November 9, 2005

Q&A#63

Q: Why does my camera battery run down so fast? I have a Kodak DX4900 digital camera. (JP, e-mail)

A: Make sure you’re using the right kind of batteries. Kodak does not recommend using alkaline batteries in this camera. They do recommend the use of rechargeable "AA" Ni-MH (four batteries needed) or the rechargeable EasyShare Ni-MH battery pack (two packs needed). You can also use the non-rechargeable Lithium CRV3 battery (two needed). The two big power drains on your batteries are using the LCD display panel and using the flash. Anything you can do to reduce their use will help prolong battery life. That said, be sure to keep an extra set or two of batteries handy when you are shooting to help avoid disappointing situations.

From The Mail Bag #54

October 20, 2003

Q: I enjoyed your article about PCExpo 2003. Are there any tech shows coming to Rochester in the near future? (BT, e-mail).

A: Although major shows such as PC Expo, E3 and the like do not come to Rochester, several other shows do. Here are two upcoming Rochester shows: The Rochester Business Journal is sponsoring a Busines 2 Business Tech Expo at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center October 29-30, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Register free at their Web site www.rbj-b2btechexpo.com. The show features area businesses showing their products and services.

The Marketpro Computer Show & Sales makes monthly visits to Monroe County Fairgrounds and Dome Center. Shows are scheduled for Nov. 23, Dec. 28, Jan. 25, and Feb. 22. For details visit their Web site at www.marketpro.com. Admission is $7.00. This show is like a traveling computer flea market, with individual businesses showing and selling their computer hardware and software. Shop carefully, not just for price but for support after the sale.

Q: I have an old Compaq Presario 4160. It will go into sleep mode but when it wakes up, the screen is full of garbage. What can I do? (HG, phone)

A: Make sure there are no programs running when you let the computer go into sleep mode. Even TSR (terminate and stay resident) programs may cause this behavior (TSR programs load when you boot your computer and keep a portion resident in memory; these programs stay active in the background to do specific tasks such as virus detection). Updating the display driver might help, but since specific updates are no longer available on the www.compaq.com Web site, it might work to do a system restore using the original restore disks that came with the computer. You might also try Compaq Tech Support at (800) 652-6672 for help.

Q: A friend sent me a cute picture of my niece via the Internet. How do I print the picture? (W.J., e-mail)

A: The picture you see on the screen has been sent over the Internet as an encoded file. Your browser/e-mail reader has decoded it automatically for screen display. The easiest way to print the picture is to left click on the photo (nothing will seem to happen), then from the File menu on the menu bar, select Print and print the picture.

If you want more control over how the picture prints, then you need to get the picture into your computer in a file format that can be printed, usually .jpg, .bmp or .tif. Since most of these pictures are sent as attachments, the easiest way is to right click on the picture or attachment icon (usually a paper clip) and choose Save As. Then give the picture a file name and select a folder to save it in (be sure to remember the folder and filename). Now you can open the picture file in a photo editing or photo viewing program or word processing program such as Word or WordPerfect, adjust the photo size, add text and print.

Q: I have the Reader Rabbit Toddler program that has several print projects that let me add my child’s picture to the project. How do I get a picture from my Kodak Picture CD into the program? (FV, phone)

A: The projects in Reader Rabbit use a "placekeeper" photo to show you where the picture will be in the completed piece. Right click on that photo and follow the directions to replace it with a picture from your CD.

Q: I have recently acquired an Epson scanner that is not compatible with my Windows ME operating system. I called Epson and they do not plan on writing an Me compatible driver for my model scanner. What can I do? (GF, e-mail)

A: Check with Microsoft to see if they have compatible WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) drivers for the Epson. The WIA drivers were designed to solve the compatibility problem of older hardware and the newer operating systems such as Me or XP. Not all hardware manufacturers supported this, however, and it sounds like Epson may not. If you can’t solve the problem, perhaps it’s time to upgrade your scanner and take advantage of the good values and enhanced features now available.

Q: Do I need an anti-virus program for my Mac? (NF, mail)

A: Yes. Viruses written to infect Mac computers are not as common as those for the PC, but they are equally as troublesome. Most viruses are written to infect Windows-based computers, presumably because there are more PC computers to infect than Mac computers, so the effects are potentially more widespread. However, your Mac computer can pass along a Windows virus even though it may not itself be affected; the reverse is also true--a Windows computer can pass along a Mac virus even though the Mac virus won’t affect the Windows computer. Norton AntiVirus 9.0 for Mac (Symantec, $69.99) is strongly recommended. (For our review of the Norton AntiVirus program send a SASE to us at the address below).

August 25, 2003

Q: I have an eMachines computer and can’t seem to find Word or WordPerfect on it. Could you enlighten me? (AS, e-mail)

A: Pre-configured PC computers such as the eMachines come with software already loaded and ready to use. The types and publishers of the programs vary widely. For some programs, only the "lite" versions are included, with options to buy the full-featured version. You’ll have to read the original ads or information that came with the computer to determine just which programs were included and/or pre-loaded. Otherwise, click on Start and All Programs to see the list of programs on your computer. Word may be listed as Microsoft Word.

This may all be a confusing situation, but most pre-configured PC computers come with Windows as an operating system, a word processor, commonly Microsoft Works (which includes a database and spread sheet programs), Internet browser (commonly Microsoft Internet Explorer), personal finance programs such as Quicken or Microsoft Money and utility programs such as image editors. How you’ll be using your computer will determine whether these will suffice or whether you’ll need to purchase additional programs.

Q: The other day I couldn’t get incoming or outgoing e-mail, although my e-mail screen was up. It’s OK now, what happened? (AS, e-mail)

A: It’s very hard to tell. By e-mail screen we assume you mean your e-mail program, such as Outlook Express, was running OK. If your ISP (Internet service provider) is having computer problems with their servers, you may or may not get an error message when you try to receive or send e-mail. If you’re using a cable or DSL connection to the Internet and this happens, check to see if your cable or modem connection light is on. If you’re using a dial-up connection, recheck phone line wire and the like. We have to assume that your problem was related to your ISP, since it resolved itself.

Q: We’d like to set up Web cameras to see our new grandchild, who is out of town. We’d like the great grandmother who lives with us see them too. Our main computer, which uses a cable modem Internet connection, is upstairs and she can’t climb stairs. We thought of getting a laptop for her and connecting both via wire or wireless connections or even try Web-TV for her. Can you help us? (AW, e-mail)

A: First, WebTV actually uses your phone line to access the Internet for e-mail and browsing. The system uses your TV set as a modified monitor for viewing the e-mail and Web pages. It is slow and in some instances, you won't be able to see pictures attached to e-mails. Or if the system allows it, the quality of pictures will be limited to that of TV. So, for your described purposes, it doesn't seem like the best choice.

If you’re going to invest in a laptop computer and would like to keep it portable so great grandmother can use it from the bed, couch or at the kitchen table, then using wireless would allow her to send and receive e-mail, see pictures attached to e-mails and surf the Web at any of these locations. It also allows you to take advantage of the faster connection speed that cable provides (compared to phone dial-up connections). If portability isn't needed, then a wired network would be less expensive. Both wired or wireless setups should be fast enough for your stated uses. For the wireless system, you'll need a wireless cable modem adapter to connect to your cable modem. Make sure you get one that can also be hardwired to your stationary computer. Then you'll need a wireless network adapter card for the laptop. Set up the configurations and enjoy the new baby pictures.

Q: I am using Juno and sometimes have problems getting e-mail and often get disconnected from the Internet. Why is this? (FT, phone)

A: Juno provides several levels of Internet and e-mail service. The Juno Basic free service comes with several limitations. You have a limit of 10 hours/month usage time, there is a limit to the size and number of e-mails and attachments and from time to time they may not allow attachments at all. In addition, they may only hold e-mails for a limited, unspecified length of time. You’ll find much advertising and pop-ups to deal with, and your sign-up info will be shared with other merchants. Juno reserves the right to drop your connection at any time to suit their needs. So Juno’s Basic service is free, but it comes with many strings, some of which Juno seems to be tugging for you. Juno’s Platinum level of service does away with all the above restrictions, giving you unlimited Internet access, multiple e-mail addresses, junk mail filtering and no advertising banners. Both levels of service offer free on-line tech support and a per minute charge for live tech support. A proprietary add-on for their Platinum service speeds up your Internet connection.

From The Mail Bag #52

July 21, 2003

In a previous Mail Bag column, we had a question about printing file listings from a directory or folder located on a hard drive. A Bits‘n Bytes reader (FM, e-mail) suggested as an alternative a free utility program, Widget Print Directory 3.1, that does the printed listing easily and quickly and has several available options, such as the ability to print full path names with or without file creation dates, file size and file type. The program allows you to save a listing for future viewing or printing or export the list as a comma-delimited file. The program is available for download at: http://www.webattack.com/get/printdir.shtml

Q: Thanks for your interesting articles. Because of your recent review of the new Kodak Easy Share DX6340 digital camera and the companion Easy Share Printer Dock 6000, I bought both. I love the little printer and think the DX6340 is a fun camera. They are a perfect match for me, since I don’t have a computer. There are many features on the camera that I know I won’t use--so why don’t they leave out some features and reduce the price? (MM, letter)(Ed: if you want a copy of our review, send us a SASE to the address below).

A: Kodak, like most companies, is interested in customer response. We will forward your comments to them, and hope they will consider offering a simpler camera that would work with the Printer Dock 6000.

Q: I’m having a problem with eBay payments. How do I contact them? (LA, e-mail)

A: eBay provides a great deal of help and answers to questions on their site, but it is not always easy to find the answer that fits your need. One way to reach them is to go to the eBay site (http://www.ebay.com), and from the home page click the link for Site Map. The Site Map provides a wealth of links to various kinds of information and help. Alternatively, from the home page, click on the link for Help. From the initial Help screen, click on the link for Contact Us. Choose a Customer Support link, select from the choices, click Continue, and you’ll see options for keyword searching or for sending an e-mail to eBay or to Chat with an eBay representative using Instant Messaging.

Two independent sites also provide eBay contact information. Since these sites have not been recently updated, some of the contact information may not be valid, but they’re worth trying:

http://www.auctionguild.com/generic17.html

http://www.onlinebookselling.net/new_page_13.htm

Q: We would like to get high speed Internet access. What’s the difference between DSL and Road Runner? (SJ, e-mail)

A: DSL (digital subscriber line) uses existing phone lines to your home to provide Internet access. Frontier, a local provider, offers two levels of service: the fastest, up to 3 MBS, is available for about $49.99/mo; the stepped-down service, up to 250KBS, is available for about $29.99/mo. These speeds are only realized under ideal circumstances: good quality phone lines and a wire distance less than 5 miles from your telephone exchange node. Anything less will result in reduced connection speeds. There is no reduction in usage speed even if your neighbors have DSL, since each subscriber is assigned its own node in the system. You can use DSL Internet and your voice phone at the same time, but you’ll need to put filters on all your voice phones, faxes and dial-up modems if they are to work satisfactorily. Our personal experience with DSL was that, although our phone lines were theoretically tested as good and we were less than 5 miles from our exchange, we were never able to realize more than 300 KBS on the fastest grade service. DSL support was never able to remedy this or offer a satisfactory explanation.

Road Runner, the local cable modem Internet access service, uses your TV cable to carry the Internet signals. You can watch your favorite TV channel at the same time others use the service for the Internet. Speeds of up to 3 MBS can be obtained, but since you may share a connection node with your neighbors who have Road Runner, speeds will slow as their usage increases. And during peak usage times, typically early evening, service may be noticeably slow.

Both DSL and Road Runner are "always on" connections to the Internet and make your computer susceptible to hacker attacks and the like, so be sure you have both an anti-virus program and a firewall in place for your protection. Programs such as Norton’s Internet Security provide both.

Q: I tried to install a wheel mouse on my computer, and I have problems with the cursor disappearing or the mouse being unable to control the cursor. Is the new mouse not compatible with my computer? (AS, e-mail)

A: Yes, that’s possible. Check the System Requirements listed on the box or in the instructions for your new mouse and insure they fit your machine configuration. Contact the mouse manufacturer’s customer support via phone or the Web and get an updated driver for the mouse. Install the new driver. If that doesn’t work, try customer service again--it’s possible, though very unlikely, that you have a defective mouse, and then you’d need to see about warranty replacement.

May 19, 2003

We’ve had several questions from readers about our recent review of the new Kodak EasyShare DX6340 digital camera and Kodak Printer Dock 6000 (if you missed this review send us a SASE at the Shopping Bag/Advertiser, address below, for a copy):

Q: A recent Consumer Reports recommends the Kodak CX4330 digital camera, what are the differences between that camera and the Kodak EasyShare DX6340 described in your column? (JS, e-mail)

A: In general, the CX series of Kodak digital cameras are consumer entry-level cameras designed to be less expensive and less complicated to use. The DX series are "deluxe," with more advanced engineering features and more user options. Comparing specific features, the CX4330 is not adaptable to the Kodak EasyShare Printer Dock 6000, but the DX6340 is. The DX6340 has a "fast" f2.2 4X zoom lens designed and made by the respected German lens maker, Schneider-Kreuznach. This insures maximum brightness and color saturation; the CX4330 has a slower Retinar f2.8 3X zoom lens.

The DX6340 features low light level focusing (without light or flash assist) and an ISO 400 top speed rating. The CX4330 has only a top ISO 200 speed rating. This allows the DX6340 to perform better in low light situations. Also, the DX6340 has a 20 foot rating for its flash, and the CX4330 an 11 foot rating. The user controls are conveniently grouped on the back of the DX6340, and various camera settings, such as white balance, ISO selection, metering and the like, which are available on the DX6340, are not user-selectable on the CX4330. The MSRP price difference is $30, with the DX6340 being more expensive. Our opinion is that both cameras will produce fine photos and please the average user. But the DX6340 does give you the extra control that many photographers appreciate, and the better lens gives an edge in final photo results as well.

Q: I want to be able to copy my digital pictures directly to CDs. Will the new Kodak Picture Software V3 let me do that? (R, phone message)

A: The currently available Kodak EasyShare Picture Software is version 2.1. Version 3 is scheduled for release in May, 2003, and will be available for free download from Kodak.com. We were told that this new version will, in additional to all the organization, editing and sharing functions, feature the ability to copy (burn) your picture (actually picture files) to a CD-R. We’ll report further on this when it’s available.

Q: I have several questions about the Kodak DX6340 digital camera. Your review makes it sound great but is it heavy? Can I take pictures fast? Do I need a card reader to download pictures to my computer? (CG, phone message)

A: The Kodak EasyShare DX6340 digital camera weighs 7.1 oz. without batteries. The camera boots up very quickly--faster than many other digital cameras--so it is ready to use much sooner after you turn it on. In addition, the camera writes very quickly to its internal memory, so you’re ready to take the next picture quickly as well. The camera can download pictures directly to your computer via a USB cable or from the Printer Dock 6000. Since the camera has 16MB of internal fixed memory, which will hold 20+ pictures (depending on the resolution you choose), you may never need the optional MMC/SD memory cards as long you keep downloading the pictures to your computer for storage and delete them from the camera’s memory.

Q: Under Windows, how do I print out a list of the files in a directory. I can see them listed on screen but there doesn’t seem to be any way to get a printout. (BM, e-mail)

A: There are a few work-arounds: 1) Get the directory you want on screen. Then press the "Print Screen" key. Nothing will appear to happen, but whatever you see on screen is copied as a graphic into the Windows clipboard. With your favorite word processor, paste (Ctrl-V or from the Menu Bar Edit>Paste). The display will show your directory list. Then print it from your word processor; 2) Use your favorite screen capture program (several are available on the Internet--we like SnagIt from www.techsmith.com--but there are many others). Display the directory on screen, capture it (as a graphic) and then print it from the capture program; 3) (for you leftover DOS fans) go to the DOS command prompt, navigate to the desired directory and try the old DOS command, dir>prn. This may not work for some USB printers, but if it does work, you’ll get a printout of the directory. If not, try dir>filename.txt. Nothing will seem to happen, but go back to Windows, and in the directory you wanted printed you’ll find filename.txt. Use your word processor to print it.

March 10, 2003

Q: When I try to print out a Web page, I almost always lose an inch or so of text on the right margin. I’ve scrolled the page all the way to the right and I can see the text on the screen but it still won’t print. What’s happening? (RC, e-mail)

A: This usually has to do with page margins. To set wider page margins in both Internet Explorer and Netscape, choose File > Page setup and then each of the margins to .25 inch or less. That should help to print out more of the Web page.

Q: My computer keeps freezing up and shutting down. It has so much junk on it that I’ve been told to get a CD to do a system restore. What is this and where do I get one? (SS, e-mail)

A: Many computers that are sold packaged with pre-loaded programs more often than not don’t come with the original operating system disks, program disks and/or program manuals. This is why many companies such as IBM, H-P, GateWay and VARs (value added resellers or retailers) can offer such bargains on these packages. Some of the better companies and VARs will, however, provide both a system restore CD and a program restore CD with the package.

In the event that one of these computers has problems due to corrupt files, crashes or other issues aside from hardware failure, these restore disks can be used to restore the operating system and, when necessary, restore or repair the program files. These restores are usually done after a hard drive reformat in which you will lose all your data, so always be sure to back up your computer before you restore.

Unfortunately, some companies and VARs do not provide these CDs, so you must either buy the CDs from the company or VAR or bring or send your computer to them to restore. And if you were given or bought a used computer, the restore CDs, if there were any, may have been lost in the transfer. System restore CDs may be specific for a particular computer configuration so any old system restore CD may not work on your computer. You’ll need to contact the computer company or VAR to request the specific restore CDs. If your computer is older, restore CDs may no longer be available. An alternative may be to have a local computer repair shop do an upgrade on your computer. Certain combinations of upgrades will allow them to legally load a new operating system on your upgraded machine.

Q: You referred to genealogy programs in a recent column. It seems these program look back at your parents, grandparents and so on. Are there programs that let you chart your children, your grandchildren and so on? (DD, phone)

A: Our recent Bits ‘n Bytes column briefly reviewed three genealogy programs (for a copy of the column, send us a SASE at the Shopping Bag/Advertiser address listed below). The programs referred to, Family Tree Maker, Heritage Family Tree and Legacy all allow you to track family members both forward (descendants) and backward (ancestors) from any given individual or married couple. You can create a chart for either a screen view or a printout of these family structures in a tree fashion, either upright, inverted or in a bow-tie configuration, each showing ancestors on one side and descendants on the other. You can also attach photos and, for computer viewing, add multimedia content such as audio recordings or video.

Q: When I connect to the Internet with Internet Explorer, my mouse begins reacting slower and slower as my default home page loads. By the time it finishes loading, the mouse cursor won’t move at all. The computer has 48MB RAM and Windows 98. Any ideas? (DM, e-mail)

A: Interesting problem. Here are some troubleshooting ideas for you: The first thing we think of in the case of any unusual computer behavior is a virus. Scan your computer for viruses, using the "scan all files" option. Next, the default home page your browser loads when it opens may be at fault if it wants more memory than your machine has. At 48MB RAM, your computer is a little on the low side for Windows 98 for many applications. More memory may be needed for intensive graphics, Java programs, or other background Internet downloading. Try changing your browser’s default home page. In Internet Explorer go to Tools > Internet options > General tab and change the home page to something other than what’s specified. You could try, for instance, our home page, http://www.norma-tony.com, which contains few graphics and no Java elements. You could also add more memory, a very good idea in any event. Also, try the System File Checker, looking for damaged files. From Start > Run > enter SFC in the dialog box and then Run. Next check the Device Manager (right click My Computer > Properties > Device Manager tab and look for any red X’s, and check for duplicate entries, select Mouse then select Properties and check for conflicts. Next try reloading the mouse driver.

January 13, 2003

Q: I keep hearing the term "burn a CD". What is that all about? (NL, phone)

A: "Burn a CD" is just a term for recording data on a CD. The term "burn" refers to the use of a laser and the heat energy it produces to actually burn a microscopic data pattern in the coating of a recordable CD. The device that does this recording and subsequent reading of the data is a CD-R (CD recordable, which records once and cannot be erased) or CD-RW (CD read/write which can be erased and reused) drive, often referred to as CD burners.

A CD burner can be an internal drive that’s installed in your computer or an external drive that is connected to your computer’s USB port. The data that is recorded (burned) can be document files, backup files, picture files, music files and others. Music can be recorded in a variety of formats, some of which will play on common audio CD players. Some programs make it possible to configure your computer so your CD-R and CD-RW disks/drives can act like a floppy drive, allowing you to drag and drop files to/from the drive or erase files; CDs produced in this configuration will play only on the computer on which they were recorded. Or the drives can be configured so that any computer can read, write or erase files on the CD.

Q: What is "Spamming?" (HJ, Gates)

A: Spamming (Internet slang) is the act of sending unsolicited e-mail to hundreds, thousands or even millions of e-mail addresses. Simply put: it’s junk e-mail. Spamming is, unfortunately, an increasingly common way to market get-rich-quick schemes, non-existent services, merchandise or pornography. A few years back, AOL (America Online) estimated that on some days, 30% of their customers’ e-mail may be unsolicited "junk." Lists of millions of e-mail addresses are bought and sold by spammers. These lists are culled from a variety of sources. Any time you submit your e-mail address for on-line merchandise ordering, information requests, product warranty cards and such, you are at risk of having your e-mail address added to a list somewhere. Most legitimate companies, however, including ISPs (Internet Service Providers), have strict privacy policies designed to safeguard your information to keep it out of the hands of spammers. Take time to read their Privacy Statements.

Spammers can also use computer programs that search public areas on the Internet to "harvest" lists of e-mail addresses from web pages, newsgroups, chat rooms, and other online destinations. Whenever they find the "@" sign--bingo! they’ve got another address.

Preventing junk mail is not easy. Most e-mail programs, such as Netscape and Outlook Express and most ISPs, provide filters to help discard such unwanted e-mail. These programs work by blocking messages containing keywords that might indicate junk mail, or by blocking e-mail from known spammer addresses. Unfortunately, these schemes may occasionally block wanted e-mail. Check the Help on your program or contact your ISP for further information.

Some precautions: Never respond to junk mail, and never click on the "to remove your name" option. Junk mailers lie. Rather than remove your name, they will add it to a verified e-mail address list. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is very concerned about junk mail and especially fraudulent claims found in many of these e-mails. If you have received e-mail you think may be fraudulent, such as one claiming to make you rich or remove your debt or offering to-good-to-be-true merchandise or schemes, forward the e-mail to the FTC at uce@ftc.gov.

Q: I read your column about computers and GPS (global positioning system) receivers. I’d like to use my laptop with a GPS device in my RV to have directions spoken to me in my travels. How do I do this? (JF, e-mail)

A: Assuming the daily duration of your driving will be longer than the life of the battery on your laptop, the most sensible option would be to power both your laptop and GPS receiver from your vehicle’s battery. Car power adapters that plug into your RV’s cigarette lighter are available for most laptops. Check with the manufacturer of your laptop or search the Internet for such adapters. One of the more convenient GPS receivers is Earthmate, from DeLorme. An optional USB cable connects it to your laptop for both data and power, saving the tangle of extra cables.

Our favorite software to use with this combo is Street Atlas USA, also from DeLorme, now in version 2003. This program can map more than a million miles of roads in the USA, and you can even add new roads that are automatically added to the searchable database. This is especially useful in the roads-less-traveled areas if that’s where your RVing takes you. Select your start, destination and in-between stops, and the program suggests a route, complete with map and directions. Once you’re on your way, the software notifies you "you have a left turn coming up in one mile," but you can also ask it "where am I?" to have the program say your location. The GPS keeps your location updated on the map with a "breadcrumb trail," if you like. There are many other nifty features too. Happy trails.

Q: When I receive pictures from friends in our AOL e-mail, all I see is "garbage." What can I do? (EM, e-mail)

A: Update to the new AOL version 8. The "garbage" you see is an encoded picture file. Until you update, check with AOL on-line help to get a free decoder program to decode your friends’ pictures.

October 28, 2002

Q: What can we do with our old computer?

A: This question has been asked of us many times in the past, and the answer is that it is harder and harder to give away or even donate older computers, even though they work well. Many individuals or organizations do not want older computers because some programs will not run on older computers, and there are concerns of costs of repair or the ability to get them fixed if they need repair.

In addition to the suggestions we made in previous columns (for a copy of that column, send a sase to us at the address below), one of our readers (LBC, Pittsford) suggested another source for donating computers: Micrecycle (585-224-7014, www.micrecycle.org). They will accept donations of old computers and peripherals and, in some cases, qualifying businesses may be able to deduct the full purchase price of the donations. Micrecycle refurbishes the used computers and gives them to needy qualifying individuals or organizations in the community. See their website or call them for complete details.

Q: My printer has stopped responding--no noise, no cartridge movement, no printing. Any ideas why this might happen? (BAR, e-mail)

A: You didn’t say whether the printer was completely dead, i.e., whether the lack of noise, lights or action happens when it is plugged into an AC outlet or whether it just doesn’t respond to the computer. If it’s the former, be sure it’s plugged into a live AC outlet. If possible, try a substitute AC cord. If your printer uses a "brick" type power supply, check the output of the power supply with a voltmeter, if you have access to one. If your printer is getting power, check your user manual on how to perform a power-up self test, and then do it. This insures that the printer is capable of functioning at all. If everything is OK so far, then check the cable connecting the computer to the printer, and substitute a new or known good cable if available. Still OK? Then run Windows troubleshooting by selecting Start, Help, select index tab, and type in "troubleshooting." Select Troubleshooting, Printers and follow the dialog. If no help here, then uninstall the printer and its drivers and reinstall them.

If none of these work, then a call to the manufacturer’s technical support line might be in order.

Q: I have a Canon Starwriter word processor and want to get the information from its disks into my computer. How do I do that? (LS, e-mail)

A: Many of these types of dedicated word processors have an option for saving files in a PC format. Check the user manual. If there are no options for doing this, then print out the document from the dedicated word processor and scan and OCR (optical character recognition) it from your computer.

Q: I want to upgrade my computer from DOS to a new operating System (Windows) so I can access the Internet. I still need DOS and Basic because many of my programs are written in Basic. How can I do this? (FG, phone)

A: If you are going to upgrade your existing computer, first make sure it will run Windows. Many older computers that used DOS may not support Windows. If you are going to buy a new computer and still want to run your DOS and Basic programs, consider using a program such as System Commander (V-Comm) that allows you to choose which type of operating system (DOS, Windows, Linux, and so forth) you want to use each time you boot your computer. Under some circumstances you’ll even be able to change operating systems while the computer is running. Alternatively, just keep your old computer for running DOS and your Basic programs and use your new computer for accessing the Internet.

Q: When I start Windows 95, I get strange Windows protection errors. What’s going on? (MH, e-mail)

A: Windows may be trying to load programs that have corrupt files or bad startup commands. Try running the Windows 95 startup troubleshooter. From Start, Help, select the index tab and type in Windows 95. Select the Startup troubleshooter and follow the dialog. If errors occur while Windows is running, there may be corrupt files or two programs trying to use the same patch of memory at the same time. Try this trick to find the offending programs: use the Close Program dialogue box (Ctrl-Alt-Del) and select End Task on all the programs listed except Explorer and Systray. Then open the programs that seem to be causing problems and see if errors occur. Keep adding one program at a time until you get the errors. That last added program may be the offender. Check with the publisher for program updates or patches.

Q: Is Norma’s book Computers Made Really Easy for Beginners still available? (RD, phone)

A: Yes, send check or M.O. for $8.95 (shipping free, but include 8% NYS sales tax if ordering from New York state) to Lion Press, PO Box 92541, Rochester, NY 14692. Although the book was published several years ago, much of the information is still helpful in understanding computers and what you can use them to do.

October 28, 2002

Q: What can we do with our old computer?

A: This question has been asked of us many times in the past, and the answer is that it is harder and harder to give away or even donate older computers, even though they work well. Many individuals or organizations do not want older computers because some programs will not run on older computers, and there are concerns of costs of repair or the ability to get them fixed if they need repair.

In addition to the suggestions we made in previous columns (for a copy of that column, send a sase to us at the address below), one of our readers (LBC, Pittsford) suggested another source for donating computers: Micrecycle (585-224-7014, www.micrecycle.org). They will accept donations of old computers and peripherals and, in some cases, qualifying businesses may be able to deduct the full purchase price of the donations. Micrecycle refurbishes the used computers and gives them to needy qualifying individuals or organizations in the community. See their website or call them for complete details.

Q: My printer has stopped responding--no noise, no cartridge movement, no printing. Any ideas why this might happen? (BAR, e-mail)

A: You didn’t say whether the printer was completely dead, i.e., whether the lack of noise, lights or action happens when it is plugged into an AC outlet or whether it just doesn’t respond to the computer. If it’s the former, be sure it’s plugged into a live AC outlet. If possible, try a substitute AC cord. If your printer uses a "brick" type power supply, check the output of the power supply with a voltmeter, if you have access to one. If your printer is getting power, check your user manual on how to perform a power-up self test, and then do it. This insures that the printer is capable of functioning at all. If everything is OK so far, then check the cable connecting the computer to the printer, and substitute a new or known good cable if available. Still OK? Then run Windows troubleshooting by selecting Start, Help, select index tab, and type in "troubleshooting." Select Troubleshooting, Printers and follow the dialog. If no help here, then uninstall the printer and its drivers and reinstall them.

If none of these work, then a call to the manufacturer’s technical support line might be in order.

Q: I have a Canon Starwriter word processor and want to get the information from its disks into my computer. How do I do that? (LS, e-mail)

A: Many of these types of dedicated word processors have an option for saving files in a PC format. Check the user manual. If there are no options for doing this, then print out the document from the dedicated word processor and scan and OCR (optical character recognition) it from your computer.

Q: I want to upgrade my computer from DOS to a new operating System (Windows) so I can access the Internet. I still need DOS and Basic because many of my programs are written in Basic. How can I do this? (FG, phone)

A: If you are going to upgrade your existing computer, first make sure it will run Windows. Many older computers that used DOS may not support Windows. If you are going to buy a new computer and still want to run your DOS and Basic programs, consider using a program such as System Commander (V-Comm) that allows you to choose which type of operating system (DOS, Windows, Linux, and so forth) you want to use each time you boot your computer. Under some circumstances you’ll even be able to change operating systems while the computer is running. Alternatively, just keep your old computer for running DOS and your Basic programs and use your new computer for accessing the Internet.

Q: When I start Windows 95, I get strange Windows protection errors. What’s going on? (MH, e-mail)

A: Windows may be trying to load programs that have corrupt files or bad startup commands. Try running the Windows 95 startup troubleshooter. From Start, Help, select the index tab and type in Windows 95. Select the Startup troubleshooter and follow the dialog. If errors occur while Windows is running, there may be corrupt files or two programs trying to use the same patch of memory at the same time. Try this trick to find the offending programs: use the Close Program dialogue box (Ctrl-Alt-Del) and select End Task on all the programs listed except Explorer and Systray. Then open the programs that seem to be causing problems and see if errors occur. Keep adding one program at a time until you get the errors. That last added program may be the offender. Check with the publisher for program updates or patches.

Q: Is Norma’s book Computers Made Really Easy for Beginners still available? (RD, phone)

A: Yes, send check or M.O. for $8.95 (shipping free, but include 8% NYS sales tax if ordering from New York state) to Lion Press, PO Box 92541, Rochester, NY 14692. Although the book was published several years ago, much of the information is still helpful in understanding computers and what you can use them to do.

July 8, 2002

Q: You recently referred to a map program from National Geographic. Where can I get that program? (FS, phone)

A: The program is National Geographic Maps: The Complete Collection, from Encore Software. Every foldout map published in National Geographic is included, and some of the 535 maps are rare and otherwise available only in the National Geographic archives. The maps are reproduced front and back, and you can zoom in or out for better detail. The program also includes a history of map making, map time lines and the story of how maps follow the course of history. We think this program is great for reference or as a gift. It’s available at CompUSA, Media Play, Best Buy or on-line from encoresoftware.com. Be aware that there are reports of this program not working well or at all with some configurations of Windows XT.

Q: When it comes to things like memory and hard drive space, how do I know how much to upgrade? I have a 20GB hard drive and 128MB RAM and I want involve myself in graphic design. (TM, e-mail)

A: Much depends on how you use your designs. If you create graphic designs for high quality print publishing, these images can result in very large file sizes, and photos can easily run 20-40+ MB in file size. For this type of work, a larger hard drive would be one upgrade consideration. Similarly, high quality images take lots of RAM. A rule of thumb for photo editing programs is to have 2-3 times as much RAM as the largest file size you'll be working on. Extra RAM is always a good investment in improving machine performance, so increasing the amount of RAM to the most allowed by your computer’s motherboard is recommended. If your publishing is for lower quality printing or strictly for Web/Internet use, your current configuration should be all right for a while. If your video display card works as is for your graphics use, don't touch it. If you get slow image redraw, display artifacts and the like, consider changing to a video display card designed for graphics. Also, consider a CD-ROM burner as a convenient, inexpensive way to archive your work.

Q: I have WordPerfect 7 and have lost my spell check, thesaurus and grammar checker. How do I get these back? (RW, phone)

A: First, if these features worked before, be sure that you haven’t accidently changed the Menu Bar version. Right click on a blank spot on the Menu Bar (the bar at the top of the screen with "File," "Edit’" "View" etc. on it) and make sure that WP Win 7 Menu is checked. If that’s correct, then go to Tools > Spell Checker and under options be sure that "auto start" is checked. If this is not the problem, then you may have to reinstall the features. Do this from the original installation disk, and choose "custom installation." Find these features in the installation menus, check them and run the installation.

Q: I want to save my Internet Explorer favorites. How do I do this? (WG, e-mail)

A: The directions are found under Help: Sharing Bookmarks and Favorites. To export favorites to another computer, while in the Internet Explorer program, click File > Import and Export. A Wizard will help you through the process. The exported favorites are saved as an HTML file, so either Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator can import them.

Q: I often create crossword and word puzzles and am looking for a program to help me construct them. (DF, e-mail)

A: Crosswords are very popular, and there are several programs available to help. They vary in cost and capabilities. Check out these:

Crossword Compiler V6 at www.crossword-puzzle-maker.com

Crossword Express V5.6 at www.crausword.com

Crossword Construction Kit V3.1a at www.crosswordkit.com

Crossword Weaver at www.crossweaver.com

Crosswords & more by Expert Software at software stores

Q: I have a Compaq computer with an instant Internet access button. I changed versions of AOL, but my Internet access button will only access my old version of AOL. How do I fix this? (MA, e-mail)

A: You’ll need to reprogram your Instant Access Button. Compaq says to first uninstall the Instant Access via Start > Settings > Control panel > Add/Remove programs. Then under Start > Compaq Support, select the option for reprogramming Instant Access Buttons and follow the Wizard. More detailed information is available on the Compaq web site, www.compaq.com.

Q: My HP672C printer has started printing half a page and stops with a "paper jam" message. It’ll restart and sometimes it prints OK, sometimes not. Any ideas? Also, is refilling printer cartridges OK? (GC, e-mail)

A: The problems you describe could be caused by a variety of mechanical and electrical/electronic problems. Easy, inexpensive things to do are to remove and reload the printer driver, carefully check inside your printer for dust, dirt, scraps of paper and lose screws, check your printer cable for loose connections and even try a new or borrowed cable, and contact HP tech support via their web site www.hp.com for additional help.

Printer manufacturers generally do not recommend refilling cartridges. They cite problems with non-OEM inks clogging nozzles and the like. when the color stops printing, be sure to try head cleaning before replacing cartridges.

August 26, 2002

Q: My connection with my ISP (Internet Service Provider) seems very slow, sometimes taking up to 20-30 seconds to respond for each new Web page. My ISP says it’s because I’m using a Winmodem. What is a Winmodem, and is there anything I can do to speed up the connection? (T, phone message)

A: A Winmodem is designed to "borrow" some hardware and software resources from your PC and Windows. Think of a Winmodem as an incomplete modem. If your computer has massive resources (such as fast CPU and extra RAM), this may not be a problem. But Winmodems are known to perform poorly when you have less than ideal phone lines because these modems are more susceptible to line noise and such. Manufacturers opt to use Winmodems because they are cheaper to manufacture and therefore keep the costs of the computer down. A standard modem, on the other hand, is self-contained and has all the needed hardware and firmware to operate properly even with older computers and noisy phone lines.

To help solve your problem, start by making sure you have the latest driver and configuration file for your Winmodem. If that doesn’t help, call your phone company and have them check the quality of your phone line. If this still doesn’t help, uninstall your Winmodem and install a standard modem.

Q: I see ads on the Web for free MP3 music. What is MP3? (LL, Pittsford)

A: The "MP" is short for MPEG-1 (Moving Picture Expert Group); the "3" refers to audio layer 3, which is the audio part of a standard for audio/visual file storage. Layers 1,2 and 3 define increasing levels of audio quality and speed of uploading and downloading audio files. MP3 is a method of highly compressing and saving full-fidelity audio in a file on the hard drive of a computer, on a CD-R (CD recordable) or in an MP3 player and the like, with virtually no loss of fidelity (although some audiophiles might argue this point). The compression works, in part, by removing sound that’s extremely low in volume and nearly inaudible to the human ear. By using this method with other techniques, compression ratios of 12:1 can be achieved for MP3 sound. With these smaller file sizes, an entire audio CD will fit on a ZIP disk, eight to ten audio CDs will fit on a CD-R (recordable CD) and you can even play the files, with full fidelity, as they are downloaded from the Internet (streaming audio).

To play MP3 songs on your computer, you need MP3 player software. Software players are available from several Web sites as either freeware, shareware or as retail programs. MP3 can also be played by the newer versions of Windows Media player and Real player. You can also check out www.winamp.com for one of the other more popular players, WinAmp. Then surf several sites that offer free MP3 music, such as www.mp3.com, download your favorites and enjoy.

There’s more: with MP3 ripper and encoder programs, you can copy your own audio CDs in the MP3 format onto your hard drive and then record custom CDs. And more yet: you can download MP3 encoded music from your computer into the memory of tiny portable players and even some PDAs. The MP3 decoder is built in, so you can carry your music with you. This is all legal, as long as either the original music was copyright free and/or you abide by the copyright restrictions, or you own the original CD. You may use the MP3 music for yourself, but you cannot give or sell it to others.

Q: Where can I get the Sign Language program you talked about in a recent column? (AC, phone message)

A: The program to which you refer is Kids’ American Sign Language from Topics Entertainment (for anyone who would like a copy of our review, send a SASE to us at the address below and we’ll send a copy of our column). It is part of Topics Entertainment SNAP! Fun and Learning series of older but very good programs at bargain prices of $4.94. The topics-ent.com Web site doesn’t offer this program for sale, but they do list several retail stores (Best Buy, Staples, Target, Walmart) as well as on-line stores where it is available.

Q: Where can I find e-mail or standard mail addresses for my classmates? We are planning a class reunion and have lost track of some of them. (IF, phone message)

A: There are several search Web sites on the Internet that you can use to help you find people and e-mail addresses; many of these sites also list street addresses and phone numbers too, and some even have a map showing exactly where that person lives. You may need to try several of the search Web sites, because not all of them use the same methods for creating their database, and an individual may appear in some, all, or none of them. Here’s a list of some people search Web sites:

www.bigfoot.com

www.whowhere.com

www.four11.com (Yahoo.com’s people finder)

www.infospace.com (click on White pages - people search)

my.email.address.is/ (queries several other search sites)

www.iaf.net

www.findmemail.com

There’s a special Web site for finding high school classmates: http://www.classmates.com. You must register (free), and then you can search for other registered "classmates." A similar site is curious cat at http://www.curiouscat.net/alumni. This site is geared for schools at any level.

July 8, 2002

Q: You recently referred to a map program from National Geographic. Where can I get that program? (FS, phone)

A: The program is National Geographic Maps: The Complete Collection, from Encore Software. Every foldout map published in National Geographic is included, and some of the 535 maps are rare and otherwise available only in the National Geographic archives. The maps are reproduced front and back, and you can zoom in or out for better detail. The program also includes a history of map making, map time lines and the story of how maps follow the course of history. We think this program is great for reference or as a gift. It’s available at CompUSA, Media Play, Best Buy or on-line from encoresoftware.com. Be aware that there are reports of this program not working well or at all with some configurations of Windows XT.

Q: When it comes to things like memory and hard drive space, how do I know how much to upgrade? I have a 20GB hard drive and 128MB RAM and I want involve myself in graphic design. (TM, e-mail)

A: Much depends on how you use your designs. If you create graphic designs for high quality print publishing, these images can result in very large file sizes, and photos can easily run 20-40+ MB in file size. For this type of work, a larger hard drive would be one upgrade consideration. Similarly, high quality images take lots of RAM. A rule of thumb for photo editing programs is to have 2-3 times as much RAM as the largest file size you'll be working on. Extra RAM is always a good investment in improving machine performance, so increasing the amount of RAM to the most allowed by your computer’s motherboard is recommended. If your publishing is for lower quality printing or strictly for Web/Internet use, your current configuration should be all right for a while. If your video display card works as is for your graphics use, don't touch it. If you get slow image redraw, display artifacts and the like, consider changing to a video display card designed for graphics. Also, consider a CD-ROM burner as a convenient, inexpensive way to archive your work.

Q: I have WordPerfect 7 and have lost my spell check, thesaurus and grammar checker. How do I get these back? (RW, phone)

A: First, if these features worked before, be sure that you haven’t accidently changed the Menu Bar version. Right click on a blank spot on the Menu Bar (the bar at the top of the screen with "File," "Edit’" "View" etc. on it) and make sure that WP Win 7 Menu is checked. If that’s correct, then go to Tools > Spell Checker and under options be sure that "auto start" is checked. If this is not the problem, then you may have to reinstall the features. Do this from the original installation disk, and choose "custom installation." Find these features in the installation menus, check them and run the installation.

Q: I want to save my Internet Explorer favorites. How do I do this? (WG, e-mail)

A: The directions are found under Help: Sharing Bookmarks and Favorites. To export favorites to another computer, while in the Internet Explorer program, click File > Import and Export. A Wizard will help you through the process. The exported favorites are saved as an HTML file, so either Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator can import them.

Q: I often create crossword and word puzzles and am looking for a program to help me construct them. (DF, e-mail)

A: Crosswords are very popular, and there are several programs available to help. They vary in cost and capabilities. Check out these:

Crossword Compiler V6 at www.crossword-puzzle-maker.com

Crossword Express V5.6 at www.crausword.com

Crossword Construction Kit V3.1a at www.crosswordkit.com

Crossword Weaver at www.crossweaver.com

Crosswords & more by Expert Software at software stores

Q: I have a Compaq computer with an instant Internet access button. I changed versions of AOL, but my Internet access button will only access my old version of AOL. How do I fix this? (MA, e-mail)

A: You’ll need to reprogram your Instant Access Button. Compaq says to first uninstall the Instant Access via Start > Settings > Control panel > Add/Remove programs. Then under Start > Compaq Support, select the option for reprogramming Instant Access Buttons and follow the Wizard. More detailed information is available on the Compaq web site, www.compaq.com.

Q: My HP672C printer has started printing half a page and stops with a "paper jam" message. It’ll restart and sometimes it prints OK, sometimes not. Any ideas? Also, is refilling printer cartridges OK? (GC, e-mail)

A: The problems you describe could be caused by a variety of mechanical and electrical/electronic problems. Easy, inexpensive things to do are to remove and reload the printer driver, carefully check inside your printer for dust, dirt, scraps of paper and lose screws, check your printer cable for loose connections and even try a new or borrowed cable, and contact HP tech support via their web site www.hp.com for additional help.

Printer manufacturers generally do not recommend refilling cartridges. They cite problems with non-OEM inks clogging nozzles and the like. when the color stops printing, be sure to try head cleaning before replacing cartridges.

From The Mail Bag #45

May 6, 2002

Q: You described a compact portable backup device that plugs into the card slot of a laptop. Is there a model available for the Mac? (FJ, phone message))

A: No, it’s only available for the PC. The company has said they will have a Mac compatible device soon. You are referring to the CMS Products ABS Plus storage device and included software. It is available in 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 MB capacities, plugs into the PC card slot and is a super easy way to back up your laptop computers (for a copy of our review, send a SASE to us at the Shopping Bag/Advertiser).

Q: Is there some way I can donate or give away a working but older computer without dumping it in the trash? (NM, phone message)

A: You can check your local churches, youth groups or other charitable organizations to see if they could use it. In our experience, many of those groups are using software that requires newer computers, so they can’t use older technology. If you are able to donate it, you may qualify for a tax deduction. There are companies that recycle older computers by stripping them for useful parts and safely discarding the rest. They may charge you for this service. Try MIC Recycle 654-2623 or Rochester Computer Recycle and Recovery 546-6620. Computer Renaissance 424-2050 will buy some old computers for resale or recycle, so check with them as well.

Q: When I delete e-mail messages they seem to go into a deleted message folder. Is there an easy way to delete all the messages in the deleted message file without deleting them one at a time? (DM, e-mail)

A: Yes, in Outlook Express, in the folders list, right click on the Deleted Items folder. You’ll get a menu that includes a command: Empty Deleted Items folder. Click on this to delete all the messages in the Deleted Items folder. Another way to delete these messages is to do the following: in the deleted items folder click to select the first message in the list then scroll to the bottom of the list and, while holding the Shift key, click on the last message. This will select all the messages between the two clicks. Click on the Delete button or hit the Delete key. You’ll get a verifying message, click Yes and all the messages in the Deleted message folder will be gone. This second method will allow you to deleted selected messages such, as those older than one month, in case you need to retrieve one of the messages. Incidently, in Netscape Messenger, the deleted message folder is called the Trash folder. To delete its entire contents, click File and in the menu list click on "Empty Trash on Local Mail" and that will delete all the messages in Trash. The second method described above will also work if you want to selective delete messages from the Trash folder.

Q: I have a PC video camera attached to my computer and would like to start video conferencing. How do I go about it? (AD, e-mail)

A: Most Video PC cams come with NetMeeting or other teleconferencing software and directions for establishing an address with some Internet service. The service tracks their registered users to find out who is on-line with a camera at any one time. Scan the list and click on the person you'd like to conference with (you could also pre-arrange times with friends or family), and they'll get a message that you'd like to conference. They can accept or reject the request and go from there.

Q: What’s the difference between a ZIP disk and a floppy disk, and can I copy files from the Memory Stick from my digital camera to them? (RE, e-mail)

A: You can think of a ZIP Disk as a floppy with a large storage capacity. A floppy holds 1.44MB of data, and the ZIP holds either 100MB or 250MB, depending on which type you have. A floppy disk cannot be used in a ZIP drive and ZIP disks cannot be used in a floppy drive. Floppies cost pennies, ZIPs cost $8-9 for 100MB or $14-20 for 250MB. Compare that to the cost of your Memory Sticks. You can copy the pictures from your Memory Stick reader/writer directly to a ZIP Disk for storage, but then to view the pictures from the ZIP Disk you’d need some type of program.

Most digital cameras include some type of viewer or photo editing program. Or you can use a program such as Iomgea’s LifeWorks Photo Album. Both your pictures and the viewing program are stored on the ZIP Disk, so you’ll be able to view them immediately whenever you put your ZIP Disk in its drive. The Photo Album program launches automatically. In addition, your pictures can be easily categorized on the ZIP disk (i.e., holiday, vacation, friends), and you can give each picture a meaningful name such as "John, Mary and Sue at the table" instead of 4000056.jpg. You can also view these pictures on someone else’s computer equipt with a ZIP drive.

From The Mail Bag #44

March 4, 2002

Q: I’m using Microsoft Works, and some of the organizations I belong to send me Excel spreadsheets. I am unable to open them. Is there a method to convert Excel files so I can read them in Works? (NR, e-mail)

A: You won’t need to convert the files because Microsoft Works can open Excel files directly. Just go to the Files menu, select Open, then in the Open File dialog window find the "Files of Type" box and click on the down arrowhead. You’ll find a list of file types that Works can open. Select Excel SS and select or enter the desired file name in the "File name" box. Be sure that the "Look in" box contains the location of the file; if not click on the down arrowhead in that box and navigate to that location.

Microsoft Works can also save a Works spreadsheet as an Excel spreadsheet. Once you have the desired spreadsheet opened in Works, click on the File menu and select "Save as;" in the dialog box, select Excel SS in the "Save as type" box.

Q: I have an HP all-in-one scan/fax/inkjet printer. Recently when I installed a new color cartridge I got an error message saying the cartridge wasn’t installed and to please install a cartridge. I bought a second new one and got a similar error message. Does my printer need service? (JP, phone message)

A: According to the HP Web site, HP models 15, 17, 23, 41 and 78 are susceptible to contamination of the cartridge contacts in both the cartridge and in the printer. This gives rise to errors similar to those you report. They recommend cleaning the contacts on the cartridge itself by rubbing it with a dry paper coffee filter. They recommend cleaning the contacts in the printer with a soft lint-free cloth. Use care not to touch either contacts with your fingers to avoid contaminating them with skin oils or acids.

Q: A while ago you reviewed a printer that can copy and scan as well as print. What was that device and where can I get one? (NZ, phone message)

A: The Lexmark X83 All-In-One Print Center will scan/print/copy and is one we reviewed (for a copy of our review, send us a SASE at The Shopping Bag). The Lexmark X83 is available at office supply stores such as Staples, Office Depot, OfficeMax and computer stores such as CompUSA and is priced at $149 with rebates.

Q: Every time our telephone rings, our computer turns on. The only new thing we’ve added to our computer is AOL version 6.0. How can we keep this from happening? (JM, e-mail)

A: It sounds like your computer comes on while in some type of stand-by mode. Just a few thoughts for your problem:

Fax programs and terminal programs that are set to auto answer can cause the computer to come out of standby for the call. Check the settings in these programs, usually under "connections," and deselect auto-answer.

Power management programs possibly could be responding to the phone ringing signal via interaction with the modem. Check settings for both the power management programs and the modem.

Virus can cause strange behaviors in computers. You should have an anti-virus program running to check for viruses.

Windows help also offers this little tid-bit:

"To receive phone calls while your computer is on standby, start the program you use to answer your telephone. If you use an external modem, make sure it is turned on. When your computer receives a phone call, the computer comes out of standby for the duration of the call and then goes back on standby. You may want to save your work before putting your computer on standby. While the computer is on standby, information in computer memory is not saved on your hard disk. If there is an interruption in power, information in memory is lost."

Lastly, check with your computer's modem manufacturer to see if they have any thoughts on your problem and contact AOL tech support for any additional insight on this problem.

Q: I want to donate my old computer. What do I do about all the programs I’ve loaded on it. Should I remove them? (SM, e-mail)

A: It’s probably best to "wipe" (format) your hard drive(s) to insure that no sensitive or personal data is inadvertently passed on to the recipient. To do this, under Windows Help, type in keyword format, select format and print out the directions. All your programs and data will be lost and your computer may not operate until someone reloads Windows from the original disks.

If you have extremely sensitive personal and/or financial information stored on your computer, then you might consider a secure erase that is provided by programs such as Norton’s SystemWorks WipeInfo feature before you format your drive(s).

If you want to donate the programs with the computer, give the recipient the original disks and manuals and let them reload the programs and operating system.

From The Mail Bag #43

January 21, 2002

Q: Do you have any recommendations for Internet providers? (AP, phone)

A: With the recent news of national ISPs (Internet Service Providers) in trouble or going under, there is always concern about the reliability of an Internet provider. If you’d like to deal with a Rochester area provider, consider Frontiernet, Net Access or EZ Net. Each has been around for a while and established records of service and reliability. For a national provider, especially if you are new to the Internet, we still recommend AOL for its ease of use and add-on features such as forums and chat rooms. The pricing for dial-up services for any of these providers ranges from $20 to $25 per month, with occasional discounts for pre-payments. Talk to your friends and neighbors to see which ISPs they are using and how they like (or dislike) them. Beware of the "bargain" providers. Although the base price may sound tempting, you need to read the fine print. The price may be for limited periods of usage or may require a long-term commitment, or there may be extra charges for extended time or restrictions such as no e-mail attachments.

If your budget permits $25 to $50 per month and you want a faster connection than dial-up, you’ll want to consider Road Runner, a cable modem service provided through Time-Warner Cable, or Lightning Link a DSL (digital service/subscriber line), provided by Frontier (and others). Under ideal circumstances, both work well but . . . Road Runner speed does slow down as more subscribers are added to your local node, i.e. as your neighbors subscribe to Road Runner. The DSL speed is independent of the number or users, but the service is not available in all areas and in those areas that it is available, speed and reliability may depend on how far you live from the switching station and also the quality of the telephone wires serving you. You could switch between services, but connection fees will likely apply, and there’s the nuisance of changing your e-mail address(es).

Q: Can I record my VHS tapes onto a DVD? (LU, phone)

A: Yes. The easiest, though not necessarily the cheapest way is to use a DVD recorder. The current price of DVD recorders is in the $1,000++ range, and there are three competing DVD recording formats that are not compatible with each other or most existing DVD players. These recorders will take input from your VHS player or camcorder (some units will accept digital video, others will not) and record a DVD-R disk that can be played back on that DVD machine only. The DVD disk media currently run around $10/disk. Because of the media expense plus the incompatible formats, you may want to wait this method out.

An alternative way is to transfer VHS tapes to CD-V (video CD). There’s a little more work involved in this process. First you’ll need to capture the video and audio stream from your VHS tapes and save it in a CD-V compatible MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group, a compression format for video) format on your computer hard drive. For this process you’ll need a video capture device. Some computer display adapter cards come with video capture capability, or you can install a video capture card in your computer or attach an external video capture device. Most of these devices come with the appropriate software for this capture chore. These devices will accept video inputs from your VHS, camcorder and some will accept digital camcorder output. You’ll need a large hard drive since video, even in the compressed format, takes a lot of space.

At this point you can edit your video from the hard drive if you like--take out blank spots, re-arrange scenes, add voice-overs or music and in general, be creative. Once the video is to your liking, then you can record (burn) the video to a CD in the CD-V format. You’ll need appropriate software, such as Easy CD Creator V5 Platinum (Roxio, $89.99) and a CD read/write drive. Once recorded, the CD-V can be played back in many newer DVD players or on your computer. A CD-V disk holds about 70 minutes of video, and it’s best to buy CDs that are meant for CD-V for the best results.

Q: I remember seeing an article in your column about Lionel Train software that allowed you to design layouts on your computer. What was that? (JH, e-mail)

A: Yes, we reviewed a program, 3D Ultra Lionel Train Town (Sierra, $29.95) that used a layout simulation with replicas of many of the Lionel trains, engines and cars. You could use the layouts provided to drive your train to pick up and deliver all sorts of goods, pick up and deliver passengers--all the while making sure you had fuel, avoiding damaged tracks and watching out for other trains, cars, bridges and even aliens and more. Or design your own layout, complete with scenery, jobs to complete and dangers to watch out for. Then build the train and drive it on the layout or challenge others to tackle your layout successfully. We thought it was lots of fun.

From The Mail Bag #42

November 19, 2001

Q: I want to sell some items on eBay, but I think they are too big to ship? What should I do? (MB, phone)

A: e-Bay (www.eBay.com) is a wonderful place to browse–sort of a gigantic flea market, right in your computer. Items of all sizes and kinds are bought and sold, from the tiniest piece of jewelry to cars and boats, so size is almost never a problem. It’s the cost of shipping that may concern some potential sellers. But not to worry. When you put your item up for auction, just be sure to indicate that the buyer is to pay the shipping and even packaging costs if you want, and let the buyer decide if it’s a problem or not. A buyer may be close enough to pick up an item in person (if you offer that option), saving shipping and/or packaging cost. Some items can be partially disassembled, making packing and shipping easier. eBay has all kinds of help and helpful suggestions for potential buyers and sellers, so it’s worth spending some time reading what they have to say. Also, several books that you can find in the library have tips and tricks about buying and selling on eBay.

Q: I recently bought a used laptop computer. I do not use it to connect to the Internet but I occasionally use discs that I’ve received from friends. Do I need to worry about computer viruses? (MV, phone)

A: Yes, you do need to worry about viruses from discs. Viruses affect your computer in ways ranging from simply annoying to completely devastating and can come into your computer from various sources. The Internet is commonly the prime suspect for virus infection if you download programs or other files or open e-mail attachments. Viruses can also enter your computer from floppy disks given to you by well-meaning friends. And you, in turn, may pass that virus, unknowingly, to others. Consumer programs that you buy may contain viruses, but this rarely happens.

In your case, you first need to be sure your used computer didn’t come with a virus. An anti-virus program (such as Norton Anti-Virus), once installed, can scan your computer to insure it is virus-free. Then the anti-virus program "stands guard," monitoring downloads and e-mail from the Internet for viruses. The program can also be set to automatically scan any floppy disk that is inserted into the computer. Or you can choose to manually scan each floppy before reading information from it. When a virus is found, the program will give you the option of eliminating the virus, which in most instances it can do, or storing the infected file in a safe place for study later (by the company).

New viruses are being created all the time and old viruses may change, so it is very important to keep your anti-virus software updated with the latest virus info. For those who have Internet connections Norton Anti-Virus does this easily and quickly with what they call "Live Update." This service comes free for one year with the program, and you can continue it for a nominal yearly charge thereafter (it’s cheap insurance). If you don’t have an Internet connection, you’ll need to call the program’s technical support number and request update disks.

Q: Does the Lexmark printer-scanner you wrote about recently fax too? We have a small home office and are looking for an multi-purpose unit. (FA, phone)

A: The Lexmark X83 scan/print/copy unit that we wrote about in a recent column does not have a stand alone fax capability. It needs to be connected to a computer and will use the computer’s modem and fax software to send and receive color or black-and-white faxes.

Lexmark has, however, introduced an all purpose printer/scanner/copier/fax, the Lexmark X63 All-In-One Office Center (Lexmark, $199). This unit can be used as a stand alone color copier (single sheets only) and a full-featured black and white or color fax. When connected to your computer, it can be used as a color printer and a scanner. Print quality is excellent, especially for photographs. With the scanner feature you can scan a document, drawing, photo or any single page into a file, an application or send it automatically as an attachment to an e-mail. Once scanned, you can also OCR documents to create an editable text file. We’ve had a Lexmark X63 All-In-One Office Center to use for a while and like it a lot. We are especially impressed with the print quality and the convenience of a small all-in-one-unit.

Q: Is your book Computers Made Really Easy For Beginners still available? (RD, phone)

A: Yes, just send a request for the book Computers Made Really Easy For Beginners and include a mailing address. Send to Lion Press, PO Box 92541, Rochester, NY 14692, and they will ship the book and an invoice. Inspect the book for 30 days; if you want to keep it, pay the invoice. If not, return the book.

From The Mail Bag #41

September 10, 2001

Q: We Web TV-types are usually left in the dark and do not get much needed information. For instance, is there some way a scanner can be part of my Web TV? (GC, e-mail)

A: The HP e-scanner ($99 street) provides a video output and is designed to work with the Web TV Plus system. This unit will scan 4x6 photos into the Scrapbook for Web TV Plus use.

Web TV types can find useful information and more help, including many links to other sites, at http://www.geocities.com:0080/Yosemite/Trails/4666/tools.html. .

Q: I’d like to transfer e-mail addresses from a database I have to the address book in Outlook Express. Is there any software to do this? (DZ, e-mail)

A: You don’t need any special software to do this transfer. Outlook Express has an import option that will take several standard database file formats, such as comma delimited records, from a variety of databases and transfer one or more fields into the Outlook Express address book. To do this, you first have to export a comma delimited version (commonly called comma separated value or .csv file) of your current database to a file. Then, in Outlook Express, go to File>Import select other Address Book and indicate the type of file (in this case, comma separated value). You’ll then have to map the fields to indicate which field from your database you want placed in the appropriate Outlook Express field.

Q: Written on the back of my AC/DC adapter for my laptop computer is "Input: 100-240V." Does this mean that I can use the computer in Great Britain without a separate voltage converter? Radio Shack says "yes," Hewlett-Packard says "no." (BK, e-mail)

A: The AC voltage frequency may cause a problem if the adapter is not designed for the 50 cycle European type power. If the adapter input states 100-240V and 50/60Hz, then it should be OK to use. However, if your laptop is an HP, then we’d be inclined to heed their advice, especially if it will affect your warranty or service agreement. For more info on foreign voltage conversion check http://www.voltagevalet.com/idx.html.

Q: Can I record music from my DVD player to my computer’s CD-R drive? (MS, phone message)

A: Yes. Connect the audio output from your DVD player to the line-in of the computer sound card. You’ll be able to use the Sound Recorder feature of Windows to record short (60 seconds) music clips to your computer hard drive. If you want to record longer selections, you’ll then need one of the music CD programs such as Easy CD Creator 5 Platinum (for a copy of our review of Easy CD Creator 5 Platinum, send a SASE to us at The Shopping Bag). By using Easy CD Creator, you can use the music on your computer’s hard drive to record (burn) your CD-R in either an audio CD format (so it’s playable on any audio CD player), or in a compressed format (such as MP3). The latter allows you to record much more music on the CD, but to play it on your computer you’ll need MP3 player software or an MP3 player unit that handles CDs.

Q: I have a 4.0GB hard drive as my C: drive but it is full, so I had a 7.85GB hard drive added as my D: drive. How do I transfer files from my C: drive to my D: drive? (SG, e-mail)

A: There are two general types of files: program files and data files. Program files contain the actual program(s); data files include word processing documents, graphic files, sound files data from financial, spreadsheet or database programs and such.

Data files can be easily copied or moved to your D: drive by dragging and dropping them to folders you’ve created on the D: drive. You may have to change preferences in some programs to indicate the new location for the data.

Program files can’t be moved safely because there is no easy way to notify Windows of the new location of the program. To put program files on the D: drive, it may be necessary to uninstall and then reinstall the program, indicating during the install process that you want the program installed to the D: drive.

Q: A few columns ago you mentioned new eyeglass-like devices that were computer monitors. Can these be used to help someone who has macular degeneration see the computer screen better? (RB, phone message)

A: The product you are referring to is Eye-Trek by Olympus. The lens system in Eye-Trek gives the wearer a view of the computer screen equivalent to a 50-60 inch screen seen from a distance of six feet. Although some limited zoom magnification is available with these glasses, it probably won’t be enough. But Windows has a built-in magnifier that you could try. It’s found at Programs>Accessories>Accessibility>Magnifier. This will produce a split screen, with part of the screen showing a magnified view of the cursor position. The amount of magnification can be varied.

From The Mail Bag #40

May 14, 2001

Q: Is the sound from MP3 as good as that on audio CDs? (LN, e-mail)

A: It’s in the eyes (or in this case, the ears) of the beholder. Both audio CD and MP3 are digital representations of the original analog sound, whether it’s voice, piano, guitar or any other type. And to confuse matters, the original sound in some of today’s modern music can be digital.

The MP3 version of a selection, by design, is actually missing part of the original recorded signal. This is done to reduce the file size of the selection and make it easier to store, download and upload from the Internet. The parts of the sound that are missing are those least perceived by most people, as determined by both human studies of how we hear and by analysis of the sound signals themselves. For instance, if a part of the sound signal loudness is below the threshold level of human hearing, then it is eliminated in the MP3 encoding process. Several other criteria are also applied to determine what can be eliminated. When the identical selection is played as an A-to-B comparison (MP3 to original audio CD) on a good sound system, most people who have normal hearing can tell the difference. For many of those who can tell the difference, however, the difference seems so little that the MP3 version is acceptable. Another consideration is the way most people commonly listen to MP3 music: on portable players with fair to mediocre earphones, in noisy environments, or on inexpensive computer speakers. All this plays (excuse the pun) into the consideration of how the MP3 music is accepted. The bottom line is how the selections sound to you, and this is a very personal choice.

Q: Several programs that came with my computer are ones I never use. I want them off of my Desk Top. How do I do that? (E-mail)

A: The easiest way to remove programs from Windows is to go to Start>Settings>Control Panel; then click on Add/Remove Programs. In the dialog box, scroll down until you find the unwanted program, select it by single clicking, and then click on Add/Remove. Verify that you want to remove it, and it should be removed from your system. You may get warning or informational boxes that ask about removing specific files. If you know for sure they are not needed by any other program, then OK their removal; otherwise, leave the file.

Although this is the safest way to remove programs from Windows, some programs provide their own uninstall utility, so check that out as well. Go to Start>Programs and look for the unwanted program in the listing. Check to see if there is an uninstall program utility included with the listing. Another option is to try contacting Customer Support for your computer or the publisher of the program for any additional advice in safely removing the program files and any references to it.

Q: Where can I find e-mail or standard mail addresses for my classmates? We are planning a reunion and have lost track of some of them. (IF, phone message)

A: There are several search Web sites on the Internet that you can use for finding people and e-mail addresses. You need to try several of the search Web sites, because not all of them use the same methods for creating their database, and an individual may appear in some, all, or none of them. If all else fails, call your friend on the telephone and ask for his/her e-mail address. Sounds sort of low-tech, but considering the lack of any comprehensive address database and the frequency with which some people change their e-mail address, it may be the most efficient way. Anyway, here’s a list of some people search Web sites:

www.bigfoot.com

www.whowhere.com

www.four11.com

www.infospace.com (click on White pages - people search)

www.worldpages.com

There’s a special Web site for finding high school classmates: http://www.classmates.com. You must register (free), and then you can search for other registered "classmates."

Q: Where can I buy the Intel Pocket PC camera you referred to a few columns ago? (G, phone)

A: They are available at CompUSA and Best Buy.

Q: Where can I get a hex editor to directly change file entries in hex or ASCII mode on a floppy disk? (RSB, e-mail)

A: Try the Web site www.hexworkshop.com for their latest version of Hex Workshop Hex Editor. It runs under Windows and should give you more than enough tools for the job. You can download a trial version of the program from their site, and if you like it, buy it for $49.95 for the 32-bit version and $29.95 for the 16-bit version. Also, if you can find an older version of Norton Utilities, it contained a disk editor that might work for you.

March 26, 2001

Q: Do you have any information on scanners? (AF, Rochester)

A: Scanners (for computers) are devices that convert pictures, photos, drawings and text into a picture (image) that can be displayed on a computer screen. The image can then be saved as a file. Once in a file, the image can be enhanced, combined with documents, sent over the Internet and more.

Scanned photos are especially useful and fun for home, business and organizations. Scanned photos can be printed, sent with e-mail and added to correspondence, brochures, sales letters, newsletters, school reports and much more.

Scanned text differs from scanned photos in that the text is actually a picture of the text on the screen, and, in this format, you cannot make changes in the text. If you want to make changes (edit) scanned text, you must use an OCR (optical character recognition) program to convert the picture of the text into editable text.

Scanner resolution measures the quality of the scan and is measured in dpi (dots per inch). Scanners in the $100 range will produce scans of 600 x 1200 dpi. Those in the $100 plus range will do 1200 plus dpi. The number of colors the scanner can display is measured in bits: 24 bit color is common in today’s lower-priced scanners and is quite suitable for most applications. More expensive scanners will do 36 plus bit color, which is usually needed only for more critical applications. Another factor is speed: less expensive scanners may take a minute or two (or three) to complete a scan, whereas the more expensive scanners may do several pages per minute.

Scanners connect to your computer via the parallel (printer) port or USB (universal serial bus) port. Some faster, more expensive units may also use the USB port, but some need a SCSI (small computer system interface) port requiring a special card (sometimes included with the scanner) installed in your computer.

The kind of scanner that is right for you depends on its intended use and your budget. For family photos, sending pictures on the Internet and non-critical documents, the lower resolution, slower, less costly scanners will usually do just fine.

Q: How can I get e-mail addresses from a database into my list of e-mail address in the Microsoft Outlook Express address book? (DZ, Spencerport)

A: The address book in Outlook Express permits direct importing of names, addresses, e-mails and such from other sources, such as databases. Before you import you’ll have to do a "Save As" (you do have a backup of your database don’t you?) of the database file in a compatible file format. Text CSV (comma separated values) is a common import/export format to use.

The import feature in Outlook Express is found under Tools>Address book>file>Import>address book. You’ll have to choose the text (CSV) file type to import from the list presented. Enter or Browse to the CSV file you’ve created from your database and you’ll have to "map" the individual character fields you want from your database into the similar Outlook Express fields. Then perform the import and the desired e-mail addresses and other data will appear in your Outlook Express Address book for your use.

Q: I’m on AOL and receive pictures from friends, but I can’t see them. I download the pictures into My Files, but all I get is a lot of words. How can I see the pictures? (DD, e-mail)

A: AOL has built-in viewers that let you to see pictures that have been downloaded from e-mail attachments. From the AOL menu bar, select File>Open, then in the dialog box near the top in the LOOK IN window, use the pull down arrow to get to the My Files folder, then near the bottom click on the down arrow to see the Files of Type that can be opened and viewed. Picture files are commonly in .JPG format, so start by selecting that. If that doesn’t work, try GIF or BMP types and lastly All Files. If none of these work, then you’ll need to "decode" the file to extract the picture file format.

Picture files sent over the Internet are encoded, and if viewed by a word processor may look like pages of words or gibberish. These files need to be decoded to view as pictures. AOL viewers do that for you. Under AOL Help>Member Services Online Help, pick topic "Downloading files & attachments," select "Downloading & Viewing pictures," select Viewers. These are programs that decode the files for you. If all this fails, then under AOL Help select Member Services Online Help and click on "ask a Tech."

February 19, 2001

Q: I’m having trouble using the USB port to connect a printer to my computer. I receive error messages such as "can’t find the printer" even though the printer is plugged into the USB. Any ideas? (JU, Rochester)

A: The USB (universal serial bus) is a good feature and allows multiple devices to share the same connection. When you plug a device into the USB, Windows 98 recognizes a new device and then searches for and loads the proper driver to make it work. Plug in another device, and the same thing happens. But some computers seem fussier than others about devices sharing the USB. Issues such as which device is plugged into the USB first and hence which driver is loaded first may be a problem. Or having other devices plugged into the USB when installing a new set of drivers may cause the new device not to be recognized. So, before installing the new printer on your USB, unplug any other device connected to the USB and then re-try the installation.

Q: What is the ESRB rating I find on the box of software I buy? (HH, Rochester)

A: ESRB stands for Entertainment Software Rating Board, an independent, non-profit organization that has developed a rating system for video and computer games to help consumers decide whether the content of games or other programs is suitable for them or their family. There are two parts to the rating: the first is the age group, which is divided into five categories: EC, early childhood (ages 3 and up); E, everyone (ages six and up); T, teen (ages 13 and up); M, mature (ages 17 and up); AO, adult only. In addition on the back of the program box there may be a content description giving you an idea of what to expect in the game or program. The content might indicate mild animated violence, animated blood or reading skills needed. As examples, the program Lego Island 2 is rated "E," with content description given as "comic mischief" or Gangsters 2, rated "T" with content given as "blood, violence." Manufacturers voluntarily submit their programs to the Rating Board. More information can be found at the ESRB’s Web site: www.esrb.com.

Q: I’ve heard that Wave software on your computer can create an Internet Answering Machine Service but there are problems. Any information? (CB, e-mail)

A: VocalTec Communications, who originated the Internet Wave software, has discontinued the program and any further development.

Q: I use the envelope printing feature often in Microsoft Word 6. I’d like to change the font and style. How do I do that? (BB, e-mail)

A: To change font size and style on an envelope in Word 6, go to Tools, Envelope, and then select Options. This brings up a menu where you can select a Font and Font Size. If you have text entered before you do this, you must first select the text and then follow the steps for changing it to the new font, size or style.

Q: Can we e-mail you from Florida and how do I copy an e-mail I’ve received to sent to someone else without including the headers, names and so forth, and how do I send something I scanned to someone I’m sending an e-mail to? (WS, e-mail)

A: We’ll take the questions in order: yes you can e-mail us from Florida, our e-mail address is the same whether you send your e-mail to us from Rochester, Florida, Australia or anywhere in the world.

If you don’t want to include the header info from an e-mail you’ve received but want to send the text to someone else, use the copy and paste functions: click and drag the cursor, holding down the left mouse button, to block the text you want to copy, release the mouse button, the text should be highlighted. Then, under the Edit menu, select Copy. This copies that text to the Windows clipboard. In your new message composition window, place the cursor where you want the copied text to appear, from the Edit menu, select Paste, and the desired text should appear.

To send something you’ve scanned along with an e-mail, you need to attach the file containing the scanned item to the e-mail. To do this, when you compose your e-mail message, click on the Attach button, (the icon with the tiny paper clip on it). In the Attach file dialog window that appears, find the file where you saved your scanned item. Select it and then click on Attach, and the file of your scanned item will be sent along with your e-mail. Be aware that large files can take a while to send. To avoid this problem, scan your item and save it in a compressed format such as JPG to reduce file size.

December 25, 2000

A number of our readers contacted us by phone, e-mail and snail mail to remind us that AOL subscribers can also access their e-mail from any computer that has access to the Internet. The computer you use does not need to have AOL software installed. You just need to go to www.aol.com, enter your screen name and password to be able to send and receive e-mail and have access to several other AOL features. Thanks to all of you for passing that information along.

Q: I’d like to make a genealogical picture gallery of my family and my wife’s family. I’m thinking about buying a computer and a scanner and/or a digital camera. What’s the best way to go about this venture? (SH, Rochester)

A: To take full advantage of your computer’s capabilities you might want to create a multimedia gallery. There you can include traditional family tree layouts with names, relationships to others, dates of birth, marriage, death, and the like and also pictures of the individuals, audio and/or video clips, images of important documents such as marriage certificates, immigration papers and notes. This type of multimedia gallery needs to be viewed on a computer for full effect, but the family tree charts and pictures can be printed for framing, giving to relatives and such. Or create a simpler family tree layout on your computer, add pictures and other documents and print the charts in a variety of attractive formats. You can add multimedia elements later if you want.

If you’re about to buy a computer to use for genealogical purposes, be sure to buy one that has a good amount of storage space for the pictures and multimedia elements. Look for 8 to 10GB hard drive space and 128MB or more of RAM (random access memory, the work space of the computer), which is helpful in working with a large number of pictures simultaneously on screen.

Once you have the computer, you’ll need to backup your projects, since they represent a great deal of work. So be sure you have a way of backing up large files in a format that can by stored away from the computer. We recommend either a ZIP drive or a CD-R (CD-ROM writer) drive for this task.

A scanner is a must, since you most likely will be dealing with a large number of family photos. With a scanner, you’ll be able to scan the photos and convert them into a format the computer can use for the projects. The scanner can also be used to create images of various documents you may want to include in your projects. A digital camera is helpful for including new pictures in your project, but suitable cameras are expensive. Since you probably already own a film camera, taking pictures the old-fashion way and then scanning the prints is a more economical and flexible way to go until you think you really need (and can afford) a 3.1+ megapixel quality camera.

There are two genealogy programs suitable for your project: Family Tree Maker and Generations. The one you choose is a matter of approach and taste. Family Tree Maker (Broderbund) uses a family unit approach by starting with a husband/wife pair and building from that. Generations (Sierra) uses an individual as the basis for building the tree. With either program you’ll be able to attach pictures, video clips, other documents or images and notes to any person’s entry. Both programs offer a wide range of printout options and include a good amount of help for tracking down ancestors. This help includes extensive reference lists contained within the programs themselves and links to Internet sites for additional help.

Q: Whenever I make changes in my tennis schedule, which I keep in Word, the alignment of the names, dates and team names keeps shifting. How do I keep these in neat columns? (AW, Rochester)

A: This can be done in at least two ways. The fastest and easiest way is to place a single tab between each entry to separate the names, dates and team names. Then set the tabs to the desired spacing. You can then specify the tab as right or left aligned, depending how you’d like the entries to look, and even place dot leaders between entries for easier readability. To set Tabs in Word, left click on the ruler in the place you’d like the tab set, then select the desired tab type.

An alternative way to create a neat schedule is to use tables. Go to Insert, Table and specify the number of columns and rows you want. This will create a grid that you can fill in with the names etc. You can print these out with or without the grid lines.

October 23, 2000

Q: How do I access my e-mail if I’m out of town and don’t have my computer? (MM, phone)

A: You didn’t say which ISP (Internet service provider) you’re using. If your ISP uses the common standard, POP3 e-mail protocol, (AOL does not use POP3 but see below), then you can take advantage of e-mail checking through the MailStart Web site, a free service. All you do is to find a computer that has access to the Internet and log on to www.mailstart.com and then enter your e-mail address and password as instructed. MailStart then retrieves a copy of your e-mail and converts it to a web page document for you to read and/or print at the remote computer. You will not be able to view attachments, but you can send a reply. MailStart leaves the original e-mail messages (and attachments) on your ISP’s servers so they’ll be there for you to see when you return home.

If you have concerns about privacy and security in giving out your e-mail address and password, read MailStart’s security policies on their Web site before you use their service.

If AOL is your ISP, you cannot use MailStart. To check AOL e-mail from a remote location, you’ll need to find someone who has AOL software already installed on their computer. Then simply log on as a guest, enter your screen name and password and access your e-mail as if you were at home. You’ll be able to see attachments, such as photos, and reply directly to e-mails.

Q: I’m trying to use e-mail with Windows 98 and Outlook Express. I keep getting an error message: "Unable to find server." What’s wrong? (TV, e-mail)

A: You didn’t say who your ISP is for e-mail. It sounds as though your computer is not connected to the Internet at the time you want to send or receive e-mail or that your dial-up connection is not properly configured for your ISP. It’s best to check with the ISP’s technical support for this problem.

Q: My wife and I were at a place featuring live entertainment that consisted of a singer playing the guitar and a full-sounding instrumental back-up. The entertainer said the back-up was a computerized program, but couldn’t remember the name. My wife is an entertainer and would like to take advantage of this kind of computerized instrumental back-up. Any idea what the program might have been? (RJW, e-mail)

A: Some of our more musically attuned readers might help us out here with additional suggestions, but one type of computerized music that’s suitable as background for vocals is called MIDI Karaoke. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a signal standard by which various musical instruments such as keyboards, synthesizers or computer soundcards can communicate with a computer and each other. Using the MIDI standard, a computer can control and play such a musical instrument. The information the computer uses is stored in a MIDI file in the computer.

Karaoke is a form of entertainment in which a live person sings along with pre-recorded accompaniment. In addition to the music, the karaoke devices will also display the song lyrics in time to the music. The MIDI Karaoke file is a MIDI file in which one of the music tracks contains the text of the song lyrics. With a computer running a MIDI Karaoke computer program, the musical accompaniment will be played using the computer’s soundboard or other attached MIDI instrument, and the lyrics will appear on the computer screen.

The quality of the accompaniment music will depend on how well the original MIDI version was written and what instrument is used to play it on. The newer computer soundcards with wavetable synthesis will produce the best quality sound, since these soundcards store recorded samples of actual instrument sounds. These samples are then used in reconstructing the musical selection. There are several types of MIDI Karaoke files, depending on which program was used to create them, and you may need different programs to play them. The .KAR format is the most common in the shareware/freeware market and many, many songs are available in this format.

MIDI Karaoke programs to play the music and display the lyrics are available as commercial, shareware or free programs, and MIDI Karaoke files are available in commercial, shareware or free versions in a wide selection of styles ranging from jazz to opera, easy-listening to classical. For an informative Web site on MIDI Karaoke, including links to sites for downloads of programs and MIDI Karaoke files log on to: http://www.teleport.com/~labrat/karfaq.shtml.

Errata: A reader informed us that in a previous column we referred to the bar at the bottom of the computer screen in windows as the "Toolbar." It should be called the "Taskbar." Thanks for keeping us honest.

September 4, 2000

Q: Can the Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe program you described in a recent column be used on an iMac? (JV, E-mail)

A: No, the program is designed for use on a Windows 95/98 based computer. Design and Print Studio by MacSoft or Print Explosion by Nova may be helpful in designing greeting cards from the Mac platform.

Q: What are Internet cookies and how do I get rid of them? (GW, phone)

A: A cookie, in Internet terms, is a small packet of information about you. The information is requested by a Web site you’re visiting and is stored as a file on your computer and makes using that Web site easier and faster by providing the Web site with information such as what pages you visited, products ordered, your name, address, phone number, credit card info, etc. This info is then given back to the Web site during your current visit or on subsequent visits.

In some ways, cookies are similar to telephone Caller ID; if you call a Web site, the Web site asks your computer for the cookie specific for that site and reads the info. A cookie is not necessarily a bad thing, and some Web sites may not operate properly without them, but you may not like the idea of unknowingly giving a Web site information about you or having that info available on your computer.

Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer accept cookies automatically unless you set an option to warn when a cookie is offered by a Web site; Navigator or Explorer then give you the option of accepting or refusing the cookie. To set this option in Netscape Navigator, go to the Menu item Edit>Preferences>Advanced, then choose the option to warn if cookies are offered, or to accept all cookies or reject all cookies, then click Apply. In Internet Explorer, select Menu item View>Internet Options>the Advanced tab, scroll to the Cookies section, choose your desired option and then click Apply. In addition, you might want to use Find on the Start menu to locate the cookie folder or subdirectory and delete all the files in it. In Windows 98, the Maintenance Wizard will also help you find and clear cookies as well as perform other system tune-up items. Look for it under Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools.

Q: When I’m through using e-mail, I have to shut down my computer completely to disconnect from the phone line. Is there a better way? (BF, e-mail)

A: You didn’t say which e-mail system you are using. If you’re using Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer (Outlook Express) for e-mail, when you close the program, you’ll usually see a message that your modem/telephone connections are still open and are asked if you’d like to close them. If this doesn’t happen, check on your windows tool bar at the bottom right of your screen for a tiny double computer icon. This is your dial-up connection icon. Double click on this and you’ll get a Status box showing the speed of connection, time on line and a button to allow you to disconnect. Click this button, and your modem should disconnect without having to shut down your computer. Similarly, AOL will disconnect automatically when you close the program; if it doesn’t, check with their on-line technical support.

If you are using other e-mail services, you’ll need to check with their technical support for help on how to disconnect from their service and hang up the modem.

Q: When I tried to do a disk defragmentation on my hard drive, the process only goes so far and I get a message saying "System changed, restarting." What is happening? EC(e-mail)

A: Disk defragmentation is a process that tidies up the arrangement and location of files on your hard drive, allowing for improved performance of your computer. During defragmentation, the disk defragmenter program must restart each time other programs write to disk. If the disk defragmenter restarts too often, you may want to close other programs while defragmenting your disk. Any program running in the background may be the cause, including screen savers. Check the windows tool bar at the bottom of your screen to see which programs may be running and close them. You can usually do this by right clicking on their icon and selecting Close or Exit from the menu that pops up.

Also, check your task list by holding down the Ctrl, Alt, Delete keys simultaneously and then close any programs you recognize as being unnecessary. Don’t close any programs you don’t recognize, since they may be necessary for your computer to operate properly. To close the screen saver, right click on the windows background and select Properties from the menu. Click on the Screen Saver tab and select None from the list, then click Apply>OK.

July 17, 2000

Q: I’m using Windows 98 with a Pentium 200 MHz processor and 80MB RAM. As I work, my computer becomes slower and slower. There are 18 icons in my system tray at the bottom of the screen, including some I don’t even recognize. What is happening, and what can I do to help improve performance? (DH, e-mail)

A: Unfortunately, Windows 98 and many programs that you install place icons in the system tray without asking if you want them there. These programs may also configure themselves, without your permission, to load when you start your computer. These programs running in the background, as well as temporary files, files in the recycle bin, fragmented hard drive and other factors may impact your computer’s performance. Fortunately, Windows 98 provides a relatively simple way to help: the Maintenance Wizard. You’ll find it at Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Maintenance Wizard. This Wizard will lead you through a series of steps to take care of most of the common performance problems.

Other options that may help: remove the "Quick Launch" icons found in the portion of the Task Bar just to the right of Start by right clicking on a blank part of the Task Bar, then scroll to Toolbars, and click on Quick Launch to deselect it; right click on other icons that remain and check to see if they offer an option "Do Not Load On Startup;" check the StartUp folder found in C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp for programs you don’t want to load/run on start up and simply delete them from this folder; remove programs that you are no longer using or don’t want in your computer by going to the Add/Remove feature found at Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs, then click on the install/uninstall tab, highlight any unwanted programs you are familiar with (if you’re not sure, don’t remove) and click Add/Remove.

Q: I have an older Pentium computer with 40MB RAM, Real Player 2 and Microsoft Player. I connect to the Internet using AOL, and whenever I try to download music (even samples), the sound is fragmented and jumps all over, playing clearly for a fraction of a second and then skipping. How can I eliminate this problem? (MS, e-mail)

A: We assume you’re talking about MP3 music. You didn't say whether you were trying play the music during the download (sometimes called streaming) or whether you download the music, save it in a file and then play it from that file. Playing music with best quality as it "arrives" on the Internet depends on a fast Internet connection, fast computer and lots of RAM. Try downloading a selection, saving it in a file and then playing it from the file. If it sounds OK that way, your Internet connection may be at fault. If not, then you may want to consider upgrading your computer if playing MP3 music is important to you. Also leave a note for AOL tech support and have them check the speed of your connection and check AOL Help for any tips on playing music from the Internet via AOL.

Q: I’m considering buying a new Pentium laptop computer with Windows 98 and wonder if Office 97 or Office 2000 would run OK on it. What are the advantages of Office 2000? (RB, e-mail)

A: Either Microsoft Office 97 or 2000 should run OK on a laptop using Windows 98. Just make sure the laptop has at least 64MB of RAM for best performance. Office 2000 has several upgraded features that may make it a better choice than Office 97 (if you missed our Bits ‘n Bytes column on the Office suites, send us a SASE at the address below). The most notable improvement is the Collect and Paste feature. This allows you to cut or copy up to 12 items to keep on the clipboard and then paste any of them into any Office document. The Office Assistant Help has been improved, and the ClipArt images are better organized and include the ability to drag and drop from the thumbnails.

Q: I get e-mails that have clickable lines to direct me to Web pages. How can I make these clickable lines in my e-mail? (AT, e-mail)

A: You are referring to a hypertext link or simply, link. When you compose your e-mail, block the word, phrase or line you want to make a link out of and in the menu bar choose Insert > Link if you are using Netscape or Insert > Hyperlink if you are using Outlook Express. In the dialog box, type in the Web address of the site you want to link to. Click Apply, then OK. The blocked text will change color and be underlined, indicating that it is now a link.

June 5, 2000

Q: How do I keep specific programs from loading every time I turn on my computer? (DS, Rochester)

A: Different programs load in different ways, so it’s not always easy to stop them from loading at startup. Some programs create a shortcut in the Startup folder, and so you might want check this folder. One way to get to the Startup Folder is to go into Start>Settings>Taskbar>Start Menu Programs>Advanced, choose the Programs folder, then the StartUp folder and delete the shortcut to the programs that you don’t want to load when you turn on your computer. Don’t delete any shortcuts you don’t recognize, since they may be important for the configuration of your computer.

If your unwanted program has an icon on the Taskbar at the bottom of the screen, try right clicking on the icon to see if you are given an option to keep the program from loading when you start up. Also, when you first install some programs, there will be an option for whether you want them to load on start up. Try re-installing the program and selecting the NO option. Other options involve editing various initialization or registry files, but doing this can be dangerous to the health of your computer. This job is best left to experts. Another good source for solving your problem is to check with technical support for your program to see what they recommend.

Q: I can’t fax from my scanner or export the scanned document elsewhere to fax it. What can I do to fax a scanned document? (JB, e-mail)

A: A properly installed Windows fax driver should be able to fax anything you can normally print from almost any application program.

Be sure your modem is a fax/data type that will support faxing. Most modems sold within the last few years are this type, but check the info that came with your modem or computer to be sure. If your modem supports faxing and is connected to the phone line, you may not have a fax driver installed. Or it may be improperly installed. To check whether you have a fax driver installed, from the application program where you can see the scanned document, click on Print. In the printer dialog box, click on the down arrow at the end of the Current Printer window. You’ll see a list of the installed printers. If none of these are fax drivers, such as Win Fax, Commfax, Microsoft Fax or similar, then you’ll need to install a fax driver. You can install the Microsoft Fax driver from the original Windows 95/98 discs under the Communications Options. We recommend, however, purchasing and installing a more full-featured, less trouble-prone faxing program such as Win Fax, Win Fax Lite or Total Fax.

Most image editing programs bundled with scanners allow you to export (or save) the images in a variety of formats such as BMP, TIF or JPG. These image or picture files can be opened or inserted into Corel Word Perfect or Microsoft Word and faxed from there. Alternatively, if you want to fax a text document, use the OCR (optical character recognition) program bundled with most scanners to change the image of a document to an editable format that can be opened and edited by a word processor and then faxed from the word processor.

Q: Every time I save a document for the first time in Word Perfect Suite 8, I get a Document Summary dialog box. What is this, and how do I get rid of it? (WH, letter)

A: The reason this dialog box appears is that the Create Document Summary on Save option has been chosen. To prevent this option from appearing, from the Menu Bar select Tools, then Settings from the drop down menu, double click on Summary, and uncheck the "Create summary on save/exit" box.

A document summary provides information about the document, such as who created the document, creation and change dates and a summary of what it contains. This information is often useful in offices and organizations where several people may be editing the same documents.

Q: Is it possible to maintain total anonymity in sending and receiving e-mail? (CB, e-mail)

A: Yes. This is called "re-mailing," and the service is provided by several companies on the Internet. You send and receive your e-mail through an e-mail service, which masks the sender’s real address and/or address of any replies as well. Some companies provide this service for a fee, some for free (but free on the Internet may mean you provide demographic data and find yourself on yet another set of mailing lists). Links to several companies that provide this service can be found at: www.thefreesite.com/anonymous.htm. For a discussion of re-mailing go to: www.andrebacard.com/remail.htm.

April 17, 2000

Q: I want to get an accent mark to print out over the "e" as in Ole. How do I do that? (RC, phone message)

A: You didn’t say which word processor you were using, but the way to add accent marks and use many other special characters is similar in both Corel WordPerfect and Microsoft Word: place the cursor at the point you want to insert the "e" with the accent mark. Then from the menu bar (the bar near the top of the screen with File, Edit, etc on it), select Insert > Symbol. In WordPerfect, in the Set pull-down menu select Multinational. Select the appropriate "e" from the table and Insert or Insert and Close. In Word, after selecting Insert > Symbol, click the Symbol tab, select the font that you’re using from the font pull-down menu, scroll to find the appropriate accented letter and highlight it. Then select Insert. Not all font sets have these accented letters, so choose a font for your document that does. Times New Roman font does have these accented letters.

If you use these special characters often, you may want to create a shortcut key, use Quick Correct or Auto Correct, or re-map your keyboard to have the characters readily available. Check the program’s on-line help for details.

Q: My computer keeps losing time. What’s going on and how can I fix it? (RR, phone message)

A: There are two time-of-day clocks in IBM compatible computers: a hardware clock on the motherboard, and a software clock. The hardware clock is kept running by its own battery, whether or not the computer is turned on. The software clock stops when you shut off the computer and is reset from the hardware clock when you turn your computer back on. The hardware clock relies on a quartz crystal for its time-keeping and by itself is usually pretty accurate. But since it is under control of the BIOS (basic input output system), it can be reset by vagaries of the BIOS. The software clock, once initially set at computer startup by the hardware clock, keeps time by "listening" to the ticking of the computer’s CPU (central processing unit). The ticking can be affected by the operating system itself or badly behaved application programs that literally steal some of the ticks. With all this going on, it’s not unusual for computers to lose or gain time.

The easiest thing to do is to occasionally reset the clock with the Windows time setting utility. You do this by double clicking the time display at the bottom on your screen and entering the correct time.

Tracking down the cause can be very difficult. If you want to try simple troubleshooting, reboot your computer when you see that the time is incorrect. If rebooting resets the correct time, then the hardware clock is OK and the software clock is suspect. Otherwise, suspect the hardware clock. Check or change the clock’s battery. If that doesn’t do it, then the motherboard clock may be the problem.

If you need a precise time setting, a program such as ClockWatch (www.beaglesoft.com, $24.99) will use the computer’s modem to dial up and connect to an atomic clock located at NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) or USNO (United States Naval Observatory) and set your computer hardware and software clock to this precise time source.

Q: I’m considering buying a new computer with a non-Intel CPU (central processing unit), but I have an old DOS program that I would still like to use. How will I know if it will run on the new computer? (HW, phone message)

A: If the program’s publishing company is still around, check with them. If not, check with the CPU manufacturer for the computer you’re considering buying. AMD, one of the popular non-Intel CPU manufacturers, lists compatible programs and operating systems on their web site: www.amd.com. If you’re dealing with a local computer store, see if they will let you try to load and run your DOS program on your prospective new computer.

Q: I’m using Windows 98, and when I name new folders with all capital letters for state abbreviations, such as NY, PA, MA, they display as Ny, Pa, Ma. Why? (TY, e-mail)

A: To allow folder names to display as all capital letters, you need to change an option in Folder Options. To do this, double click "My Computer," select View from the Menu bar and select Folder Options from the drop down menu. In the Folder Options dialogue box, select the View tab, and under Advanced Settings, check the box marked "Allow all upper case names." Click Apply, then OK, and then the folders that you entered in caps should appear in caps.

February 21, 2000

Q: What does it mean to download and what happens to the information I download? (JD, e-mail)

A: Downloading is the process by which a file is transferred or copied from one computer to another, and usually refers to transfer via the Internet. The file can be text, data, programs, pictures, music, video and other types or formats. The computers can be in homes, ISPs (Internet Service Provider), companies, educational institutions, government or just about anywhere. The files are downloaded to your computer into a disk drive and folder you specify at the time of download. In some cases, however, that selection is already made by defaults in the browser or ISP software. If you’re not sure, write down the name of the file and after download use the Windows Find feature to locate the downloaded file. A word of warning: if you do any file downloading from the Internet, make sure you’re using anti-virus software.

Q: I recently had pictures sent to me in a MIME format on AOL. When I download them to my computer, they were in the form of scrambled words. What can I do to see the pictures? (CN, e-mail)

A: MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) is an official Internet standard specifying how messages must be formatted so they can be exchanged between different mail systems. In addition, the format provides a method of encoding non-text information (such as pictures, programs, audio or video) so it can be easily sent on the Internet. The encoded file may look like scrambled text when viewed. The pictures you downloaded are in this encoded format and need to be decoded before you can see the original picture. There are several utility programs that can decode for you, and you can download them free on AOL or other Internet sites. In AOL, go to Help > Members services on-line help > e-mail > reading e-mail > sending & receiving MIME e-mail > link to MIME help & software. There you’ll find several programs you can download for decoding MIME files. Our personal preference is WINCODE. When you use the decoding program, you have to specify the name and location of the file you downloaded (you did remember to write down the location, didn’t you?) and where to put the decoded file. Once decoded, depending on the type of picture file, one of the viewers in AOL or Windows should let you see the pictures.

Q: I received an e-mail with an attached file with a .PPS extension. I tried to open it but was directed to a site to download MacroMedia Shockwave. What is that all about? (JD, e-mail)

A: A file extension often identifies what program is needed to open, read or view that file. With hundreds of file format extensions roaming cyberspace, it’s hard to keep track of which file extension requires which program to open. Most of the common extensions are opened automatically and handled nicely by "plug-ins" to current browsers. However, not all browsers always have all the correct plug-ins. You were asked to download a plug-in to your browser to be able to open the file in question. The .PPS extension could be a program created in either Microsoft PowerPoint as a slide show or in Personal Producer as a video. Whoever sent you the e-mail should be able to help with that one.

If you do run into odd or unfamiliar extensions, check out this Internet site that lists hundreds of extensions and originating programs: http://kresch.com/cgi-bin/exts.cgi.

Q: Can I alphabetize a list of words using WordPerfect or Word? (CS, e-mail)

A: There are several sort and select options available in each program that make this chore a snap (and remember, when using a computer to alphabetize, it’s called sorting and it’s still a snap). The simplest sorting is a list of words with one word per line or in a table (you can also sort multi-word lines, paragraphs, a merge list and other items, but the process is a bit more involved). In WordPerfect, on the menu bar select Tools > Sort. Then choose the input and output documents, usually "current document," then first word in a line or first cell in table column. Click Sort and your list of words will be alphabetized. Numbers will head the list if there are any. For more sophisticated sorting, like on the second word in a line, use the New selection and define your custom sort.

In Word, Sort is in the Table menu, with basic options similar to WordPerfect, although advanced options are limited and may require your info to be in a table. For more complex sorting in either program, you’ll find complete instructions in each program’s online help sections.

February 2, 2000

Q: What does it mean to download and what happens to the information I download? (JD, e-mail)

A: Downloading is the process by which a file is transferred or copied from one computer to another, and usually refers to transfer via the Internet. The file can be text, data, programs, pictures, music, video and other types or formats. The computers can be in homes, ISPs (Internet Service Provider), companies, educational institutions, government or just about anywhere. The files are downloaded to your computer into a disk drive and folder you specify at the time of download. In some cases, however, that selection is already made by defaults in the browser or ISP software. If you’re not sure, write down the name of the file and after download use the Windows Find feature to locate the downloaded file. A word of warning: if you do any file downloading from the Internet, make sure you’re using anti-virus software.

Q: I recently had pictures sent to me in a MIME format on AOL. When I download them to my computer, they were in the form of scrambled words. What can I do to see the pictures? (CN, e-mail)

A: MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) is an official Internet standard specifying how messages must be formatted so they can be exchanged between different mail systems. In addition, the format provides a method of encoding non-text information (such as pictures, programs, audio or video) so it can be easily sent on the Internet. The encoded file may look like scrambled text when viewed. The pictures you downloaded are in this encoded format and need to be decoded before you can see the original picture. There are several utility programs that can decode for you, and you can download them free on AOL or other Internet sites. In AOL, go to Help > Members services on-line help > e-mail > reading e-mail > sending & receiving MIME e-mail > link to MIME help & software. There you’ll find several programs you can download for decoding MIME files. Our personal preference is WINCODE. When you use the decoding program, you have to specify the name and location of the file you downloaded (you did remember to write down the location, didn’t you?) and where to put the decoded file. Once decoded, depending on the type of picture file, one of the viewers in AOL or Windows should let you see the pictures.

Q: I received an e-mail with an attached file with a .PPS extension. I tried to open it but was directed to a site to download MacroMedia Shockwave. What is that all about? (JD, e-mail)

A: A file extension often identifies what program is needed to open, read or view that file. With hundreds of file format extensions roaming cyberspace, it’s hard to keep track of which file extension requires which program to open. Most of the common extensions are opened automatically and handled nicely by "plug-ins" to current browsers. However, not all browsers always have all the correct plug-ins. You were asked to download a plug-in to your browser to be able to open the file in question. The .PPS extension could be a program created in either Microsoft PowerPoint as a slide show or in Personal Producer as a video. Whoever sent you the e-mail should be able to help with that one.

If you do run into odd or unfamiliar extensions, check out this Internet site that lists hundreds of extensions and originating programs: http://kresch.com/cgi-bin/exts.cgi.

Q: Can I alphabetize a list of words using WordPerfect or Word? (CS, e-mail)

A: There are several sort and select options available in each program that make this chore a snap (and remember, when using a computer to alphabetize, it’s called sorting and it’s still a snap). The simplest sorting is a list of words with one word per line or in a table (you can also sort multi-word lines, paragraphs, a merge list and other items, but the process is a bit more involved). In WordPerfect, on the menu bar select Tools > Sort. Then choose the input and output documents, usually "current document," then first word in a line or first cell in table column. Click Sort and your list of words will be alphabetized. Numbers will head the list if there are any. For more sophisticated sorting, like on the second word in a line, use the New selection and define your custom sort.

In Word, Sort is in the Table menu, with basic options similar to WordPerfect, although advanced options are limited and may require your info to be in a table. For more complex sorting in either program, you’ll find complete instructions in each program’s online help sections.

January 24, 2000

Q: I am interested in working from my home. I am experienced in graphics, enjoy working on my computer and would like any advice or information you could provide. (SA, e-mail)

A: Contacts and networking are key to finding full-time, part-time or piecemeal work to do at home. Let all your friends, relatives and contacts know that you are looking for work. Here’s a simple example of what we mean by networking: you have children, who have friends, who have parents. Get to know those parents, because one of those parents may be in charge of publicity for a company and needs the kind of work you do. Join organizations that give you a chance to meet people and make other contacts. Do gratis work for these and other organizations. Give talks or workshops on topics related to your kind of work.

But don’t ignore the more traditional approach to job hunting: update your resume; call companies and agencies for appointments; use the Internet to search out jobs and to advertise or promote yourself; assemble a portfolio of your best work in printed and electronic form (don’t forget to mark all your work "Copyright"). A computer program such as Resume Maker will help you organize both a traditional approach and give you all kinds of useful information for the Internet approach as well. (For a copy of our column on finding jobs and a review of the Resume Maker program, send a SASE to us at the Shopping Bag/Advertiser, address below)

Q: How can I change a file that’s on my hard drive from MP3 to WAV so I can copy it onto a CD? (GL, e-mail)

A: We’re guessing that you want to play that CD you record as an audio CD in your car or home stereo system. There are several programs, retail, shareware and freeware that convert MP3 to WAV. MP32WAV Professional, a freeware program, is available at http://www.zdnet.com or check software stores for one of the retail music programs such as CD Creator (Electronic Boutique, $29.99). These retail programs give you many more options and flexibility in your conversions and, importantly, technical support.

You can always copy an MP3 file to a CD, but you’d need MP3 software to recover the sound from the MP3 file. This usually requires a computer for playing the sound form MP3 files on a CD but newer portable CD players coming along may have this capability.

Q: I tried to e-mail scanned photos to a friend. After waiting more than an hour for them to upload, they weren’t even half done, so I quit. What happened, and what can I do about it? (JM , phone message)

A: The file size of the photos was probably too large for conveniently sending via e-mail. And bear in mind that the person receiving the photos will also have to wait through a long download to see them. So, for simply viewing photos on-screen, a much lower resolution is quite acceptable and will result in a much smaller file size that will upload and download in a few minutes rather than a few hours. When you initially scan the photo, choose a lower resolution for the scan. Once the photo is scanned, use the picture-handling software that comes with the scanner to save the picture in a compressed format (commonly JPG) to further reduce the file size. With JPG file format compression, you are usually given a choice of amount of compression. High compression means a smaller file size and a lower quality picture, but it should still be quite suitable for on-screen viewing. As an example, a 4 x 6 inch photo scanned at 150 dpi (dots per inch) occupies a file size of about 1,500KB and would require about three minutes to upload with a 28.8bps modem. If you compress the file to a minimal size, it may occupy 25KB and upload in about 10 seconds.

Q: When I order items on the Internet, how can I be sure that the information I provide will be safe? (MP, Rochester)

A: There are three major ways to check: The Web site from which you order should indicate that it uses secure ordering technology; a locked padlock icon will appear at the bottom of your screen when you are in a secure part of the Web site, and the URL or address displayed on the address line near the top of your screen will indicate https://webaddress (note the "s" after the http.

December 27, 1999

Q: How can I find some of my friends’ e-mail addresses on the Internet? (EM, e-mail)

A: There are several "people search" and "e-mail search" Web sites on the Internet. These sites use different methods for creating their database, so an individual may appear in some, all or none of them. You may need to try several of the sites to find someone. Here’s a list of some sites:

http://www.bigfoot.com

http://www.whowhere.lycos.com

http://www.people.yahoo.com

http://www.infospace.com

http://www.worldpages.com

http://www.switchboard.com

http://peoplefinder.excite.com/email_lookup

If you can’t find a specific person on these sites, just telephone them and ask for their e-mail address. Sounds sort of low-tech, but considering the lack of any comprehensive address database and the frequency with which some people change their e-mail address, it may be the most efficient way.

Q: How do I get rid of the error messages such as "check your printer cable" or "your ink cartridge is loose" when I try to print something? The printer seems to work fine if I just click on the OK in the error message box. (ED, Pittsford)

A: Printers pass information on their condition to the computer, including conditions such as absence of paper, paper jam, low or empty ink cartridge and positions of certain paper control levers. This information requires that: 1) the sensors in the printers work properly; 2) the cable connection to the computer is intact and 3) the printer driver in the computer knows how to use the info from the printer. Anything wrong in this chain can result in error messages. The easiest to check is the cable and connections. Even if they seem OK, try another cable. Next check the printer driver. Although Windows 95/98 has its own drivers for many printers, these may not be optimal for your printer, and it’s generally best to use the manufacturer’s driver supplied with the printer. If you are already using this driver, try reinstalling it or obtaining the latest driver from the manufacturer’s Web site. If you still have problems, look to the printer. Check the "Troubleshooting" section in the user manual for instructions on cleaning, check the "Readme" files and manufacturer’s support via Web or phone. If all this fails, you’ll need to send or bring the printer in for service.

Q: A program offer from AOL kept popping up on my screen, and I thought I might need it. After a five-hour download, I was annoyed to find it was something I really didn’t want. How can I determine in advance if this or any program is something I need or want? (SS, e-mail)

A: Many of these program or peripheral device offers come with a "More Information" button. Check the info to see if it’s something you really need or want. If AOL has a forum for the manufacturer, check that and/or leave specific questions about the product. If that doesn’t help, then search the Web for additional info, software or product reviews or user feedback. You might also talk to knowledgeable friends or relatives. Beyond that, make sure there’s a clear refund or return policy that’s acceptable to you, and remember, "Let the buyer beware."

Q: How do I get a photo into a WordPerfect or Word document? (NL, phone)

A: In WordPerfect 8 and 9, if the photo is already in a file, from the Menu Bar select Insert > Graphics > From File. Specify the location of the file in the Insert Image dialog box and >Insert. If the photo is in your digital camera or needs to be scanned in from a print, then from the Menu Bar select Insert > Graphics > Select Image Source and select the source, e.g. camera, scanner. Then again from the Menu Bar select Insert > Graphics > Acquire Image. The photo will appear at the position of the cursor in your document.

In Microsoft Word 9, from the Menu Bar, Insert > Picture > From file and indicate the location of the picture. If your picture needs to be acquired from a digital camera or scanner, you’ll need to install the camera or scanner "add-in" before you can proceed.

Q: Why doesn’t my computer come on when I turn on my power strip? (KO, Greece)

A: Some computer power supplies use power management software or firmware to power the computer up or down. This is useful if your computer is attached to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) and may need an orderly shutdown in the event of a power failure. The "Power" button on the front of your computer simply signals the software that you want the computer on if it’s off or off if it’s on. So even if your power strip is on, your computer software still needs to be told to turn on.

November 22, 1999

Q: We are using Windows 98 and would like to make a printout of the contents, directories and files on our hard drive. How do we do that? (BM, E-mail)

A: The easiest way is to use DOS. Bring up a DOS window by double clicking on the MS-DOS icon. Then type in the DOS command DIR C:\*.* /s > filename.txt.

Looking at the DOS command line above: DIR is the DOS command for "list the current directory (folder in windows lingo);" C:\*.* starts the list from the root directory and includes all files; /s includes subdirectories; > redirects the list from the screen to whatever follows the >; filename (substitute your own filename here) is the name of the new file where the directory list will be placed. To sort the list alphabetically, add /on (order by name) to the command line: DIR C:\*.* /s/on > filename.txt. Your computer will take a few seconds to copy the files (which will not be displayed on screen) and will then return to the DOS prompt. Open the new file in any word processor, reformat if you want and then print. A Word of Caution: this listing may result in a very large file.

Shareware programs are available to create a more elegant printout: Directory Printer 3.0 is available from http://ourworld.compuserve/homepages/galcott/#DP, registration fee of $24 and SmartDir V3.0 from http://gavlockconsulting.com/smartdir.htm, registration fee of $20. Both come with technical support.

Q: My wife and I are novices and want to know what computer to buy if we just want to surf the Internet, maintain our checking account and maybe expand later? (BS&JS, Victor)

A: This is the most common question we’re asked and possibly the most difficult to answer because of the wide variety, many features and lower prices on computers available today. The first issue is whether to buy an IBM PC compatible or Mac. We’ve always advised buying a PC, since the selection of software and peripherals for PCs far outnumber those for the Mac, and the prices are generally lower. With the new features in Windows 98, however, the "user friendly" gap between PC and Mac has narrowed considerably.

Some details to look for in your computer: 350-500 MHz processor; no less than 64MB RAM (the more RAM the better, and definitely more if you want to do extensive graphics or gaming); 3-6 GB hard drive for the uses you describe, but more if you want to do extensive graphics or multimedia work, such as recording and editing video or audio CDs; a 15" monitor (larger size models are nicer but high-priced and also big and heavy); a 56K fax/data modem; some type of removable storage for backups (such as a ZIP drive or tape drive) or a CD-R or CD-RW (CD recordable; CD Read, Write) if you want the option of recording your own CDs as well as doing backups.

Although some of the big stores advertise tempting bargains, consider dealing with the smaller local computer stores, such as Soyata, Accurate Technology or Chips Computers. They all custom build your computer from standard parts, most of which have warranties far in excess of the pre-packaged models. The cost may be higher, but the price includes support and help after the sale. This is especially important, considering that you describe yourselves as novices.

Some of the super bargain-priced computers may have strings attached (such as signing up for three years of an Internet service), so check these offers very carefully. And if you want any kind of extended help beyond a 30- or 90-day warranty, you will probably have to sign up for a service policy, adding to your price.

So, shop carefully, consider the options before you buy, and then enjoy!

Q: How do I move files from MS Works 3.0 spreadsheet in my old computer to MS Works 4.0 spreadsheet in my new computer? (NR, e-mail)

A: On your old computer, bring up the spreadsheet information on screen; from the File menu, select Save as. In the dialog box Save in: select Floppy Disk (usually A), type a filename in the File name box and click Save. Then put the Floppy Disk in your new computer. With the new spreadsheet program running, select Open from the File menu; in the dialog box, from the Look in: option, select Floppy disk, type in the file name (or select from the list) and click Open. MS Works 4.0 should read the MS Works 3.0 file with no problem. When you’re done working with the file, do another Save as. Select a directory on your new hard drive from the Save in: box pull-down menu, type in the filename, and click Save. This saves the information on the hard drive of your new computer for future use.

October 11, 1999

Q: I see ads on the Web for free MP3 music. What is MP3? (LL, Pittsford)

A: MP3 is short for MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group) 1 audio layer 3 and is the audio part of a standard for audio/visual storage. Layers 1,2 and 3 define increasing levels of audio quality and speed of up and downloading audio files. MP3 is a method of highly compressing and saving full-fidelity audio onto the hard drive of a computer, with virtually no loss of fidelity. The compression works, in part, by removing nearly inaudible sound, and compression ratios of 12:1 can be achieved. With these smaller file sizes, an entire CD will fit on a ZIP disk, eight to ten CDs fit on a CD-R (recordable CD) and the files can even be played, with full fidelity, as they are downloaded from the Internet (streaming audio).

To play MP3 songs, you need MP3 player software. Players are available from several Web sites as either freeware, shareware or as retail programs. Check out www.winamp.com for one of the more popular players, WinAmp. Then surf several sites that offer free MP3 music, such as www.mp3.com, download your favorite and enjoy. There’s more: with MP3 ripper and encoder programs, you can copy your own audio CDs onto your hard drive and then record custom CDs. And more yet: you can download MP3 encoded music from your computer into tiny portable players that have memory. The MP3 decoder is built in, so you can carry your music with you. It’s all legal, as long as either the original music was copyright free and/or you abide by the copyright restrictions, or you own the original CD. You may use the MP3 music for yourself, but you cannot give or sell it to others.

Q: When I insert audio CDs into my CD-ROM drive, they no longer begin playing automatically. How do I fix that? (MM, phone-in)

A: The "Auto-Play" feature was designed as a time-saver for loading programs or automatically playing a compact audio CD. To re-enable this feature in Windows 95/98, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, System, Device Manager tab, click the + sign in front of CD-ROM, highlight the CD-ROM drive you want to enable; click Properties, select the Settings tab, check the "Auto Insert Notification" box and then click OK. You may have to restart the computer for the new setting to take effect. Be aware that some CD-ROMs are not Auto-play enabled and may not start automatically anyway.

Q: How do I get a program that I no longer want off my computer? (EP, Ontario)

A: In Windows 95/98, the job is more than just deleting the program’s folders and files--Window’s Registry needs to be notified of the removal. If the program comes with an uninstall option, use that; otherwise click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs; scroll through the list for the unwanted program and highlight it, then click Add/Remove and follow the directions. You’ll often get warnings about ". . . files no longer used by any programs . . .", asking if you want to delete them. It’s best not to delete these files, since they may be used by other programs. When the removal is complete, you may also get a message about not being able to remove some elements and you must do that manually. If there is a Details button, click on it to see which folders and/or files you’ll have to delete manually and write them down; delete them after closing the Add/Remove window. If there is no details button, then there’s no easy way to know which elements uninstall is referring to.

If the unwanted program has no uninstall option and is not listed in the Add/Remove scroll list, then you may have to resort to one of the retail uninstall programs such as Norton Clean-Sweep (Symantec, Windows 95/98, available from CompUSA, $19.99) to help you out.

Q: How do I translate bps (bits per second) into MB/min (megabytes per minute) to estimate my Internet file download times? (WT, Internet)

A: The math is straightforward: with eight bits in one byte, one MB per minute is 133,333 bps, and a 56Kbps modem should theoretically transfer files at the rate of 42 MB per minute. But when talking about actual file transfer times, there’s much more to consider: the modem adds start, stop and error checking bits to the data stream; there are legal FCC restrictions to transfer rates using phone lines; marginal quality phone lines may cause the modem to transfer at reduced rates, and busy Internet sites will slow down the theoretical transfer rate. On the positive side, data compression by the modems will improve transfer rates. But in practice, the rate will vary quite a bit, and the theoretical rate is just that: theory.

August 30, 1999

Q: Where do I put programs after I download them from the Internet? (WH, Penfield)

A: By default, most browsers and AOL’s software put downloaded files into a default directory, usually called "Download." The files can be programs, document files, picture files or others. What you do with them depends on the type of file. Some Internet sites have instructions for what to do with the files once downloaded.

Many downloaded program files are compressed into a smaller file size to save download time. These files must be uncompressed (unzipped, unpacked, etc) and installed before they can be used, but most of them are self-uncompressing. Just run the file by double clicking on it’s name, and the compressed file will uncompress into one or more files. Our personal preference is to move or copy the compressed file into a directory we create just for that file before we uncompress it. That way we can be sure just which files belong to the original. Some program files will not only uncompress themselves but also go on to install themselves. There is no set pattern for downloaded programs. Take the time to read any instructions that may be on the Web site before you download any program files.

An important word of caution: if you do any file and/or program downloading from the Internet, use a virus checker before you run the program or use the file. Both Norton’s anti-virus and McAfee’s anti-virus programs can be set to automatically virus check any file as you download it from the Internet, thus offering important protection for your computer.

Q: How do I pick an ISP (Internet Service Provider)? (MFM, Internet)

A: Local phone number connection, service, special features and price are among the factors to consider.

Local phone number connections: there are plenty of choices in this geographic region, with more than 250 ISPs offering phone connections in the 716 area code alone. Some of these are available only in the local area code, some have regional connections available in several adjacent area codes, and some have nation-wide connections available. Consider using a local ISP, since they are usually more attuned to local conditions. If you travel away from this area code and need access to the Internet, consider using national ISPs. Some local or regional ISPs offer toll-free dial-up service for either a fixed extra charge per month or metered on a per-minute basis.

Service: check to see that the ISP provides software and installation help and 24-hour support. Some smaller services try harder to please but may have problems maintaining enough equipment and personnel to take care of all their customers; hence frequent busy signals and slow access. In addition, smaller services sometimes do not survive. Larger services may be more impersonal but more stable and offer more features. We prefer to deal with the local services.

Special Features: easy access to different categories of Internet Surfing, news, useful information and forums for special interest are some items to consider. Try accessing the home page of the ISP you may be considering and see what’s available for members. Some ISPs feature "safe computing," are designed for families and limit access to X-rated sites. These family sites often offer forums on parenting, forums for kids only and such. Price: commonly $20/month for unlimited access to the Internet, e-mail and news groups. This price generally includes hosting a personal Web page. Many discounts and bargains are available.

Yes, there are "free" ISPs but they all have a catch, such as displaying many banner ads all over your screen. Some require a minimum connection time per month, and if you fall below that level, they drop you; some provide Internet Surfing only, with no e-mail, and some provide e-mail only and no Internet access. To get a sampling of free ISPs try http://members.tripod.com/~freeISPz/index.html and for much more information on selecting an ISP, try http://www.isps.com. Good luck.

Q: I’ve seen ads for free computers. What’s the catch? (AF, Internet)

A: To get the free or super-bargain PC you usually must sign up for several years of software subscription services or Internet service via some ISP. The ISP may not be the one you would have chosen (see above). You may also be required to provide extensive personal information that will be freely distributed to mass marketers and others. In some cases, the deal doesn’t include a monitor or printer, and the computer may not be the best one for your needs. Read the fine print carefully for service, support or other details that may cost extra.

July 5, 1999

Q: When I tried to install a new program, I got a message: "Insufficient disk space." What should I do? (ED, Pittsford)

A: The message refers to the lack of free space on your hard drive. You can free up space by deleting temporary files, removing unused programs, cleaning up Internet clutter and checking for lost clusters.

Start by removing temporary files. These have the extension .TMP and are created by some programs during installation or when the programs run. Many programs will automatically delete these files after installation or when you close the program, but some programs leave temporary files scattered around on your hard drive. To find these temporary files, first close any programs that are running. Then click on Start>Find>Files or Folders; in the Name & Location tab: type in *.tmp in the Named: line, and in the Look in: line make sure (C:) is indicated. Click Find Now and you’ll get a list of files with the .tmp extension. The * is a wildcard and can stand for any name, so *.tmp means any filename with a .tmp extension. Make a note of where the files are, and delete the files. Do not delete the TEMP or TMP directories or folders, just the files with a .tmp extension.

Next, get rid of programs that you no longer use. Click on Start>Settings>Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs. In the list that appears look for programs that you no longer use or want. Be Careful. Don’t remove programs just because you don’t recognize them. Select only those you recognize and no longer want. After you select the program, click on Remove and the program, its files and registry entries will be removed.

If you have Internet access, your browser will also have sets of files for caches, cookies and histories that can usually be deleted. The location and names of these will vary, but as you work your way through the folders (directories) that contain the browser, you’ll find them.

Finally, run scan disk to check for lost clusters that may be taking up your valuable disk space. To do this, click Start>Accessories>System Tools>Scan Disk. Select your hard drive, usually C:, and in the Type of Test, check standard, then Start. If lost clusters are found, delete them. When finished, you’ll get a list of information that includes the total disk space on that drive and the number of kilobytes available on disk.

If all this seems too scary, you can resort to a program that will do most of this for you. Norton CleanSweep V4.5 (Symantec, Windows 95/98/NT4, available CompUSA, $19.99) takes care of all of the above tasks easily and safely. This program is especially good at cleaning up your Internet browser clutter.

After all this if you still don’t have enough disk space for your new program, then it’s time for an upgrade. Bring your computer to your computer or service store and have them either replace your hard drive with a larger one or add a second hard drive. You can do it yourself, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

Q: How do I get the Instant Messenger feature?

A: Instant Messenger is a new feature of AOL (America On Line) that extends the old Instant Message feature to non-AOL Internet users. With the old Instant Message, AOL users could carry on a private chat conversation with other AOL user(s). This feature was used in conjunction with a Buddies List. This list of your "buddies" shows who is connected to AOL at that instant. By clicking on their name, and if the person you’re sending it to accepts, you can connect with a private chat conversation.

Now, with the new Instant Messenger feature, even non-AOL Internet users can carry on private chats with AOL users. It works like this: The AOL user goes to keyword: Instant Messenger and clicks on Sign Up Your Friends; fill in the info, and AOL sends an e-mail to your friend inviting them to register a screen name and download and install the free Instant Messenger software that’s necessary for the whole thing to work; if your friend does this, you can add their screen name to your Buddies List. When this list indicates your friend is connected to the Internet, click on their name to connect for a chat. There’s no charge for your friend and no extra charge for the AOL user. The Buddies List can be organized into groupings, such as Family, Business or Club. Chats can be private one-on-one or group chats.

May 10, 1999

Q: When I scan a newspaper article, it looks fine on screen; but when I try to save the scanned article to a word processing document, it looks like gibberish. What’s happening? (JD, Hilton)

A: When you scan an item, the scanner and associated software create a picture file of what was scanned and saves it in a graphics file format such as TIF (tagged image file)or BMP (bitmapped picture). Although you can look at this picture on screen and see the words, you can’t edit the words when they are in this graphic file format. The scanned picture of the words must be converted into an editable text or document file before it can be read or edited as text.

Most scanners come with some type of OCR (optical character recognition) software that converts the scanned graphics file into a text or word processing document file. The accuracy and reliability vary among the different OCR programs and to a large part depends on how clear the original item scanned was. Some fussing with the scanner settings may help improve the OCR accuracy.

Q: After I installed a printing program on my computer I needed extra disk space, so I deleted that program along with other items I was no longer using. Now when I turn on my computer I get an error message that says "Bob.DLL" cannot be found. I click [OK] and everything seems to work. What’s happening and how do I get rid of the error message. (JD, e-mail)

A: We assume you are using Windows 95 or 98. When most programs (especially the more complex programs such as printing or graphics programs) are installed, they create one or more directories and/or subdirectories on your hard drive and copy required files to those directories. In addition, many programs need configuration, initialization, log, uninstall and/or DLL (dynamic linked library) files added to existing directories on your hard drive. Also, entries and/or icons are added to your Start > Programs list, and entries that refer to the program you are installing are added to your Windows Registry and/or Autoexec.bat, "ini" or "sys" files. In other words, most program installations leave bits and pieces of the program’s files and references all over your hard drive. Proper uninstallation of a program requires that all these bits and pieces be properly removed and all entries referring to any files used by the program be removed as well.

In your case, the Registry, autoexec.bat, "ini" or "sys" files most likely refer to a program they can’t find because the program file has been deleted without deleting or changing the reference to that file. This is probably why you get the error message. You might see if the program still remains in the list found in "Add/Remove Programs" section of Start > Settings > Control Panel. If so, try removing what’s left of the program by clicking on the program name in the list and then click on Remove. If the program is not listed or you get error messages, try reinstalling the program and then doing a proper uninstall via Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. Some programs provide their own uninstall utility, so that might be an option as well. Lastly, try contacting Customer Support for the particular program for any additional advice in removing the program files and any references to it.

Q: I have some questions about Road Runner high speed cable modem service: Does Road Runner use its own browser? What happens to my current e-mail messages when I use Road Runner? Are all Web sites compatible with Road Runner? What are the disadvantages? (SC, e-mail)

A: OK, in order: Road Runner can use either Netscape or Internet Explorer as browsers. Because of licensing arrangements with Microsoft, however, Road Runner customer support can only help you with Internet Explorer problems. If you use your current Internet browser with Road Runner, all your previous e-mail messages will still be there. If you want to change browsers, you may have to forward all your messages from your old ISP/browser to the new one. All Web sites that are compatible with your browser will still be compatible. The disadvantages of Road Runner are increased cost, although if you have a second phone line that you can discontinue, the differences in cost may be slight. Another disadvantage is availability, since Road Runner is not yet available in all parts of the local Time Warner system.

March 29, 1999

Q: After I download a text file in AOL and try to read it, I get an error message saying the file is too large to open using AOL. The same happens when I try to open it in the Briefcase or using Notepad. When I finally open it in WordPad, the file is scrambled. Why can’t I see the downloaded file in AOL? (BF, e-mail)

A: AOL sets a file size limit of 32K or less for displaying downloaded files within AOL. Notepad and the Briefcase also have file size limits. To display a large file you’ve downloaded, open it in WordPad, or a word processing program such as WordPerfect or Microsoft Word.

Now for the "scrambled" problem. Here are a few possibilities:

1) The file was encoded, so you must decode it in order to read or view it. Encoding and decoding is necessary because of some limitations of the Internet. Most current browsers and e-mail programs encode and decode files automatically, but an occasional encode/decode format may not be recognized by the browsers and has to be handled manually. You can use WinCode, an encoder/decoder utility, available free from the Internet site http://www.winzip.com.

2) The file is a type that will only open and display correctly by the kind of word processing, graphics or other program that created it. Most current browsers and e-mail programs display a wide variety (but not all) of file formats, allowing you to view the file, but not make any changes in it.

3) The file is damaged in some way. Re-downloading the file may solve the problem.

4) A virus is at work, although this seems unlikely for the problem you described. But we strongly recommend an anti-virus program for anyone who does much file sharing and downloading from a variety of sources on the Internet.

AOL users can find more information on downloading by clicking on AOL Member Services: Downloading on AOL: Downloading from the Internet: About MIME (multipurpose Internet mail extensions).

Q: Each time I boot my computer (Windows 98), there is a message "only one registration wizard may be run at a time. Finish registering a product before registering another." How can I get rid of this message? (CM, e-mail)

A: Sounds like the initial registration process when your computer was new was incomplete or corrupted in some way. Try completing the registration by clicking on Start: Programs: Accessories: System Tools: Welcome to Windows. This brings up the Welcome to Windows screen. Click on Windows Registration and complete the registration. If Windows Registration isn’t shown or you get additional errors, there may be problems in your Windows Registry. We don’t recommend editing the Windows Registry by yourself. Seek help from the store where you bought your computer.

Another possible fix may be to reinstall Windows 98 from the original installation disks. But if you have already installed many programs and peripheral devices, this may be a long, tedious and error-prone process.

Q: What is the USB I see featured on new computers? (TA, Internet)

A: USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, a new connection design standard for PCs, new Mac G3s and iMacs. Why’s so good about a USB? Consider the confusion if each of your appliances had a separate type of power plug, and each type required a matching power outlet. That’s the way most PCs and peripheral devices were built. But with the USB, the same style plug, port and cable is used for all devices.

And, there are several other advantages to the USB connection: more than 100 devices can be attached; you can plug and unplug the USB while the computer is on; when a new device is plugged in, the operating system automatically recognizes it and installs the proper drivers, with no need to reboot; and a USB provides power to devices, eliminating the need for extra plug-in power adapters.

Devices now available that use a USB include scanners, printers, speakers, monitors, digital cameras, modems, joysticks and other gaming devices, telephony equipment, storage devices such as Super Disks, Zip disks and hard drives, bar code readers, CD-ROM readers and writers. More are appearing regularly.

For more about the USB and lists of available devices, check the USB Forum at http://www.usb.org.

February 15, 1999

Q: What do I do with all those pesky, unwanted CD-ROM disks that I get in the mail? (SM, Pittsford)

A: There’s no way to reuse them for your computer (unlike floppy disks, which can be erased and then reused), since computer CD-ROMs, like audio CDs, are a permanent plastic pressing that has been laminated. Rather than just tossing them in the trash, you could pass them on to friends who might want the information on the disk. Or, give them to some arts-and-crafts types, who may come up with uses for them, such as for clock faces, coasters or to cut up and use for jewelry and such. Unfortunately, these disks are only marginally useful as frisbees.

Q: Can I get my e-mail if I go out of town? (EP, e-mail)

A: Yes. If you have an AOL account, you need access to a computer that has an AOL account set up on it. Just sign on as a "Guest;" you’ll be asked to enter your own screen name and password, and then you can send and receive e-mail. If you have your own computer with you, sign on AOL as "New local number" to get the nearest AOL access phone number. Then use that number in a new Setup for that location, but keep your old screen name and password. Then you can send and receive your e-mail.

If you’re using a local ISP (Internet service provider) for Internet and e-mail, you may have to call in long distance to access your account, or your provider may have a toll-free number for that purpose. For instance, Frontiernet provides a toll-free number, but there is an extra charge to your account to have this feature. In addition, the computer you’re using from the remote location will have to be configured for your ISP and your account by entering all the pertinent addresses into your browser and e-mail program.

Q: I seem to be steadily losing free space on my hard drive and I’m not downloading any new files or installing any new programs. Where is the free space going? (BF, Henrietta)

A: Disk space can be tied up, in many cases unnecessarily, for several reasons. You’ve already indicated that you’re doing the most common things to free up hard disk space: checking for viruses; emptying the recycle bin; defragmenting the disk; clearing the Internet history folder; and compacting the message file.

If you’re using Windows 98, there is additional help for freeing up disk space. It’s called "Disk Cleanup" and is found under: Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup. This feature tells you the amount of space the temporary files, temporary Internet files, and old program files and such are occupying; it also offers to delete them. A special feature on the "More Options" tab offers to convert your file system, if not already done, to a 32-bit FAT (file allocation table) structure to further conserve on space.

If you are not using Windows 98, then you’ll have to delete temporary files and old programs manually.

Q: Some Web sites I go to on the Internet say to bookmark their site. What is a bookmark and why should I do that? (PW, e-mail)

A: Creating a bookmark for a Web page allows you to quickly and easily access that page in the future, similar to putting a bookmark in a page in a book to allow you to find that page quickly. AOL and IE4 (Internet Explorer 4) call their bookmarks "Favorites."

Since some Web pages have very long and complicated addresses, using the bookmark feature saves typing in all those characters when you want to visit that page. In Netscape Navigator, you bookmark a Web page by clicking on "Bookmarks" on the Menu bar and then clicking on "Add Bookmark." To get to that page in the future, all you have to do is click on the Bookmarks button and click on your new bookmark (or click on Bookmarks on the Menu Bar then Go to Bookmarks).

In AOL, to add a bookmark (favorite), just click, hold and drag the heart icon from the Title Bar of the Web page you want to bookmark to the favorites icon on the AOL Menu Bar. Once you start accumulating a lot of bookmarks, you may want to organize them using the editing features available in Netscape or IE4.

December 28, 1998

Q: I’ve been thinking of buying one of the $600-$800 computers. How can they sell them so cheaply, and are they any good? (UK, Rochester)

A: That question needs two separate answers: Part I: Many less expensive computers are engineered for economy by reducing the number of parts. One way they do this is to put parts (such as the display adapter, sound chips or modem) directly on the motherboard rather then on separate cards attached to the motherboard. Since these parts or their connectors may be proprietary, it can be impossible, difficult or expensive to repair or upgrade any of them. Memory may also be proprietary, making it expensive to upgrade and/or limiting the amount of memory you can add. Limiting warranties are another way manufacturers cut costs, so it’s common to find 90-day warranties on parts used in economy computers (compared to a three or five year warranty often found on parts used in clones from local stores such as Soyata Computers, Accurate Technology or Chip’s Computers).

Part II: The less expensive computer can be a great value, depending on how you want to use it. If you want an introductory level computer to do uncomplicated word processing, straight-forward finances and to provide e-mail and Internet access, the average configuration in these economy computers should do just fine. If you plan on doing extensive desktop publishing using many graphics, then you may need more memory, a larger hard drive or a faster processor. If you want to do state-of-the-art gaming, you may need a high-end display adapter and sound card. So–check the upgrade options, the warranty, and most of all, consider the use you plan for a computer before buying one.

Q: Should I keep my computer on all day and shut it off at night, leave it on all the time, or just turn it on and off as I use it? (HG, Internet)

A: You probably should not turn your computer on and off several times a day. This puts unnecessary mechanical, heating/cooling and electrical surge stress on the disk drives, the electrical connections and the electrical and electronic components, all of which may cause premature failure of the computer.

There’s no consensus about whether it’s better to leave your computer on all the time or only on during daytime and off at night. Each has potential associated problems. Leaving the computer on all the time causes extra wear and tear on the hard drive bearings and potential heat damage in the computer and especially the monitor; turning it on during the day and off at night causes some of the stresses noted above. Some computers have a sleep mode, where the computer powers down partially if not used for a certain amount of time. This is not the same as turning the computer entirely off, but is a compromise. What do we do? Well, we have two computers, one we leave on all the time and the other we turn on during the day and turn off at night. Both computers work just fine.

Q: Should I get a ZIP or JAZ disk drive for my computer? (LS, Rochester)

A: That depends on what you want to use the drive for and what you can afford. If you want to use it to exchange large files with friends or for businesses uses, the ZIP drive is much more popular and universally available than the JAZ drive. The ZIP drive unit, at about $100, is also less expensive than the JAZ drive unit, which costs about $200 for the JAZ 1 version and $350 for the JAZ 2 version. The ZIP disks are less expensive as well, costing about $10 each; the JAZ 1 disk is $70 and JAZ 2 disk is $80. The differences are in the amount of data the disks hold: the ZIP holds 100 MB, the JAZ 1 holds 1 GB and JAZ 2 holds 2 GB. JAZ drives are not quite as popular or universally available as ZIP drives. If you only want to use the drives for backing up your hard drive and price is no object, the JAZ is more convenient. But for all-around flexibility and economy, we recommend the ZIP drive.

November 2, 1998

Q: Which digital camera should I buy? (PB, East Rochester)

A: We’ll use editorial privilege and turn the question around to read "should I buy a digital camera now?" before we answer your real question. Our advice is not to buy a digital camera just yet, unless you absolutely, positively need a way of getting a picture you’ve just taken instantly into your computer, absolutely need the convenience of not using a photograph as an intermediate step or just plain want new "wing-Ding" technology.

At this time we think a far better approach is to buy a scanner ($59 and up; $149 will get you a pretty good one) and a better 35mm point-and-shoot camera ($39 and up; $149 will get you a pretty good one). Take your pictures, have them processed and then scan the ones you want into your computer. You’ll end up with a better quality computer image in terms of resolution, color saturation and density range than you can get from any digital camera under $8,000. The better computer image will allow you more flexibility in editing the image. In addition, you’ll be able to get good quality enlargements using the original negatives. Also consider that the cost of additional snapshot prints from the negative is 30-40 cents each, whereas to print snapshot-sized prints on your color printer can cost $.80 to $1.50 each. And finally, you’ll have the scanner to use for a host of other chores.

Back to the original question: with more than 100 digital cameras available on the market, there’s no easy answer, but here are some things to consider: the final true resolution of any digital camera is dictated by the picture capturing sensor, usually a CCD (charge coupled device) with 300,000 to several million elements (or pixels). For the best overall useful images at a reasonable price, look for at least one million pixels. For example, the Olympus D-600L (CompUSA, $900) can produce pictures 1280 x 1024 resolution. At this resolution, images are good for the Web and snap-shot sized prints but suffer for any enlargements you might want for framing, brochures and the like. Beware, the better the resolution, the larger the file size.

Camera image storage varies, with many using micro memory cards that plug into the camera and on which the images are stored after being taken. These cards can then be plugged into a reader connected to the computer for downloading. The number of images the cards holds depends on the amount of memory in the card, typically 4,6 or 8 MB, and the resolution of the stored image. The number of images stored vary from four to 60. The memory cards are expensive ($149 for a 4MB card and up). A variety of "smart" card plugs into a special floppy disk that fits in the computer’s floppy drive, so no special reader is necessary. The Sony Mavica FD7 (CompUSA $699) uses a standard floppy disk to store images in the camera, but the camera has only 380K pixels for a 640 x 480 image. Some older digital cameras require a direct connection to download images from the camera’s memory to the computer. This can be slow. Also, be sure to check on the software packages bundled with the camera to see if they are adequate for your needs.

Q: Should I worry about computer viruses? (SR-T Rochester)

A: Yes and no. Although many viruses are harmless and produce only annoying screen messages, some viruses can be devastating and erase entire hard drives or make fatal changes in parts of the operating system. Viruses are made by unscrupulous people. Viruses can get into your computer in many ways: from the Internet, other online sources, BBSs (bulletin board systems), program and data files of unknown origin, and (rarely) commercial programs.

If you use a computer in a dedicated and isolated fashion and use no modem, chances are just about zero for virus infection.

If you use a computer for a variety of programs, for downloading files from the Internet and other online sources and for copying program and data files from disks. Here the worry level is high, so you should always check all new files with a virus checker.

Several virus-checker programs are available, and they represent inexpensive insurance. Look for Norton Anti-Virus, Dr Solomon’s Anti-Virus or McAffee ViruScan as the best programs in this field. Remember that since new viruses are being created all the time, any virus-checker program needs to be updated regularly.

September 7, 1998

Q: What is all the fuss about the new Apple iMac? (KP, voice mail)

A: The Apple iMac is a low-priced ($1,299.97 at CompUSA), compact, unusual-appearing desktop computer that Apple hopes will bring simplicity, reliability and adaptability to home computing without sacrificing power (Apple’s words). Simplicity: the basic start-up instructions consist of six steps: remove from box; plug in keyboard; plug in mouse; plug in phone line; connect to AC power; turn on. The computer’s 4 GB hard disk comes pre-loaded with Apple Works (an integrated word processor, database and spreadsheet), Quicken Deluxe 98 (a home/small business finance program), Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, and a few fun programs.

The "i" in iMac stands for Internet, and the computer is designed to make getting online easy. The setup assistant guides you through connecting to your own Internet service provider, if you have one; otherwise it offers to set you up with America Online or Earthlink Access.

The high resolution monitor case contains an infrared port, built-in speakers, microphone, headphone jacks and audio input and output jacks. There’s also an internal 24X CD-ROM drive for installing additional programs. The iMac has no floppy disk at this time, so you cannot backup programs or data unless you add one of the optional peripheral storage devices. The iMac uses the USB (universal serial bus) for easy connection to printers, scanners, digital cameras, joysticks, storage devices and more–up to 127 of them. These devices can be "hot-plugged" (plugged in or out with the computer on), and the computer will recognize the devices and make them available for immediate use. At this time, there are only a limited number of USB peripherals available for the iMac, but several are due by the end of year. The iMac cannot use the previous Mac devices.

Inside the computer, the iMac uses a PowerMac 233MHz processor with 32 MB RAM, so any new programs must be PowerMac compatible. There’s an optional utility program available for making the iMac act like a Pentium MMX PC, so it can run Windows 95 programs.

Initial sales have been very good, with one company reporting 13% of buyers were replacing windows-based computers and 15% were first-time computer buyers.

Q: I have an old Apple 2e computer, but the start-up disk is damaged. Where can I get a replacement? (DL, Rochester)

A: Apple Computer Corporation no longer supports those older Apple computers. Several resellers have bought out Apple’s supply of old hardware and software. Shrere Systems (800) 227-3971 has start-up disks available for $39 plus $5 shipping. Also, you might try the local Apple Cider user group at 251-APPLE to see if anyone there has the start-up disk available.

Q: With such a large and confusing selection of children’s educational software available, how do I know which ones are best for my children? (DD, Penfield)

A: Different programs take different approaches to presenting learning material, so we think it’s best to try before you buy. More and more public libraries are stocking computer programs that you can borrow or use at the library, and this is an excellent way to sample programs before buying. In addition, local computer stores such as CompUSA and children’s stores such as Noodle Kidoodle or Learning Smith have kiosks set up to preview learning programs. It’s well worth the time to sit with your child to see how he or she reacts to a program. Other stores such as Computer City or Electronic Boutique offer a refund policy if not satisfied, but be sure to check the details. All educational program publishers now offer 30 or 60 day full refunds if not satisfied.

Q: Can I reverse the right and left mouse buttons so I can use the mouse more comfortably with my left hand? (LH, Greece)

A: Yes. In Windows 95, select Start, Control Panel, double click on the mouse icon and you’ll get a Mouse Properties window. Select the Buttons tab and check the box labeled Left-handed. Then click Apply, OK, and close the windows. Now you have a left-handed mouse.

July 27, 1998

Q: The color of my monitor intermittently shifts from pure white to a rosy pink. What’s the matter? (SD, e-mail)

A: The likely culprits are the monitor, the video card or possibly even the cable. Try substituting a known good monitor and cable to see if the problem still occurs. If it does, then the card is probably at fault. Check with the manufacturer about warranty replacement or repair. If the problem doesn't occur with a known good monitor and cable, then try substituting a known good cable for your original cable (this may not be possible with some monitors that have the cable permanently wired into the monitor).

If the known good monitor and cable don’t reproduce the problem, then your monitor may be at fault. Check with the manufacturer about warranty replacement or service. Or call local computer stores or service facilities about costs for repairs.

Q: How do I get my photos into my computer so I can print them out or send them via e-mail? (RL, Hollywood FL)

A: You can scan photographs with a scanner (a computer accessory that converts a pictures, text, etc., into a file the computer can use). If you don’t have a scanner, check to see if family or friends have one you might use.

Many copy or photo centers offer photo scanning services at a relatively small price (for example, Kinko’s, $5 each, and Wink, $4 each, using your disk). These service bureaus will scan your photo and then return your original photo and the floppy disk with the file containing the image. This file can then be used by many popular word processing programs (for example, Corel WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Lotus WordPro) or printing programs (Corel Print House Magic, Broderbund Print Shop, and many others) to show the photo on screen before printing it, either alone or as part of a document.

To send the photo via e-mail, just attach the file containing the image to your e-mail message.

Q: Whenever I search for items on the Internet, I get too many responses to easily explore, and most of them don’t seem to contain the info I wanted. What can I do? (SD, Greece)

A: Because there is so much information available on the Internet, finding exactly what you want is becoming more and more difficult (and at times exasperating). Enter the search engines. Search engines are Web sites dedicated to searching the Internet, and more than a hundred search engines are out there. A few of the popular ones are Yahoo, Alta Vista, HotBot, Excite, InfoSeek, Magellan and Lycos. You access them directly from your Web browser. Since each search engine has its own set of guidelines, you won’t necessarily get the same results from each, and you may have to use more than one search engine to find what you want.

As you found out, the results of your searches can be intimidating, often returning thousands or hundreds of thousands of "hits" (references) for your query. The way you enter search terms can have a dramatic effect on the results. For example, entering the words German shepherd dog (as separate words) using one search engine produced 44,889 hits; entering German*shepherd*dog (the asterisk means the search will find that exact phrase only), resulted in 60 hits.

Each search engine has help available to show you how to search for an exact phrase and other ways to focus your query for best results. Even with this help, though, you may still need to use several search engines to get the info you really want.

Q: Can I get my e-mail from AOL if I go out of town? (PP, Kensington, MD)

A: Yes, but you need to have access to a computer that has an AOL account set up on it. If you’re using someone else’s computer, just sign on as a Guest, and you’ll be asked to enter your own screen name and password. If you have your own computer with you, sign on as New local # to get the nearest AOL access phone number for wherever you are. Then use that number in a new Setup for that location, still keeping your old screen name and password. Then you can check your e-mail.

May 18, 1998

Q: What is "Spaming?" (HJ, Gates)

A: Spaming (in Internet lingo) is sending unsolicited e-mail to hundreds, thousands or even millions of e-mail addresses. Simply put: it’s junk e-mail. Spaming is an increasingly common way to sell get-rich-quick schemes, junk merchandise or pornography. AOL (America Online) estimates that on some days, 30% of their customers’ e-mail may be unsolicited. Some e-mail programs and some ISPs (Internet service providers) provide filters to help avoid such unwanted e-mail.

Q: Our PC CD-ROM no longer plays music, although the CD-ROM light blinks. What’s the matter? (JB, Churchville)

A: Several possibilities. We assume the CD-ROM drive worked before, that it is an internal drive and you are using Windows 95. The easy thing to check is the software Volume Control and Muting, to see if it had been turned off. You do this by selecting Start, Programs, Accessories, Multimedia, Volume Control. This brings up a window for the Volume Control. The Volume Control on the left side is the main or overall Volume Control and should be above half way (click and drag as necessary), and the Mute All box should NOT be checked; the CD Audio part of the window should show the volume above the halfway point, and the Mute box should NOT be checked. Uncheck the Mute boxes and slide (click and drag) the Volume controls to the suggested settings. You can then play the CD with this window open to try out various other settings, if necessary. If all the volume controls aren't shown, then go to the menu bar and click Options, Properties, and make sure all the boxes in the scroll window are checked.

If the Volume control isn't the problem, then plug headphones into the headphone jack on the front of the CD-ROM device and make sure you get music in your headphones from your CDs. If no music, the CD-ROM drive may have a problem. If you hear music in your headphones, then it's possible that the cable from the CD-ROM drive inside your machine has loosened or is bad. If you're comfortable looking inside your computer, carefully check these cables to see if they’re loose or damaged. Or, have your computer dealer check for you. It is also possible that the CD player software you are using has become corrupt and needs to be reinstalled.

Q: Are there any programs that teach English to Chinese-speaking people? (JG, e-mail)

A: Yes. NIT Business Computing Systems (619-280-8806), sells a series of programs designed to teach vocabulary, writing and/or conversational English to Chinese-speaking people. The programs are said to be bi-directional; that is, they can also teach Chinese to English-speaking people.

Q: Why can’t I find some of my friend’s e-mail addresses on the Internet? (EM, e-mail)

A: There are several people and e-mail search Web sites on the Internet. Not all of them use the same methods for creating their database, so an individual may appear in some, all or none of them, and you need to try all of the search Web sites. If all else fails, call your friend on the telephone and ask for his/her e-mail address. Sounds sort of low-tech, but considering the lack of any comprehensive address database and the frequency with which some people change their e-mail address, it may be the most efficient way. Anyway, here’s a list of some e-mail address search Web sites:

http://www.bigfoot.com

http://www.whowhere.com

http://www.four11.com

http://www.infospace.com

http://www.worldpages.com

There’s a special Web site for searching for high school classmates: http://www.classmates.com. You must register (free), and then you can search for other registered "classmates."

Q: What is "Shareware?" (FR, Greece)

A: Shareware refers to computer programs that you can try before you buy. Typically, these programs can be downloaded from the Internet or come as collections bundled with other purchased programs or products. The copyright is owned by the person or company that produce the shareware. If you want to continue using the program after you’ve tried it out, you are honor-bound to pay the registration fee for it. This fee is usually much less than you’d pay for programs with similar features you might buy in a store.

Q: Do you have a Web Site or are your columns on line? (WT, e-mail)

A: No to both, at least at this time (we’re working on both).

March 23, 1998

Q: Could you give me some information on scanners? (LC, Rochester)

A: Scanners (for computers) are devices that convert pictures, photos, drawings and text into an image that can be displayed on a computer screen. The image can then be saved as a file, enhanced, combined with other documents, sent over the Internet and more.

Scanned photos are especially useful and fun for home, business and organizations. Scanned photos can be printed, sent with e-mail, added to correspondence, newsletters, school reports and much more.

Scanned text differs from scanned graphics in that the text is actually a picture on screen, and as such, you cannot make changes in the text. If you want to edit scanned text, you must use an OCR (optical character recognition) program to convert the picture of the text into editable text.

Scanner resolution measures the quality of the scan and is measured in dpi (dots per inch). Scanners in the $100-$150 range will sport values of 300 x 600 dpi. Those in the $200+ range will do 600 x 1200 dpi. Some scanners have "Enhanced Resolution," which uses software to fake better quality than the unit is capable of, and in some instances this may help improve the appearance of the scan.

The number of colors the scanner can display is measured in bits: 30 bit color is common in today’s lower-priced ones and is quite suitable for most applications. More expensive scanners will do 36 bit color usually needed only for more critical applications. Another factor is speed: less expensive scanners may take a minute or two (or three) to complete a scan, whereas the more expensive scanners may do several pages per minute.

Less expensive scanners connect to your computer via the parallel (printer) port. The faster, more expensive units need a SCSI (small computer system interface) interface requiring a special card in your computer, sometimes included.

The kind of scanner that is right for you depends on its intended use and your budget. For family photos, sending pictures on the Internet and non-critical documents, the lower resolution, slower, less costly scanner will usually do just fine.

Q: We WebTV owners feel left out; what else can we do with our WebTV? (GKC, e-mail)

A: WebTV was designed as an inexpensive way for those who do not have a computer to access information, entertainment and e-mail on the Internet. WebTV imposes some limitations on what you can do while on the Internet, but you can still "Surf the Web" for all kinds of info, news, shopping, chat and send and receive e-mail. With an attached printer, you can print what’s on the screen.

Older versions of WebTV have limited capability for audio and video clips and gaming. Upgraded versions (called WebTV+) have a faster modem for faster Internet access, contain a large hard drive to download software for those sites (such as AOL) or activities (such as gaming, videos and music) that require your device to have onboard software, and they more closely coordinate TV with the Internet. For instance, the new WebTV+ will automatically download daily TV listings and can also display a TV picture in an on-screen window while you’re on the Internet.

Q: Should I wait until after the Year 2000 to buy my new computer to avoid the Year 2000 problem? (LK, Mendon)

A: No, don’t wait because of Y2K (Year 2000). Features are great and prices are attractive now, and most new computers and software produced within the last year or so are Year 2000 compliant (that means they handle the date 2000 without a problem). But it’s wise to check with the store or manufacturer of both the computer and any software programs you buy just to be sure they are Y2K compliant.

It’s the older computers and programs that may have a Y2K problem, which may surface when the calendar turns from the year 1999 to the year 2000 (for a copy of our "Y2K Computer Problem" column, send us a SASE at the Shopping Bag).

February 9, 1998

Q: I have Windows 95, and every time I put a CD-ROM in my computer, it loads the program that’s on the CD-ROM. Is there any way to prevent this? (MS, Pittsford)

A: The "Auto-Play" feature was designed as a time-saver for loading programs or automatically playing a compact audio CD. To defeat this feature on a disc-by-disk basis, hold down the shift key while inserting the CD-ROM. Be sure to hold it down long enough to cancel the auto-play (usually until the CD-ROM drive light stops flashing).

You can also disable the auto-play feature. To do this in Windows 95, click Start; Settings; Control Panel; System; Device Manager tab; click the + sign in front of CD-ROM; highlight the CD-ROM drive listed; click Properties; Settings tab; uncheck the "Auto insert notification" box; then click OK. You may have to restart the computer for the new setting to take effect. If your programs and audio CDs do not auto-play, and you want them to, then go through the above sequence and check the "Auto insert notification" box. Be aware that some CD-ROMs are not Auto-play enabled and may not start automatically anyway.

Q: Can Mac disks be defragmented? (LE, Honeoye Falls)

A: Yes, Mac disks suffer the same file fragmentation as found on PC hard drives (likely related to repeated saving and deleting and program installs and uninstalls). Tom at Mac Shack (377-9230) suggests using Norton Utilities for Mac to defragment your hard drive.

Q: How much memory should I get for my computer? (MM, Greece)

A: The clue is that current computers are being sold with 16, 24, 32 MB RAM (Random Access Memory) or more. Since Windows 95 will use as much memory as you have, more is better for faster program operation. This is especially true if you do Internet browsing, any graphics work or photo editing. Even the current versions of the popular word processing programs work more efficiently with more memory, so adding additional memory is money well spent.

Q: I’m considering buying a new computer, and there’s an option for a DVD. Should I get a PC-DVD player with my computer? (LD, Rochester)

A: Yes, if you can afford it, it’s a great option to have. To add the PC-DVD later would cost about $380. PC-DVD disks can hold several gigabytes of data, image files etc. The PC-DVD players will also play standard CD-ROM discs, and audio compact CDs. Many of the programs previously requiring multiple CD-ROM discs are now available in PC-DVD format. For example, the nine CD-ROM discs needed for Select Phone phone directory are now available on one PC-DVD disc; the new Tex Murphy: Overseer game is being sold with six CD-ROM discs or one PC-DVD; Blockbuster Movie Guide; AAA Map ‘n Go; and many more are also available on PC-DVD.

Having everything on one disc saves disc swapping time and frustration and adds to the enjoyment of games. In addition, you can play DVD movie discs on most PC-DVDs (be sure to ask), so you can enjoy movies on your computer or output the video to your home entertainment center or TV. Be sure to ask whether the PC-DVD has video and audio output.

Q: Can I send e-mail to friends in France? Does it cost extra? (BJ, Hilton)

A: Yes, you can send e-mail to friends in France (or anywhere in the world) as long as that person has an e-mail address. It does not cost any extra. Since the Internet is world-wide, there is no discrimination as to where the message is sent. For the individual user hooked up to an ISP (Internet service provider), the only cost is the monthly unlimited usage charge. Some on-line services, such as AOL or CompuServe, have special plans designed to keep costs down, so with these plans there may be extra charges for time on-line but not for calls out of the country.

December 15, 1997

Q: Someone told me that deleting files will leave holes in my hard drive and make my computer run slowly. Is this true, and if so, what can I do about it? (M, AOL)

A: Yes, a data "hole" is left on your hard drive when you delete a file (this is not a physical hole you can see through, but a skip in the continuity of data recorded on the disk). This hole will eventually be filled, at least in part, by all or part of another file. Continual file deleting and saving will eventually leave a patchwork of empty data holes on your hard drive. Since this may result in scattering of data in the files, it may take longer for the hard drive to find all the data. In addition, some bits or pieces of files may actually get lost in this process.

To get rid of the holes and have your files all recorded in a contiguous sequence, you need to "defragment" your hard drive. To do this in Windows 95, first it’s best to empty the Recycle Bin, then run the Scan Disk program to check for any lost file pieces (these can usually be discarded with no harm), and finally run the Disc Defragmenter. In Windows 3.x run Scan Disk and then use a disk defragmenter utility (which you may need to buy).

Q: What is a SuperDisk? (RC, Brighton)

A: SuperDisk is the trademarked name for 3M Imation’s two-in-one disk drive and special disks. The drive comes in internal and external versions and can read and write both the regular 3.5" 1.44 MB floppy disks and the new 120 MB SuperDisk. The 120 MB SuperDisk will store and/or transfer larger files between compatible drives. The external drive can be carried between computers for transferring large files. The internal version is convenient if space is at a premium, since it can replace your regular 3.5" floppy drive. Unfortunately, the SuperDisk is not compatible with the more popular ZIP drive.

Q: I keep hearing about "cookies" on the Internet. What are they? (TH, Greece)

A: A cookie, in Internet terms, is a small packet of information about you requested by a Web site you are visiting. This info is stored as a file on your computer and makes using that Web site easier and faster by providing the Web site with info about you, such as what pages you visited, products ordered, your name, address, phone number, credit card info, etc. This info is then given back to the Web site during your current visit or on subsequent visits. In some ways, cookies are similar to telephone Caller ID; if you call a Web site, the Web site asks for the cookie specific for that site and reads the info. A cookie is not necessarily a bad thing, but you may not like the idea of unknowingly giving a Web site information about yourself.

Netscape Navigator V3 and Internet Explorer V3 accepts cookies automatically unless you set an option to warn when a cookie is offered by a Web site; Navigator or Explorer then give you the option of accepting or refusing the cookie. To set this option in Netscape Navigator V3, select Options, Network Preferences, the Protocol tab, then check the box to warn if cookies are offered, then Apply; in Netscape Navigator V3, select View, Options, the Advanced tab, check the box to warn if cookies are offered, then Apply. In addition, you might want to use Find on the Start menu to locate the cookie folder or subdirectory and delete all the files in it.

Q: What is a computer network? (JJ, Webster)

A: A network is a group of computers and/or workstations (a computer with limited storage capabilities) connected in such a way that they can share programs, data files and other resources from the network such as printers, back-up devices, modems or even other networks.

Networks come in two basic flavors: peer-to-peer networks, in which computers can share files and programs on other computers and share printers or modems connected to any of the computers; client/server networks in which a single computer (the server) is dedicated to storing all the files and programs used by the other computers or workstations (the clients) on the network. File, program and resource sharing on either of these types of networks is not a democratic process since the person(s) setting up and administrating the network can select files, programs or resources to be shared by or excluded from use by individual computers or workstations.

October 27, 1997

Q: When I tried to install my new computer game, the program said it needed to install DirectX 5 but couldn’t because my computer wasn’t "certified." What does that mean and what can I do about it? (A.T., Webster)

A: DirectX 5 is a new and improved group of Microsoft mini-programs that provide faster and easier hardware access to many of the multimedia functions used in these new games. DirectX 5 makes it easier for programmers to write programs that look and sound better on your computer and also take advantage of new hardware device features such as force feedback joysticks, steering wheels, 3D sound, accelerated 3D graphics and network play.

Until recently, DirectX 3 was used and is compatible with much of the older hardware. DirectX 5, however, places a higher demand on the capabilities of your computer hardware, so you need to have all the manufacturer’s latest sound and video card drivers. When DirectX 5 tries to install on your computer, it tests the capabilities of the CPU, CD-ROM drive, the sound and video card and a few other components. If your equipment passes, it is then "certified" for DirectX 5, and DirectX 5 is then installed. If not, you’ll have to upgrade whatever device fails the test, get a different game or get a new computer.

Q: How can I get my e-mail when I’m out of town? (S.M., Pittsford)

A: This depends in part on who your ISP (Internet service provider) is and whether or not you bring your own computer with you. If you are using a local ISP, check with them to see if they provide an 800 number for use out of town, and if there is any extra charge for using this number. At this time, local providers Frontiernet, E-Z Net and NetAccess do not offer 800 number service, so you will have to call your ISP long distance from wherever you are. If you have a friend who has a local ISP account in the location where you are staying, you can use his/her computer and local account, but set the e-mail access settings in his/her program to those of your local ISP e-mail.

Or you could visit the local Internet Cafe or even some libraries and use their accounts to get at your Rochester e-mail. You’ll need the e-mail settings unique to your ISP, so call their technical support.

If you’re using a national ISP, such as AOL, CompuServe, EarthLink, MSN, or WorldNet, then check with these services to see if they provide an 800 number for your use and what the charge will be. AOL, for instance, charges an extra $4.95/month for 800 number usage. This is very convenient if you move around a lot. The national ISPs also have local access numbers in many areas throughout the country. Check with their customer service for those numbers.

Q: A friend sent me a cute picture of my niece via the Internet. How do I print out the picture? (W.J. Greece)

A: The picture you see on the screen has been sent over the Internet as an encoded file. Your browser/e-mail reader has decoded it automatically for screen display. You need to get the picture into a file format that can be printed. The easiest way is to copy what you see on your screen into the Windows Clipboard by using the ALT+Print Screen keys (Print Screen key is usually one of the three lonely keys at the top right of the keyboard) and paste it into a word processing program that can print graphics, such as WordPerfect, Word, or Works.

Alternately, you can use the screen capture function of many of the photo editing or graphics programs and print it out from that program. For the best looking picture, be sure to use special photographic quality paper, such as the Kodak Inkjet SnapShot paper.

Q: I’ve seen big displays of CD-Rs in the computer stores, what are they?

A: CD-R is short for CD-ROM recordable (CD-ROM stands for Compact Disc Read Only Memory). The CD-R is the same size as an audio CD or computer CD-ROM but is green, gold, or blue in color rather than the usual silver CD-ROM. CD-Rs need a special CD-R recorder to record either audio or computer data. The CD-R can then be played back on your CD player, if audio, or regular CD-ROM player if data. CD-R, like the CD-ROM, will hold 650 MB of data or 74 minutes of audio. The CD-R recorder can also playback audio or data. The CD-R has a special layer that can be "burned" by the recorder laser, creating holes that represents the data.

September 1, 1997

Q: What does "386" mean? (JT, Webster)

A: The "386" refers to model number of the chip used in the CPU (central processing unit, which is the main computer chip or "brains" of the computer). Earlier models were 8086 then the 286, 386 and 486, each with improved capabilities. These numbers were assigned by Intel Corporation, the [[[primary ??? ]]]maker of computer chips. The next in the series was not designated the 586, but instead called the Pentium. The name was used so that Intel could trademark it, which they apparently could not do with the numbered designations.

Q: The fax modem on my computer says it's "distinctive ringing" compatible. What does that mean? (SM, Pittsford)

A: Many telephone companies provide a special phone service, variously called selective ringing, distinctive ringing, line mate or some other name. This special phone service assigns a second (and/or third) phone number to the single phone wire coming into your house. When someone calls you on the second assigned number, the phones in your house ring in a distinctive way (usually two short rings followed by a pause then two short rings, pause and so on). The idea is that the distinctive ring of the second phone number alerts someone that call is for that person--the wife, husband, a child or whomever.

Distinctive ringing compatible fax machines or fax modems can be programmed to respond to the distinctive ring pattern and answer the phone. This means you can have a dedicated phone number for your fax or fax modem without paying for a full second phone line (Rochester Telephone charges $6.40/month for the second distinctive ringing number and $18.95/month for a full second phone line). A disadvantage with the distinctive ringing service is that it uses only one wire coming into your house, so someone calling in on the second number while someone in the house is on the phone will get a busy signal.

Q: What is a scanner? (SK, Penfield)

A: In computer parlance, a scanner is a device that converts printed material into an image you can view on your computer. The printed material can be text, graphics, photos or whatever. Scanners come in several varieties: hand scanners, page scanners and flat-bed scanners.

Hand scanners are small and scan a four-inch wide path as you drag the scanner across the document; they are suitable for small images, photos or limited text on any material that is flat (cost $59 and up). Page scanners are tube or elongated box-like devices that can only accept a single sheet (some will do photos)for scanning(cost $179 and up). Flatbed scanners resemble a small desktop copier and can scan anything that can be held flat on its scanning glass top, including not only single sheets but box covers, pages in a book, etc (cost $225 and up).

Once scanned, graphics or photos can be saved in a variety of file formats and placed in documents with word processing or page layout programs. Scanned text cannot be edited in a word processing program until an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) program has converted the text image to text characters.

Q: What is meant by the DD or HD I see on floppy discs? (JT, Webster)

A: Over the years, floppy discs have decreased in size from eight inch to five and one quarter inch to the currently most popular size of three and one half inch. The recording capacity of the disks have increased from 176 K (kilobytes) SD (single density) to 346 K DD (double density) to 724 K HD (high density) recording per side of the disk.]]] Very early disk drives could only read and write on one side of the disk at a time (single sided) but since them, drives are able to read and write to both sides of a disk (double sided); thus the increased capacity of the newer disks.

July 7, 1997

Q: Should I buy a computer or accessories at one of the "traveling"computer shows? (RM, Webster)

A: The prices offered at these shows may be very good, but the vendors for the most part are "traveling" and may not be available to help if you have problems or questions. Some of the bargains in software at these shows, though legitimate, are sold under special educational or OEM licences and may not have printed manuals or be eligible for technical support from the company. Although there are genuine bargains at these shows, we advise careful checking of prices, guarantees and support. Bring a computer knowledge friend.

Q: Can I upgrade my 386 or 486 computers? (JJ, Rochester)

A: Yes and no, depending upon the 386 in question. For some, you can add a plug-in board containing a 486 CPU, additional memory, a larger hard drive and an new video board. Some 386 machines, however, because of the design of the motherboard are not ungradable. Check with the manufacturer or a store that does upgrades. Also be aware that Intel has phased out the 486 Overdrive upgrade so availability will depend on dealers stock on hand.

For the 486 computer, the Pentium Overdrive can be used as a plug-in upgrade. On some 486s it may be necessary to replace the whole motherboard with a Pentium motherboard. In addition you’ll want to add more memory (or all new memory if the old memory can't be used), a larger hard drive and possibly a new video board.

Another consideration: with the falling prices of new computers and the availability of good used computers, you might question the wisdom of spending money on upgrading an older machine.

Q: How can I fax from my computer? (AK, Rochester)

A: It's very easy, and we’re surprised more people don't take advantage of this feature. First you need a fax/modem connected to your computer, and you also need a phone line (you do not need a special phone line, though). Almost all fax/modems today come with the necessary fax software. The fax/modem then "pretends" that it is a printer, so that once the document you want to fax is on screen, all you need to do is select the fax/modem from the list of printers in the print dialog box. Additional windows appear asking for the fax number to call. This number can be typed in directly, or you can choose from numbers that you had previously entered into an address book. Click on "Send Fax," and away it goes.

You can fax any document you can print, including text, graphics, pictures, spreadsheets, tables, charts and such. Most fax software lets you schedule the time to send the fax, allowing you to fax at night when phone rates are lower. In addition, the address book included with most fax software lets you create groups of fax numbers (clients, friends, organization members and the like) so you can fax to an entire group by selecting that group.

Q: How do I put text on a photo or add a caption to a photo? (RB, Rochester NY)

A: Several photo-editing programs let you add text, graphics or another photo to a photo or add a caption to a photo. Microsoft's Picture It!, MGI's Photo Suite or Adobe's Photo Deluxe are a few of the easier to use programs. (for a copy of our Photo-editing column, send a SASE to us at The Shopping Bag)

Q: Will I hurt my monitor by continually changing resolutions for the different programs I use? (JJ, Webster NY)

A: No. The monitor may make clicking noises, and the picture may jump or blank out temporarily when you change resolutions. But changing resolutions, even frequently, should do no harm.

Q: What is a Suite? (KL, Rochester)

A: A Suite is a group of programs designed to work together. The usual suite consists of a word processor, a spreadsheet and a database, but some suites may contain other programs such as photo editors, checkbook programs and such.

April 28, 1997

Q: When I send pictures of my products over the Internet, my customers complain that they take too long to download. How can I speed up the download?

A: Make your picture file as small as possible. We assume you are getting the pictures into a file by scanning them or possibly by using a digital camera. In either case, make two picture files--one at the best resolution possible for your system. This will be your archive picture.

Then, using the software that came with the scanner or camera or using one of the photo programs (send us a SASE for a copy of our column on photo programs), save the picture in a compressed format. This could result in some degradation of picture quality, but for some purposes (especially where the picture will be viewed on screen), that will be quite acceptable and possibly not even noticeable.

The compressed file format that’s generally recommended is JPG. Saving a file in this format allows you to choose the degree of compression. The more compressed the file, the smaller the file size--but the lower the picture quality. Some trial and error is necessary. Also, reducing the number of colors in a picture from millions of colors to 256 colors can reduce the file size. Remember also that other factors affect the speed of downloaded pictures, such as the type of Internet connection or speed of the modem your customer uses, and you have no control over either of these.

Q: What is JAVA and why all the fuss about it?

A: JAVA is a computer programming language, and more. JAVA was developed in the early 1990's by Sun Microsystems. Initially it was conceived as a way for computers to simplify the control of household devices such as VCRs, TVs, washing machines, etc. With JAVA, all your appliances would be connected to a central controller that could, among other things, show today’s TV program guide. You could then click on your favorite TV show, drag it to the VCR icon, and presto--your VCR is programmed to record the program you want.

Before long, developers began to think about using JAVA for the Internet. The programming language used for JAVA and the way it’s implemented results in small files, making JAVA ideal for the Internet. Small files, whether they are e-mail text, graphics, pictures or program code, download faster than large files, so JAVA-enabled Web pages could be downloaded in a reasonable amount of time. These small JAVA programs, called applets, can do fancy, animated things like make text crawl along the bottom of the screen, have a monkey jump up and down or even let you shoot down the flying wumpuses, arcade-style.

If you really want to know, JAVA consists of three parts: 1) the programing language, 2) programing tools (compilers and stuff you don’t even want to know about), and 3) the run-time system (the computer or VCR that knows how to handle the JAVA stuff). The programming language is a coded set of instructions for the computer (or the TV or whatever) to do something. When this set of instructions is sent to an appliance or computer that’s JAVA-enabled (that is, the computer or VCR understands that something is written in JAVA and knows what to do with it), the instructions are converted to a set of commands that the device knows how to use (called compiling and interpreting). Got that?

What this means is that with a JAVA environment, the computer gets only the commands it needs (or has requested), so you can use a lesser-powered machine to run programs. For example, you don’t have to have the entire word processing program downloaded to use only a few features. This general concept can be extended to networks within a company or organization (Intranets). Eventually, JAVA-enabled computers may not need an operating system (such as Windows or DOS) to run. The future possibilities for JAVA are exciting. Thus, the fuss.

Q: What is the difference between Word and Works?

A: Word is Microsoft’s word processing program. Works is a more generic term, and there are "Works" from several different companies. One popular one is Microsoft Works. Works is a set of programs designed to work together and usually includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and some utility programs, such as an address book or a calendar. Microsoft Word (and WordPerfect and WordPro) are full-featured word processing programs capable of sophisticated formatting, graphics, merges and other features. The word processor in Works programs is a stripped-down program that does not contain many of the more advanced features of the full word processing programs. Works, however, is still quite suitable for many simple uses.

February 24, 1997

Q: What is MMX?

A: MMX refers to the multimedia extensions now being built into some of Intel’s Pentium computer chips. These multimedia extensions are a set of additional capabilities the MMX Pentium has that the regular Pentium does not have. The principle benefactors of MMX are graphics, animation, video and audio with marked improvement in video and audio playback, image processing and 3-D rendering. You can expect smoother playback of video and audio and for photo processing programs, such as Photoshop, faster imaging processing. The catch is that this marked improved in performance, from 50-300%, will only occur in those programs that are written to take advantage of the multimedia extensions. At the moment these programs are precious few and mostly games. There is, however, a slight performance improvement for programs not designed for MMX running on a computer with the MMX Pentium. That performance boost may only amount to 5-15%. Currently there is a several hundred dollar premium for the MMX Pentium. Eventually, MMX will be a standard feature of all the Pentium chips and similar capabilities will appear in the next generations of CPU chips, whatever they are called.

Q: How do I set my computer for the correct time and date?

A: If your computer is running Windows 95, it’s easy. Double-click on the time display in the lower right corner of the screen. This brings up the Date/Time properties window. Set or correct the time and date here, pick the proper time zone and whether or not you want automatic Daylight Savings Time adjustment, click APPLY then OK and you’re all set. If the time is not displayed on the status bar then click on Start, then Settings, then Control Panel, then Date/Time and proceed as above. If you are using DOS and/or Windows 3.1 or 3.11 then you can temporarily set the time or date by typing TIME or DATE at the DOS command line and enter the new time or date. This does not reset the internal (or system) clock, so the next time you boot the computer, the time and date will revert to the previous settings. To permanently set the internal (or system) clock, you need to get into the BIOS setup of your computer. The method varies for each computer so check your computer manual or check with your dealer.

If you have a modem and want or need your computer’s time set to an absolutely accurate reference, then consider a wonderful little program, Atomic Clock 2.0 (Parsons Software, Windows, available from Parsons (800) 779-6000, $19.00), that uses your modem to call the United States Naval Observatory or the National Bureau of Standards or 18 other sites, gets the exact time from their atomic clocks and then sets your computer’s internal clock to that time. The program can be set to do this automatically every hour, day or week, or only at your command. In addition this program will give you the current time and the time of sunrise/sunset anywhere around the world, for any date and the lunar phase. It can tell you Greenwich mean time, Julian dates and it can talk. This program is great if you are a time junkie or need accurate times for all your saved files.

December 30, 1996

Q: Do I need a separate telephone line if I want to use a modem with my computer? (S.S. Fairport)

A: No. But when you are using your modem, your telephone line will be "busy" to anyone trying to reach you, and you cannot use the telephone to make any other type of calls. The same is true when you use your telephone line to access the Internet. For these reasons, many people prefer to have a different telephone line for their modem and/or Internet connection.

Dual or simultaneous voice and data modems are available, and these modems and their companion software let you talk on the phone at the same time that data is being uploaded or downloaded. But dual modems work only when you connect with a similarly-equipped computer and modem, and you can only talk to the person at the other end of this connection. Dual modems are useful in business where you want to talk about charts or spreadsheets or similar data while both parties view them on the screen. They’re also useful for some on-line games when you might want to badger your opponents while you’re "whipping ‘em good."

Q: Where can I get the latest stock and mutual fund quotes on the Internet? (P.S., Rochester)

A: Several sources are available, but getting the very latest quotes come with a price tag. The Web site http://www.quote.com (voice info 408-327-0700) provides 15-20 minutes’ delayed quotes (i.e. what the quote price was 15-20 minutes ago) for $19.95/month (in addition to your regular Internet access cost). This arrangement should be satisfactory for the causal investor.

If you need instant quotes, you’ll pay more. The extra fee varies from $3.25 to $60.00 per month per exchange from which you want instant quotes. For example, if you wanted instant quotes from the New York Stock Exchange ($4.25/month), the American Stock Exchange ($3.25/month) and NASDAQ ($4.00/month), you’ll pay $11.50 additional.

Another way to get instant stock quotes is to have an account with one of the on-line Stock Brokers. Charles Schwab maintains a Web site at http://www.eschawb.com (voice info 800-435-4000) through which you can get quotes and buy and sell stocks and mutual funds. You do have to have an account with e-Schwab, and a minimum balance of $5,000 is required for your account.

Free daily quotes (some are updated 2-3 times per day) are also available from the Web site http://www.pointcast.com (voice info 408-253-0894). You need to use their software, which can be downloaded free from their site or available from CompUSA for $17.99. A lot of other useful financial news and information is also available from Pointcast, but it’s advertising-supported, so you must wade through all their advertisers to get to the good stuff.

Lastly, commercial on-line services such as Compuserve or America On Line provide 15- 20 minute delayed stock quotes for varying charges.

Q: What is Web-TV? (T.G, Greece)

A: Web-TV offers access to the Internet without requiring a computer, modem, software and all that. Web-TV consists of a box that you connect both to your TV set and to your telephone line (from Philips/Magnavox, available from Sears $329.95). The box contains s limited function computer, a modem and programs to make them work. The system comes with an infrared remote control. Power up the system, and the Internet appears on your TV set. You can surf, search and enjoy all there is, but using the remote to type in letters and numbers from a TV screen keyboard is pretty cumbersome. An optional infrared keyboard ($69.95) makes using the system a lot easier. Access to the Internet with the Philips/Magnavox device is through Philips/Magnavox via toll-free phone numbers. The unlimited access fee is $19.95/month.

There are some down sides to this whole arrangement. For example, you are limited to the picture quality of your TV set, and text quality can suffer greatly with lesser quality sets. Also, there is no current arrangement to print any of what you’re watching as you surf the net. But Web-TV remains a relatively inexpensive way to get started.

Q: Should I buy a computer now or wait to see if prices drop further? (J.P., Greece)

A: Even at the current prices advertised for complete systems, computers represent quite a technological bargain compared to the recent past. But, as consumers, we are always hoping for a better price or more for the same price. The intense competition among the manufacturers and the mediocre holiday sales suggest there may be some more price reductions and/or deals coming along very very soon. Our advice is a split decision: Norma says go for it now; Tony says wait a few weeks.

November 4, 1996

Q: Should I upgrade my operating system to Windows NT or IBM OS/2? (R.A., Irondequoit)

A: Only if the kind of work you do requires the features these operating systems provide and you are sure the software you will be using runs on these operating systems.

Windows NT and OS/2 are both 32-bit full operating systems. Because of this, compatibility is a serious problem. Programs written to run in DOS , Windows 3.1, 3.11 or 95 may or may not run properly on Windows NT or OS/2. For an in-depth look comparing Windows NT and OS/2, check out the cover story in the September 24, 1996 issue of PC Magazine.

Q: How do I get a document that I created on one computer to open properly and print when I use it on another computer using different software? (D.L., Webster)

A: For text only documents or graphics only, you need to be sure the document is saved in a file format that can be read by the other computer. Many of the newer programs have options for saving files in a specific software format (in text documents, for example, WordPerfect can save a file in Word or AmiPro format). For text only documents, if you're not sure what software will be used or you can’t save in the specific format needed, save the text document in ASCII format. ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a file format that can be read by almost any PC software. For a graphics only file, it may be a bit more difficult to find a compatible format, but keep trying until you get one that works for the software you’re using.

For mixed text and graphic elements, the problem is a bit more complex. The transfer ability will depend on which program was used to create the document. For example, if the document was created on a computer using WordPerfect and then saved as a Word type file, the file should open properly and print on a different computer that uses Word. There are document formats that are designed to maintain the "look" (font, layout, graphic placement etc.) of your document no matter what computer it is read on or printed from. Programs such as Acrobat (Adobe, $895), will save (they call it distilling) a file in PDF (Portable Document Format) that can be read by any computer having an Acrobat reader. The ability to create a PDF file is included in some other programs (PageMaker6, for example). The Acrobat reader is free from Adobe, the Internet or many BBSs.

A similar portable file format is available in recent versions of WordPerfect. The program is called Envoy and can be read by any computer that has the free Envoy reader. Either of these (Acrobat or Envoy) formats insures that the "look" of a document is preserved when it is viewed or printed on a computer other than the one on which it was created.

Q: What is a Pentium? (S. M., Rochester)

A: Pentium is Intel Corporations trademarked name for its CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU is the main computer chip inside your personal computer. The Pentium represents the current member of a series of CPUs dating back to IBM's original personal computer.

Early members of the series were designated 286, 386, and 486. These earlier number designations could not be trademarked, so Intel was concerned that other chip manufacturers would designate their chips with the same numbers. When the next chip in the series was in the design stage, Intel chose to give it a name rather than a number so they could trademark the name. Since the next number in the series would have been 586, Intel called it the Pentium, based on the Greek penta/pente, for five. The internal structure and workings of the Pentium are fully protected by patents and copyrights and jealously guarded by Intel. Patent law does allow other companies to "reverse engineer" the CPU chip’s function, so there are 586 CPU chips (designated 5x86) available from at least one competing company.

Q: How do I keep people from changing a file and yet make it available for them to use? (R. C., Rochester, NY)

A: Change the file attribute to "Read-Only." Every computer file has a name (the one you gave it when it was saved), and it also has a series of attributes, or characteristics, that affect the way the file can be used. If you designate a file as Read-Only, the file can be read and changed on screen only. These changes could be saved with a new file name, but the original Read-Only file on disk remains unchanged in name and content. If you try to overwrite, delete or rename the original Read-Only file, an error message will result.

It is possible to change or remove the Read Only attribute, however, so this is not a designation you'd want to use for high-level security on files. Special programs are available for those who need to guard against unauthorized use of a computer file. But for most business purposes, the Read Only designation works well to prevent accidentally overwriting an important file. Check your help index under "attributes" for further information on Read-Only files.

September 16, 1996

Q: Why do we have to start each World Wide Web address with http://www.? (C.E., Rochester)

A: The Internet addresses (also called Uniform Resource Locators or URLs) provide important information to the software in your computer. The software, called the browser or web browser, needs to know what features of the Internet you want to use and where you want to go on the Internet.

In the address above, the "http" tells your software that you want to use the hypertext transfer protocol. The remaining part is required by the protocols (rules) of the Internet. The hypertext protocol allows you to see all the colorful and graphically rich web pages with all their clickable links.

Other addresses might start with ftp://, which tells your software to use the file transfer protocol. Additional addresses include gopher://, telnet://, news: and mailto:. The newer web browsers can use all these forms for various chores. All the forms are transparent to the user except for the http://www. Your browser automatically shifts into whatever gear is needed for what you want to do and where you want to go on the Internet. For example, when you click on a link in a Web page to leave a message, the Mailto: protocol is called. When you click to download a program or other file, the file transfer protocol (ftp) is called.

Q: Where can I get casino games for my computer? (G.W., Rochester)

A: The best source of this type of game is shareware. Shareware refers to programs that are usually written by individuals or groups from smaller companies. Although these programs are often very good, the company or individual has no funds for marketing. Enter the shareware concept, where user can try out programs before buying them. People who try shareware programs and then decide to use them then register the program with the owner (usually for a small fee).

There are many sources of shareware. On-line services and local BBSs often have large libraries of shareware programs, including games. Search their files for the specific kind of game you are interested in and download it. Many local computer stores carry racks of shareware, generally as collections. Computer fairs often have vendors who have hundreds of shareware programs.

Q: How secure is the e-mail I send? (C.C., Penfield)

A: About as secure as your phone conversations or letters sent via U.S. Mail. E-mail is considered private but not secure. With appropriate knowledge and motivation, e-mail systems can be broken in to, and messages can be read.

There are methods for scrambling e-mail messages to help make them more secure. This requires compatible software and "keys" from both the sender and receiver. At the moment, there is no totally infallible method or universally-accepted standard.

The bottom line: Most e-mail is probably not read by anyone other than the person you’re sending it to, but it is definitely not secure, and a word to the wise should suffice.

Q: Should I upgrade my operating system to Windows NT or IBM OS/2? (R.A., Irondequoit)

A: Only if the kind of work you do requires the features these operating systems provide, and you know for sure that the software you will be using runs on these operating systems.

Windows NT and OS/2 are both 32-bit full operating systems. Because of this, compatibility is a serious problem. Programs written to run on DOS , Windows 3.1, 3.11 or 95 may or may not run properly on Windows NT or OS/2. For an in-depth look at Windows NT and OS/2, check out the cover story in the September 24, 1996 issue of PC Magazine.

August 12, 1996

Q: Why do new computers have a 3 ½" floppy drive only, and what do I do with all the data on my 5 ¼" disks if I buy a new computer? M.L., Rochester.

A: New computers have 3 ½" disks and drives because they’re compact, more durable and hold more data.

You can transfer data from a 5 ¼" to a 3 ½" disk in a number of ways. The least expensive way is to find someone who has both size drives and who is willing to transfer the data. A good place to find such a person is at one of the local computer user groups. Your computer dealer may also offer some type of help. Another option is to buy a 5 ¼" drive (they cost about $29.95 these days) and install it in your computer.

Q: What is MPEG-1 and MPEG-2? C. R., Webster.

A: MPEG is a standard for file compression and decompression designed for motion pictures and/or video on your computer. MPEG stands for Motion Picture Expert Group, the developers of the standard. This process decreases the file space needed to record and playback movies and/or video on your computer.

MPEG-1 is the earlier standard for playing TV-quality full-frame motion pictures at 30 frames per second on a computer with a CD-ROM drive. Although MPEG-1 can be implemented with appropriate software, you’ll get the best results when your computer has specific hardware for it. The terms "MPEG capable" or "supports MPEG," imply that the computer has the hardware to use MPEG. But don't count on it--ask to be sure if you’re want to use video on your computer.

The MPEG-2 standard allows for higher resolution geared toward the High Definition TV (HDTV) and Digital Video Disc (DVD) market. Some initial confusion in the MPEG-1 standards resulted in programs and CD-ROM players that were incompatible. Recent tightening of the standards will result in "Certified" MPEG programs and players that insure compatibility. In the next few years, there will even be a MPEG-4 standard. Nothing stands still.

Q: What does virtual memory mean? R. S., Gates.

A: Virtual memory is hard drive space used as though it were computer memory, or RAM (Random Access Memory). Windows can swap out portions of memory contents to the hard drive for later use. This frees up computer memory for use with other programs or especially large files. It also lets Windows run more programs than the actual amount of computer memory would have otherwise allowed.

The disadvantages of using virtual memory are that part of your hard drive space may then become unavailable for regular files, and it takes longer to get data from disk than computer memory. The latter will slow down some programs. In Windows 3.1, you set the amount of virtual memory (i.e. reserved hard drive space) yourself, but Windows will recommend a size. In Win95, virtual memory sizing can be handled automatically, but you have the option of setting it manually.

Q: When will computers accept voice input instead of mouse or keyboard input? D. P., Chili.

A: Now.

Current ads for some computers proclaim voice recognition. With this capability, you can say something like "open file manager," and file manager opens. Neat Huh? Well, not quite. The simpler programs aren’t perfect, with anywhere from 50-90% success on recognizing spoken words and a vocabulary that may be limited. The system needs to be trained, and once trained to your voice, it won't respond to your wife (or husband or others). Training requires that you repeat lists of words several times until the computer gets the hang of your voice. Then a mouse or keyboard command or series of commands is assigned to that word. When the system hears that word and recognizes it, it performs the command or series of commands.

The IBM Aptiva ($1891 plus monitor from Sun TV) has voice recognition, but Bob Murphy from Sun TV says that frankly he discourages customers who want to buy a computer just for voice recognition. He thinks the current implementation of voice recognition that comes with home systems is primitive and often too frustrating for new computer users.

There are more expensive programs available that provide some degree of voice control over your computer and will also transcribe your dictations directly to the screen for correction and eventual printing. These include Voice (Kurzweil, 800-380-1234, $695) and DragonDictate (Dragon Systems, 800-825-5897, $695)

July 1, 1996

Q: We want to buy a PC for our family, but our children use Macs in school. Which is the better choice for the whole family? J.B., Rochester.

A: The PC vs. Mac debate will probably continue for as long as both types of computers exist. Although most schools have Mac or Apple computers, most businesses and homes have PCS. PC sales continue to outnumber Mac sales, and the result is that far more programs, accessories, books, and support is available for the PC. Consider this: The Software Publishers Association reports sales of PC application software through the third quarter of 1995 were 1.86 billion, compared to 242.5 million for Mac.

If you’re concerned about your children using different computers at home and school, just remember that children are very adaptable. If they use a Mac or Apple at school, they’ll easily switch to using a PC at home. Students may need to find a way to convert files from one system to the other, but several conversion programs available. In addition, more and more of the newer computers are able to read both types of disks.

With all this in mind, our advice remains the same: a PC is the way to go.

Q: Do I need to get on the Internet if all I want to do is send and receive electronic mail (e-mail)? R. L., Webster.

A: Yes and no. Although the Internet serves as a world-wide network through which you can send and receive e-mail (as well as other data), you do not always have to use the Internet to send e-mail. If you belong to an on-line service such as America Online or CompuServe, you can send e-mail to another member of that same service without using the Internet. If you want to send e-mail to someone outside the service, however, you’ll have to use the Internet. On-line services all provide access to the Internet. Charges vary, but for limited use bargain plans are available.

If you don’t belong to an on-line service, you’ll need to find some other gateway to the Internet, such as a commercial Internet provider, a local BBS or user group BBS. The latter two are often inexpensive. The downside of these BBSs is that most are private, volunteer ventures with limited funds and capabilities and may not always be available for use.

For unlimited access, the least expensive and most reliable way to send and receive e-mail is to use a local commercial Internet provider, where the cost is about $20 per month. Local providers include Frontiernet, Vivanet, and EZNet.

Q: Some of the programs you write about sound great, but I’d like to try then before buying. Is there any way to do this? C. R., Greece.

A: Yes. Several area stores have demonstration copies of software. Egghead, Software, Etc. (At their Barnes & Noble division only), Kideology (children’s only), and CompUSA are some of the places we’ve found that do this. There may be many others, but these are the ones we’ve visited. Not all stores have all titles available for demo, but it’s worth checking. You may also be able to try software in your home. Check the return policy of the software maker or the store where you buy it. Some allow you to return CD-ROMs or other software if you do not like it.

MORE QUESTIONS FROM THE MAILBAG #5

May 13, 1996

Q. I get files from the local BBSs that are .ZIP or .ARJ, what does this mean?

A. A filename with the extension .ZIP or .ARC or .ARJ, (in the IBM/PC world) usually means that the file is compressed. Compression makes a file smaller in size and is used to reduce storage requirements or to decrease the time it takes to download or upload the file to or from BBSs or on-line services. Simple compression methods are safe and reliable, with no loss of the original data.

You must uncompress a file before using it. Currently one the most popular compression/uncompression programs is PKZip (PKWare available from CompUSA $47.99 or as shareware from on-line services or local BBSs). Compression is often done by removing empty spaces, common words or common characters from the file and replacing them with token characters. For example, in a text file, "the" could be replaced with a single token character, saving 2 bytes. When the file is uncompressed. the uncompression program substitutes "the" for token character. Since the compression program uses proprietary methods to do its job, you need the same program to reverse the compression. In the case of PKZip, there is also a PKUNZip companion program to uncompress the file. The same is true for .ARC or .ARJ compressed files.

Picture files tend to contain a lot of empty space, and these types of files will compress smaller than text files. There are standard non-proprietary methods of compression designed for picture files, and these allow you to control the amount of picture quality you're willing to lose to get more and more file compression. The methods are called JPEG (for single pictures), and MPEG (for movies). A popular program for viewing compressed graphic or picture files is VUEPRINT 4.1, available as shareware on CompuServe GRAPHSUP forum and some local BBSs.

Q. Do I need a special type of computer for my young kids (or grand-kids), and how much will it cost to buy one for them?

A. No, you don't need a special computer, and the cost can vary from $500 for a used computer to several thousand for a new one.

Children quite adaptable in using various configurations of computers, mice, printers and other computer components, so there is no advantage in a special "children's computer." The family computer can easily be used by children.

The focus should be on how your children intend to use the computer, and that should determine the type of computer and cost. For instance, if the only need is for word processing for school papers, then a lesser model will do. If there is a requirement for CD-ROM educational programs or on-line or Internet usage, then more memory, speed and accessories may be needed. The question of whether to buy Apple or IBM compatible is always raised. Our advice has always been to stick to the IBM-PC world because of the much larger selection of computers, software, accessories and support available. (For a copy of our column on how to shop for a computer and printer, send a SASE to us at the Shopping Bag)

Q. How do I use my computer and modem to send pictures to my daughter?

A. Send her an e-mail message with the picture file "attached". The method of attaching a file to an e-mail message varies with the software and/or the service you're using. To send an attached file, both you and your daughter must have e-mail access via one of the popular on-line services or access to the Internet. The real trick is getting the picture into a computer file. Scanning the picture into a computer file is an easy way, and many service bureaus provide this service. (Kinko's Copies for $5.00 per scan.)

March 25, 1996

Q: I want to get on the Internet. I have read about an Internet Computer for $200 - $500. Is this available now? (GKC Rochester)

A: Recent news stories tell about a limited capability Internet dedicated computer for less than $500, but we have not seen them for sale yet.

That doesn't mean you can't find an inexpensive, full-featured computer to access the Internet. Consider buying a used computer. You'll find many available for less than $500. These computers can give you access to the Internet and the ability to run many programs for fun, utility or productivity.

Look for a mid-level 386 SX33 or better, with 4 MG RAM, 14.4 bps modem, and VGA monitor. For software, you'll need DOS 5.0 or better, Windows 3.1 (3.11 is better yet, but best avoid Windows 95 on these computers) and a combo web browser and E-mail program such as Netscape Personal Edition.

Check the classified ads or look into local computer stores that carry used computers. If you buy from a computer store, you'll probably pay a little more because these computers have been checked out and are offered with some support. George, service manager at Chips Computers of Spencerport, says they carry computers in the $600 to $700 range (plus modem and software) that will do fine for the Internet and many other applications as well.

If you are willing to forego the graphical World Wide Web and use your Internet connection only for e-mail, newsgroups, and file downloads, even older computers could serve.

Q: What's the difference between the Internet, World Wide Web, America Online, Prodigy and CompuServe? (WBH Penfield)

A: An analogy might be the difference between shopping at a huge one-stop department store and shopping at smaller speciality stores scattered all around town. The Internet is a diverse collection of separate networks and computers scattered all over the world and interconnected in such a way as to make them accessible from various sites. You still have to find what you're looking for, sometimes with great difficulty.

One method of finding your way around the Internet is the World Wide Web (WWW), which lets you use pictures and links to other sites.

You still need to contract with an Internet service provider to get to the Internet. Providers can be private companies, educational institutions, BBBs or commercial online services.

Commercial online services such as CompuServe, America Online, Prodigy, Delphi, Genie and now the Microsoft Network not only offer a connection to the Internet and e-mail but also provide an organized collection of other information and services. Some of these may be even more useful than simply plodding around ("surfing") the Internet.

Contracting for Internet service through an independent provider can cost less then $20/month, with unlimited access. Using the consumer online services to get to the Internet will generally cost more, and there may be some censoring of sites. The extra cost, however, does buy you other services. Pricing structure varies with usage, so check with each service to see what fits your style best. The top services all have free signup, with a few free trial hours (for a list of providers and a copy of our previous Internet column, send us a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Q: Should I worry about computer viruses? (SR-T Rochester)

A: Yes and no. Although many viruses are harmless and produce only annoying screen messages, some viruses can be devastating, erasing entire hard drives or making fatal changes in parts of the operating system. Viruses are made by unscrupulous people. They can get into your computer in many ways: from online sources, BBSs, program and data files of unknown origin, and(rarely) commercial programs.

If you use a computer in a dedicated and isolated fashion, chances are just about zero for virus infection. For example, we have a computer dedicated to a database that uses a commercial program. Input is always from keyboard entry, with no modem and no input from floppy disks. We do not worry about viruses in this situation.

We have other computers that are used for a wide variety of programs, for downloading files online, and copying program and data files from disks. Here the worry level is high, so we always check all new files with a virus checker.

Several virus-checker programs are available, and they represent inexpensive insurance. Look for Norton Anti-Virus, McAffee ViruScan or PC Tools Anti-virus. Remember that since new viruses are being created all the time, any virus-checker program needs to be updated regularly.

MORE QUESTIONS FROM THE MAILBAG #1

May 13, 1996

Q. I get files from the local BBSs that are .ZIP or .ARJ, what does this mean.

A. When a filename (in the IBM world) has the extension .ZIP or .ARC or .ARJ, that usually signifies that that file is compressed. Compression is used to make a file smaller in size. This is done to reduce storage requirements or to decrease the time it takes to download or upload the file to or from BBSs or on-line services. Simple compression methods are safe and reliable, with no loss of the original data. Currently one the most popular compression/uncompression programs is PKZip. Compression is often done by removing empty spaces, common words or common characters from the file and replacing them with various tokens. For example, in a text file, "the" could be replaced with a single token character, saving 2 bytes. When it comes time to uncompress the file, the uncompression program sees the token and substitutes "the" for it. Since the compression program uses propritary methods to do its job, you need the same program to reverse the compression. In the case of PKZip, there is also a PKUNZip companion program.

Picture files tend to contain a lot of empty space and these will compress a lot more than text files. There are standard non-propriatary methods of compression designed for pictures called JPEG (single pictures), and MPEG (movies) that allow you to control the amount of information (in this case, picture quality) you are willing to lose to get more and more file compression. Since these are simply standards, there are both hardware and software out there to accomplish this end.

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