My wife and I are building a new home. We would like to wire the house for digital equipment. The builder suggested a media server. We were too embarrassed to ask what that was. So, what is it?
A: In most cases, a media server is simply a powerful computer that is networked with other computers and gadgets. You store your pictures, music and videos on the media server. That way, you can access them from anywhere in the house. You might also consider a media hub. These connect to televisions, stereos and speakers. They’re much like stereo components. They bridge the gap between your computer network and your home entertainment system. Or, some can be used as stand-alone stereos.
Q: Should I purchase a laptop with a single- or dual-core processor? What are the advantages of a dual-core processor?
A: Dual-core processors are simply two chips in one. In theory, they can process twice as much data as a single-core chip. However, there isn’t much software to take full advantage of them. That will change in the future. Even so, if you just use office programs and surf the Web, a single-core chip will be fine. Heavy-duty gamers and video editors probably will be able to use the two cores, at least in the future. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t pay up for a dual core.
Q: I share a computer with my fiancée. She is Chinese, so I’d like to install a Windows version in her language. Can I have both English and Chinese versions on one computer?
A: Certainly. The most difficult part of this, probably, is finding a copy of Windows in Chinese. Assuming you can do that, use a partitioning program to set up a separate partition on the hard drive.
I have links to programs at komando.com/news. The partitioning product will include a menu program. When you boot up, you can choose the English or Chinese version of Windows.
Q: I like to listen to podcasts in Windows Media Player. I would also like to burn them to CD, but they don’t appear in my music library. How can I fix this?
A: You can change the settings in Windows Media Player. Music and podcasts are added to the library when you play them. Click Tools, then Options. On the Player tab, select “Add music files to library when played.” Click Apply, then OK. Once they’re in your library, don’t move the files. Otherwise, the player won’t be able to find them.
Q: My wife owns a Pentax EI-200 digital camera. She dropped it, and now she gets error messages. Should I get it repaired? And if so, where?
A: This camera came out in 2000. It was a midrange model, with a 2.11-megapixel sensor. It cost $600 new. But that was long ago. Today, you can get a much better camera for $300. That is probably less than you would spend on repairing the old one. And that’s assuming you could get parts. Old digital cameras are like old computers – they aren’t worth repairing. Buy new.
