Installing a video card is not hard

Q: I recently purchased a new computer. It’s more powerful than my old one, and I’m generally satisfied, [but] it would not run my favorite game. It has the graphics card built into the main circuit board, and apparently I need a separate video card to run my game. Can I do that myself? — Scott McMillan

A: With older PCs with built-in graphics, it was often necessary to change a tiny hardware switch on the main circuitboard when a separate video card was added. But almost any computer made during the last three or four years won’t require that kind of tinkering. Readers who plan to add a video card to an old machine can check their manual or the PC manufacturer’s Web site to determine if they need to change any hardware settings.

Otherwise, it’s a fairly easy job. Just fit the new card into the slot inside your computer and fire up the machine. You’ll also need to load a driver for the new video card. That’s a program that lets your PC communicate with the video card, and it will come with your new video card.

Q: I have an Acer Aspire 1710, which I keep connected to a 17-inch monitor. The laptop has a fast chip really designed for desktop machines. It’s about four years old, and I run it on AC power most of the day using it like a desktop. The fan runs all the time and at times the fan speeds a notch. Is that a problem? — George Sheets

A: When you keep a laptop on constantly, the danger of overheating rises. One way to fight that is to put the laptop on a cooling rack made for cakes. Air will circulate under the machine, cooling it. Other than that, the best thing to do is to turn it off when you aren’t using it. Unlike desktop machines, laptops are not designed to run 24/7.

Q: I recently had to purchase a new monitor and came home with a wide screen. The pictures and printed material that I receive are very clear. However, they are distorted. Is there a remedy for this? — Sally Tucker

A: Try this: Use your mouse to right click on an empty area of the screen when no programs are running. Then, assuming you have Windows Vista, select “personalize.” Now click on “Display settings.” Besides being able to change the resolution of the screen image, you can select various monitor screen formats. Try selecting a wide screen format to see if that solves your problem.