Simon

Cat6 is a higher specification than Cat5; its replacement. I always think it is worth using the latest spec stuff, and Cat6 is not much different in price. Cat7 is on the horizon but not ready yet. RJ45 connectors are what you need, RJ11 for phones or just use the standard french outlets. If it was me I would install RJ45 right through and use a plug in convertor for the phone. i know that seems daft, but it makes for a more flexible system that can be swapped around if you decide to change the layout of your rooms. Simon

I can't see any problems with that, but why don't you use cat6, and run the telephone through that while you are at it. regards Simon

Mice are a pain; we in the end had to use the traditional traps to sort the problem. Humane traps and releasing back into the wild does not work, I read somewhere that mice have a huge homing range 5 or 10 miles? I don't know. My tip is to file smooth the end of the trap's main rod so that the hook can slip easily past, most of the ones that I have bought seem to have a barb from the cutting process that hampers a slick operation. They seem on the whole to kill instantly: unpleasant but necessary. Regards Simon

All of the above, just delete them without opening. S

Hi all, Can anyone give me an idea of what the professionals' charge for jointing plasterboard, and painting or wallpapering walls? Regards Simon

Your best bet for a long term solution is to get a wireless setup. This would mean you can put the PC where you like. Various solutions are available, but try the UK wanadoo site for guidance if you feel comfortable with them. Regards Simon

[quote]I have been following this topic with interest and read the various expert views. Its alright for you youngsters but I will throw the other items into the arena: I have one of those old green paper ...[/quote] Ian, Given the first line of the DVLA reply I'd say you're stuffed! Regards Simon

I found this an interesting debate, so I emailed the DVLA and asked them direct about living in France with a UK licence; here is their reply "I regret that we are unable to issue a GB licence showing an address outside Wales, Scotland or England. Drivers who take up residence in another EC/EEA country no longer have to exchange their driving licence, but may continue to drive using their own national licence for as long as is remains valid. You should however check with the appropriate driving licensing authorities where you are now resident for information on any conditions that the host member state may stipulate. National licences may only carry an address from the country which issued that licence. We are therefore unable to re-issue your British licence with a foreign address. It is accepted that drivers who move to another part of the EC/EEA could be holding driving licences showing an incorrect address. This is permissible under the terms of the EC Directive on Driving Licences. I hope this answers your enquiry." I think that answers it for me. Regards SImon

"And what sort of attitude do you have Boghound, to those people who follow their ill considered dreams and leave the rest of us to pick up the >cost in benefits etc, when they go wrong ? That would be the same attitude that mastered fire, that discovered America, that made the first flight, that discovered Penicillin and vacination..." What about NASA and the no small matter of going to the moon, a bold, and risky decision, but very well planned? regards Simon

What a shame you have ended up with a shattered dream, you are right and planning is the key. Heating is vital in France, and in a good part of Spain too for that matter. Speaking french is also essential for good relations with the neighbours, I don't know whether that was part of your problem, or if you have been unlucky. I hope you find happiness elsewhere. Regards Simon

"This old chestnut comes up every year about the Brits coming to France and saying "we have Sky TV so why should we pay for a French licence" was blown out of the water many years ago when the Redevance in the Dordogne publicly announced that simply having a TV set was enough to make you liable for the TV licence. I simply cannot fathom out why people will not pay this fairly inexpensive tax, just because they don't want to receive French channels (more fool them anyway as that is where most of them would benefit from watching it to improve their French." I couldn't agree more Miki, just having a set in the UK means you need licence, why should the rules in France be any different. As for the French language, I have heard many such critisms of the British (Tieman, this is not aimed at you specifically, just a general point) that they do not intergrate into French culture and they lock themselves away watching their own TV and listening to UK radio on the internet. I have friends just like this, lived in France for years, but cannot speak a word, very sad. Regards Simon

I don't watch the BBC in the UK, but as I have a TV I still have to pay the fee. Not a happy situation, but I doubt you can use the don't watch the French TV as an excuse. Regards Simon

There used to be something called Printnow that did this sort of stuff: try this link. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,8418,00.asp Regards Simon

Yes I have a HP3030 that is excellent, I suspect you mean RJ11 though,. regards Simon

While you are at it, if you have ADSl then you will need a UK filter to go with a UK master box, so get whoever to post you one with the box. Regards

Can you have a French address on a UK license? Regards S

I'd be a bit more careful with statements like "Do I think I am "shxt-hot. yes I do..." while being so rude to others Plato. You are not an expert in everything and you may need some help from the rest of us on this forum in the future. Still they are your bridges to burn. regards S

Like most Catholic hangouts they know how to party. regards S

An understanding partner. Regards S

Most french supermarkets sell Earl Gray of at least one sort or other, and a bit of Green Leaf, but other teas such as Assam, Lapsang Souchong, or Chai which are my favourites seem difficult to locate. Pity as my local Auchan sells 4 different brands of 3 kinds of tea, when they could sell 1 brand and more choice. Regards S

This all seems a bit strange to me, either you run your car in France using UK rules, tax, insurance, MOT etc, or under French rules, Carte Gris, CT, insurance. etc. I really don't see why we get so excited by it all, make your choice, but you have to do one or the other. regards S

Try pointing the request to c:\windows\options\cabs if it's there. Regards Simon

Could you not just remove the LPG and go back to straight petrol? Regards S

I can't subscribe to the choice angle in schools either, I don't give my son much option over what he eats, because as a parent I am in charge of his wellbeing.  If you say to any child fishfingers and tomato ketchup or chicken and salad guess which they will choose.  kids may be consumers, but they should not be treated as customers in the same way as adults are.  Whatever happened to loco-parentis? Regards S

I thought that the MD of current service provider seemed to think that "customer choice" was more important than feeding children properly, that really sums up the commercialisation of school meals, profit first quality second.  The Government must ensure that minimum dietary requirements are met, and stop selling the rubbish. Regards Simon