This is a quicktip to show you how to work out your current Internet Explorer version. It also works for most other Microsoft software, as well as software from other companies.

This tip is written for Windows operating systems.

1. Open up the software program such as Internet Explorer.

2. Find the Help option in the menu bar (usually at the top of the window for most programs), then click on About Internet Explorer (or About other program name)

You will then see a window similar to the one shown on the right, and toward the top you can see the current version number of your software install.

If your system shows a version older than Internet Explorer 8 then you should strongly consider Microsoft Internet Explorer updates to get the full advantages of more secure and faster web browsing.

Internet Explorer is the browser of choice for many people as it is pre-installed on computers which have Windows Operating Systems on them when purchased. However, many people are unaware that they may be using an older version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer tool, and therefore not getting the best out of their web browsing experience.

Unfortunately hackers never seem to sleep and Windows Internet Explorer seems to be a prime target for their exploits. Recent media coverage has highlighted the Australian Federal Government warnings about Microsoft’s web browser being easy to infiltrate by hackers. Now is a great time to check for available Microsoft Internet Explorer updates and install them to your computer.

The information provided below is intended for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 users who do not have Windows Automatic Updates turned on. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, the quickest way to tell if you are up to date is to check your current version of internet explorer.

Below, is a simple step by step guide on the easiest way to update your computer to the latest version of Internet Explorer, however we would also recommend you look at alternative web browsers such as Firefox, Chrome or Opera as potentially more secure, faster free web browser alternatives. You may find it easier to print this information off, or look at it on another computer while performing the upgrade.

1. Go to the Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer home page at http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/internet-explorer/ and click on the large orange Download now button

2. On the next page, select your country and Operating System (if you are unsure about your operating system, this Quick Tip will show you how to find out what version of Windows you are using), you will then be taken to the page to download Internet Explorer update 8

3. On the next page, click on the Download button to begin the Download of the file to your computer, then select Save and choose the location where you would like the file saved. You must remember this location you choose as you will require it again.

Once the file has completed downloading, close any Internet Explorer browser windows you may have open, then double click on the file you just downloaded from Microsoft to install your new version of Internet Explorer. It will ask if you would like to transfer your bookmarks, passwords and other settings, reply Yes to this question so that these are transferred across to your new software.

We hope you have found this information of assistance while you perfor Windows Internet Explorer updates. If you have any questions please leave a comment in the box below or contact us directly by email.

This is a quick Skype software tip to personalise your Skype contact profile as your callers see it. The information is based on the latest version of Skype using Windows operating system, however it is similar for other versions of Skype and computer operating systems.

You will need an image in jpg, bmp or png format already saved to your computer.

1. Open the Skype software, then click on File, Edit your Profile.
2. Locate the default image in your profile and click on the Change button.
3. On the next screen click on Browse, then select your image and click on the Open button.
4. You will see the picture with a blue outline, click on OK, then click on Update on the next screen.

That’s it, all done! You have successfully updated your Skype VOIP Profile picture.

If you would like further assistance, please leave a comment or contact Cairns Computer Help directly.

If you follow a few websites regularly, such as friends’ blogs, specific newspapers, certain people on twitter, Youtube channels, eBay product searches or anywhere you see an icon similar to the one on the right, you can stop visiting those sites regularly, and bring the information to you. The information is only bought to your “inbox” when the main website is updated, so you can save time visiting websites to check if they have been updated.

There are many different free News Reader software available, you may already have one but not use it. At least since Microsoft Outlook 2002, and the same generation of Microsoft’s Outlook Express have had News Reader’s built in. Here are some instructions from Microsoft on how to set Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Outlook Express Newsreader up.

Some of the other popular free online Feed Readers are Google Reader at http://www.google.com/reader/ and Bloglines at http://www.bloglines.com

There are many more free RSS reading software if you would like to look for yourself at Lifehacker Australia’s Best RSS Newsreaders roundup at http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2008/05/best_rss_newsreaders-2/

Once you have chosen your RSS Reader, and installed it to your computer or registered for its online service, you can start adding subscriptions to information from the internet. When you see the RSS icon similar to the above or some wording which says “Subscribe to RSS feed” or similar, click on the icon and follow the instructions. The website current feed will be added to your feed reader, and all future updates, so make sure to check your Feed Reader regularly.

Internet: Useful Tips: RSS In Plain English

If you would like some further information on using RSS Readers, then please drop a comment below, or contact Cairns Computer Help directly.

Restart or shutdown and turn on your computer in the usual manner, taking careful notice as it starts up. If you have a fairly standard version, there will be a boot screen looking similar to one of the images below. The boot screen will have the wording of Windows XP or Windows Vista on it.

Windows XP

Windows Vista

Yes, sometimes it can be just that easy!

What is Broadband?

The simplest explanation of Broadband is a fast ‘always on’ method of connecting to the internet. In Cairns, broadband is available via Cable, ADSL, Naked ADSL and Wireless access – with ADSL which uses a standard telephone line as the most common. However, ADSL is not available at all telephone exchanges and Cable is only available if you have Cable TV such as Austar. ADSL allows you to make a phone call at the same time that you are using the internet connection. Naked ADSL means you do not have a standard voice phoneline just the ADSL component running through the wires. Wireless is the newest type of broadband access and provides freedom of use anywhere, no need to be tied to a normal telephone line. If a telephone exchange does not support ADSL, and Cable is not available, Wireless may be the only option. Wireless is the most expensive option, but you can take it with you when travelling so it has many advantages.

A quick comparison of currently available light usage internet plans as at 3rd March 2009. Light usage will be suitable for most people switching from dial-up, as an example a light user may use the internet daily, semd/receive 10-30 emails per week, download up to 10 songs per week, watch up to 15 videos per week, and play up to 8 hours of games per week.. Don’t worry if you don’t do all of those activities – it is just meant as an indication of usage.

Understanding Broadband Plans

When you start investigating Broadband plans, there will be some new terms & concepts to consider. Broadband plans are talked about in terms of Data, Speed, Contract Length, Bundling, Excess Data so lets look at these individually

Data or Data Allowance is how much information you are allowed to use within your plan each month – the light usage as discussed above would be around 1-5 Gigabytes of data – part way through the first month of your plan, check your usage to get an indication of how much you actually use and you may be able to switch to a different plan if you need less or more

Speed – Dial-up speed is generally 56kbps, and by comparison broadband comes in 512kbps to 24000kbps – don’t worry too much about exactly what that means – if you are using voice over internet then you will want a plan faster than 1500kbps to get a reliable service.

Contract Length – if you are happy to be in a 2 year contract for your broadband service, there will be perks like free months, discounts and free hardware to connect your computer to the internet. However, prices on broadband are always dropping, so by the end of your contract you may be paying a lot more than the market rates at that time. Prepaid service is also an option if you prefer to do that, like prepaid phones you can buy credit at the post office, over the phone by credit card or on the internet.

Bundling – you can bundle your home, mobile and broadband services with the same provider to save money

Excess Data – if you go over your monthly data allowance, your provider may charge you extra – sometimes A LOT extra, or slow your broadband service to a very low speed similar to dial-up speeds. Check this in your contract. Most providers will provide a way to monitor your usage online and/or be notified by email.

Hopefully that is enough information to give a general understanding of how to read broadband plans, below is a summary of plans available at the time of writing (3rd March 2009), with the links so you can then go to the provider for in depth terms & conditions and to sign-up. If you need further information, or have any requests, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly.

The table below shows some light usage plans with 12-36 month contracts. This is by no means an exhaustive list, an excellent resource for finding other plans is the Broadband Plan Finder at youcompare.com.au

As you can see, even that small selection of broadband plans is a lot of information to take in, if you are a light internet user as discussed above, sign up with a plan which allows you to change your usage, then monitor it closely for the first month – does it feel fast enough, how much of your data allowance have you used, and switch to a more suitable plan. I would suggest starting with a 1500kbps speed and as high a data allowance as your budget will allow, then switching to another plan level after you have monitored usage. If you do sign up for a plan with a relatively low data allowance which charges for excess data, monitor that very closely at first to make sure you do not get a surprisingly large bill.

Once you have decided what type of broadband plan to get, it is a relatively simple process of contacting your provider, telling them your phone number and they will arrange the setup. When signing up with a provider they will supply a piece of hardware called a modem or a modem/router if you need wireless within your home or have multiple computers. There will be a step by step guide on how to connect this hardware once your ADSL has been provided. For plan such as Telstra Bigpond Wireless, you can set the hardware up and be online the same day. ADSL lines generally take 7-10 business days to be organised but can take 3-20 days.

This article grew significantly as I was thinking through what information is helpful in getting started with broadband, so some parts were intentionally left out and oversimplified, if you would like additional information, please leave a comment or contact me directly. If it’s just the right amount of helpful information about broadband plans then I’d love to hear that too. If you require much more assistance I am happy to meet with you and take you to Broadband providers around Cairns to facilitate your broadband connection, I can also set up the hardware and test it once the ADSL line or wireless is activated.