Q: I'm trying to send Email to my friend overseas at
[SMTP:bob@earthling.net], but I keep getting an error message. Why?
A: Vulcraft, like many offices, had an inter-office Email system long before it had Internet Email. Inter-office Email addresses typically consist of one part--the user name. Internet Email addresses consist of two parts--a user name and a host name, separated by the 'commercial at' sign (@). In order for your Email program to know the difference between inter-office and Internet Email addresses, it puts SMTP: in front of Internet Email addresses. SMTP, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, is how Email is sent on the Internet. The error message most likely indicates that 'SMTP' should be removed from the address you are trying to send a message to.
Q: I see so many Internet addresses that start with HTTP. What does it mean?
A: Much the same as SMTP, HTTP is a computer standard for transferring data on the Internet. Specifically, HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. While SMTP is used for sending Email, HTTP is used for sending and receiving text and pictures, interactively. Hypertext is what created the World Wide Web on the Internet.
Q: Aren't the Internet and the World Wide Web the same thing?
A: No. The World Wide Web is only part of the Internet, although it has become the largest part of the Internet, to be sure. Long before the World Wide Web, the Internet consisted of FTP sites, Gopher sites, Archie sites, news group sites, and Email post office sites. With the exception of Email, most of these types of sites have given way to HTTP.
Q: How do I
freeze columns in Microsoft Excel?
A: This question took a bit of research--it has been ages since I
have used this feature. If you wish to freeze rows or columns on-screen so they
constantly appear when scrolling through your spreadsheet, you need to position
the cursor on the cell just below the row(s) and to the right of the column(s)
you wish to remain on-screen. Then, click on the 'Window' menu and select
'Freeze Panes.' (See illustration)
Q: Can you determine the type of RAM (SIMMs, DIMMs, SDRAM, etc), without having to open up your computer?
A: Yes. This information is normally found with the system documentation. If you do not have access to this information, I suggest contacting the manufacturer. Alternatively, this information is available from reputable computer dealers.
Q: Where is a good place to purchase a computer?
A: For first-time buyers, I recommend purchasing a system locally. Places like Staples and Office Depot offer systems for beginners and intermediate users. The advantage of buying locally is being able to drop your PC on the store counter and say, "Fix it!" For advanced users, on-line discount dealers and auction sites are worth investigating. The main difference between systems these days is in the software and the Internet Service Provider, if it is part of a package deal or rebate offer.
Q: Will we be able to get some 'hands-on' assistance?
A: Vulcraft is proactively seeking to assist employees improve their PC skills. At present, plans are being made to bring you essential information to help you get the most from our computers.
Next Issue: News & Views will provide detailed information on what services Vulcraft will make available to you.
Please send your computer questions and comments to Doctor PC, c/o Nucor News & Views, P.O. Box 100520, Florence, SC 29501-0520 or to DoctorPC@vulcraft-sc.com. I will try to answer your questions in the following issue of News & Views.