Checking all your e-mail anywhere isn't difficult

By Kim Komando

Q. I want to be able to check my e-mail while on vacation. Is there a way to do it at a local library or an Internet café?

A. If you have a Web-based e-mail account from services such as Yahoo! (http://mail.yahoo.com) or Hotmail (www.hotmail.com), you can check it from anywhere. It's the same at America Online. Just sign in at its Web site (www.aol.com) and click the check mail icon.

You also can check your work and home e-mail at a special Web site that allows you to simply type your e-mail address and password. Mail2Web (www.mail2web.com) is one site I like because it's fast and free.

Q. My Hewlett-Packard OfficeJet printer used to print great. Suddenly, I get black streaks. Can I fix this?

A. The printer may be dirty. Hewlett-Packard has a free cleaning kit. It works on most DeskJet- and OfficeJet-series printers. The kit includes cleaning strips, software and instructions. It removes fibers and dust that can cause printing streaks. Just fill out the form at: http://hpcleankit.bgt.com/Cleankit.jsp?Lang=all

Q. I work with a lot of windows open. Is there a quick way to close them all?

A. If you have a bunch of windows open and you want to go straight to your desktop, simply press the Windows key (the one with the flag) on your keyboard and the letter M.

Q. I can't stand those moving ads on the Web. Can I turn them off in Internet Explorer?

A. Animations used in advertising are annoying and can slow your browsing. You can turn them off in Internet Explorer. Choose Tools, and then, Internet Options. Click on the Advanced tab. Under Multimedia, deselect Play Animations or take the check mark out. Click OK to save your changes. This won't remove the ads, but it will suspend the animations.