Q: What is the "Windows" key and what does it do?

A: The Windows key (signified by a little Windows logo) provides a number of useful keyboard shortcuts when used with another key. To try this, press and hold down the Windows key (usually found next to the ALT key) then press the e key. This should start up a new copy of Windows Explorer. Another useful shortcut is the Windows key and the m key. This will minimise ALL programs on the desktop. You can view a number of useful keyboard shortcuts at: www.commandcorp.com/cci/keystrok.html Q: I have what I consider to be a fast PC (PIII 400 MHz) with a good graphics card but everything seems to run sluggishly. Any idea why?

A: There are a number of possible causes for this. You may have a lot of clutter left behind when you remove old applications. Over time this can slow down even a fast PC significantly. If this is the case you may need to consider reinstalling from scratch. However, you may want to try uninstalling any unnecessary applications/demos and defragmenting the hard disk. You may also want to check to see if you have View as Web Page enabled in your display properties as I'm often amazed at how this feature can make even the fastest computer run like an arthritic tortoise!

Q: I want to use my computer to manage my home finances. Can you suggest a package?

A: I recently installed Microsoft Money 2001 and I must say it really is an excellent package. Setting your details can be a bit of a chore (but then it is whatever financial package you choose). The interface is very user-friendly with step-by-step instructions and at £22.49 (www.amazon.co.uk) it's well worth the money.

Q: Last week I covered how to set up an email filter rule for Outlook Express. This week I will cover how to do this for Outlook 2000.

A: An email filter can look at incoming emails and carry out some defined action (such as moving it to the deleted folder) based on criteria you supply in the form of a rule. To set up a new rule for Outlook 2000, select rules wizard from the tools menu. Click the new button and select the type of rule you want to create. Click next and select the conditions (you can specify more than one) you want to apply. If the rule description contains an underlined phrase, click on this and enter the additional information required. Click next and select the action to carry out, such as moving to a specified folder. Click next, specify any exceptions, click next and then provide a meaningful name for the rule and click finish. Click OK to close the rules dialog window.