For transferring videotapes, get a pro

Q: Is there a cheaper way of transferring analog videos (exercise tapes, etc.) to my computer, so I can then put them on DVDs?

FAITH TEEMS

A: For commercial videos such as exercise tapes, it may be cheaper in both money and time to simply buy new ones on DVD. If there’s some reason you really want to replicate the tapes you have, there are several ways to go. One option is having a commercial firm do the transfers. Google “transfer video tape” and you’ll find companies that do this for anywhere from $12 to $15 a tape. You’ll get better quality than a do-it-yourself job in most cases.

The same search will turn up countless pages on doing the job yourself. That makes the most sense for those with many tapes to transfer. Here’s an explanation of the process from Microsoft:

http://tinyurl.com/3lpa7.

Q: I use Windows XP Home Edition on a 4-year-old Dell desktop. For the last several weeks, it takes several seconds for each Word and Excel document to open when previously they opened almost instantly. I defrag and run disk cleanup about once a month. Any solutions to get me back up to speed?

DICK SANDELL

A: I feel fairly certain the problem is adware and spyware. That’s the most common cause of a computer slowdown. Some free programs that may fix your problem include Microsoft’s Defender (http://tinyurl.com/dyvaw) and the free version of AdaWare (http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php).

Q: I have a desktop computer in the study that is relatively new and powerful. I would like a laptop in the kitchen to use for Internet surfing [or a] game of chess or solitaire while waiting for the pot to boil. What do you think about the very small laptops? How big a problem is the small keyboard?

MARY SANFORD

A: I have friends who enjoy that kind of setup. But the ease of using the smallest keyboards varies from person to person. It drives me crazy. Whatever size machine you choose, be careful. The kitchen contains all sorts of enemies of the computer, including grease, high humidity, spills. Consider keeping your laptop in an adjacent room, or maybe the breakfast nook.

Still, I like the idea of having a computer in or near the kitchen, and not just to pass time. The Web is a great source of recipes.