Any IT help out here?

I wondered if anyone could help with my IT problem. If you can recommend an IT person who would help me at home (for a fee) I would be very grateful.

I have 2 problems:
a - I have an Apple iBook G4. I bought Broadband from BT and got their free modem. I then tried to install the Belkin Modem with Router but without success. I seem unable to disable the BT modem in order to install the Belkin stuff. Help!

b - We have an old IBM Thinkpad type 2621. I think I cannot use it with broadband at the moment because the processor is not powerful enough. Any idea what I need to do next and whether it worth it financially? Help!

Finally I feel like I'm not using my iBook to its capacity at all. Any idea about a week-end or evening course for complete beginners like me?

Thanks.

The only person I would recommend is Frank Bornemann, best to phone on 020 7735 9830 as he gets so many emails but he's really a PC chap, not Apple. Worth a call though to find out if he can help. Lovely chap, excellent, and reasonable rates.
Best wishes

The Apple store on Regent Street runs free workshops on how to use various Apple products. They might be worth checking out.

Many thanks for your help...

Froggy.

Hi Froggy

From the info that you have posted please allow me to suggest:

1. I recommend you get a router - the USB (I suspect) modem is not a great solution especially if you have more than one machine sharing your broadband.

Im not sure that BT is the best choice for Broadband either. I am recommending PlusNet these days but BT should be OK if you have it already.

2. Your IBM should be 'powerful' enough for broadband, I think the problem may be with NAT. Network Address Translation which will allow you to share the IP address which you get from BT when you are logged on to broadband. The connection will needs to be managed using Internet connection sharing or a router of some sort. Check out http://www.draytek.co.uk/ you might like to use VOIP services with a 2600VG. If you make a lot of telephone calls particularly international calls then your reduced phone bill may pay for the router in time :o)

With regard to using the iBook to capacity I would start with the net for info, but please let us know why you think the iBook is not firing on all cylinders, perhaps its just running an intensive process/s that may not be needed?

In any case please let me know if this is useful and if you need more detail or would like someone to visit and look then let me know. :o)

best regds
myles

Please note that I am not associated with any IT hardware, software or service vendors. I do however offer IT support and consultancy services.

Le Roi, wonder if you got my personal post? Might have hit the wrong buttons - but could do with some assistance on my iBook G4. What are your rates etc?

Hi K

Thanks, I have received you PM and (hopefully) have sent a reply.

:o)

best regds
m

Thank you 'Le Roi'. I'll try to work things out by myself and if it still fails, I shall contact you again for some assistance at my place.
When I said 'capacity', I meant my ability to get the best out of my computer, I think the computer is working perfectly, but I am not making the most of it because of my ignorance!

Take care.

Froggy.

Hi Froggy

Im afraid I have not presented a Mac training course since the 1980's when I was an AppleCenter Trainer. (Where are they now?)

A properly structured training course would be a good investment and is something I recommend to clients as it will save on costs in the long run. Having said that, the web is the best source for free info and there are many specialised Mac forums.

Have you tried http://www.everythingmac.com/indexes/ ?

Hope this helps.

regds
myles

Le Roi, no message has dropped.