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May 11, 2006
Komando's Q & A: Cordless mouse could run interference
Kim Komando, Gannett News Service
Question: I want to buy a cordless mouse for my laptop. Many run on the 2.4GHz band, as does Wi-Fi and my cordless phone. Am I going to have problems with conflicts?
Answer: You could have problems, especially if you are using a wireless network. In addition to the phone, a microwave oven could interfere with the mouse, as could a baby monitor. If you think you could have a problem, use an infrared mouse. They work very well.
Q: I have a new Apple iMac and a PC. Apple offers Boot Camp software, which allows Microsoft Windows XP to run on an iMac. In the instructions with Boot Camp, it says, "You must use a single-disc, full-install Windows XP CD that includes Service Pack 2." How can I make such a disc from my PC?
A: This requirement is not quite as simple as it sounds. First, Boot Camp requires a licensed copy of Windows XP. Even if you have a full-install disk that came with your PC, you won't be able to use the same copy of Windows on both your PC and your Mac at the same time. You would have to remove the software from your PC before installing it on your Mac. Second, you must have a Windows installation disc that includes Service Pack 2. It is possible to burn a new copy of your installation disc to include Service Pack 2. This involves copying the contents of your Windows installation disc to your hard drive, adding Service Pack 2 and burning the result back onto a disc. This process is called slipstreaming and it's very complicated and time consuming. You can find instructions online, but you might be better served by buying a new copy of XP.
Q: My son wants a Windows gaming laptop for graduation. What are some important features to look for?
A: A strong gaming laptop should have a fast microprocessor, such as Intel's Core Duo or Advanced Micro Devices' Athlon. If you want to save money, get a microprocessor a few steps down from the top. You also want to get at least 1 gigabyte of memory and a fast hard drive, one spinning at 5,400 or 7,200 revolutions per minute. Graphics cards (also called video cards) are harder to specify. In general, look for one that includes at least 256 megabytes of its own memory. The most popular graphics equipment is produced by nVidia and ATI.
Q: I had a virus on my computer, which I thought I had cleaned out. But when I do a scan, it is always back. And my antivirus software cannot remove it. What can I do about this?
A: It sounds like your antivirus program worked properly. However, the virus is still in your System Restore files. System Restore is used to rescue Windows if it becomes unstable. These files should be deleted. To do that, click Start, then Control Panel. Double-click System. On the System Restore tab, check "Turn off System Restore on all drives." Click Apply, then OK. Reboot. Open System Restore and reverse the change you just made. Run your anti-virus software again. The warnings should be gone.
Q: I have a problem navigating the Web. I am colorblind, and do not always understand the significance of things on the Internet. Is there anything that will help?
A: EyePilot is a program that is designed to help viewers distinguish between colors. Click an element on the screen. Everything that is a different color is grayed out. It makes things much easier. It runs $34 at www.colorhelper.com for Windows or Mac. Plus, you can try it before you buy it.
E-mail questions to Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.
