Letters about AOL, the Mac and more
It has been nice seeing the springtime coming around again, with new products, new issues and new questions. Let’s get to the mailbag a bit.Q. I heard that I need to register with Microsoft or I can’t get updates to my XP any more. How can I tell if my computer is registered and what if I do not want to register with Microsoft? They know enough about me. Can I give them false information?
A. Well, you have it a little confused. Because of the rampant piracy of Windows (mostly overseas) Microsoft has decided that only “genuine” Windows XP should get access to its updates and patches. You don’t need to register with Microsoft to do that (registering is giving them your name and address, etc.) Rather, you need to submit to a digital test to assure that your copy of Windows is legal. Basically one time you visit the Windows Update site it will ask you to type in your 25-digit license code. (This code is either attached to the side or back of your PC if XP was installed at the factory or perhaps on a manual cover, CD cover or a pamphlet that came with your PC.) If you can’t find your code, you’d better be contacting the person or company who made your PC. If you upgraded to XP on your own, it came in the package. It’s on a holographic sticker, so it’s hard to miss. The only information you need to give Microsoft is the code (and sometimes the company who made your PC; you need not give them personal information.) Anyway, once you verify the code it should not be needed again, at least until Microsoft want to verify it again.
Q. I would like to move my Quicken files from one computer to another. I don’t understand the instructions. Is there an easier way?
A. I would do a FILE, BACKUP on the old computer and then save that file to a floppy disc, CD or flash drive. I would then copy it to the new computer, open Quicken and do a FILE, RESTORE on the new computer. Locate the file and you’re there.
Q. A few weeks ago you mentioned that America Online had changed its policy and was claiming ownership on everything that passed through its AIM instant messaging service. I heard that has been fixed; is that true?
A. Yes; AOL claimed some had misread its terms of service and it was much ado about nothing; either way AOL has changed the wording of its terms of service and made it clear it no longer claims ownership of information passed via AIM. So feel free to work on the great American novel via AIM now.
Q. I read a news report last week that more viruses are showing up for the Apple platform. I just bought an Apple Mini…do I need to buy something else?
A. That report, in my opinion, was a thinly veiled attempt to sell security software. Symantec, the maker of anti-virus and other products, warned that issues with the Mac are on the rise but there’s little independent evidence of that. The Apple platform remains much more secure than Windows and I would not be overly concerned about viruses at this point.
Q. Can I use more than one wireless router in my house?
A. Sure. Just make sure they are operating on a different IP range (use 192.168.1.1 for the first, for example, and 192.168.0.1 for the second.) You also may consider one router and one access point. I would not recommend the Linksys Range Extender (Model WRE54G) I just tried. It didn’t work for one, and two, if we had gotten it to work it would be half as fast as a direct wireless connection.
WEEKLY WEB WONDER: Fun School is a good site for kids under age 12. Give it a try at http://www.funschool.com/
James Derk is co-owner of CyberDads, a computer repair firm, and computer columnist for Scripps Howard News Service. His email address is jim@cyberdads.com
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