What is IMAP?... its actually pretty darned handy

IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol.  Its generally used by mobile phones for accessing your email.  Its the system that keeps the inbox on your mobile sync'd with your email servers inbox.  Its all very clever and very handy but it doesn't end there...

If like me you use a number of different computers then you'll find this useful for syncing up all your emails.  Its simple to set up with Outlook, just go to "tools" - "email accounts" - "add a new email account" then enter the details provided by your email provider.  If you use Googles service, enter "imap.gmail.com" in the IMAP box and "smtp.gmail.com" in the SMTP box.  Then enter your username and password as usual.  Click on "more settings", "outgoing server" and select "my outgoing server (smtp) requires authentication".  Then click on the "advanced" tab and enter 993 in the "incoming server (IMAP)" box and 25 in the "outgoing server (SMTP)" box.

Then click "okay/finish".  Job done!  You'll notice the folders column on your Outlook screen start changing as the new IMAP account takes effect.  Within a few minutes you should have a mirror image of whats on your Gmail account in Outlook!

This is great if like me, you enjoy the light and easy to use interface of web based email but still feel more secure and at home with trusty programs like Outlook.  Plus, it means you can re-utilise the "right click - send to" function in Windows again which was lost whilst using Gmail on my other computers.

WVC54GCA power supply problems

My weather cam had been plagued with connectivity problems, at random intervals the camera would apparently just switch itself off.  After lots of messing around... I decided to replace the power supply, you'll notice that the WVG54GCA, like a vast majority of IT tech, runs on 5v which is an annoying voltage to get power supplies for. You can pick up a power supply for 4.5 or 6v for about £5 however, 5v will set you back £20.. so a trip to Maplins later I had the L06BR which has been doing a sterling job for over 48 hours now.  Judging by forums the power supply to the WVC54GCA is notoriously poor.  If you're picking one of these up on ebay, the chances are they either couldn't operate it.. or the power supply is knackered.

Watch Freeview channels on your PC!

For anyone that likes the idea of watching Tv on their PC/laptop this website could be the answer for you!  All freeview channels are available, BBC/ITV/Channel 4/5 etc etc!  Perfect if you can get a wireless signal but no decent reception or the thought of mile upon mile of coax cable winding its way around your house is a little depressing.

http://www.tvcatchup.com