Compute: Back up ... Zynga update ... data recovery ... more

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Some letters have clogged the box in recent weeks as we have avoided reader mail. So let's get right to the festivities.
Q. You mentioned that Windows 7 would be released in the fall. The version that is out now, can it be installed right over Windows XP without harming the files on the computer?
A. In theory yes but this is not something you want to bet on. An operating system upgrade is like changing a tire on a steep hill. It's possible to do it safely with great care but there are so many potential ways for it to go wrong that it is better to back up your data and do a fresh install. Even if you can't do that, spend a couple bucks on a flash drive or a DVD and at least back up your documents and pictures.
Q. What happened with Zynga? Don't leave us hanging!
A. Regular readers will note that I recently gently urged Zynga, a game manufacturer on such platforms as Facebook and MySpace, to improve their customer support and technical support. I received a sincere apology from Mark Pincus, CEO of Zynga, and shared a conference call with its management team, offering some suggestions on how I'd improve things. I enjoyed talking with the team and really believe they are trying to improve things. I will keep in touch with them and pass along your comments in aggregate to them.
They also promised some cool improvements to "Mafia Wars" (and gave me back my "Defense!")
Q. My flash drive went through the laundry and, you guessed it, won't work anymore. I would like the data back. Do I have any chance?
A. I don't think you do. A data recovery service may have a shot at recovering the data if it contains something you are willing to pay to recover. These companies disassemble the unit in a clean room and work their technical magic for a not-insignificant fee. If you Google "data recovery services" you will see a bunch of firms offering this service.
Q. If I get a Bluetooth card for my laptop can I use that to connect to my mobile phone and get the pictures from it directly?
A. Usually, especially if your phone is a PDA or Windows Mobile device. The whole point of Bluetooth is a high-power, short-distance communication. It is perfect for sending files a short distance. In fact, I was doing this very thing the other day in my office and was surprised to find my phone was trying to make friends with (handshake with) a PC and another phone quite a distance away. (I knew this because the owners came looking for me.)
The trick with Bluetooth is, remember to turn it off on your phone when you're not using it at least or you will be using up all of your battery power and not knowing why. (My phone keeps trying to make friends with everything around it.) Doing so has increased the battery life on my phone to a meaningful level.
(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)

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