Jump to content

Baz

Members
  • Posts

    1,110
  • Joined

  • Last visited

    Never

Posts posted by Baz

  1. Vitually all UK phone equipment will work in France. However, some of the more expensive equipment needs a special adapter because the normal BT to TF adapters will not work. These special adapters may be easier to purchase in the UK, if you speak to BT and get a knowledeable representative they will tell you the correct converter adapter or I believe PC World have a pack with all the alternatives.

    Baz

  2. To clarify the situation with AVG, I have received an email from AGV UK which explains what is happening and I have reproduced it below:

    "Thank you for your email and interest in AVG Anti-Virus.

    Support for AVG 6.0 will be terminated on 31st December 2004. This is due to technical reasons. This version has been available since 1999. It's structure does not allow for further improvements planned for version 7 nor improvements of detection techniques expected to come in the future.

    All Paid users will get a FREE upgrade to AVG 7. Please see www.grisoft.com/us/us_upgrade.php.

    We do not plan to stop providing AVG FREE and users should keep checking back to our website for some exiting news in the next few weeks."

    So it means do not do anything and just watch their site over the next couple of months...Panic over
    Baz

  3. "If you are a registered user of the free version of AVG6.0 you can upgrade to AVG7.0 for free"

    Cajal,
    I have been using the free version of AVG 6.0 for the last few months and I am very pleased with it. However, your statement above is causing me some confusion as I am unable to find any upgrades to AVG7.0 as it appears you would have had to be registered before 20 October 2003. Perhaps, you could guide me to the correct page.

    Many thanks

    Baz

     

  4. Many modern cars have headlight beam adjustment with the control on the dashboard. If you lower the lights to the maximum setting, this make the beam operate without blinding the oncoming traffic when driving on the right. No beam diverters or black tape required.

    Baz

  5. I have seen boosters with upto 4 outputs, however from what you describe  you would have  to rewire from the one 4 output booster attached to your main TV to each individual TV set. Alternatively, you could consider attaching a booster to each TV set. However, a better solution maybe to attach a booster to your TV aerial which is often done in poor signal areas.

    Before spending your money, make sure you have a very high quality aerial as this is the key to obtaining a good picture and then if need be attaching a booster to the mast head. A good aerial person should be able to sort you out. You have to remember that an UK signal is not intended to reach the French coast and the reception is dependant on the climate conditions and this can vary enormously from day to day.

    Obviously, the best solution is to have satellite digital as it looks possible that Free to Air cards will be available to purchase once again once the ITV situation is sorted out. Of course you can now receive all BBC transmissions with a digibox and no card.

    Baz

    PS This subject is currently being discussed on this forum at:
    http://www.livingfrance.com/instantforum/shwmessage.aspx?ForumID=33&MessageID=39106

  6. [quote]Hi I have a old sky satelite system [big dish]...I can pick up euro sport can I just take it to France and point [to the satelite] and view? It`s good for watching the Tour de France and I hav...[/quote]

    Mick,
    In order for you to get advice, it would be helpful to state what you want to watch and whether your box is an old analogue box or a digital box. You can certainly use your dish but it might need a new LNB.

    Baz

  7. Pete,
    Before deciding which is the best PAYG provider, I would advise you establish which service gives you the best signal in your area. There are many locations in France where one providers signal is available and another is not. Your best way of finding out is either asking a neighbour or visiting a local phone shop.

    As you need the phone for internet connections, you could purchase a sim free phone or have your existing one unlocked. This would give you the freedom of purchasing say more than one sim card for PAYG and using the service with the best signal at the time. If you are considering purchasing sim free phone then search the net as they are far cheaper than from retailers.

    Baz

  8. You can place any Icon you like next to your favourites. Right click on the favourite, click on Properties, click on change icon if you do not like the icons available, go to browse and find what you like. Once you have selected this way then it will not disappear from your favourites.

    Baz

  9. [quote]Baz. I do feel that over the years (at least 4)- it might be fair to say that many of your postings spell a little of doom-mongering - I cannot remember anything you have written which inspired peopl...[/quote]

    Valerie,

    I live in the real world and with over 750 posting here there as sure to be postings where people disagree with certain topics. This article was intended to let people know that all is not green in the Gite market and was directed at anyone considering starting a Gite to see both sides of the coin. Frankly, with far in excess of 50% UK people moving to France returning within 2 years, if reading this topic saves just one person making a mistake then it has served its purpose.

    Please do not be patronising  by saying, "You mustn't always believe what you read in the papers you know! " I am worldly and mature enough to take what the papers say with a pinch of salt. I do not think this is an appropriate place to make a personal assault on any contributor and if you have to attack anyone use PM method. Unfortunately, it is because of your type of comments that some excellent and knowledgeable forum members no longer post here. With 16 years of French home owning I have tried to pass on my experiences to benefit others and if you find me negative at times then so be it.

    Baz

  10. I recently had to stop a DD with EDF. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of writing to my bank and found that they charged me 12€ for the request. So I think Teamedup suggestion of contacting EDF is probably cheaper.

    Baz

     

  11. I think anyone proposing to buy a Gite in France should read the article on pages 21/22 of today Mail on Sunday Property Section. Whether you believe what is written or not, it will perhaps open ones eyes to current potential down fall.

    The article deals with the flooded market of Gites and the reasons why, as well as giving examples of the down turn in the number of rental weeks per year. It is sorry to hear how people who made the move some years ago and were making a living with their Gites are now faced with income at 50% of the levels 6 years ago. The returns on Gites has fallen over the past few years from 10% per annum to between 5-7% and customers have become more demanding and want the comforts of life such as a washing machine, dishwasher, swimming pool and do not expect to pay any more.

    Baz

  12. Boghound,

    I cannot answer your question, but like yourself I have been looking at the various GPS available. From my discussions with UK suppliers, it is well known that GPS prices are already dropping and are expected to continue this way for some time. With Christmas coming  there is a strong feeling that GPS are going to be the Big Boy Toys of 2004 and some makes are selling out as soon as they become available. The conclusion is that if you do not want to pay over the odds, wait as they will become far more affordable.

    Baz

  13. Most Insurance companies if not all require one to have a certificate issued once a year by an approved Chimney sweep to show that the chimney has been swept. If a chimney catches fire, an insurance claim will not paid without an upto date certificate.

    If one wants to clean their chimney more than once a year then DIY sets as you say are available from bricolages. In any event it is a messy job often with loads of soot so for a small cost leave it to the professional.

    Baz

  14. [quote]Cant sign into hotmail today, is anyone else having this problem?[/quote]

    Yes, there was a problem with hotmail this morning, it would not sign in my MSN messager but would sign via the normal method. It is now operating, however, I have received two emails from reputable companies today with their messages blank! whilst others are fully visible.

    Baz
  15. Potfish,
    I am about to also transfer a large amount out of my French Bank back to the UK. I am using another Money Brokerage Company that operates an Euro Account within EU and the money is firstly transferred in Euros to them before they convert to sterling for onward transmission to my UK Bank. I understood from my French Bank that this method would not incur heavy charges. However, once I give the instructions I will check everything, I do know that this is a far cheaper method than my French Bank paying direct into my UK Bank account.

    Baz

  16. Viv. yes lower the level of Pool but the most important part of winterisation is make sure if the pool freezes that you have taken the necessary precautions to prevent possibly very expensive damage.

    You should disconnect the plastic tubing to the pump, filter and heating system to ensure water that could freeze has been removed (reconnect when opening in the Spring). Then add the correct amount of winterising chemical to the pool (easily available in large supermarkets or pool shops). Finally partially fill a couple of say old chemical containers with sand or stones so they still float in the pool as this will prevent damage to the pool if it freezes. Then place the cover over the pool. One final tip is that you should still regularly check the water and add chemicals as necessary even in the winter.

    I hope this helps.

    Baz

  17. Lavenderlady,
    I think you really should be asking this question to HIFX as they can certainly give you an indication of  currency trends. The currency rate is probably in for a further correction as even today it has fluctuated by upto 0.75cents. However I have been told that the markets are saying it could be back 1.49€ by year end. With regards to forward purchase again you should discuss this with HIFX as you may be required to make possibly 10% sterling deposit and if you do not take up the bid by the chosen completion date the money will be lost. As you are talking as far ahead 1 to 2 years then surely you are better off just to wait and see.

    It is a gamble and many people get their fingers burnt by playing the money markets.

    Baz

×
×
  • Create New...