Q: Have you run across a website that lists lots of places to get video streaming content?
Dr. Stephen Needel
A: There's so much out there that any lists I've seen are woefully incomplete. If your home set-up lets you stream video directly from websites instead of just using pre-installed applications that take you to Netflix, Amazon, Crackle, Hulu and the like, the sources are almost unlimited. Just last night I watched programming from a Celtic language TV network in Ireland -- you won't find sources like that on any list.
Google around and you will find plenty of lists though. One I found is located here: http://tinyurl.com/5t8n3r5
Q: I had a hard drive crash but fortunately the information from my computer was stored on my external hard drive. My computer now has a new hard drive but I can't figure out how to get the information from the external drive back on to the new hard drive on my computer. Is this an easy fix?
Barbara Schaffer
A: There's a lesson here that applies to plenty of home users. Make sure you understand how your back-up system works before disaster strikes. One thing I always suggest is this: Occasionally test the back-up by restoring a file or two.
Many external hard disks come with a built-in back-up program. If that's what you've been using, then connecting the hard disk to the new computer should bring up an on-screen prompt that will take you through the process. You also should have received a manual with the disk that offers step-by-step directions.
If, instead, you used the built-in back-up program in Windows, you can use that program to reinstall your data. Just go to Windows help for all the details.
Q: I've heard good things about Windows 7. I have several computers; all are at least five years old. Should I just buy a new computer rather than trying to install Windows 7 on one of my existing computers.
Joe Hardin
A: A new computer is the way to go. Even if one of your old computers is up to the task, it probably won't be powerful enough to deliver satisfactory performance. So either stick with what you have and avoid Windows 7, or buy a new machine that will come with Windows already installed.
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