Computer problems update

[ffutures]

Here's an update on the computer problems I've been whining about. Some good news for a change!

• The scanner problem is fixed - it appears that if you install Adobe Flash it sometimes buggers the bit of the Windows registry that controls security on e.g. scanners. Found this on about the 50th support forum I looked at:
  
  "You should delete 1 extra (parasite) zone from
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\
  with pseudo-graphic number, you'll see it before zone number 0."
  
  Did that and suddenly everything is working perfectly.
  
  
• The web site problem just isn't going away - it's simply Virgin being totally crap, looks like they've lost my records from before Virgin took over NTLWorld. I think a move to another ISP looks very likely, probably BT since I have to pay for a phone line anyway and I can allegedly get up to 16mbit service here. I will probably move forgottenfutures.co.uk to my hosting provider, they seem a lot more interested in keeping things working properly.
  
  
• The nature of the iBook network thing is looking a little clearer, though I don't know what the hell to do about it - if I have any Windows PC switched on and connected to the network the iBook can access the network drive. If none of them are switched on the iBook can't detect it. Previously the PC I've just started using didn't have the network name in its configuration settings, for some reason, that may have been why the problem suddenly became so obvious.
  
  Fortunately 90% of the time one of the PCs is on when I'm at home and wanting to move files, so hopefully this will now be a minor nuisance rather than a serious problem.

So things are becoming clearer and a little better sorted, I hope.

Comments

[autopope.livejournal.com]

If you're moving ISPs to an ADSL solution, I'd like to strongly recommend Be Unlimited (www.bethere.co.uk). They're sort of like Demon were in the mid-90s -- their target market are clueful users, and they provide a relatively affordable small business package with static IP addresses, unlimited bandwidth, and no traffic shaping. Oh, and 2mb/sec outgoing, if you want.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I'll take a look. A small business package may be overkill for my needs - I'm primarily a home user with some sidelines - but I'm always open to alternatives.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

OK, that does look rather interesting. One question: can you have the router at a different location to the incoming phone socket? I have no experience of ADSL lines at all, and my phone socket is in the hall about 20ft away from where I currently have my router. I suppose I could have the router there and use the existing router as a switch in this room, of course, but it isn't ideal.

[nojay.livejournal.com]

Keeping the cable between the master phone socket and the router/modem short is a good idea. It's an analogue datapath until the signal gets to the modem and electrical noise or bad connections can cut down on your actual measured bandwidth.

I'd do what you suggest wrt to using your old router as a switch, or buy a small GigE switch to connect your wired PCs together and run some CAT5e to the router. Most ADSL router/modems sold these days have an 802.11n wireless access point built-in as well; it can be quite difficult to find a router/modem that doesn't do wireless any more.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

About what I thought.