PC user contemplates buying a Mac

Q: I am a fairly active 90-year-old. I currently have a Gateway PC. My family is into the Apple and is willing to teach me “how to” if I change to Apple. Pressure is mounting. Your comments, please. — Dennis Baker

A: There’s no wrong answer. If you are comfortable with a PC, there’s no harm in continuing down that path. But there may be merit to switching. Since your family is gung-ho — and presumably knowledgeable — when it comes to Apple, they could be an easy source of help for you.

One of the biggest problems for any computer user is finding reliable and easy-to-reach technical support. If your family supplies that, switching makes sense. Maybe they’ll even buy your first Mac. At one time, PCs and Macs were worlds apart in how they worked and how the menu systems operated. Over the years, the differences have diminished greatly. I don’t think you’ll have any great confusion if you switch.

Q: I am about to replace an older analog TV that uses a picture tube with a new flat-panel set, probably an LCD. We have a 14-pound dog that likes to jump up and attack programs like Animal Planet. What is the impact and scratch resistance of LCDs? I’ll bet that you haven’t been asked about that before! — Bob Milby

A: Yep, that’s a first. It’s also an excellent question and one even folks without a frisky dog should consider. An LCD screen is much more delicate than the old picture tube. Bumping into it — whether it’s a dog or child or anyone else — can do permanent damage.

That’s why screen protectors are sold. You’re a prime candidate for one. Make sure you get one that has a hard surface, not just a layer of film. Here’s a Web site that offers a hardened protector: www.tvscreenprotector.com. It’s just one example, and you can shop around for others.

Q: Have you had any experience with off-site backup? I have researched a couple but don’t know enough to make an educated decision. — Linda Parr

A: Online backup has a lot to offer. The backup data is stored away from your home, so it would not be destroyed by fire or other disaster. The speed of your Internet connection will determine how fast backup is. One service I recommend can be found here: www.carbonite.com.