ShareThisMore letters from readers have filled the pot. Let's jump into the middle.Q. This week I tried to install Windows Defender per your recommendation from the Microsoft Web site and got a warning that the volume license on my computer had been deactivated and I needed to buy another one from Microsoft for more than $100. What does that mean?A. Whoever built your computer or installed Windows on it used a license for Windows from a company, a university or another organization that was either later compromised or otherwise rendered invalid by Microsoft. The error is telling you that since you installed Windows on it, Microsoft has taken away your rights to update it. The good news is all of the security updates (the main ones you need) will continue to work. The bad news is all of the add-on goodies won't install unless you buy an additional key from Microsoft. On that error page you should have been given telephone number to call with questions. Sometimes if you plead your case well enough you can overturn the verdict on the invalid key.Q. Is there a way to secure my desktop from snooping when I get up for a few minutes before the screen saver kicks in? We use Windows XP at the dental office where I work.A. When you leave, hold down the Windows key (the one next to the space bar on the left with the Windows logo on it) and hit the "L" key. That will lock your screen in one step. When you get back, type in your password and you will be back where you were.Q. Were the changes announced for the Mac Air enough for you to change your negative review?A. I don't think I had a negative review; I think it's way cool and certainly for a niche in computing it has a place. However, without a removable battery a lot of road warriors are going to find it lacking, especially at that price point. However, some people are willing to pay for that light weight. The added disk space certainly is a plus.Q. Is there a cheap alterative to Adobe Photoshop that you can recommend for Windows? My son is just starting out in editing and I don't want to make the full investment.A. I recommend GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program). It's open-source, very powerful and has as many bells and whistles as most professionals will need for free. It is developed by a talented group of developers and enthusiasts and I find it can do most anything a budding editor will need. I am pretty frankly amazed how good it is and how aggressive the developers are at coming up with cool add-ons and tools for it.You can download the latest version at www.gimp.orgQ. Where can I download Windows Defender, the anti-spyware application you recommend?A. You can get it at www.microsoft.com/downloads/. Just remember to periodically go in there and act on its recommendations.(James Derk is owner of CyberDads, a computer repair firm and a tech columnist for Scripps Howard News Service. His e-mail address is jim(at)cyberdads.com)
More computing questions and answers
Submitted by SHNS on Tue, 10/21/2008 - 18:16
Paying taxes unites us. It also divides us. People can pay five and even six times more in state and local taxes than other folks in similar circumstances making similar incomes.
Who's got your number?
In one of the fastest-growing forms of identity theft, crooks are stealing tax refunds by swiping personal information and using it to trick the Internal Revenue Service.
