ASK MR. MODEM

Can You Stump Mr. Modem?

Here’s a Round-Up of Recent Challenging Questions Put to Our Computer Whiz Kid and His Right-on Replies— PLUS His Picks for ‘Don’t-Miss-‘Em’ Web Sites of the Month

By Richard A. Sherman

Q.  Whenever I launch programs by clicking short-cut icons on my Desktop, they open to less than full-screen size.  It's annoying to have to click the Maximize button each time.  How can I have programs open to full screen?

A.  The easiest way to accomplish this is to right-click the program’s short-cut icon on your Windows Desktop and select Properties. In the Properties dialog box, use the drop-down menu to the right of the Run field and change the setting from "Minimized" or "Normal window" to "Maximized."  Click Apply, then OK, to exit.

            If that doesn’t work or that option is not available to you, position your mouse cursor on the edge of the window. When the cursor changes into a double-headed arrow, hold down your left mouse button and s-t-r-e-t-c-h the window to as close to full-screen size as possible. When you get the window to the size you would like it to remain, hold down the Ctrl key and then click the “X” in the upper right-hand corner to close the window.

 Q. Is it true that adding too much RAM can hurt my computer?

A. No, not at all. Adding more random access memory (RAM) to your computer is generally an excellent way to increase your PC’s performance.  Other factors, such as your system’s processor speed and the amount of available hard drive space, can have an impact on performance, so there is a point of diminishing returns. In other words, adding RAM to an older computer that lacks the processing power to run the types of software you use won’t result in any noticeable difference. In that situation, you might want to consider buying a new computer.

Q. When I print certain Web pages, sentences run off the right-hand edge of the paper. I can't seem to correct this with the scroll bar or by moving the paper in the printer's paper tray. I hope you can help me, Mr. M.

A.  I'll be happy to help. If you're using Internet Explorer, click View > Font Size, or View > Text Size in Netscape, and select a smaller font than is displayed. With the smaller font selected, try printing the Web page. If that doesn't resolve the problem, try printing in Landscape mode, which will print across the 11" length of a sheet of paper as opposed to normal Portrait mode, which prints across the 8.5" dimension. Depending on the version of Windows you're using, you can change to Landscape mode by clicking File > Print or File > Print Setup. Look for an option that addresses page layout or orientation.

Q. When I want to save a picture from a Web page, I right-click on the image and a menu appears.  My question is: can I change the order of the menu items?  The problem I’m having is that “Save Picture As…” is just above “Set As Wallpaper.” That means I’m continually ending up with the picture I’m trying to save replacing my Desktop background, because I accidentally make the wrong selection.

A.  Rather than try to change the order of the items appearing on a menu, I’d suggest creating a convenient folder for those harvested images, then copy pictures from any Web page into the folder. If you follow this method, it will keep you away from the menus and help avoid any unintentional wallpapering incidents.

            To create a folder on your Desktop for your photos, right-click anywhere on the Desktop, then click New > Folder. You’ll be invited to name the folder, so call it something clever like “Photos.” Then open it and resize it, so it doesn’t fill the entire screen. (You can use the middle of the three buttons in the upper right-hand corner to make the window smaller.)  Next, open your Web browser and resize it, so that you can see the folder you just created.

            Place your mouse cursor on a Web-page graphic, right-click and select Copy. Then move to the folder you just created, right-click anywhere inside the folder and select Paste. An icon representing the photo will appear, letting you know the image is safely ensconced in your designated photo folder. That’s all there is to it.

All Music Guide (www.allmusic.com)

            This site is a treasure trove of musical information. Whatever it is you want to know, you can find it by searching by artist, album, song, style, or record label. So the next time you can’t remember what 1977 record Frosty Horton (who?) played on, you’ll know where to turn. (By the way, it’s  “Rock ‘n’ Roll Gumbo.” But you probably knew that.)

Download.com (www.download.com)

            Arguably the largest repository of downloadable software on the Web, on this site you’ll find software for almost any use you can imagine. Applications are sorted by category and by operating system, such as Audio & Visual, Internet, Utilities, Games, etc. Also included are software reviews and ratings, as well as lists of the most frequently downloaded programs.

ImCalmer.com (www.imcalmer.com)

            “A place to relax and calm your mind.” You probably feel better already, don’t you? Here you’ll find books, magazines, music, and even relaxation software, such as a personal meditation timer that allows you to select interval and “session finished” tones for a meditative break in your busy day.

MemoToMe (www.memotome.com)

            This free service will send you e-mail reminders for birthdays, anniversaries, appointments, you name it. Send e-nnoying reminders to your family, friends, business associates—to any e-mail address. The fee-based “Platinum Edition” permits you to send reminders to any email-enabled pager, cell phone or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The cost for Platinum? It’s up to you! Try it for 30 days, then pay whatever you feel the Platinum service is worth.

SpeedingTicket.net (www.speedingticket.net)

            It's bad enough to get a speeding ticket at home, but if you're in a distant city and you don't have the slightest idea how to find a good traffic lawyer to contest the ticket, it can be a bit intimidating. Well, be intimidated no more, Ms. Pedal-to-the-Metal! Search for lawyers, insurance agents, and, if need be, bail bondsmen to help you out of your next high-speed pickle.   

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Richard A. Sherman, a k a Mr. Modem, is a nationally syndicated columnist, whose “Ask Mr. Modem!” column appears in more than 60 publications throughout the U.S. and in Canada. As publisher of the popular “Ask Mr. Modem” weekly newsletter, he provides easy-to-understand, non-technical, computer- and Internet-related answers to questions received from subscribers worldwide. He is the author of eight books, including “Mr. Modem’s Internet Guide for Seniors” (Sybex) and “Ask Mr. Modem,” a collection of hundreds of frequently asked computer and Internet questions received from readers. Richard is a contributing editor to TechTV and host of the daily “Mr. Modem Minute” television segment produced by FOX-TV.

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