Leo’s Answers #59 – January 5, 2007

Leo's Answers
A Weekly Newsletter From
Ask Leo!
Leo Notenboom

Hello!

*** Contents

• This Week's New Articles on Ask Leo!
• A Word from our Sponsor
• Popular Articles from the Archives
• Thoughts and Comments
• Newsletter Administration

*** This Week's New Articles on Ask Leo!

Can software firewalls and security packages cause problems?

Those are all extremely common questions I get every day.

And, while it's definitely not the case that a software firewall or security package is always the cause, it turns out to be fairly common.

Continue reading: "Can software firewalls and security packages cause problems?"
http://ask-leo.com/can_software_firewalls_and_security_packages_cause_problems.html

* * *

How do I know if I'm behind a NAT router?

The answer's not as obvious as a lot of people are thinking. Yes, much of the time a NAT router is an additional box ... a device that you plug your computer into that, in turn, plugs into your internet connection. And that box will typically say "router" on it.

But that's not the only way you can end up behind a router.

Continue reading: "How do I know if I'm behind a NAT router?"
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_know_if_im_behind_a_nat_router.html

* * *

Do ebook copy protection schemes work?

Yes, it can. Sort of.

And, for the record, ebook publishers that do this drive me nuts, and typically don't get my business.

Let me explain...

Continue reading: "Do ebook copy protection schemes work?"
http://ask-leo.com/do_ebook_copy_protection_schemes_work.html

* * *

Do I need all these instant messaging programs?

Do you have to have them all? It depends on who you want to talk to.

Can you IM someone who's using AOL Instant Messenger using MSN Messenger? No. Yahoo Messenger? Maybe.

You're probably more confused at this point. Let me try to explain.

Continue reading: "Do I need all these instant messaging programs?"
http://ask-leo.com/do_i_need_all_these_instant_messaging_programs.html

* * *

Running Without a Net

I discuss those few brave individuals who run Windows without recommended protection.

Continue reading: "Running Without a Net"
http://ask-leo.com/running_without_a_net.html

*** A Word from our Sponsor

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http://www.FreeAfterRebate.info

Advertisement. Ask Leo about advertising here.

*** Popular Articles from the Archives

Was just talking to a friend who didn't know, so I'll throw in this article from the archives:

What is 'podcasting'?

The term 'podcasting' just hit the internet within the last couple of months. It's getting a lot of mention by bloggers and other internet publishers, some going so far as to say it's the "next big thing".

Fine. But what is it?

Read more... What is 'podcasting'?
http://ask-leo.com/what_is_podcasting.html

*** Thoughts and Comments

2007 promises to be a very interesting year for computer users.

Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 are hitting the streets any day now, and are likely to generate an enourmous amount of interest, news, controversy and of course ... questions.

I haven't yet installed either, but it's definitely on the radar and plan. I typically drive the content on Ask Leo! by the volume of questions I get, so as the Vista and Office 2007 questions ramp up, you can expect to see them begin to make their appearance here as well.

But until then ... I'm still doing what I've been doing all along: trying to select the questions that the most people are asking, or that will have the most impact. Oh, and the occasional question that just interests me.

Until next week...

* * *

The Latest:
Forwarded Funnies:	"The perfect Christmas gift for your man..."
Taming Email:	"Is a Response Really Required?"
Leo's MovableType Tips:	"Use Meaningful Page Names"

*** Newsletter Administration

Do you have a question? A comment, perhaps? Newsletter subscribers can visit http://ask-leo.com/askleosubscriber.html to submit your comments and questions. That page is only mentioned here, so I'll know it's from someone who's taken the time to read this far!

I'll be honest: I'll try to respond, but I get a lot of questions every day - I just can't answer everyone. Rest assured, though, that even if you don't hear from me directly, I read every email I get.

Leo's Answers Newsletter is a weekly publication of Ask Leo! and Leo A. Notenboom. It's also available as an RSS feed at this URL: http://ask-leo.com/newsletter.xml?UD=nl. Archives of previous newsletter issues can be found on the Ask Leo! web site, http://ask-leo.com/newsletter.html.

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Newsletter contents Copyright © 2007, Leo A. Notenboom & Puget Sound Software, LLC.