Q. How do I launch a Web browser and open the file DEFAULT.HTM in the top level of the CD?

A. A Web browser is a special type of application designed for browsing or 'surfing' hypertext pages on the Internet or anywhere else. This CD uses a Web browser interface. The two most popular browsers are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

If you haven't got a Web browser installed then follow the instructions on the back of the CD. When you have a browser installed, run it by double-clicking on its icon. Type in the location of the DEFAULT.HTM file or select Open from the File menu and select an HTML file from the D: drive. (HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language, which is the language in which all Web pages are written.)

Q. I haven't got a D: drive.

A. If your CD-ROM is not D: drive, replace D: with the drive letter that represents your CD-ROM.

When you load the CD you may receive an error message stating that OLEAUT32.DLL is out of date. If this happens, it means that your PC has older system files that are incompatible with the Visual Basic autorun program. To stop this from recurring, click here to install Visual Basic 6 Service Pack 5, or double click on the vbrun60sp5.exe file in the root directory of the CD to update your system files.

Q. Do I need to be connected to the Internet to browse the CD?

A. No, all you need is a browser to view the pages on the CD and load the software onto your system.

Q. Can I use the CD without a browser?

A. Technically, you can. However, we have created the Web page interface to make it easier for you to find what you want with minimal fuss. All of the files can be executed and/or copied to the hard drive by looking through the folders. If you know exactly what you're looking for it can often be simpler to open the desired file straight from the CD.

Q. How do I unzip/save/open and then install the programs from the cover CD?

A. When you come across a file you'd like to try, click on the link and the file will be downloaded to the destination of your choice. Alternatively, you can make a note of the location of the file (by placing your mouse pointer over the link) and then copy it manually. Most of the files are archived and need to be unzipped (unpacked) before installing.

Windows users: If the file has the extension EXE, all you have to do is run the file. If it is a ZIP file, you will need a copy of WinZip to extract the program files. You can install WinZip from the cover CD; it can be found in the Internet toolkit. The program itself is a self-extracting file. Once you have WinZip you can open any ZIP file and unzip it. The unzipped program will usually have a setup or install file. Simply run the setup file and you'll be ready to go.

Mac users: Files with the extension HQX require a copy of StuffIt Expander to extract the programs. A free, executable copy of StuffIt Expander can be picked up at any Mac store.

Q. How do I get the desktop themes to work?

A. We often provides a selection of desktop themes to jazz up your Windows environment. The only requirement is that you have the Plus add-on installed. If you did not purchase Plus when you bought your copy of Windows 95 then you can buy it at most computer stores. Even if you don't have the Plus program, you can still take advantage of the great sounds, backgrounds and icons of the desktop themes by copying individual files to your desktop folder and manually installing them via your desktop settings.

Q. What is DirectX and where can I get it?

A. DirectX drivers are for systems running Windows 95 and onwards, and assist games when it comes to realistic graphics and sound. There are five components to the DirectX drivers (DirectDraw, DirectSound, DirectPlay, DirectInput and Direct3D). The DirectX drivers can be found on the Toolkit page of the cover CD.

Q. Before running a Windows XP game, I am told that there is a missing DDRAW.DLL file. What is it?

A. DDRAW.DLL refers to the DirectDraw component of your DirectX drivers. Make sure that you have installed DirectX properly.

Q. I tried to run one of the programs but it didn't work.

A. Break it down into possibilities:

* What platform are you using? First of all, Mac programs won't work on a PC and PC programs won't work on a Mac. Some programs are designed for Windows XP, for example, and will not let you run them on Windows 98.

* Did you unzip the file and install it as instructed? Once you have unzipped the program it will usually need to be installed. Look for a file called INSTALL or SETUP and run it. Follow the prompts; when the setup process is complete, there should be a new program folder with the installed files.

* What are the program's minimum system requirements? Many programs nowadays, especially games, require a fast computer with a fair amount of RAM. Many programs also need to be run on Windows XP for best performance. If a program won't run, open its README file and look for its requirements.

Q. Can I use Windows XP software with Windows 3.x or a Mac (and vice versa)?

A. Most Windows XP software is designed specifically for Windows XP and is usually incompatible with Windows 3x. However, individual files that are common can be used by Windows 3x. For example, with Windows 95 desktop themes you can copy any WAV, BMP, JPG or GIF file to use on a Windows 3x machine.

Q. My CD won't work at all. What should I do? Where can I get a replacement CD?

A. While we've taken every care to ensure that the software provided is useful and that it works, we cannot accept responsibility or liability for any of the products included. For problems with the CD, broken discs, errors in content or queries about any browser pages, email cd@apcmag.com or phone (02) 9288 9128. Please note that we may not be able to answer queries over the phone, so email is by far the best method. For problems with specific software please contact the software vendor.

Q. What can I do if I don't receive my subscribed APC, or if I don't get the CD with the magazine?

A. If you usually get APC delivered by the local newsagent it is best to ask them about delivery problems. If you receive APC direct from ACP (Australian Consolidated Press), you can call subscriptions 13 61 16 and quote your customer number. If all else fails, contact our Editorial Assistant on (02) 9288 9111 or email apc@apcmag.com.

Q. I missed an issue. How do I get back issues?

A. If you wish to purchase a back issue of APC, you can do so by going to magshop.com.au or calling 136 116.
Published articles are also archived on our Web site at http://apcmag.com/.