A client was having a problem accessing their ANZ bank account using ANZ’s site. When trying to log on they’d receive the message: “Please try enabling JavaScript, or click to open the link via the active browser tab.” Initially I thought this should be a fairly easy problem to fix. It turned out to be a difficult problem and required a considerable amount of research time.
The message provided by the ANZ site had no relevance to the problem. I’ve found over the years users are often given help guidance by programs that is misleading or not relevant.
The solution to this problem is now available to clients in MyAnswers solution 2224 under the Internet Explorer section.
Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Servicing Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and surrounding area.
Call 0415 910 703 for computer support.
Saturday, 16 June 2012
ANZ: "Please try enabling JavaScript, or click to open the link via the active browser tab." message when trying to log on
Friday, 15 June 2012
MyAnswers: Log on button on ANZ site doesn't work using Internet Explorer 9, Windows 7.
The following MyAnswers solution 2224 is now available:
Log on button on ANZ site doesn't work using Internet Explorer 9 (64 bit) on Windows 7. On sites some links work and others don't. Right click on a link and open in new tab ends up with a blank page.
Click here to obtain the solution.
Click here for related solutions.
Kelvin Eldridge
www.MyAnswers.biz
(An Online Connections service.)
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Olympian's photos of sex with wife stolen by staff at computer shop
When I read about a Sydney computer shop allegedly taking copies of personal images from a customer’s computer that had been given them for repair, there is little wonder that people start to not trust repair businesses.
INTIMATE photographs of an Australian Olympian having sex with his wife were stolen by staff at a Sydney computer shop after the prominent star brought his machine in for repair.... Read More
The problem is if your computer dies you need to be able to trust the business with your important data and the Sydney business shows you just can’t trust some businesses. People shouldn’t have to be concerned that businesses can take copies of their data without permission in this way.
If as is reported this isn’t against the law it should be. Whilst the article mentions the law covers situations such as when a password restricts access, then does that really make a difference if you have to give the computer business your password?
If you are concerned about the potential inappropriate copying of your data you have a few options. The first is if you can find someone who you can trust then deal with them. Obviously if you don’t know someone that doesn’t help.
A couple of options are: to remove the hard disk before putting the computer in for repair and pay for a new hard disk. Another is to be present whilst the computer is being repaired.
Because I perform onsite support of computers the computer doesn’t have to leave the person’s home or business premises. For some tasks, when it is may be easier and more cost effective to take the computer back to base, the choice is always the client’s.
Trust is earned and once damaged is rarely repaired. Companies like the business in Sydney should be named if indeed they are doing what they’ve alleged to have done. Even if it isn’t illegal, it isn’t right.
I’d never heard of a business doing this before but once you know a business does this, you can be sure there are others doing the same. Now you know you can factor this knowledge into your decisions and take appropriate action.
- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Approximately 6.5 million LinkedIn passwords made public
It is important if you are using an online service that you understand large onsite services will be under constant attack. Make sure you’re happy that if the site is hacked and your data exposed, that you minimise the risk to yourself and business.
Many people use the same password and username across multiple sites. Unfortunately many sites now use your email address as your username so all that is needed is the password and your account on another site can be accessed.
Many years ago I recall video stores had a problem with passwords so it was wise to use a different password at different video stores. In the case of video stores, anyone who worked at the store would have access to your password and video stores often had poor security and staff turnover. The world hasn’t changed much, except now we have online accounts. If a site is compromised your account can be compromised and often that means your username (email address) and password can be determined. Then they can be used to access other sites.
If you have a LinkedIn account and your password has been published LinkedIn will reset your password. I’d suggest if you have a LinkedIn account it may be time to review the passwords you are using and if you are using the same password across multiple online services, think about using a different strategy.
There are also a number of sites which will enable you to check if your password is one of the passwords published. I’d highly recommend you do not use those site. There is nothing to say they aren’t sites simply designed to collect passwords. Don’t be tempted to check your password using a site. Just change your passwords if you are concerned.
Kelvin Eldridge
Australian dictionaries for open source projects
I get the occasional request for dictionaries for open source projects. I just want to let people know I no longer support open source projects.
I had hoped that by helping others, others would assist me. All I found is the open source projects and the users took the material I provided and nearly all gave nothing back. Firefox was the worst example, not only taking the work but also changing the licence against my wishes. Google Chrome was not far behind. A link from Google to my project would have greatly assisted, but instead simply took my work consisting of hundreds of hours of effort and included it in their project.
All projects need to do is to link to the developers’ sites so the developer gains for their efforts. Instead the projects take the material, include it in their projects where users have no idea of where the material came from and who is putting in the effort.
As a developer/consultant I make a living from developing software and providing computer support. Open source did not provide a means to generate income even though my work ended up being used by hundreds of thousands of Australians.
I now only focus on producing dictionaries for clients. They are the people who help me pay the bills and I’m very grateful to my clients for their support.
My apologies to anyone for any inconvenience.
Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Make sure your spelling is correct when doing presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.
Recently I attended a trade show where a number of people gave presentations. One person was a leading business coach and I’d guess they were being paid a very healthy fee to present. As I sat listening to his presentation and reading his slides there it was. A spelling error.
The problem is once you see a spelling error in the presentation your mind immediately wanders from the presentation.
To be fair, this wasn’t completely the presenter’s fault. None of us are perfect spellers and we tend to rely on our spellcheckers to pick up typos and spelling errors. In this case the presenter was obviously using Microsoft software for his presentation, because the spelling error is an error in the Microsoft spellchecker dictionary.
I produce an Exclude file which can be used with Microsoft Office products. The Exclude file helps people to determine if they are using the preferred Australian English spelling. There are thousands of Australian English words which can be spelt two or more ways and Microsoft’s spellchecker dictionary correctly enables people to use their chosen spelling. It is just that most people don’t know there is a preferred Australian English spelling. In addition, there are a number of errors in the Microsoft spellchecker dictionary which are also corrected with the use of the Exclude file.
Given the cost and time involved of preparing for the presentations and travelling to multiple cities across Australia, for just $10 this error could have been avoided.
For those who are interested the word used was “fulfillment” which is the American spelling. This spelling is allowed if Australians are using Microsoft software, but the correct spelling is “fulfilment”.
You can obtain the Microsoft Exclude file from the JustLocal site (www.JustLocal.com.au) or use the direct link http://www.justlocal.com.au/clients/mswordexcl.
Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Creator and maintainer of the preferred Australian English spelling dictionary.
Friday, 1 June 2012
Microsoft's Windows 7 to Windows 8 upgrade offer on new computers.
Microsoft have now made the following announcement.
"Beginning June 2, 2012, Microsoft will roll out the Windows Upgrade Offer in 131 markets, including the U.S. and Canada. Consumers who buy eligible Windows 7-based PCs through Jan. 31, 2013, can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $14.99 (U.S.) during the time of the promotion."
I would suggest waiting until you have a firm offer in writing and make sure you get an "eligible" PC, whatever that may mean.
My own preference is if you can wait for a new computer, then I'd prefer to wait. In fact I'd even suggest wait a while until after new computers with the new operating have been on the market for a while. That way you're likely to know about any serious bugs. I also prefer to get a computer I know has been designed with the operating system in mind and not an older computer. Keep in mind the latest Intel processors are also being released now. Having the latest processor with the latest version of the operating system is a good place to be, if everything works as it should.
I remember Windows Me and advised all clients not to buy it. Windows Vista was also a sluggish operating system and where possible clients stayed on Windows XP. I'm hoping Windows 8 isn't a dud by having its dual nature with Metro.
For those who need a new machine now, this is a timely offer. Personally I'm not going to be in a hurry and will take my time with a new purchase.
Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 if you require help with your computer.
No problem too small.