to
be satisfied with a no-frills affair.
Serif is a well respected name when it
comes to producing easy-to-use software
designed with the beginner in mind, and
the WebPlus program is no different
to the company’s other products in
this respect.
Features ★★★★★
Interactivity is the order of the day with
version 10 of WebPlus, and there are
numerous elements that can be easily
added to a site to increase functionality.
Features such as photo galleries, blogs
and RSS feeds, which would ordinarily
take a good deal of time to configure,
56 17 August 2006 Compare this to other web design packages at www.webuser.co.uk/products
can be set up very quickly with WebPlus,
while certain site elements such as
blogs and forms, which require separate
hosting, can be hosted free of charge
on Serif servers, helping to reduce the
cost of running a site. In addition to
the templates, there is a range of pre-
defined, yet customisable page elements,
such as Flash banners that can be
added to sites.
Performance ★★★★★
Although the program itself is sleek and
responsive, the same cannot be said of
the pages it outputs. Many pages are
rather bloated with non-essential code,
increasing download times for visitors, and if
you have opted to create an HTML page
Above: WebPlus offers a huge range of templates,
making it possible to create a wide range of
websites very quickly
Below left: Using WebPlus to create an image gallery
saves having to create thumbnails manually
from scratch, there is no way for you to
view or tidy up the code from within
WebPlus itself.
Ease of use ★★★★★
Unlike many other What You See Is What
You Get (WYSIWYG) HTML web-design
packages, Serif’s WebPlus does not provide
easy access to HTML editing. The more
advanced user may find this restrictive,
but this is not really a program for them.
The sheer number of templates and wizards
on hand mean that anyone will be able to
put together a great-looking site in next
to no time.
Value for money ★★★★★
As is usually the case with Serif software,
the latest version of WebPlus represents
fantastic value for money. While there
are certainly cheaper HTML editors on
the market, few can boast the set of
features found here. The integrated
image gallery creator and FTP tool
increase the value of the package as a
 NEW PRODUCTS
SPY SWEEPER 5.0

Spy Sweeper 5.0

Sweep up spyware
Spy Sweeper aims to protect your computer and ensure
your privacy by rooting out spyware, keyloggers and
other threats. Mark Wilson takes a closer look

It’s easy to add a shopping option to your site
thanks to built-in support for popular shopping carts
whole, too, and help to justify what could
otherwise be seen as a high price tag for a
beginners’ tool.
Verdict ★★★★★
Despite the abundance of features, there is
no getting away from the fact that WebPlus
is a tool for beginners. The program lets you
produce some fantastic feature-rich sites,
but you do not really learn how various
objects are created and how they can be
manually controlled. This means that
although it is possible for a beginner to
create advanced page elements, the
wizard-driven interface hinders the learning
of new skills. However, for the average user
who wants nothing more than to put
together a good-looking, functional site,
WebPlus is excellent.
Serif WebPlus 10 £59.99 inc VAT
For Easy to create e-commerce sites ■
Drag-and-drop creation of advanced
page elements
Against No easy way to edit HTML
directly ■ Not a program that grows with
the user
What you need Windows 98SE/Me/
2000/XP ■ 64MB RAM ■ Internet
Explorer 5.5
Contacts Serif, www.serif.com
A
ttacks from malware – be it spyware,
keyloggers or Trojans – are one of the
most serious threats facing today’s
computer users. Other online threats
include the spread of browser hijackers,
and malicious ActiveX controls and
browser helper objects. Spy Sweeper aims
to protect your system from all of these
threats and more without imposing on the
daily use of your computer.
Features ★★★★★
Spy Sweeper scans for tracking cookies,
keyloggers and other spyware elements.
In addition to this, the program prevents
browser hijacks such as homepage and
search engine changes, as well as
protecting the Hosts file and blocking
communications with known spyware
websites. Spy Sweeper can also monitor
for spyware-like behaviour to help track
down new threats.
Performance ★★★★★
The best forms of computer protection go
unnoticed, and this is certainly true of Spy
Sweeper. While a full system scan has a
huge effect on system performance, the
constant background checks have no
noticeable negative effect. The scans are
quick and efficient, with any potential
threats rapidly identified and earmarked
for quarantine.
Ease of use ★★★★★
Spy Sweeper has been designed so the
average user will not have to tinker with
lots of settings to gain the protection
they’re looking for. After initial
configuration – which is in itself a simple
process – it’s unlikely the options screen
will need to be revisited. Program updates
are easily applied and the scheduling
Any suspicious items revealed by a
scan can be moved into quarantine
where they can do no harm
option means that once configured, it may
never be necessary to launch a system
scan manually.
Value for money ★★★★★
Spy Sweeper is one of a growing number
of programs that have a subscription fee
rather than a simple price. Paying £24.95
for an annual subscription is certainly
competitive and represents good value
for money, but you are then tied into an
upgrade cycle if you want to ensure that
your computer remains protected.
However, for less than seven pence per
day, the protection on offer is hard to fault.
Verdict ★★★★★
Spy Sweeper does everything you would
expect from an anti-spyware tool, and
much more besides. Rather than being
limited to scanning for basic spyware
elements, the program is pro-active in
tracking down anything that appears
suspicious, and is regularly updated
to offer protection against the very
latest threats.

Spy Sweeper 5.0 £24.95 per year

For Superb, swift and thorough scanning
■ Little, if any, configuration needed
Against Free alternatives are available ■
Not all options fully explained
What you need Windows 2000/XP,
350MHz CPU, 258MB RAM
Contacts Webroot, 0870 351 6788,
www.webroot.com
Use Spy Sweeper’s
scheduling option so you
don’t have to remember to
run a full scan manually
Subscribe to Web User, see page 51 17 August 2006 57
GROUP TEST

Flexible favourites
BOOKMARKING SERVICES

Matt Chapman picks the best online bookmark storage websites that let you
access your favourite online destinations wherever you are

W
e all collect bookmarks (or Favorites)
as we trawl around the
web, or indeed browse
the pages of Web User.
But this ever-growing
list of essential links is
usually restricted to one
web browser on one
computer. So how can we
access our bookmarks when
we’re using a different computer?
The answer is to use one of a new
breed of websites that let you store
your bookmarks online. Not only are
they easy to access online, they can often
be categorised, searched, shared and are
always backed up somewhere if the worst
happens and your machine bites the dust.
Better still, these websites often let you see other
people’s bookmarks and the most popular sites of
the moment.

Windows Live Favorites http://favorites.live.com

Windows Live Favorites caught Left: Microsoft integrates its Windows Live
our eye thanks to the efforts Favorites into software such as MSN Messenger
Microsoft has put into
integrating it with its other Below: Microsoft offers a simple button to add to
products. Like a lot of the other your Links toolbar in Internet Explorer
bookmark services discussed
here, Microsoft offers an add-on
to its MSN Search Toolbar to help
you quickly add or manage your Favorites.
However, the company also recognises that
people might not want another toolbar
clogging up their browser and offers a simple
link you can add to Internet Explorer’s Links
toolbar and can click each time you wish to
bookmark a page.
Your list of Favorites can also be accessed
through the MSN Messenger software,
making it extremely easy to surf to saved sites
or manage your bookmarks.
Microsoft has focused on making Live
Favorites an out-and-out storage site that
you can access by logging in using any
browser. That focus means it doesn’t have the
link-sharing aspect of other social bookmark
sites, although the company has realised that
Del.icio.us is very popular and offers to import
links from that website. Since you don’t need
a Del.icio.us password to take the links from a Features ★★★★★
public page, you can use this to your advantage. Performance ★★★★★
Simply choose any public Del.icio.us site with a
great set of links and import them into Windows Ease of use ★★★★★
Live Favorites to build an instant collection of sites. OVERALL ★★★★★

58 17 August 2006
 GROUP TEST
BOOKMARKING SERVICES

Del.icio.us http://del.icio.us
Del.icio.us functions both as an
online bookmark storage website
and a place to discover what
everyone else is bookmarking. It’s a
great site and an obvious choice if
you don’t use a lot of other
Microsoft services and therefore
won’t benefit from the features offered
by Gold Award winner Windows Live Favorites.
To quickly access your links when you’re away
from your home PC simply visit your
personal page at http://del.icio.us/
yourusername and there they are.
The social-
networking
You can now also opt to keep some aspect of
bookmarks private (see http://del.icio. Del.icio.us
us/settings/yourusername/privacy). helps you judge
Bookmarks can be imported from how popular
most browsers and Del.icio.us uses sites are
keywords, called ‘tags’, every
time you add a bookmark to
help you organise your
collection. If a link has
already been stored by
another member, you can simply
choose those tags rather than type
your own. Because it is so popular, some news sites even You can save time by using the Features ★★★★★
include a button you can click to add a link directly to your list of tags other users have
Del.icio.us account. The Network feature means you can Performance ★★★★★
already applied to a page
monitor other people’s accounts to see what bookmarks they Ease of use ★★★★★
have been adding. OVERALL ★★★★★

Yahoo Bookmarks http://uk.bookmarks.yahoo.com

Yahoo doesn’t let you When you import
share bookmarks with
your bookmarks
Yahoo adds them in
other internet users, their original folders
but it’s a neat and
convenient way of storing
your bookmarks online.
If you already have a
Yahoo account, you can use it
to access this service. Yahoo Toolbar
users can use it to save new bookmarks
to this service.
What really impressed us about Yahoo
Bookmarks was how it imported our
existing Favorites, from Internet Explorer
or Netscape, and presented them in the
usual way. That includes retaining the
original folders so you don’t have to waste
any time re-filing them. Naturally you can
add or manage those folders so that
future bookmarks can be filed as you
wish. Until you get the chance to do that,
you can use the ‘Jump to Folder’ link to
see just the folders and save you scrolling
through lists of unfiled links.
The service’s other impressive Features ★★★★★
feature is the recently-added ability to Set up folders to file Performance ★★★★★
export your Favorites out of Yahoo your bookmarks so
Bookmarks, making it a useful they are easier to find Ease of use ★★★★★
back-up service. OVERALL ★★★★★

Find 100s of website reviews at www.webuser.co.uk/sites 17 August 2006 59

GROUP TEST
BOOKMARKING SERVICES

Furl.net http://furl.net Google Bookmarks

The Furl bookmarks
service lacks
some of the more
advanced features
of its competitors.
For example, you
have to type in a
list of tags, rather
than choosing
from an existing
list, as you can
with Del.icio.us,
which makes
adding links seem
more of a chore.
On the plus side,
Furl allows you to
email a link as
well as saving it
and has a search
function to help if
your bookmarks list
becomes unwieldy.
www.google.com/bookmarks
Google surprised us by not
making more of a play for the
top spot with its Bookmarks
service. Like the Microsoft
and Yahoo services, it lets
you add bookmarks through
other Google places such
as your personalised
homepage, the star
button on the Google
Toolbar or the star icon
next to an item in your
search history. Being able
to import your Internet
Explorer Favorites and do
a Google search of your
Features ★★★★★ bookmarks make it a Features ★★★★★
useful, usable service, but Performance ★★★★★
Performance ★★★★★ it lacks anything special
Ease of use ★★★★★ that would set it aside Ease of use ★★★★★
OVERALL ★★★★★ from the pack. OVERALL ★★★★★

Ma.gnolia.com Mybookmarks.com Spurl.net

http://ma.gnolia.com
It’s a close call between Yahoo and
Ma.gnolia, but this site just misses out
on an award. That’s not to say it doesn’t
have some innovative functions. Among
other things, Ma.gnolia lets you keep
individual bookmarks private, cast your
vote on the popularity of links and save
a version of the page you have
bookmarked on the company’s
computers so it’ll still be there if the site
ever goes down.
http://mybookmarks.com
MyBookmarks follows the Del.icio.us
plan of action and lets you make your
bookmarks public so they can be viewed
at www.mybookmarks.com/public/
yourlogin. It comes with a program
called Remark that gives you access to
the favourites on your PC without
opening a browser. Remark can also
import bookmarks from your PC when it
first installs. However, for all its good
features, it doesn’t really stand out and
was a little slow when we used it.
http://spurl.net
Spurl’s online service has some
interesting features. It can import
bookmarks from Internet Explorer,
Opera or Firefox web browsers. Unlike
the other services, Spurl lets you
choose which links you want to import
rather than dumping them all in,
although as a security measure it takes
a day for the imports to appear. Perhaps
the most surprising feature is that you
can add your Del.icio.us username and
password and any pages you add to
Spurl are automatically added to
Del.icio.us as well. Which begs the
question, why not just use Del.icio.us?

Features ★★★★★ Features ★★★★★ Features ★★★★★

Performance ★★★★★ Performance ★★★★★ Performance ★★★★★
Ease of use ★★★★★ Ease of use ★★★★★ Ease of use ★★★★★
OVERALL ★★★★★ OVERALL ★★★★★ OVERALL ★★★★★

60 17 August 2006
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 Phish
INSTANT EXPERT
PHISHING SCAMS

INSTANT EXPERT
GUIDE TO...
Just as there are conmen in the real world, there are conmen on the internet.
They will try every trick they know to rip you off. Roland Waddilove shows
you how to spot a fake email

V
iruses find it increasingly difficult to get
into our PCs because the software that
combats them is both excellent and
widely available. The same thing, however,
cannot be said of anti-phishing technology.
Phishers use a variety of techniques to get
you to reveal your bank, eBay, PayPal and
other details so they can empty your
accounts, and because phishing emails
and websites look legitimate, it is difficult
to write software that can detect them.
Your best defence, therefore, is your own
judgement. Let’s look at what phishing is
and how you can avoid becoming a victim
of this increasingly common problem.

What is phishing? your bank or credit card company direct

The word phishing was first used by
hackers 10 years ago when they were
trying to con AOL users into revealing their
log-on details. They wrote to members
asking them to confirm their account
details and, because the emails looked as
if they were genuinely from AOL, many
people replied. Their accounts were
promptly hijacked. Phishing is now used
to describe any attempt to get personal
information from you. Fake emails made
to look as if they are from eBay, PayPal,
you to fake websites where you are asked
to ‘update’ or ‘verify’ your customer
account information. Once the perpetrator
of the scam has this information they can
take your money, buy goods, and even
steal your whole identity.
Many phishing emails use similar wording and
you’ll learn to spot them. Today it’s Barclays,
tomorrow it might be another high-street bank

Who are the phishers?
The people behind phishing scams can be
anyone from teenagers in their bedroom
to organised criminals. It is easy and
profitable, but phishing is simply hi-tech
theft and instead of breaking into your
house or picking your pocket and stealing
your wallet, the criminals work online.
This makes them hard to trace, but most
are US-based according to the Anti
Phishing Working Group (www.
antiphishing.org). In January alone the
APWG received reports of 9,715 phishing
websites and 17,877 phishing attacks.
Phishers quickly disappear after a scam
and the average life of a phishing site is
just five days.
How to spot a fake
Phishing emails often pretend to
be from your bank, credit card
company, eBay or PayPal. However,
you also get legitimate messages
from these companies, so how do
you tell the real ones from the fakes?
Real emails often contain your name
and may start “Dear John Smith”, but
phishers don’t know you, so fakes
have something general like “Dear
customer”. If an email isn’t addressed
specifically to you, you should suspect
it is a fake.
Many phishing emails talk about
technical problems that require you to
click a link and enter your account
details. Banks, eBay, PayPal, and so
on, never lose your details and they
don’t need to ask you for them. The links in
phishing emails point to fake websites
with wrong addresses, so
check the status bar when the mouse
hovers over a link or the URL in Internet
Explorer’s address bar if you do actually
find yourself on a phishing site. It is best
not to click links in emails because fake
addresses can be disguised.
Phishers’ response to advice not to click
links in emails is to provide a bogus
telephone number and ask people to ring
the bank instead. An automated response
asks you for your account details, which
they then use to relieve you of your cash.
Another common attribute of phishing
scams is poor English – if an email is badly
written it is probably a fake.

Real or fake?
This isn’t an
obvious
phishing
attempt and
it looks more
like an advert. Phishing emails take you to a fake site that
The Anti Phishing Working Group has lots of useful Do not respond asks for your details. The URL in the Address box
information and advice about phishing scams to it though is wrong

62 17 August 2006 Get more help and advice at www.webuser.co.uk/forums

ing scams
INSTANT EXPERT
PHISHING SCAMS

Phishing examples
1 This seems real, but when the mouse hovers
over the link, the address in the status bar says
http://200.31.67.252/... The phisher has tried to
fool us by including www.paypal.com in the URL,
but those weird numbers give the game away.

2 This looks like a question from an eBay

member, but again the URL in the status bar
reveals the fake. Who knows where http://tati-
tati.pisem.net is? eBay also puts your name and
username at the top, and these are missing.
©istockphoto.com/ Javarman3

How to avoid phishing

3
The best way to avoid being caught out by phishing scams is never to click
links in emails relating to sites that might hold sensitive information about The opening “Dear national LloydsTSB
you, such as credit card details. If you get a message supposedly from your bank plc” arouses suspicion because the
bank, eBay or PayPal about a problem, just start Internet Explorer and type sender doesn’t know our name. Spot the poor
the usual address into your web browser. Log on and you will soon see if there English too, “You will begin the procedure of the
really is a problem or not. user details confirmation,” and “apologize” with a
If you are in doubt about an email’s legitimacy or think you have “z” point to a fake.
inadvertently given away your personal details, contact your bank or the
company immediately via contacts on their official websites.

Other email scams

There are lots of different types of online scams and they include fake lottery
wins, fake jobs, and even helping to move money out of African countries.
Whenever an email arrives that seems too good to be true, you should
consider the possibility that it is some sort of scam. Never give out any
personal details to anyone, even if they seem legitimate.

Next issue: Instant Expert guide to identity theft 17 August 2006 63

PROJECT
FIX YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM

Fix your operating system

PART 2: Reinstall Windows
If repairing Windows XP
hasn’t worked, make a
fresh start, says Wayne
Williams

W
hen your computer runs into real
trouble, the repair options built into
Windows XP can be life saving. Using
the Recovery Console or running a repair
installation (which we covered in Part 1)
can fix a lot of woes, but they aren’t perfect
and in rare cases can make matters worse.
Sometimes, even with the best will in the
world, you have to admit defeat and start
over. Reinstalling Windows has many
benefits – your creaky, slow and old PC will
suddenly gain a new lease of life. But
there’s a major downside – you’ll lose
all of your data unless you back it up first.
It’s not a task to be undertaken lightly.

What you need

When you come to reinstall Windows you
will need your product key (a long string of
characters usually found in the documents
you received when you bought your PC or
your copy of Windows XP) along with your
original Windows CD. You will also need all
of your hardware and software installation
discs. Setting up Windows properly after a
format and reinstall can take weeks, so the
more preparation you can put in before you
start, the better.

Your options
If you can still get into Windows then you
should, in theory at least, be able to back up
your emails, contacts, Favorites, and
anything else you are likely to need. There
are two types of reinstall. The first one
overwrites the existing Windows
installation and creates a brand new user
account, the primary effect of which is to
lock your old account and make various
folders (such as My Documents)
inaccessible. The other method is to format
your hard disk and start entirely from
scratch. With the latter option, you’ll need
to back up all personal files on that disk.

64 17 August 2006 Missed Part 1? Download it at www.webuser.co.uk/digital141

 PROJECT
FIX YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM
1

Back up Reinstalling Windows

your data Formatting your hard disk and beginning afresh is generally the
preferred option for the simple reason it completely wipes out
Don’t make the mistake of any software problems, spyware and so on. Everything on your
1 thinking you have to back up your entire hard disk. You will
need to reinstall all of your existing software from scratch so
hard disk will be deleted. The end result will be a fast and
(hopefully) trouble-free PC. Installing Windows over the top of
there’s no point in wasting space with old program files. All you itself might seem like the easier option, but it really isn’t. You’ll
actually need is your personal data – emails, documents, still have to reinstall all of your old applications to get them to
photographs, video etc. To back this up click Start, then work anyway.
navigate through All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and
select Backup. The ‘Backup or Restore Wizard’ will start. 1 Insert your
Click the Advanced Mode link. 2 1 Windows CD
into the drive
and restart 1
Click the Backup your computer.
2 tab. 1 Navigate
through the
1 An option to
boot from CD
directories on the should appear
left 2 and select 2 on screen. If it
any folders you doesn’t, and
want to make a copy your PC begins trying to boot into Windows, you will need to
of. Click the Browse enter your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and change the
button 3 to select first boot device to your CD/DVD drive. Read your motherboard
where the backup manual for instructions. Your PC will now boot from the CD
should be stored.
3 and begin to load the Windows startup files. At the ‘Welcome
A different hard disk is a good option, although you can also to Setup’ screen press Enter. 1
back up everything to the same disk and burn it onto CD or
DVD afterwards.
Press F8 on

Give your backup

2 the next
screen to accept
3 a name. 1 Click
Advanced 2 and
3 the license
agreement. You’ll
put a tick in the be given the
Verify Data After 2 option to Repair
Backup box – it’s the installation or
better to be safe install a fresh 1
than sorry. Finally, 1 copy. Press Esc
click the Start for the latter. On
Backup button. 3 the next screen
select the C:
partition (or the 2
After you’ve 1 partition that XP
4 reinstalled
Windows, restoring 2
is currently installed to), 1 and press D to delete it. 2
Press Enter to confirm the partition deletion, and confirm
this data is just a it again on the next screen by pressing L.
matter of double-
clicking on the
backed-up file. This Select the new
will launch the
Backup or Restore
3 unpartitioned
space and press
Wizard. Click the
3 4 Enter. Select
Advanced link as Format The
before then select the ‘Restore and Manage Media’ tab. 1 Partition Using 1
Select your backup, 2 choose a location to save the content to The NTFS File
3 and when you’re ready, click Start Restore. 4 System, and
press Enter
again. Windows

NEXT ISSUE
will format
your hard disk
and begin the
installation
How to convert old process. 1

cassette tapes and vinyl

When it restarts don’t choose to boot from the CD this time.
Once Windows is fully installed you can begin setting up
records to MP3 the operating system how you like it and restore any
backed-up data.

17 August 2006 65
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Cycling Weekly Traveller section, a collection of

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The online arm of Cycling
Weekly magazine oozes
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wheels thin enough to floss your
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travellers’ tales from all around
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Room 235, Low Rise, Stamford Street, London SE1 9LS. Or fax on 020 7261 2882.

history • 10.If in doubt, walk away • (Source: www.autotrader.co.uk)

 Updat
user
Webuser every isesude

ESSENTIALS
≤

TOP CHOICE
Our regular guide to the web’s best products and services ≥ INTERNET FILTERS to sites on an individual basis
CyberPatrol 7.6, £21.95 and compile a list of banned
www.cyberpatrol.com keywords. This system is not
CyberPatrol offers a wealth infallible, but it is one of the
of filter options. As well as strongest available and
HARDWARE standard web filtering, this extends to messaging
software can monitor instant- programs as well as browsing.
≥ BUDGET 17IN luggage, so MP3 speakers that’ll messaging programs, chat We were pleased to see the
FLATSCREENS pack into about the space of a rooms and newsgroups. In all filters were not over-zealous
Acer AL1751, £200 slim hard-backed book are not cases, you can choose to block and seem able to determine
www.acer.co.uk to be sniffed at. access completely or block the context of words that other
Thanks to its Our rating ★★★★★ words you deem unsuitable. filtering software would block
CrystalBrite Configuration is easy and without question.
technology, this Acer Saitek A-200, £80 different levels of filtering can Our rating ★★★★★
screen looks like it www.saitek.com be applied to different users,
has a layer of glass Although this is a beautifully as existing Windows User
placed over the top, designed speaker with a Accounts are automatically
giving it a remarkable contractible air trap, the bass is detected and imported.
depth of colour. actually a bit of a let down. There are a number of
Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★ pre-defined filters that can be
applied to individual users or
ViewSonic VX712, £200 Creative TravelDock 900, £70 every computer user, but you
www.viewsoniceurope.com/uk http://uk.europe.creative.com can also block or permit access
The ViewSonic screen has a This clever little docking station
response time of 8ms, so has isn’t specific to a particular player
no problems playing video or – it has a lever with a standard with a funny foot attached to
super-fast games. It also offers
good contrast and razor-sharp
headphone-type plug on it, so
you can slot in any small device.
the bottom.
Our rating ★★★★★
SECURITY VITALS
graphics. Our rating ★★★★★ Want to protect your computer
Our rating ★★★★★ ≥ HOMEPLUG from the net’s worst threats?
≥ WEBCAMS NETWORKING ADAPTERS Here’s our current choice of the
NEC MultiSync LCD1770NX, Logitech QuickCam Devolo dLAN Highspeed software you need
£200 Fusion, £79.99 Starter Kit, £119.99
www.nec-display-solutions.co.uk www.logitech.com www.devolo.co.uk ≥ FIREWALL
This NEC MultiSync model is The QuickCam Devolo’s Starter Kit includes ZoneAlarm, free
a stylish monitor with an Fusion has a software for chatting, file transfer www.zonelabs.com
elegant-looking screen but it microphone built-in so and even cleaning up your ZoneAlarm is effective, intuitive
suffers a little on the darkest you won’t need any other computer after browsing. and free for personal use.
screens, which might affect its Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating
devices. It can take still images ★★★★★
performance for serious gamers. of up to 4 megapixels and video
Our rating ★★★★★ Solwise PL-85PE 85Mbps
up to 640 by 480 pixels. ≥ ANTI-VIRUS
Our rating ★★★★★ Ethernet HomePlug Adapter, Avast Home Edition, free
≥ PORTABLE SPEAKERS £40.15 each www.avast.com
SanDisk Sansa Speaker Creative Live Cam Voice, www.solwise.co.uk Free anti-virus software that’s
Dock, £35 £64.99 The software for connecting two regularly updated and has
www.sandisk.com http://uk.europe.creative.com Solwise devices isn’t too user- features to rival many
Designed to slot together with The Creative Live Cam Voice friendly, but if you’re willing to commercial programs.
SanDisk’s own MP3 player, this has a nice, versatile stand that try, you could save a few pounds. Our rating ★★★★★
speaker set also comes with the Our rating ★★★★★
will either hook over the top of
gubbins you need to plug other a monitor or stand freely on a ≥ ANTI-SPYWARE
players into it. eConnect HomePlug 85Mbps PC Tools Spyware Doctor 3.8,
flat surface.
Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★ Adapter, £54.99 £19.95
www.withandwithoutwires.com www.pctools.com
ThinkOutside Boomtube Genius Slim 320, £21.62 The eConnect adapter is white, You can get free spyware
H201, £139 www.geniusnet.co.uk which might appeal to the iPod protection from Ad-Aware or
www.widget.co.uk This webcam looks small and generation and will probably Spybot, but Spyware Doctor
Anyone looking for a set of sensible, but it’s a little short of blend in with your sockets. cleans pests its rivals can miss.
speakers that plug into a wall features, and only offers a Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★
and turn your MP3 player into a maximum resolution of 640 by
decent portable stereo, will find Dynamode HomePlug E85,
480 pixels, even on snapshots. ≥ ALL-IN-ONE SECURITY
what they want in the Boomtube. Our rating ★★★★★ £75 each or £139 for two Norton Internet Security
Our rating ★★★★★ www.dynamode.co.uk 2006, £55
MSI Star Cam 370i, £17.61 The Dynamode device includes www.symantec.co.uk
Altec Lansing InMotion www.msicomputer.co.uk generic installation software, There are free programs that
IM4, £70 The Star Cam comes with a but loses marks as the Ethernet help secure your computer, but
www.alteclansing.co.uk disappointing suite of software cable comes out of the top of the it’s easier with a paid-for suite.
Packing to go away rarely leaves and looks like something out of plug rather than the bottom. Our rating ★★★★★
regular-sized holes in your Star Wars stuck on a bendy pole Our rating ★★★★★
72 17 August 2006 Find the cheapest deals at www.webuser.co.uk/prices
SOFTWARE WEBSITES
≥ ANTI-SPYWARE friendly interface, automatic wallpapers, but you can also ≥ FINANCIAL ADVICE
SOFTWARE updates and an impressive store photos. 4Money
PC Tools Spyware Doctor 3.8, range of spyware detection Our rating ★★★★★ www.channel4.com/4money
£19.95 and prevention tools. 4Money covers all areas of
www.pctools.com Our rating ★★★★★ ≥ INTERNET FILTERS personal finance from
CyberPatrol 7.6, £21.95 mortgages to pensions. Brush
≥ FREE PHOTO ALBUMS www.cyberpatrol.com up on finance terms using the
Flickr (See Top Choice, left.) A-Z Money Jargon section.
www.flickr.com Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★
Flickr is wonderfully easy to use,
Spyware Doctor goes much the upload tool is a drag-and- McAfee Privacy Service, Interactive Investor
deeper than its competitors, drop dream and the community £24.99 per year www.iii.co.uk
removing and blocking even the and sharing features remain www.mcafee.co.uk There is enough financial data
most devious web pests. second to none. This program also offers options and share tipping going on at this
Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★ that block cookies, web bugs, useful website to get anyone’s
pop-ups and advertisements as virtual red braces twitching.
Spybot - Search and Destroy PhotoBox well as standard filtering. Our rating ★★★★★
1.4, free www.photobox.co.uk Our rating ★★★★★
www.safer-networking.org PhotoBox offers unlimited Identity Theft
Spybot is one of the oldest anti- storage for photos you’re getting CYBERsitter 9.0, $39.95 www.identity-theft.org.uk
spyware tools and keeps ahead printed with the service, but just (around £22) This site offers both useful and
of the pack by checking your 200MB space for simple sharing. www.cybersitter.com vital information on protecting
system against its database of Our rating ★★★★★ CYBERsitter searches your hard yourself against fraudsters.
more than 37,000 threats. disk for questionable material as Our rating ★★★★★
Our rating ★★★★★ BubbleShare soon as it is installed, and gives
www.bubbleshare.com you the option of removing it. Consumer Direct
Ad-Aware SE Personal 1.06, BubbleShare offers tagging, Our rating ★★★★★ www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
free comments and community Online advice for problems from
www.lavasoft.com features, but you can’t download Safe Eyes 2006, $49.95 faulty goods to dishonest traders
Ad-Aware has gained popularity the original high-resolution (around £27) per year for a and scams.
through its speed and reliability versions of your images if you three-computer licence Our rating ★★★★★
in detecting and removing most lose them on your PC. www.safeeyes.com
forms of malware. Our rating ★★★★★ Blocks access to inappropriate ≥ TEENAGERS
Our rating ★★★★★ sites in more than 30 categories Reach for the Sky
Webshots as well as user-specified URLs www.sky.com/rfts
McAfee AntiSpyware 2, £29.99 www.webshots.com that are stored on online so the A community initiative from
http://uk.mcafee.com Webshots is another take on info cannot be retrieved from broadcaster Sky aimed at
This is a little pricey, however, the sharing business. Its main the hard disk. helping 14-19 year olds make
the program offers a user- Our rating
purpose is to provide images for ★★★★★ the most of their futures.
Our rating ★★★★★
Best deals for medium users (based on a user requiring a minimum
BROADBAND speed of 2Mbps and at least 20GB of downloads) European Youth Portal
http://europa.eu/youth/
Package name Speed Restrictions Set-up cost Monthly rate 1st-year cost uSwitch customer This European Union project
satisfaction score aims to inspire young people to
1 Telewest Broadband* 2Mbps Unlimited Nil £14.99 £169.88† 89% become more active citizens.
www.telewest.co.uk Our rating ★★★★★
2 Tiscali 2Mb Broadband 2Mbps Unlimited Nil £14.99 £179.88 83% Monkey Slum
www.tiscali.co.uk
www.monkeyslum.com
3 ToucanSurf 2Mb 2Mbps Unlimited Nil £16.99 £203.88 n/a Packed with titillating tit-bits to
www.toucan.com appeal to lads whose hormones
4 UK Online LLU Broadband 2000 with Modem** 2Mbps Unlimited £54.99 £14.99 £234.87 n/a are raging.
www.ukonline.net Our rating ★★★★★
5 Demon Home 2Mbps Unlimited Nil £19.99 £239.88 n/a TIC
www.demon.net
www.click4tic.org.uk
6 Freedom2Surf Cascade Home 8Mbps 20GB Cap £30.00 £19.99 £269.88 n/a Teenagers share their
www.freedom2surf.net experiences and offer help on
7 NTL 4Mb Broadband *** 4Mbps Unlimited Nil £24.99 £274.88 81% all aspects of the illness.
www.ntl.co.uk Our rating ★★★★★
8 AOL Broadband Gold 2Mbps Unlimited Nil £24.99 £274.89 ††
83%
www.aol.co.uk Find links to all
* Only available to customers in a Telewest-cabled region *** Only available to customers in a NTL-cabled region websites in this issue
**Only available to customers in a UK Online LLU enabled region †
£10 cashback †† 1 month free at www.webuser
Data based on users paying by Direct Debit and requiring a broadband modem. Correct as of 31 July 2006
≥ Next Issue: Best broadband deals for heavy users Data supplied by www.uswitch.com .co.uk/forums
Discover more product reviews at www.webuser.co.uk/products 17 August 2006 73
 A look at the lighter side of the web!
Visit us daily: www.webuser.co.uk/seenthis
Send us stuff: seenthis@web-user.co.uk EDITORIAL
Editor Andrew Craig
Deputy Editor Claire Woffenden

Top of the Pops THE BEST OF YouTube.com Technical & Reviews Editor
Andy Shaw
Features Editor Daniel Booth
www.bbc.co.uk/totp
After 42 years, 10 different theme tunes, more than Chimp vs Pac-Man News Editor Quentin Reade
Staff Writer Veronique De
150 presenters and 2,204 programmes the BBC’s http://tinyurl.com/ro7a9 Freitas + Art Editor Jann Fabia-
weekly chart show, Top of the Pops, Considering how often we Lechelle + Senior Designer Sam
made its final countdown last struggle at the most simple Dorrington + Staff
point-and-click games, it’s Photographer Alan McFaden
month. But don’t despair: the Production Editor Anthony
official website for the show intends rather humbling to see this
Green
to live on for mourning pop pickers chimpanzee breezing through Pac-Man. Judging by his Senior Sub Editor Richard Lloyd
for a while longer at least. There are ghost-munching performance, we fully expect this Editorial Tel: 020 7261 7294
already plenty of features – including joystick wizard to email the highest score in this issue’s Sorry, no technical or buying
archive video clips – on the site, but Beat Web User game, below. But why get them to play advice, for subscriptions call
the people behind it say they are Pac-Man, when it’s obvious the chimps would be better at 01444 475675
Donkey Kong? ADVERTISING
“beavering away on ideas for filling Email: advertising@web-user
the huge gap that the demise of Top .co.uk Advertising Director
of the Pops will leave in all of our
lives, and will be unveiling some of these over the
THE WHACKING CHALLENGE Jean Christie + Advertising &
Sponsorship Manager Nicola
next couple of months”. We can’t wait. Ponting, 020 7261 6597 + Senior
This issue’s challenge is to find a new Sales Executive Lucy Ferguson,
Googlewhack containing the word: MOFONGOS 020 7261 7539 + Sales
SUDOKU CHALLENGE When you’ve found one email it to googlewhacking@ipcmedia.com.
Executive Paul Briggs, 020 7261
5605 + Advertising Production
The best Googlewhack will be honoured at www.webuser.co.uk/ Stephen Turner, 020 7261 5513
Here’s the latest grid in our series of Sudoku googlewhack.
CLASSIFIED
puzzles. You can also tackle a new Sudoku every Senior Sales Executive
In Issue 141 we asked you to find a Googlewhack containing the Chris Dicker, 020 7261 2882
day at www.webuser.co.uk/sudoku. word ‘amberjacks’. Our favourite was ‘amberjacks mofongos’ Classified Sales Executive
● The answer to this issue’s puzzle can be found at Robin Khanna, 020 7261 2823
www.webuser.co.uk/answers. INSERTS
Innovator Sales Nick Barnard
PRODUCTION
BEAT WEBUSER Production Director Richard Hill
Production Manager
Peter Wesson
MARKETING & CIRCULATION
BINBALL WIZARD
www.binballwizard.com Marketing Manager Mary de
Cinque, 020 7261 7615
Can you beat our score of Circulation Executive
8,568? If so, email the proof to Katie Sharp
daniel_booth@ipcmedia.com PUBLISHING TEAM
and we’ll honour the best in Marketing/Publishing Director
Issue 144. Angie O’Farrell, 020 7261 7294
Congratulations to Leigh Firth Managing Director Paul Williams
Origination FE Burman Ltd,
from Burnley whose 112,344 Crimscott St, London SE1 5TF
was the highest score we received Printers Southernprint, Upton
for Mole In One (www.fingertime Industrial Estate, Poole, Dorset
.com/moleinone.php) featured in Cover printed by
Issue 140. Wyndeham Litho, Grafton Way,
● Revisit previous Beat Web User games and high-scores West Ham Industrial Estate,
at www.webuser.co.uk/beatwebuser. Basingstoke, Hants
Web User™ is an IPC Trade Mark © IPC Media 2006 Published on the Thursday as coverdated by IPC Country & Leisure Media Ltd, a part of IPC Media, a Time Warner company. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, King’s Reach Tower, Stamford Street,
London SE1 9LS (Tel: 020 7633 3333). © IPC Media ISSN 1473-7094. © Copyright IPC Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or system or in any means without the prior written
permission of the publisher or the editor. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by
trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the publisher. IPC Media Ltd does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited photographs, manuscripts and product samples.

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