Q: I have several peripherals that I use with my current computer. Its operating system is Windows 98. I want to keep the scanner I use for negatives and my laser printer. Will I be able to use them with the operating system on a new computer? I checked to see if there were new drivers and didn’t find any. I have a laptop with Vista and was not able to solve the compatibility problem with my travel printer.
Warren King
A: If your devices are as old as your operating system (Windows 98 is ancient now), then there is a good chance that many of the devices will not work with Windows 7. I think you realize that since you searched for up-to-date drivers (the tiny programs that let your computer communicate with the device) and couldn't find them.
I would still double-check with the manufacturer of each device just to be certain. You may find compatibility information on the manufacturer's website. Or you may need to call or e-mail the company's tech support people to find out. And, like I said, I won't be at all surprised if it turns out that you won't be able to use them with a new computer and operating system.
But that's a problem that you'll eventually face since the old computer and operating system have passed their useful life. So don't let that stop you from replacing the computer. And you may be able to keep that old computer, with the devices connected to it, for the times you need to scan a negative. The printer will continue to work with it too. However, with a device that's used as often as a printer, you probably should consider replacing it.
Q: I recently purchased an iMac. I have been told that I do not need virus protection since there are not that many Mac users as compared to PC users and the Macs therefore are not targeted. Is this true?
Barbara Biscotti
A: It's partially true. There is the theory that computer criminals tend to concentrate their efforts on PCs since there are more of them. But whether or not the theory holds water, it is not the whole story. Basically, the Mac's operating system is better built when it comes to viruses. It's a major advantage.
Q: My laptop computer won't start. All the LED lights come on for a quick second and then I get no response at all. I've tried Internet "tricks" where you hold the power button down for a minute (without battery and power supply) and then plug power supply in and I get the same thing. I've switched my memory modules, I've removed the battery for 24 hours, still get the same thing.
Frank Flores
A: You've done many of the right things but are still out of luck. And I'm not going to be of much help either. The trouble with trying to diagnose why a computer won't start is like the problem a doctor would have trying to figure out why someone died without seeing the recently deceased. There are just too many possible reasons why people and computers die.
Here is a link to a website that can take you through some steps that might help: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbysymptom/tp/computer-wont-turn-on.htm
But often, with something like this, you'll need to take the computer into the shop and have a technician look it over.
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