Which mouse for left-handed people?

Q: I'm left-handed. What mouse do you recommend I use?

A: Logitech MX 610 Left-Hand Laser Cordless Mouse is the only one I know of.

Based on my experience with Logitech, connect and try it first without inserting the software CD.

How to keep track of mouse on the screen

Q: I waste a lot of time looking for my mouse on the screen. Is there a way to change the look of the mouse's arrow, so I could find it more easily?

A: You want a bigger pointer that contrasts more with the normal colors on the screen?

1. Go to Control Panel. Right-click on Mouse to Open.
2. Click the Pointers tab. There's a drop-down menu from which you can select different schemes.

I recommend Windows Black (extra large).

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Another option is to display pointer trails, though I personally find it annoying. You can click the Pointer Options tab in #2 above and select Display Pointer Trails.

There's also an option there for showing the location of the pointer when you press the CTRL key. (With this option on, whenever you press the CTRL key, the mouse pointer is shown like the epicenter of an earthquake.)

How do I protect my computer keyboard?

Q: I keep getting potato chip crumbs and other bits of food stuck between the keys of my keyboard, and I know I'm going to accidentally pour coffee on it one of these days. I've seen those transparent covering on keyboards, but I don't know what they're called. Where can I buy them?

A: I've heard them called keyboard skins, keyboard dust cover and keyboard protector. Fellowes even makes custom-made ones to "snugly fit" your keyboard.

I don't know about beverages, but with cookie crumbs, after you turn off your computer, turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Cover with a piece of cloth when not in use.

Disable Error Reporting in Internet Explorer

Q: Internet Explorer always crashes on me and when it does, there's a message asking me whether I want to "Send Error Report" to Microsoft. I want to click "Don't Send" every time because I don't ever want to send a information to Microsoft, but sometimes I accidentally click the wrong button. Now what?

A: Now Microsoft has the information you were working on when the program crashed, be it Internet Explorer, Word, Excel or any thing Bill Gates had a hand in developing.

To prevent mistakingly clicking on the wrong button, disable Error Reporting altogether!

1. Click Start in the lower-left of your screen.
2. Right-Click My Computer and Choose Properties.
3. Click the Advanced Tab, then Error Reporting.
4. Disable Error Reporting.

If for some insane reason you only want to disable it for certain programs, click Enable Error Reporting and Choose Programs.

How do I use Flash with Firefox?

Q: I downloaded Firefox just like you suggested. But now when I visit a Flash site, I'm asked for the Flash plug-in. Why is it complicated?

A: What's complicated about it? Get the plug-in when it prompts you. It takes just a few seconds, then you're on your way.

How do I remove malware?

Q: How can I tell if I have spyware and how do I get rid of it?

A: I personally use Spybot Search and Destroy, which you can download and use for free. But it's not enough protection from all the bad guys out there in cyberspace who want to take over your computer.

Use an anti-virus program and regularly update it and scan your system. And keep that firewall up when connecting to the internet!

How do I keep my laptop turned on?

Q: I've connected my laptop to an external monitor. I now want to close the laptop lid, but every time I do, the laptop turns off or I think hibernates. How do I keep it from turning off when I close the lid?

A: I only know how to walk you through Windows XP.

Click Start, then Control Panel.

If you're in Classic View, go directly to Power Options.
If you're in Category View, go to Performance Maintenance and then Power Options.

You should now be seeing Power Options Properties.

Click on the Advanced tab.

Under 'When I close the lid of my portable computer...' choose 'Do nothing.'

Should I get Vista?

Q: I'm buying a computer and I keep hearing about Vista. What exactly is it and should I get it?

A: Windows Vista is an operating system that Microsoft developed to replace Windows XP. Its release date is January 30, 2007.

Should you wait till it comes out before buying a computer? Not really. Because like all Microsoft products, Vista is sure to have problems. Ordinary consumers like you and me are better off not touching it the first few months. We wait till the security experts declare it reasonably safe (probably after Microsoft comes out with a service pack or two) before making the switch.

If you are buying a computer now, do make sure it's Windows Vista Capable, with the following being the minimum requirements:

Processor:       800 MHz
Memory:         512 MB RAM
Graphics Card:  DirectX 9 capable (WDDM support recommended)
Graphics Memory:  128 MB
HDD capacity:       40 GB
HDD free space:    15GB
Optical drive:      DVD-ROM drive

Go for more if you can afford it. Visit Microsoft's Get Ready for Vista site to make sure your new computer is going to be "Premium Ready."

Where can I safely download software?

Q: When I use a search engine to look for free programs, I get a lot of results but I have no idea which are safe to download and which are just going to infect my computer. How do I tell which is which?

A: Go to download.com and do your search there. The programs they feature have been reviewed by cnet and/or by users like you and me. Many are free and those that are not usually offer a free trial period.

How do I save pictures off a website?

Q: I sometimes see a picture on a website that I want to save. How do I do that?

A: You right-click on it. Press the right button on your mouse. Choices will appear -- pick Save... If nothing happens, then the site's owner has disabled right-clicking -- he doesn't want you to steal his pictures!