Why does this happen, from a 6 yo desktop, threeyo laptop and 2 week netbook.
When it appears and nothing moves I have to just sit and wait for it to `clear itself` as i don`t have a clue what to do. MTIA
You've not stated exactly what it is (i.e. the relevant software) which is not responding. It might help!
However the most common problem relates to Internet Explorer which is, quite simply, a totally lousy piece of software. The solution is to use a better browser, such as Firefox (which is used by most of the 'regulars' in AB's Technology section, including me):
http://www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/