Q. Whenever I start Internet Explorer, it goes to my ISP’s home page. How can I have it display my local newspaper Web site, instead?

A. Changing a browser’s default start page is easy. First, navigate to the Web page that you would like to display whenever your browser opens. Then, if you’re using Internet Explorer, click Tools > Internet Options > General tab. Under the “Home Page” section, click the Use Current button, which will insert the Web address of the current page being displayed in the Address field. Click Apply > OK to exit.

If you’re using the Firefox browser—my personal favorite—after navigating to the page you would like to display, click Tools > Options > Use Current Pages button, followed by OK. You can display multiple start pages in Firefox, each one opening in its respective tab, by separating each URL (Web address) with a vertical pipe mark. For example: http://www.google.com|http://www.cnn.com. (Note: The pipe is usually located on the back-slash (\) key).)

If you’re using Netscape, click Edit > Preferences > Navigator. Under the “Home Page” section, click Use Current Page.

Another good choice for a start page, in addition to your local newspaper site, is your favorite search engine. If you establish Google, for example, as your start page, you’ll instantly be ready to search when your browser opens. Clicking the Home button on your browser toolbar will display your Start page(s) at any time.

Q. I’m using Outlook Express, but I can’t figure out how to get its spell-check feature to work. Can you help?

A. Outlook Express does not have its own spell-checker and instead uses the spell checking capabilities of Microsoft Word or any Microsoft Office program. If you don't have either Word or Office installed on your system, the spell-check feature of OE won’t have the files it requires to function, so that option won’t be available to you. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that not having Word or Office installed doesn’t mean you’re destined to a life devoid of spell-checking. The Spell Checker for OE is a free, stand-alone program that integrates within Outlook Express and works like a churm. Well, most of the time.

Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:

Guess-the-Google
This is a game that displays various keywords and your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to guess what keyword resulted in the images displayed. You’ll have 20 seconds to guess, so don’t dawdle.
http://tinyurl.com/7s8mn

Happy News
If you’re feeling that news, in general, is too stressful and depressing (or both), this is a site that will make you feel better about the world around you—even if the wheels are coming off. Happy News presents real news, compelling stories, always with a positive slant. The happy, occasionally delusional individuals behind this Web site believe virtue, goodwill and heroism are relevant news stories, so they deliver up-to-the-minute news to lift spirits and inspire lives. It’s a great place to turn if network and cable news is starting to get you down.
www.happynews.com

How Computers Worked in the '70s
In today’s world of wi-fi, iPods and GPS devices, it’s easy to forget the humble beginnings of computers. Originally published in 1971, “How It Works: Computers” is a wonderful reminder of computer technology's roots. The site is a page-by-page scan of the original book, as well as copy of its 1979 Revised Edition. Click each page for a sentimental scroll down memory lane and a glimpse at the oversized origins of the modern-day PC.
http://davidguy.brinkster.net/computer

For plain-English answers to your questions by email, plus useful PC tips, subscribe to Mr. Modem’s Weekly Newsletter. For information, visit www.MrModem.com.