COMPUTER Help's Q&A The Internet - E-mail
July 2001 Reader’s E-mail questions
Q: Boost 2001
When I am working on the Internet sometimes I get interrupted with a message, “that I need to optimize and should download Boost 2001”.
What is this and should I download it?
What you are seeing is an advertisement to get you to buy something you may not need. I have tried some of those Internet Boosters and didn't see all that much difference. Me, I ignore them or close the little window that may pop up. That doesn't mean you shouldn't run Disk Defragmenter at least once a month. But that program is part of Windows so you don't have to buy anything additional to run it.
Q: Standby Mode
When surfing the web for a computer answer, I came across your web site. Please permit me to say that I believe it is first class and most attractive.
I am confused about whether I should use the Standby Mode. It works well for me. But from what I have read, many say that it should not be used, that I should let the computer run when unattended, that Standby will eventually give trouble and destabilize my system. Since I do not want to encourage any problems, I do not want to use Standby if it will. Do you have any thoughts/experience on Standby, which used to be called Sleep Mode? If so, I would certainly be happy to receive. Thanks.
A: Standby Mode
Thanks for the kind words about our web site.
Most systems while in sleep or standby mode will turn off the monitor and shut down the hard drive. The experts are divided about this issue as well. Do you turn off your system or let it run all the time?
If you are going to be using your computer within a couple of hours then let it run, (turn the power off to your monitor) if not shut it down.
Send your Internet and E-mail questions to: Q&AComputerClub@comphelp2000.com
Dale Wiley J(#1 Rated Microsoft Word Expert at Askme.com)
Computer Help ă July 2001