Expert: Brian Benosky - 8/15/2011

Question
Hi Brian!

1- Rather than run my desktop 24/7....should I use the "Hibernate" feature? Your thoughts regarding power saving issues?

2- I recently installed a wireless router to enable wireless use of my laptop. Are there any security issues that I need to be aware of? The setup really did not address any to my knowledge.

3-My desktop shows a floppy drive though it does not have one. I don't remember this happening before....

4-Prior to re-installing the Windows XP OS on my laptop, the DVD played movies just fine. After the installation, I have to purchase a DVD decoder. Why would it play movies before the re-install and not after?

Thank you for using your talents and abilities in such an unselfish way to help others!

Answer
Hi Jaye

Thanks for all your kind words.  I sincerely enjoy helping others navigate the computer tech jungle.  On to your questions:

1- Rather than run my desktop 24/7....should I use the "Hibernate" feature? Your thoughts regarding power saving issues?
The number one enemy for any electronic component is heat.  Most every computer component generates heat while running, making proper air flow through the case essential for keeping the computer from overheating and eventually failing.  When the computer is off or in a stand-by mode, heat generation is next to nothing.  So it stands to reason that the less time the computer is on, the longer it will last.  Hibernate or turn it off whenever you don't use it for an hour or more.

2- I recently installed a wireless router to enable wireless use of my laptop. Are there any security issues that I need to be aware of? The setup really did not address any to my knowledge.
The importance of encrypting your wireless signal can not be understated.  Neighbors and strangers can leech onto an unsecured wireless signal and gain access to your computers or download illegal material, making you responsible.  Encryption types are explained below, but you will need to find out how to enable it from your router manual or website.
http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/findingusinghotspots/f/wepwpa.htm


3-My desktop shows a floppy drive though it does not have one. I don't remember this happening before....
Do you have an SD or Memory Card reader built in to your computer, or recently plugged in a USB thumb drive?  I've noticed Windows XP can mistake these for floppy drives.

4-Prior to re-installing the Windows XP OS on my laptop, the DVD played movies just fine. After the installation, I have to purchase a DVD decoder. Why would it play movies before the re-install and not after?
Codecs are the most likely culprit.  Codecs are programs or software that enable the encoding and decoding of digital data.  When you bought the computer, the codecs most likely were pre-loaded by the manufacturer or by one of the programs that came with it.  When you reinstalled XP, you probably needed to also reinstall the codecs.  You can purchase the decoder, which installs the codecs as well.  Or, you can just download the codecs.  Luckily, there is a free codec bundle called K-Lite which has all you need.  Go to:
http://codecguide.com/download_kl.htm
The Standard Bundle on that page is what you should download.

Brian