Internet Archivist

Posted on 2 Jul 2002 at 17:32

Davey Winder enjoys a new way of surfing - in his sleep - and continues his search for the elusive perfect email client.

Ask the Net head

Every month I'll be tackling your questions, which you can email to me at the addresses shown at the end of these pages or post care of the PC Pro offices if you're not yet on-line. So, if you can't get your modem to connect, you don't understand how to bring your Web browser alive with sound, or maybe just have a seemingly impossible problem with your Internet connection, get your letters in and I'll do my best to answer them. This month my brain is addled with email problems.

From: Simon

Problem: 'I've been told that there is a virus which travels across the Internet and deletes all the information on your screen. Is it another myth and, if not, how do I protect myself?'

Solution: Okay, it's not a myth, but nor is it a virus. It's officially called the 'paint it white bug' and only affects users of Microsoft IE 4. The damage is done if you have Active Desktop turned on and then connect to a Web site that is hiding a Java applet which changes the colour of the Desktop (or any active window) to white, effectively wiping the screen blank. Unfortunately, the only solution if you are hit by it is the , and then end the IE 4 task. Prevention is always better than cure, so I'd suggest turning off Active Desktop in the first place. Then the bug can't do any damage, and your system, I believe, will be a lot more stable.

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