Ask Mr. Modem! – February 2007     
www.MrModem.com 

Q.  Now that Windows Vista has been released, should I change from my Windows XP computer?  Is it something I need?

A.  In word, no. With any product this new, I recommend holding off for the time being and not rushing out to either purchase a new computer with Vista installed or "upgrading" your current computer to Vista. Call me a technological conservative if you must, but historically, whenever a new operating systems makes its debut (Windows XP came out in 2001), there are always a few bugs, glitches and gremlins to be worked out and compatibility issues yet to be discovered and resolved. Vista’s first major update, SP-1, will address most initial problems, and should be released later this year. 

I’m using Vista and providing lots of tips and tweaks to subscribers of my weekly computer-help newsletter (www.MrModem.com), and answering a myriad of questions about it, as well.  I haven’t run into any major problems, but I’m running Vista Ultimate on an AMD64 5600 dual core processor with 4GB of RAM, and oodles (sorry for the technical talk) of video and graphical horsepower.

For the time being, if your current computer is working fine, and you're able to do the things you need to do with your PC, leave well enough alone. Vista will be waiting for you when the time is right for you -- and so will I.


Q.  I have a digital photo that would make an ideal passport photo, so I would like to print a full page of small photos. Please tell me how I can do that.

A.  You'll need the right software to accomplish that task.  One of the most popular applications is the cleverly named Passport Photo (http://tinyurl.com/84l9m). You can select between U.S., Canadian, standard or custom passport photo size. A free trial version is available, or it’s $10 to purchase. 


Q.  I just replaced my old printer with a new one, but when I go to print, my computer still thinks the old printer is the one to use. The new printer was installed properly and I can see it listed, but how do I make sure that's the printer my computer uses?
 
A.  Establishing which printer is your default printer, meaning the printer it should use whenever you issue a print command, is easy. To do this, click Start > Settings > Printers. You'll see your old and new printer icons displayed. Right-click the printer that you want to establish as your default printer—in this case, your newly installed printer.
 
On the menu that appears, click “Set Printer as Default” and a check mark will appear. Once you see the check mark, you're done.  Just close the Printers window and your new printer will spring to life the next time you have something to print. 


Mr. Modem’s DME (Don’t Miss ‘Em) Sites of the Month -  February 2007

Causes of Colors
Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue, how rainbows are created, or what makes an emerald green? Me neither, but work with me here. This educational site examines the 15 causes of color, the concept of microconsciousness (huh?), and the way in which color is taken in by our eyes and how it impacts our life experience. This Web site is described as a “journey into light, where you can learn how light is created, lost, and moved.” There are also other features, including how the world looks through color-blind eyes and how animals see.
http://webexhibits.org/causesofcolor/

Roadside America
We've all heard jokes about the World's Largest Ball of String and other obscure attractions that lurk just off the beaten path of the U.S. Interstate Highway system. Roadside America is an online guide to uniquely odd tourist attractions. If you're planning a road trip, you may want to take a brief detour to explore attractions such as The Pig Hall of Fame, The Voodoo Museum, and the World's Tallest Totem Pole. If nothing else, this site proves that there’s something for everybody.
www.roadsideamerica.com

Time and Date
This handy site will generate a calendar for any year you wish. You can personalize your calendar by adding special dates or holidays, then printing it.  
www.timeanddate.com/calendar

Mr. Modem provides prompt, personal answers to computer and Internet questions by email, plus easy-to-use PC tips, including Windows Vista, for subscribers of his weekly computer-help newsletter. For more information, to view a sample issue, or to subscribe, visit www.MrModem.com.