Q: I have a MacBook and recently got an Actiontec Wireless-Ready DSL Gateway. When I put a password on the wireless gateway, the MacBook didn’t pick up the network, although it picked the network up fine without a password. Later, the MacBook stopped picking up the Wi-Fi signal entirely but would regain it if I first plugged in the wired Internet connection and rebooted the gateway. Any suggestions?
A: Others have had similar problems with Apple computers and non-Apple Wi-Fi access points.
The easiest solution is to avoid using passwords.
Aside from your specific problem, wireless-access points do quit working sometimes and need to be rebooted occasionally, just as computers do. Unplug your Actiontec unit for 15 seconds, then plug it back in. That should make the unit reboot.
Q: I periodically have a window popping up on my Toshiba laptop that states it is an Apple Software Update. It states that this update includes general fixes and renews the root certificate that authenticates software delivered via an Apple software update. I don’t understand why I would be receiving this. Can you shed any light on it?
A: If you use Apple software, such as QuickTime (a media player) or iTunes (a music player), you will receive automatic updates from Apple. So far, this has proved to be a harmless practice, no different from the automatic Windows updates that Microsoft regularly sends its customers.
Q: I put a Web camera on my computer along with Windows Messenger, the Microsoft instant-messaging software. Now, when I start the computer, Windows Messenger becomes the first window I see, and it slows down the start of other software. How can I make Windows Messenger be available only when I want it on?
A: Open Windows Messenger, click on Tools and then Options.
Under the Preferences tab, make sure the box next to “Run Windows Messenger When Windows Starts” is not checked.
