Getting  Along With Your Computer Column Archive

Questions and Answers

By Cate Eales
Appeared January 8, 2009 on castanet.net

This week, 64-bit Vista, a left-handed mouse, and a fix for multiple emails.


What's the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Vista?
The non-technical answer to this question is: the 64-bit version can handle more RAM than the 32-bit version. This translates to improved performance...for programs that are written for the 64-bit version. There are also some enhanced security features.

You CAN run many (but not all) programs on the 64-bit version of Windows Vista that were not written for that version, but they will probably not run any better than they would under the 32-bit version.

You will need a computer capable of running 64-bit Vista, and the hardware requirements are more rigorous. For a more technical discussion of the benefits and requirements, take a look at this description on the Microsoft site. A less technical version is available here.


How do I make my mouse left-handed?
Lefties living in a right-handed world should not have to put up with a right-handed mouse. It's easy to change the buttons around, and you don't even need a left-handed screwdriver to do it:

click picture to enlarge

Why do people get more than one email message from me when I only send one?
This usually happens when you try to attach a large file, or several files to a message. (Pictures count as files!) A setting in Outlook Express tells it to break those big honking attachments into pieces, and attach each piece to a new email message. You can test that by sending yourself a message with a large file attached, or with many pictures. Did you get lots?

If so, you can change that setting:

Now open up Outlook Express again, and send yourself the same files again. This time, you should only receive one message, and it should have everything attached.

Even with the "Break apart" setting switched off, it's a good idea to get those photos down to a reasonable size. Photo gadget  and Shrink Pic are two free programs that will help you with this. Why bother? The answer and a few more tips are here.


Do you need help with your computer?  With your printer/camera/music player? Do you have a new computer and now you're wondering how to get the files from the old one over to the new one I'm here to help you and your computer get along! To ask a question, make a comment or suggestion, or schedule a visit, email cate@rlis.com. You can read previous columns here.  If you'd like to subscribe to this column by email, please visit this link.  It's easy, and free. If you'd prefer the RSS Feed, click here.

Links
A description of the differences between 32-bit versions of Windows Vista and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946765
32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/41531554-d5ef-4f2c-8fb9-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx
Photo Gadget http://www.xemico.com/photogadget/freeware.html
Shrink Pic http://www.onthegosoft.com/shrink_pic.htm?referer=shrinkpic
Sending and Sharing Photos http://rlis.com/columns/column151.htm
Getting Along With Your Computer Column Archives http://rlis.com/column.htm
Get Cate's column by email http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?Sub=20618
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Cate Eales has been helping people make online computing safe, accessible and fun for over 20 years. She lives in Kelowna with her husband, Eric, and her dog, Sandy. Cate is a partner in Real Life Internet Solutions, helping individuals and small businesses with virus, spyware and malware eradication; personal computer training and management; digital image management; music transfer; and website design, hosting and management. Email Cate at cate@rlis.com with your comments, suggestions, or questions. To browse the column archives, visit the Real Life Internet Solutions website at www.rlis.com.

© Cate Eales 2008 – All Rights Reserved
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