Internet Annoyances: How to Fix the Most Annoying Things about Going Online

MAKE ICQ A PRIVATE CLUB

The Annoyance:

I'm tired of every Tom, Dick, and Harry being able to add me to their Contact Lists. Can I exercise some control over who considers me a buddy?

The Fix:

Of all the instant messaging programs, only ICQ lets you control who adds you to their Contact Lists. Choose Main Preferences and Security. In the screen that appears, choose General from the Security section. Check the "My authorization is required before users add me to their Contact List box, then click OK.

STOP THE ICQ TYPEWRITER

The Annoyance:

That echoey typewriter sound that ICQ makes when I type is driving me bonkers. One great thing about the death of the typewriter was the end of that #@#$@#$ clackety-clack. Help me send this sound effect to the bit bucket!

The Fix:

Choose Main Preferences and Security. In the screen that appears, choose Contact List from the Preferences section. Check the "Disable Sounds box, and click OK.

GET ICQ OUT OF YOUR FACE

The Annoyance:

ICQ reminds me of an overbearing aunt who talks at full volume about three inches from your face. After I launch ICQ, it always stays on top of every window on my screen. How can I stop this obnoxious behavior?

The Fix:

This is ICQ's default setting. To make it go away when you switch to another window, choose Main Preferences and Security. In the screen that appears, choose Contact List from the Preferences section. Uncheck the "Always on Top box, and click OK.