Q My internet connection keeps cutting out while I’m browsing. What could be the problem? MS, via e-mail

A You are more likely to experience such problems if you have signed up with a cheap or even “free” internet service provider (ISP) — and especially if you are in a rural location.

The first thing to check is your phone line. If you hear crackles and hissing when you pick up the telephone, it may indicate a sub-par line, which can cause problems with an internet connection. If so, ask your phone company to investigate.

Your home’s internal phone wiring could be old and worn, so plug your modem into the main telephone socket to see if this improves matters. The next step is to isolate the fault by changing your web browser and then your modem to assess if these are both working properly.

A further step is to test the internet connection on another computer if you can. Finally, ask your ISP to test the line for problems.

Q I am converting my jazz collection into MP3 files and storing them on a large hard drive. How can I best connect this drive to my hi-fi system to listen to the music? JD from Edinburgh

A Use a digital audio receiver such as the Logitech Squeezebox Classic (£170 tinyurl.com/6dzcjt ). Once linked to a hi-fi, this gadget can play music stored on a computer — or hard drive — and will do so wirelessly if you have a wi-fi network.

Q I have seen equipment that can convert VHS tapes onto DVDs. Which would you recommend for best ease of use and also decent editing capabilities? AI, from Norfolk

A There are a number of options. The simplest one is to connect your old VHS player to a DVD recorder or, better still, buy a combination DVD/VCR such as the Philips DVDR3510 (£175 from www.amazon.co.uk ). This would enable one-button dubbing from tapes to discs. However, your ability to edit the footage with this type of machine is limited.

For real editing flexibility it’s far better to transfer all the VHS-based footage onto a PC and then create DVDs on it — assuming it has the ability to burn discs, that is. Most VHS decks can be connected to a computer for this purpose.

An easy solution is to use the Ion VHS converter (£150 from tinyurl.com/6f23v9 ), which plugs into a computer via its USB socket to digitise your old tapes. The quality probably won’t be as good as if using a conventional VHS player, but it’s a neater option.

dontpanic@sunday-times.co.uk

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