Answerbag: Steve Ryan's answers

Answer to My fire wall blocks me from using limewire even when i turned if OFF i am un able to start a search?

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:02:11 -0700

My fire wall blocks me from using limewire even when i turned if OFF i am un able to start a search?

If you're using a software based firewall on Windows they tend to be pretty intrusive to function. They more or less re-write how TCPIP works. You may need to uninstall the firewall all together. Just because you turn it OFF, it's still got it's services loaded. You may want to...

Answer to If my computer just crashed and i need to reinstall everything, what would i need to download the new msn messenger?

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:54:08 -0700

If my computer just crashed and i need to reinstall everything, what would i need to download the new msn messenger?

If it's Windows XP, it has MSN Messenger usually installed by default. If not, you can go to Control Panel and then Windows Software and install it by clicking the box. However, if you want the newest (which I would recommend..) you can download that from http://messenger.msn.com. That...

Answer to DOES ANY ONE KNOW A WEBSITE TO UNBLOCK MY SPACE BESIDES KPROKY

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:49:01 -0700

DOES ANY ONE KNOW A WEBSITE TO UNBLOCK MY SPACE BESIDES KPROKY

There are a number of websites you can use to unblock MySpace. You might do a search for 'Free Web Proxy' and go that route. Here is one I found: http://www.hidemyass.com/

Answer to If i suspect a hacker on my computer, is there a way i could prevent this in the way of a better security system for my computer,i have adware,im going to get mcaffee.i just lost a website i was on.

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:47:02 -0700

If i suspect a hacker on my computer, is there a way i could prevent this in the way of a better security system for my computer,i have adware,im going to get mcaffee.i just lost a website i was on.

Your best bet is to probably invest in a router w/ firewall capabilities or a router w/ a firewall built-in. That would be a good start. If you're super paranoid, you COULD install a software based firewall but that'll likely cause more trouble than it's worth. So, easy...

Answer to 2002 ford ranger xlt how to change radiator coolant?

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:57:56 -0700

2002 ford ranger xlt how to change radiator coolant?

Your best bet is to go to your local car parts store and buy a Haynes Manual or buy a Chilton's. If you really got money to burn, you can buy a factory repair manual from the dealer which would have these instructions among many others. I would highly recommend going this route as using...

Answer to Do you really have to be 18 to have a Paypal and eBay account, or is it alright if you are 17? Would I be able to work one, do you think?

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:55:54 -0700

Do you really have to be 18 to have a Paypal and eBay account, or is it alright if you are 17? Would I be able to work one, do you think?

Well, legally speaking -- I believe you need to be 18 to use eBay's services which includes eBay and Paypal. However, if lying is not beneath you -- there is no reason you couldn't pull it off. Just put in a fake birthday and use real information for the rest and you should be home...

Answer to Whats the best way to clean glass

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:52:17 -0700

Whats the best way to clean glass

I've always used water and newspaper -- best combination yet!

Answer to Do you know any stores that offer reward/ savings cards?

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:11:08 -0700

Do you know any stores that offer reward/ savings cards?

At least in California and Oregon, Albertson's, VON's, Safeway, Best Buy, CompUSA, Staples, BiMart, Fred Meyer and the list goes. Almost all places these days offer some type of reward/savings cards even if automatic at this point. Even Amazon.Com gives you a discount if you sign up...

Answer to Are generic brands just as good as name brands?

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 19:18:06 -0700

Are generic brands just as good as name brands?

Generic brands can be just as good and in some cases better than their name brand counterparts. A good example is medication. Most often, the doctor gives you a generic, not name brand. Has the generic ever failed you? Probably not. You got it cheaper than name brand and it was effective for...

Answer to What do you look like?

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 19:11:44 -0700

What do you look like?

This is me. :-)

Answer to Why are picture books so expensive when they contain no words?

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 10:35:35 -0700

Why are picture books so expensive when they contain no words?

I couldn't find a good answer anywhere but what I do know is -- ink cartridges are not cheap. Even if you did it effectively with a company that specailizes in all this, full color is not cheap. With words, it's much less ink and far less cost. With just pictures, you're using...

Answer to Where can I purchase a cell phone without needing also to buy a service plan?

Thu, 02 Feb 2006 09:06:51 -0800

Where can I purchase a cell phone without needing also to buy a service plan?

Generally, any of the cell phone carriers (Verizon, Sprint PCS/Nextel, AT&T/Cingular/T-Mobile, etc..) should let you buy a phone WITHOUT a service plan. It's not always easy and is almost always very expensive. Sometimes it's even cheaper to add a second line, get the phone for...

Answer to Do 2001 Corollas come with timing belts or chains, and at how many miles should I change it?

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 08:31:28 -0800

Do 2001 Corollas come with timing belts or chains, and at how many miles should I change it?

I believe the 2001 Corollas have a timing chain. This is also true of my 2002 Corolla CE. I've also read that timing chains are meant to last the life of the vehicle and well... I'm at 101,000 miles and things seem to act brand new, including all the belts.

Answer to What is the origin of the saying "patience is a virtue"?

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:41:37 -0800

What is the origin of the saying "patience is a virtue"?

From a phrases.org message board: From "Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996): "Patience is a virtue. The ability to wait for something without excessive frustration is a valuable character trait. The...

Answer to Where is the fuel filter on a 2001 Corolla with a 1.8 liter?

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:45:43 -0800

Where is the fuel filter on a 2001 Corolla with a 1.8 liter?

In my 2002 Corolla CE, the fuel filter is inside the gas tank. Toyota claims it's a lifetime warranty... but I guess only time will tell. :)

Answer to Does taking a cold shower increase your sperm count?

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 08:29:49 -0800

Does taking a cold shower increase your sperm count?

According to Dr. Mansukhani, splashing cold water on your 'private parts' (if you're male) can help improve sperm count and mobility. http://www.indiaparenting.com/faqs/planningababy/semen_spermcount.shtml

Answer to How many hairs are on the average human eyebrow?

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 18:38:54 -0800

How many hairs are on the average human eyebrow?

It seems to me there are around 450 hairs according to this very non-scientific website: http://www.geocities.com/transactoid/body.htm I've also read 500, so it seems to me 4-500 is about accurate: ...

Answer to What should you do if you are being arrested or framed by a corrupt police officer?

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 18:34:51 -0800

What should you do if you are being arrested or framed by a corrupt police officer?

I'm not sure what the best procedure would be but, I would recommend though not necessarily in this order: 1. Contact the police chief. 2. Contact an attorney/District DA. 3. Contact your local news paper. 4. Contact the dept. internal affairs division. 5. Contact Attorney...

Answer to I keep getting the "Cannot find Server" error whenever I try to look at the website: http://www.thrillhistory.com. Why am I getting that message?

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 18:22:33 -0800

I keep getting the "Cannot find Server" error whenever I try to look at the website: http://www.thrillhistory.com. Why am I getting that message?

It seems to load as of 01/21/06 @ 6:19 PST: Server: ns.mind.net Address: 69.9.129.9 Non-authoritative answer: Name: thrillhistory.com Address: 64.246.50.120 Aliases: www.thrillhistory.com Pulls up in IE and Firefox. I can get to it via port 80, the http port too: ...

Answer to Where can I get a product key for Starcraft?

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 13:23:16 -0800

Where can I get a product key for Starcraft?

The best and legal way is probably to purchase it. Some other non ethical ways may be to join the IRC network EFnet (irc.nac.net) and the channel #serialz would probably have it. Of course, there are some websites like astalavista that may have or help you find it as well.

Answer to Can you really input a code into a cell phone in order to tell if it is being tapped?

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 13:07:07 -0800

Can you really input a code into a cell phone in order to tell if it is being tapped?

I would assume the answer to this is without a doubt -- 'No.' - However, most phones do have manafacturer codes or 'trouble/diagnostic' codes that let you see how much time you've spent on the phone, reset every single parameter, check signal strength, and adjust other...

Answer to What is the average lifespan of a dog?

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 12:35:32 -0800

What is the average lifespan of a dog?

Seems that the average of a dog lifespan is 10-12 years of age, but it seems to vary from as little as 6 to as much as 14, depending upon the breed of the dog. This is pretty typical whether it's a purebred or mutt. More info is here: http://www.rhiannon-cavaliers.com/adogslifespan.htm

Answer to What does it mean when someone is said to have a "butter face?"

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 20:13:04 -0800

What does it mean when someone is said to have a "butter face?"

Usually, it's considered to be a female that has a nice looking body but whose face leaves a little to be desired. This is according to http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Butterface

Answer to Is asking my boyfriend his email password invading his privacy?

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 20:08:35 -0800

Is asking my boyfriend his email password invading his privacy?

I'm not sure that *asking* is invading his privacy, though it's certainly a prviacy issue. I suppose it depends on why you want it or what you plan on doing with it. If you're up front about it and he wants to give it to you -- it doesn't seem to be an invasion to me. ...

Answer to What is octane?

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 21:03:42 -0700

What is octane?

Octane is a measure of how well a fuel resists premature combustion, or �knocking.� Gasoline with too low an octane rating converts fuel to heat rather than power, making for less efficient fuel usage and reduced engine life.

Answer to Where can I find anti-virus programs?

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 19:59:57 -0700

Where can I find anti-virus programs?

While it is not the most friendly and it takes forever, it does get almost everything thrown at it. It is called ClamWin and can be found at http://www.clamwin.com. It's awesome, try it out!

Answer to I have the sdbot worm on my laptop. I have used both Stinger and McAfee to get rid of it, but they haven't worked. How can I get rid of this worm?

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 19:57:32 -0700

I have the sdbot worm on my laptop. I have used both Stinger and McAfee to get rid of it, but they haven't worked. How can I get rid of this worm?

I would recommend getting http://www.clamwin.com. Make sure to get into the options and choose 'Move to quarantine..' -> I recommend downloading, installing it, updating it, then booting into safe mode and running it. I don't think there is a virus out there it will not find!

Answer to How do I create a CD boot disc for WIN2K?

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 19:55:39 -0700

How do I create a CD boot disc for WIN2K?

A good start would be www.bootdisk.com, which describes how to do that as well as the files needed to make bootdisks for all the various Window(s) versions.

Answer to How did April Fool's Day become a tradition?

Fri, 02 Apr 2004 13:30:08 -0800

How did April Fool's Day become a tradition?

Unlike most of the other nonfoolish holidays, the history of April Fool's Day, sometimes called All Fool's Day, is not totally clear. There really wasn't a "first April Fool's Day" that can be pinpointed on the calendar. Some believe it sort of evolved simultaneously...

Answer to How are waves formed in the ocean?

Wed, 31 Mar 2004 10:04:52 -0800

How are waves formed in the ocean?

Waves are formed in three ways, gravity, wind and earthquakes. Gravity is responsible for the high and low tides. High tide is when the water is the deepest and low tide is when the water is most shallow. The rise and fall of the water level causes waves to form. The second cause of waves is...

Answer to How can I re-install Internet Explorer in order to fix corruption from some bad shareware?

Wed, 31 Mar 2004 07:17:39 -0800

How can I re-install Internet Explorer in order to fix corruption from some bad shareware?

If it's Internet Explorer 5.5+ above, you should be able to go to Control Panel -> Add/Remove Software. Now, this only works if IE has had patches installed. Just do a 'Repair' install or 'Revert to previous version and reinstall. If you have NOT applied patches,...

Answer to What free RSS readers are out there?

Tue, 30 Mar 2004 11:01:49 -0800

What free RSS readers are out there?

I use a program on Windows XP called 'Feedreader' which is Alpha 2.5 Build 610. I've read it's not maintained, but then I have also read it IS maintained. It's free and seems to work ok for me. Do a search on Google for it.

Answer to In Outlook Express 6, I can't seem to find the attachments on my incoming emails, even when I know they were sent with attachments. What could be wrong?

Mon, 29 Mar 2004 16:47:41 -0800

In Outlook Express 6, I can't seem to find the attachments on my incoming emails, even when I know they were sent with attachments. What could be wrong?

Open Outlook Express - Click Tools at the top -> Options -> Click the 'Security Tab' and then check 'Do not allow unsafe attachments...' and then apply/ok the setting. Restart Outlook Express and viola!

Answer to When laying in a tanning bed, does keeping your eyes closed protect your eyes the same way goggles do?

Sun, 28 Mar 2004 18:47:28 -0800

When laying in a tanning bed, does keeping your eyes closed protect your eyes the same way goggles do?

The long and short is, no. Note the MIDDLE paragraph. Here is what I found at the FTC's website... "No harsh glare, so no goggles or eye shades are necessary." Studies show that too much exposure to ultraviolet rays, including UVA rays, can damage the retina. Overexposure...

Answer to Who ends up with more money after winning a NASCAR race, the driver or the car owner?

Sun, 28 Mar 2004 14:32:52 -0800

Who ends up with more money after winning a NASCAR race, the driver or the car owner?

Prize money in all race competition shall be payable to the driver, and each driver will be solely responsible for the settlement with the car owner. Drivers are independent contractors; they hire themselves out far the season to the best team possible. Each driver negotiates his own financial...

Answer to Are there government grants available that you never have to pay back?

Sun, 28 Mar 2004 14:28:56 -0800

Are there government grants available that you never have to pay back?

Well, TANSTAAFL (There aint no such thing as a free lunch...). There are plenty of government grants, both state and federal that in a money sense you do not have to pay back. Of course, almost all of them require you to meet certain standards. If you meet the standards, you don't have to...

Answer to What is the most populous city in the world?

Sun, 28 Mar 2004 12:21:47 -0800

What is the most populous city in the world?

Seoul, South Korea... the capital of South Korea is the largest city in the world according to what I found. It has approximately 10.2 million people. Here is a site with the top 50, which is where I found this information: http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/bigcities.htm

Answer to How can I adjust my desktop display so I can see more?

Fri, 26 Mar 2004 14:43:30 -0800

How can I adjust my desktop display so I can see more?

There are multiple ways depending on what Operating System you're using. It'd help if you edited your question to state Windows 3.1, 95, 98, ME, NT, XP, 2000, 2003 Server, Linux, FreeBSD, BeOS, OS/2, etc.. what one? Then we can give you detailed instructions. Assuming it's...

Answer to What is the difference between 'magma' and 'lava'?

Fri, 26 Mar 2004 14:36:41 -0800

What is the difference between 'magma' and 'lava'?

Magma is molten rock that is within the ground; Lava is molten rock that has erupted onto the ground surface.

Answer to Third-party programs keep installing themselves on my browser, and I haven't opted to download them whatsoever. They all come in the format of a plugin to IE. I can remove them, but they keep coming back. How can I stop them?

Fri, 26 Mar 2004 14:32:39 -0800

Third-party programs keep installing themselves on my browser, and I haven't opted to download them whatsoever. They all come in the format of a plugin to IE. I can remove them, but they keep coming back. How can I stop them?

Have you tried running a program called 'HiJack This' or 'Ad-aware.' The latter can be found at http://www.lavasoftusa.com and it's a free program. You might also make sure you have all patches for IE and Windows as well. You might uninstall some software you've...

Answer to Is it safe to wash your car's engine? How can I wash it without damaging anything?

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 19:22:11 -0800

Is it safe to wash your car's engine? How can I wash it without damaging anything?

I found this rather exhaustive article, which is below: Many car, truck and RV owners spend hours cleaning and waxing the exterior of their rigs, but do not give any more attention to things under the hood beyond checking the fluids periodically. There are many reasons why it is important to...

Answer to Is there a free site where somone can do backround checks or search for criminal records?

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 19:09:52 -0800

Is there a free site where somone can do backround checks or search for criminal records?

There is no such thing as a free lunch, although if you know where the person was convicted, ie. county, city, court, etc.. you should be able to obtain the disposition which may help you, but that's about as close as you might get for free I am afraid.

Answer to If a judge gives you an order for restitution, can you file bankruptcy to avoid paying?

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 19:06:18 -0800

If a judge gives you an order for restitution, can you file bankruptcy to avoid paying?

According to this paragraph, of a rather long article, this is what I found. 'The Ninth Circuit Bankrtupcy Appellate Panel agred with the Supreme Court's decision in 'Kelly v. Robinson' which held that 523(a)(7) preserved from discharge any obligation imposed by a state court...

Answer to Can marijuana smell like mint or was I ripped off?

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 15:53:24 -0800

Can marijuana smell like mint or was I ripped off?

I would venture to guess that you were ripped off; however, the only way I can think of telling is by lighting up a joint and seeing what happens. Alternatively, I would think if you grew the marijuana with a bunch of mint in the hydroponics or sprayed some type of minty mouth stuff on the weed,...

Answer to What's the difference between a jury and a grand jury?

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 11:42:21 -0800

What's the difference between a jury and a grand jury?

The difference between a jury and a grandy jury are quite significant. A grand jurys function is to get a presentation from the prosecution (who initiates the grand jury) and then a panel of public citizens decides whether or not they think the prosecution has enough evidence to warrant a jury...

Answer to What are fossil fuels?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:32:53 -0800

What are fossil fuels?

Oil, Gas, Coal, etc..

Answer to What is the fastest and easiest way to enlarge penis size without pills?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 12:47:05 -0800

What is the fastest and easiest way to enlarge penis size without pills?

I beleive a penis pump is the fastest way without needing pills. You can find a good penis pump at any 'sex' store, such as Castle here in Oregon.

Answer to Is there an Internet site where I can check any possible warrants that I may have? (In or out of state)

Mon, 22 Mar 2004 11:20:14 -0800

Is there an Internet site where I can check any possible warrants that I may have? (In or out of state)

You didn't specify whether it's a federal warrant, city warrant, or state warrant. Most states I don't think have an online searchable database, but it appears the feds do for a moderate fee. Here is a good site to start with for searching Federal Warrants:...

Answer to Who is St Florian?

Sun, 21 Mar 2004 18:36:47 -0800

Who is St Florian?

Third century officer in Roman army stationed in modern Austria. Military administrator of the town of Noricum, and a closet Christian. Said to have stopped a town from burning by throwing a single bucket of water on the blaze, and thus his association with firefighters and those who protect us...

Answer to I have bronze-colored algae growing in my tank - I was told it was dead algae. Is this true, and how do I get rid of it?

Sun, 21 Mar 2004 18:28:06 -0800

I have bronze-colored algae growing in my tank - I was told it was dead algae. Is this true, and how do I get rid of it?

I don't know if you mean brown or bronze, but from what I found it may be due to lack of light. Here is some info on other types of algae that may be of use to you. I hope this helps.. http://faq.thekrib.com/algae.html#brown

Answer to When I open Netscape (7.02 for Windows), it always goes to a "Welcome to Netscape" page even though I've changed the Home Page in the Options. How do I fix this?

Sun, 21 Mar 2004 15:44:56 -0800

When I open Netscape (7.02 for Windows), it always goes to a "Welcome to Netscape" page even though I've changed the Home Page in the Options. How do I fix this?

Try setting 'No homepage' or 'Blank', apply the settings, restart browser. Then, set the home page, apply the settings, restart the browser. That usually always works. Or, reinstall the browser or upgrade it. You might also have a spyware program running that's...

Answer to Are there any ways to condition yourself to wake up without an alarm clock?

Sun, 21 Mar 2004 15:34:18 -0800

Are there any ways to condition yourself to wake up without an alarm clock?

Yes, it's possible. I haven't used an alarm clock in about 5 years or more. I used to have a paper route, so I would have to wake up at 4am, every single day. After a couple years, it got to the point I could go to bed at night and say in my head 'wake up at 4' and pow.. I...

Answer to How long does it take for a bankruptcy to stop showing on a credit report? Mine is still showing after 9 years.

Sun, 21 Mar 2004 15:27:04 -0800

How long does it take for a bankruptcy to stop showing on a credit report? Mine is still showing after 9 years.

Your credit report will show your bankruptcy filing for about 7 to 10 years. I've heard the max of 11 years, but you seem really close. :)

Answer to I broke my lease because my landlord wouldn't fix a gas leak for 8 months. Now that I moved out, the landlord is trying to sue for the rest of the rent. What can I do?

Sun, 21 Mar 2004 14:42:01 -0800

I broke my lease because my landlord wouldn't fix a gas leak for 8 months. Now that I moved out, the landlord is trying to sue for the rest of the rent. What can I do?

Well, at least here in Oregon the renter has all the rights. In this case, at least in Oregon, the landlord once noticed is required to fix it in a reasonable amount of time. I would assume if it's not fixed in a reasonable amount of time, then you'd have grounds to break any...

Answer to What does 'Al-Qaida' mean, and who came up with this name?

Sun, 21 Mar 2004 10:57:50 -0800

What does 'Al-Qaida' mean, and who came up with this name?

It�s Arabic for the base.. -> Bin Laden founded al-Qaeda in 1979, originally as a guesthouse in Peshawar for Arab fighters. Found here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1717297.stm

Answer to What is 'Walpurgis Night'?

Sun, 21 Mar 2004 10:31:24 -0800

What is 'Walpurgis Night'?

It is named after a woman called "Valborg" (alternative spellings are "Walpurgis", "Wealdburg", or "Valderburger") born in 710 somewhere Dorset / Wessex as a niece of Saint Boniface. Together with her brothers she later travelled to W�rttemberg, Germany...

Answer to After being pulled over for a "fix-it" ticket, the officer told me he could pull me over again five minutes later and give me the same ticket. Is this true?

Thu, 18 Mar 2004 23:18:35 -0800

After being pulled over for a "fix-it" ticket, the officer told me he could pull me over again five minutes later and give me the same ticket. Is this true?

At least in Oregon it is. I got a parking ticket, one by one cop and another by another cop of the same department. I had to pay both...

Answer to Where can I find info on troubleshooting for WinFax?

Thu, 18 Mar 2004 23:02:36 -0800

Where can I find info on troubleshooting for WinFax?

Since it's made by Symantec, you might look there. Or, if you want, here is a direct link: http://www.symantec.com/winfax/supportmenu.html

Answer to If my computer doesn't have a sound card, can I still hook speakers up to it and hear anything?

Thu, 18 Mar 2004 22:56:30 -0800

If my computer doesn't have a sound card, can I still hook speakers up to it and hear anything?

How and where would you hook up speakers with no sound card? The short answer is no, but if you hooked up speakers to the LINE OUT on your CD ROM, you would probably hear music that the cd rom is playing, but you would not hear typical sounds that a computer makes.

Answer to How much do sound cards typically cost?

Thu, 18 Mar 2004 22:55:37 -0800

How much do sound cards typically cost?

Sound cards run from $15 for a really cheap 16-bit one on up to $300+ for very elaborate, surround sound, window-vibrating type cards + speakers!

Answer to How can I tell if my computer has a sound card?

Thu, 18 Mar 2004 22:54:49 -0800

How can I tell if my computer has a sound card?

Hmm, if you look on the back of your computer you can usually tell by 3 distint holes. One is usually Line in, Line Out, and Microphone. Yours may or may not have 3, it may have more. Sometimes, sound cards are bundled with a modem, so you may see phone jack looking things next to it. You...

Answer to I am an 18 year old girl. Where can I chat on the Internet with boys?

Thu, 18 Mar 2004 22:49:05 -0800

I am an 18 year old girl. Where can I chat on the Internet with boys?

You may find Trepia located at http://www.trepia.com to be usefull. The reason it's so usefull is it's location based. Based on your IP address, it finds people in close proximity to you. People closer to you are higher up on the list than people far away. ICQ is working on this as...

Answer to What's the best cure for hiccups?

Thu, 18 Mar 2004 22:38:22 -0800

What's the best cure for hiccups?

The best cure for a hiccup is a spoonful of peanut butter. If you slosh it around and swallow it slowly, it works 100% of the time!