Computer Q & A ComputerComputerCornerCorner by Merle and in multi- Linda Windler session mode, allowing Thoroughbred Systems, Inc., Topeka, Kan. data to be appended to the disc. When Thoroughbred Systems , Inc. graphic by Linda Windler, -- used as an archival disk, i.e., choosing non multi- session, the CD-R disk can be written to once and only once and may not be altered later. The difference, besides that a CDRW costs a bit more, is his new feature to The Kansas Lifeline will address CDRWs are like the old floppy disks where data can a handful of frequently asked computer be copied, pasted then later erased. The same disk T questions in each edition. Readers are invited to space can be reused and written over – typically up e-mail questions to [email protected] to be answered in to 1,000 times. future articles. CD-R format is recommended for archival Q. What is the difference records, particularly when dealing in financial between a CD-R disk information. A monthly record made to a disk that and a CD-RW disk? cannot be altered is better evidence as to the day- Both are round to-day and month-to-month business of the office plastic disks with during an audit than a disk that can be changed. embedded metallic The other benefit is that a changeable disk like a data recording layers CDRW or a CDR recorded in multi-session mode is that provide 650 more prone to developing errors and becoming Megabytes or more space unreadable. to record data. Both have a Q. I picked up a six plug power strip to use pregrooved spiral track, with my computer but a friend told me I needed like phonograph records of old, to guide a surge protector like her’s. The strips are similar the laser and record data from the inside to the in appearance; what is the difference? outside of the disc in a single continuous spiral. The laser creates marks in the dye layer as binary code The purpose of a simple power strip is to data (0s and 1s, sort of like Morse code) that is then provide more places to plug devices in than the unencoded for playback. On a CD-R, the wall outlet offers. While a surge protector serves this composition of the dye is permanently transformed function as well, it is also endowed with the ability by exposure to the laser so since each part of the to provide some protection from electronic surges disk can only be written once - it is not possible to that may come over the line. Simply put, electricity delete files and then reuse the space. New CD does not always enter a home or office uniformly. It burning software will allow a CD-R to be recorded can come in waves. This is especially true during 20 THE KANSAS LIFELINE November 2007 high usage times when the power company is Q. What is an AVR, and do I need one? trying to keep up with demand. At times like these, Head and shoulders above the run-of-the-mill lights dim and brighten as the waves of electricity surge protector is a device known as an AVR or surge to meet the need. These spikes can be Automatic Voltage Regulator. This device, also devastating to sensitive computer components. known as a Voltage Stabilizer, maintains voltage Such minor surges are usually handled by even the within required limits despite variations in input least expensive surge protectors. voltage or load. An AVR is a device with electronic The most extreme example of electrical surge is circuitry designed to maintain a constant level in the one the power company doesn’t bill us for, the the amount of voltage on an electric line. It lightening strike. In the case of a lightening strike, eliminates power spikes and brownouts, which the closer the hit the more capacity the can cause harm to sensitive surge protector needs in order to electronics. While a mere surge successfully protect equipment. Not all protector only limits “peeks” or surge protectors are created equal! A “spikes” of energy, the AVR provides a simple explanation would be that a power constant even flow and greater strip allows the juice to pass straight protection. through; a surge protector is Who should have one of these? The constructed with circuitry to answer is anyone who wants topnotch limit peaks in the waves of protection and is willing to part with $90 or electricity returning the excess to ground more. Those who have clear indicators of or absorbing it before reaching expensive electronics. voltage problems in a home or office such as lights If a surge protector’s packaging guarantees that dim from the operation of such items as against lightning, be sure to read the fine print. This compressors, pumps, or air conditioners, are is not actually a guarantee that the device makes candidates for an AVR. Anyone with a persistent the equipment invulnerable to lightning. The problem with voltage should seriously consider this guarantee may just be to replace the surge investment. protector if it fails and fries a computer. Q. I’m told that a buildup of dust in my Guarantees on more expensive strips may computer can lead to problems. Do I need to buy promise to replace computer equipment. In that expensive canned air to clean my computer out case, the purchase is a surge strip that includes an with or can I just use my air compressor? insurance policy for valuable equipment. To believe Even in the cleanest of offices dust will find its that a surge strip is an absolute protection is like way into the computer. Offices usually have a lot of believing the Titanic to be unsinkable. Remember, paper that creates paper dust. Some computers no surge strip can guarantee against possible loss that come in for repair, when opened, reveal dust of data and no company can replace that critical bunnies the size of cotton balls. This example is information. Protecting data is the reason doing extreme, but any layer of dust can lead to backups is so important. overheating of components. In a nuclear blast, the closer the hit, the deeper In addition, dust and cobwebs absorb moisture the shelter needs to be. With a lightning strike, the from the air. Water conducts electricity which can closer the hit, the better the surge protection needs cause a completed circuit that may fry sensitive to be. In both cases a direct hit is likely to have its components in a computer. way! So the best rule in protecting equipment is to Naturally, keeping a clean computer is buy a decent surge protector and don’t run a important but the answer to this common question, computer during a thunderstorm. Likewise, when “Can I use my air compressor to blow the dust out away from home or office and there is a chance of of my computer?” is a resounding NO! Unlike storms, unplug the computer or have quality recent moisture-free canned air, air compressor tanks backups and keep the office equipment insurance condense moisture (that’s why there’s a drain at the policy paid up! No matter what, always do frequent bottom of the tank); an air compressor blows moist backups and keep them in a safe area that won’t go air. Water is the last thing sensitive electronics need. up in smoke along with the computer! November 2007 THE KANSAS LIFELINE 21 Computer Corner . When faced with a great deal of dust or pet hair, If a more thorough cleaning is desired, remove people will sometimes employ the use of a vacuum the case lid. Remember, there are many cleaner, but beware! Don’t place a metal vacuum components that are extremely sensitive to static attachment against your electronic components. shock. It is best to not work on an open computer Metal conducts electricity and one touch to your in clothing that promotes static charges like a sensitive RAM chips can provide a very large repair sweater. Even be aware of the flooring. Carpet will bill. It is best to cause extra static. Be sure to discharge any static use plastic from your body by touching metal before working attachments. on the computer. If static is a serious problem in There are vacuums office or home there are a variety of static made especially for dischargers on the market. They include everything working on electronics. from a band worn on the wrist to pads that sit The first thing to under the computer to pads that sit under the do when preparing desk. to clean a If the inside of the computer is caked with computer is to substances like nicotine from smoking or grease properly shut down the from a kitchen, merely blowing out or vacuuming machine, turn it off and then may not be adequate. There are products on the unplug the computer. When using market that can remove those substances without canned air for a light cleaning, the plastic straw harming the electronics, if they are used properly. provided with the can of air can be used in the But usually, such an extensive cleaning is best left computer’s openings like the CD and floppy drives, to those with some experience. the power supply fan grill, and any other vents to Q. My new computer came with Microsoft blow out some of the dust that’s been sucked in by Vista as the operating system on it and some of the computer fan.