Ask the Experts - January 2008
by John Polich 

Q. (Email message) I want to import a graphic image from a web page to insert in a Word document. I can save the webpage to a file, but Word does not have enough memory to open. What program will open the file? Can I crop and edit the image before inserting?

A. (The questioner uses Windows XP as the operating system.) Without more information, I can only generalize why you "do not have enough memory to open the file". You may not have enough "hard" RAM which is relatively economical and easy to add to your computer. You should have as few programs running as possible at the same time. Make certain that you have available plenty of free hard drive space and virtual memory (space on the hard drive i.e. page file or cache that acts as memory when it cannot use the main RAM).  Click on Start; click Run and type in msconfig; click on Startup tab and uncheck all except your antivirus to determine if that helps. End Processes that are not essential (CTRL+ALT+DEL> Task Manager> Processes tab).You should remove any applications that you seldom or never use (Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs).

            There are many graphic programs available to open, crop and edit images prior to inserting into a Word document. I have used Paint (Windows applet), Picasa (http://picasa.google.com/) and IrfanView (http://www.irfanview.com/) . The latter two are "free". In Vista, the Snipping Tool is a great utility in this category. 

Q. (Email message) Often I hear, "CHECK THE BIOS".... If in a group I grunt like I know what is meant. BUT:

1. What is the BIOS?

2. Where is it?

3. How do I check it?

4. Why should I check it?

5. What do I do with it when I find it?

6. What does it control?

A. I will attempt to answer your question in a succinct manner. The Internet is rife with more thorough answers to your questions e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIOS

1. BIOS is an acronym for Basic Input Output System. It is a form of Flash memory. It is essentially software (firmware) necessary for the proper operation of your computer to eventually reach the point that loads the operating system e.g. Windows.

2. It is usually stored on a Flash memory chip on the motherboard. Initially, it checks the information of the CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) on how to proceed. 

3. To "check it" you must depress a certain key or keys (check you computer manual) immediately after turning on the power to your computer. On our computers it is the DEL key.

4. You can "check it" for various options including boot sequence (the order involved in loading the operating system), setting time/date, configuring drives (hard drives, CD/DVD drive, floppy drive), setting access password, enabling keyboard and mouse, setting Plug and Play, managing power, etc.

5. If you are a novice, you should proceed with caution and do nothing to jeopardize your computer. With good judgment, take a look at your BIOS but do not change a thing unless absolutely certain.

6. It "controls" all the proper steps involved in booting up your computer to the point where the operating system with various applications can take over.

Q. (Email message) I just bought a new 2 gig thumbdrive and am attempting to put all the files in My Documents on it. I get so far and it gives me the message...."Cannot copy "(name of file)" . The directory or file cannot be created". I get this if it is a picture or a film clip or any other type of file, like a simple spreadsheet or document. I checked the properties and it still has 1.3 gigs of space on it. Why in the world would it stop taking info? Any ideas? Please....I never had this problem with two other thumb drives I had before they went belly up.

A. You probably are attempting to put too many "elements" (files and folders) in the root directory of your thumb drive. You should create a folder(s) on the thumb drive (destination) to copy the files from your My Documents (source) on your hard drive. This situation holds true for all root directories that utilize FAT (File Allocation Table) e.g. hard drives, zip drives and flash drives. 

Q. (Email message) Do you or anyone in the group (computer club) know anything about AVG or Spy Bot Antivirus Software? How does it compare to Symantec Internet Security?

A. "Spy Bot" (Spybot - Search & Destroy) is not anti-virus software. It is an application used to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software. It can be downloaded at  http://tinyurl.com/yrwy2l.

Anti-virus software AVG is thought to be more than adequate to help protect your computer.  AVG is available at http://free.grisoft.com/

Both free protective programs are used my most members of our computer club.

Symantec Internet Security combines virus with spyware protection in a one paid package subscription deal. It can be downloaded or can be purchased as a disk. A download site is: http://tinyurl.com/3x97bg.

We have found Symantec Internet Security to be very invasive and troublesome. Many of us have used these Symantec products in the past only to uninstall them later. Some have been very happy with using them.

            You should use only one antivirus program to prevent conflicts while using a cocktail of anti-spyware products like "Spy Bot" On our home computers, we use AVG for virus protection. We use Spybot Search & Destroy, Spyware Blaster, Windows Defender, Ad-Aware for malware software. We use Windows Firewall and Automatic Updating.

Q. (Email message) I am thinking of dropping AOL (after 8 years) and going to Cox Internet.  I am on a dial-up modem and as you know, it is very slow.  What I want to know is will I lose any data presently on my computer such as Favorites, Address Book, etc.?  Can I save any data and transfer it  ?  Or will it remain on my computer when I transfer to Cox? Any comments, suggestions, etc, you wish to offer would be greatly appreciated.  Would I have to change my email address?  Thank You.

A. You do not have to drop AOL once you switch from your dial up modem to a Cox Cable connection which is an ISP (Internet Service Provider) and defined as a "broadband" Internet connection. The ISP simply handles your ability to manage the Internet and has nothing to do with "regular" data e.g. folders, files on your PC. From Internet Explorer you can download the latest version of AOL. It should keep all of your E-Mail addresses and favorite places.  There may be ways of exporting AOL Favorites and addresses to Outlook Express or other mail clients but it is very involved.  Note that once you get high speed Internet, you can get AOL for free but you do not get any technical support.

I agree with you that using a dial-up modem is relatively slow. You will be impressed with the difference in the speed increase in Web downloading, uploading and surfing using broadband.

            I suggest that you call Cox for any questions prior to going to them. Our experience has always been very good with Cable Internet service. They have responded very well to our phone calls and have even made "free" home visits.
 

Q. (Email message) I would like to bring up my Gmail account using Windows Mail. I would prefer so using POP as with Vista Windows Mail. Is this possible and if so, how?

A. Yes. To do so carry out the following (copied): Open Windows Mail> Tools> Accounts> click Add> highlight E-mail Account> Next> enter your name under Display Name> Next> type your Gmail address under E-mail address> Next> make sure POP3 is selected under Incoming e-mail server type> type "pop.gmail.com" under Incoming mail (POP3 or IMAP) server> Enter "smtp.gmail.com" under Outgoing e-mail server (SMTP) name> check Outgoing server requires authentication> Next> type your full Gmail address> enter Gmail password> Next> check Do not download my e-mail at this time> click Finish> highlight the pop.gmail.com account> Properties> Advanced tab> check This server requires a secure connection (SSL) and check both Outgoing mail (SMTP): and Incoming mail (POP3)> Type "465" under Outgoing server (SMTP> if the number under Incoming server (POP3: has not been changed to "995" automatically, enter "995" there> OK 

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