diff --git a/wlauto/utils/misc.py b/wlauto/utils/misc.py
index 121fac68..ac770d59 100644
--- a/wlauto/utils/misc.py
+++ b/wlauto/utils/misc.py
@@ -523,9 +523,9 @@ def load_class(classpath):
 def get_pager():
     """Returns the name of the system pager program."""
     pager = os.getenv('PAGER')
-    if not pager:
+    if pager is None:
         pager = find_executable('less')
-    if not pager:
+    if pager is None:
         pager = find_executable('more')
     return pager
 
diff --git a/wlauto/utils/terminalsize.py b/wlauto/utils/terminalsize.py
index c9fc430f..828ca3e6 100644
--- a/wlauto/utils/terminalsize.py
+++ b/wlauto/utils/terminalsize.py
@@ -20,13 +20,12 @@ def get_terminal_size():
     if current_os == 'Windows':
         tuple_xy = _get_terminal_size_windows()
         if tuple_xy is None:
+            # needed for window's python in cygwin's xterm
             tuple_xy = _get_terminal_size_tput()
-            # needed for window's python in cygwin's xterm!
     if current_os in ['Linux', 'Darwin'] or current_os.startswith('CYGWIN'):
         tuple_xy = _get_terminal_size_linux()
-    if tuple_xy is None:
-        print "default"
-        tuple_xy = (80, 25)      # default value
+    if tuple_xy is None or tuple_xy == (0, 0):
+        tuple_xy = (80, 25)      # assume "standard" terminal
     return tuple_xy