Note: In these answers we will follow a few shorthand conventions for describing user-interface procedures. Key combinations will be presented like this: Ctrl+Alt+Del, which means that you should press and hold down the Control key, the Alt key, and the Delete key at the same time. Menu selections will be presented like this: File->Open, which means that you should open the File menu, and then make the Open selection.

1. How should I install Internet Explorer 4 on my Windows 95 machine?
2. Where can I find the Task Manager, and what does it do?
3. Why doesn't my mouse move properly anymore?
4. What is the best way of cleaning up the registry?
5. What is ICQ?
6. Why does my Internet connection keep dropping every 20 minutes or so?

How should I install Internet Explorer 4?

You cannot install Internet Explorer successfully if you have any Microsoft Office applications running, or if you have an anti-virus application running.  Make sure that the software you are installing comes from a trusted source, such as the original Manufacturer (Microsoft)  before dis-abling the anti-virus application.   (Reputable software sources are not going to jeopardize their integrity and reputation by distributing any software with a virus in it...)

1. Disable the Microsoft Office Shortcut bar by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del, and shut it down by selecting it from the task manager, then select the End Task button.
2. You will next have to shut down other Office TSR programs such as OSA and Findfast and any schedule reminder running.
3. Continue shutting down all other applications Except for Explorer and systray shutting down your virus software last.
4. Start installing Internet Explorer 4 by selecting Start, ->Run then ->Browse to the setup or install file and select ->OK.

• By shutting down the other applications, and running with the minimum drivers and TSR's, Explorer will be able to settle itself into the Registry and complete all the necessary tasks in modifying and enhancing your Windows 95 operating system.  At the end of the installation, the computer should re-start itself.  You will need to shut down and re-start again before using IE4.

Where can I find the Task Manager?

Press Ctrl+Alt+Del ONCE in Windows 95, and the Task Manager will pop-up.  The legend "Close Program" is in the Title Bar.

• Use the Task Manager to shut down any TSR Programs that you have running.
• To shut down or terminate a program that has stopped responding.
• To free up memory by shutting down redundant TSRs.
• To shutdown the computer safely, when it has locked up or has begun to respond slowly.

Why doesn't my mouse move properly anymore?

The mouse has a rubberized ball inside of it that rolls around on the mat surface.   The mouse-mat is usually left sitting around on the desk most of it's life, (which could be 3 or 4 years or more!) but the mat is actually made from an antistatic material, which de-ionizes the dust particles, making them stick to the mat.

As the ball of the mouse rolls over the mat, the dust is picked up and transferred onto the rollers inside the mouse.  As the rollers build up with deposits, it's performance decreases. It soon gets to the stage where the mouse stops moving or jumps across the screen in huge bounds.

• The solution is to remove the ball through the bottom of the mouse, and gently scrape away the residue from the rollers, using an old toothbrush and an alcohol based solvent (like Methylated Spirits)

What is the best way of cleaning up the Registry?

The Windows Registry is not something to be treated like an .ini or .bat file. Do not even think about tampering with the Registry unless you know exactly what you are doing.  Yes, you can manually remove or manipulate certain values of keys within the Registry, but it is far better to use third party software to do the work for you.

One of the most effective pieces of software that I have used is Microsoft's RegClean 4.1a.  It is widely available from a number of sources, but the best bet is to download it directly from the makers at Microsoft

What is ICQ?

ICQ (I seek you) is an internet paging system to inform you if and when other users come on-line.  For instance, I can tell when my friends are on-line, moments after they log-on.  I can then send them files, messages or URL's of sites, or I can chat with them.  I can also send these things when they are off-line, and they get the messages next time they log on.

You can get ICQ from Mirabilis

Why does my connection drop out after 20 minutes or so?

You have probably got a (Australian) Telstra touch-phone on the same line as the modem.   Every 20 minutes or so, the phone goes off-hook, and sends a signal down the line to boost the batteries to retain the speed dial numbers in memory.  This will cause the modem to drop off the line, just as if someone had picked up the phone.  You could either disconnect the phone while you are on-line, or get another phone.