There were lots of computers under the tree this year, let's get to the new reader mail:Question: Windows 98 keeps nagging me to create a System Startup Disk. What is it and why do I want it?
Answer: It's a disk you will use (and I mean WILL use) someday to restart your system when your hard drive decides to take a trip to Fuji or gets infected with a serious virus. The disk allows you to access your system enough to make emergency repairs. You make it with a new, formatted floppy disk. Once made, write-protect it (move the little plastic tab so you can see through the hole) and put it in a safe place.
Question:Windows 98 keeps asking me for a password, why? I can just hit "cancel" and use the computer anyway, seems like pretty lousy security.
Answer: Contrary to popular theory, the password in Windows 95 and 98 was never meant for security. Instead, the user name and password was installed to allow different people to see different desktops. In other words, a family of four could all use the same PC. Dad logs in and sees his programs on the desktop, his wallpaper and his shortcuts. Mom and the kids each see their own stuff when they log in (and dad doesn't have to look at the Ricky Martin wallpaper.)
Question:You mentioned that I should adjust the "refresh rate" of my monitor to 72 or 75 to avoid eyestrain. How do I do that?
Answer: I can't say without knowing your computer and the type of monitor and video card you have. I suggested checking the manual since most computer manufacturers do mention how to adjust it even if they ship the things at 60, a setting that will cause flickering and headaches. One thing you can try: On a blank part of the desktop, click the right mouse button and hit PROPERTIES then SETTINGS. There you might see a button marked ADVANCED. Hit that. There you might see a tab marked ADAPTER. Hit that. And finally you MAY see a selector for REFRESH RATE. If you do, set it to 72 or 75 unless you are SURE your monitor can handle more. If it says "adapter default" it is no doubt set to 60. Move it up.
Question: For Y2K problems with Windows 98, you mentioned I should hit START then "Windows Update" on my Start menu. I don't have that link. What can I do?
Answer: Go online. Open Internet Explorer and head to this address: windowsupdate.microsoft.com (with no hyphens) This assumes you are using Windows 98. Once there, hit Product Updates and select everything in the critical update section. The patches will be downloaded and installed for you, though some require they be downloaded individually.
Question: I heard you could download Microsoft Office for free off the Web as part of a promotion. Where can I get it?
Answer: If you think Bill Gates got to be a zillionaire by offering his flagship product on the Web for nothing, then we need to talk. You've probably heard of StarOffice, an office suite produced by Microsoft arch-rival Sun.
Essentially to ruin Gates' day, Sun is offering this office suite for nothing. You can download it from the Web, though it will take a while. Head to www.sun.com/staroffice/ (no hyphens) and download it.
WEEKLY WEB WONDER: With all of the hype around Y2K, what should you be doing? Head to www.y2k.gov, a site run by the U.S. government for some tips, ideas and solutions.
James Derk is new media editor for The Evansville Courier & Press. His e-mail address is jderk@evansville.net