Ask The Geek Week 12 Kevin Martin | Tech Manager
| Published 12/12/03
Graphic By: Matt Witherow
Q: æHow much of Earth's water is fresh?
A: æMost estimates hover around 3 percent. æ
Q: æI want a digital camera. What should I look for?
A: æ
Rechargeable batteries
3MegaPixels or more
10x combined zoom
SD or Compact flash memory
USB connection to computer.
You should plan to spend more than $120 for a decent digital camera.
Q: æI have a plug on my computer labed 1394. æWhat is that?
A: æIEEE 1394 is more commonly known as firewire or I-link. The 1394 plug is
a method for connecting external devices such as drives or digital
camcorders. It's very fast and is usually found only on more expensive
devices.
Q: æMy computer won't turn off. What do I do?
A: æHold the power button in for up to 20 seconds. If that doesn't cut it
off, you'll have to use the power cable. Most computers shut off while
holding the power button in for up to 20 seconds even if it's locked up
beyond hope.
Q: æMy computer is running very slowly even
though I've defragmented. Internet Explorer crashes, and my homepage keeps
changing. Is this a virus?
A: æMost likely not. You seem to have a classic spyware/adware infestation.
Visit adaware.com for
details on how to clean the muck off.
Q: æI went shopping for network cables at Best Buy. They had Cat 5, 5e, 6,
and 6e. Besides price, what is the difference?
A: æThe differences are speed and how stable data is moving across that
cable at great (50') distances. Cat5 is great for 10mbit Ethernet. Since
cable modem and DSL don't go that fast, it is fine for broadband use over a
short distance (<20'). Cat 5e is excellent for 100mbit ethernet in
lengths of 20' or less. æCat 6 and 6e are for long-distance transfer at 10
or 100mbit or are suitable for Gigabit networking. If you have need for Cat
6 or 6e cable and are asking this question, you need to hire a geek to
handle your networking needs because you are over your head.
-- Kevin Martin is Whim's resident Geek. æThis is
Kevin's last "Ask The Geek" written as Whim's head Geek.
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