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BYTEBACK
Enabling thumbnails
Tell me how to see thumbnails of the pictures in “My Pictures” folder. It worked fine before, but the problem started after I uninstalled Macromedia Fireworks MX6 which had taken association with all the image files (gif and jpg). Although I have set the file extension back to Internet Explorer, I can’t find their thumbnails appearing.
NOOR UL HUDA
noorulhuda@msn.com
Editor replies: To view a thumbnail version of image files in selected folders, go to Windows Explorer by clicking Start> Programs> Accessories> Open Windows Explorer. Click the folder that contains the files you want to view in a thumbnail version. On the “View” menu, click “Thumbnails.” And there you are.
Insufficient memory
This is in response to comment made by Umair Mohsin (????? issue) on an article “Buying a PC without expert help.” Umair states that 128MB is more than enough for a computer, to which I don’t agree. I am using a 533MHz Pentium 3 with 256MB RAM. After running several benchmark applications and running “System Monitor” included in Windows, most of the results showed RAM was the most important factor. For instance, on running a multimedia application, RealJukeBox, the System Monitor showed that over 190MB of memory was used and less than 50 per cent of the proccesor power usage.
Also, when running Windows XP, computer experts reccomend using as much RAM as possible. I’ve read this in many prestigious computer magazines. I agree that DVD is a luxury, and the same is the case with CD-RW, but now combo drives are available which combine both of these technologies economically. Also a 1GHz Pentium 3 is very suitable for the home user.
Also note that a good motherboard is very important. I can give you an example of my PC. I used a D810 motherboard and got a result of 950+ on OFP’s built-in game benchmark. After upgrading to a D815e I got 1150+.
Hard disks are also available, in speeds of 10,400rpm, which are faster than the normally used 5,400 and 7,200 rpm. And a Sound-Blaster costs Rs3,000; not Rs5,000.
As for graphics cards, a 64MB Geforce 3 or 2 GTS or Ultra will suit many gamers unless they want to play at excess of 1600x1200 with smooth FPS.
AHSAN AHMED
ahsan1702@hotmail.com
What is POP3?
What is POP3? ?Do I need POP3 of Hotmail to work with Outlook?
ALI RAZA AWAN
arka_pk@hotmail.com
Editor: POP3 or Post Office Protocol is a mail communication protocol. This system is used to transfer email messages between two computers, for instance, your computer and a server (an ISP). It is used to to retrieve email from a mail server. Most email clients use the POP protocol, but some also use the newer IMAP protocol (Internet Message Access Protocol).
In case of Hotmail, which is a web-based service, you just need a browser. In case of earlier client you required third party service, but Outlook Express 6 has built-in mechanism for it.
Improving resolution
When I zoom in an image, its pixels gets distorted. Is there any software with which can improve it and gives smooth display when enlarged.
AHMED
lovendar@brain.net.pk
Editor: Unfortunately, there is no software that can help you zoom in to a better picture. When you make an image small, you really are throwing away a lot of information in that data which you can no longer retrieve. This is what compression is all about — taking what you need and discarding the rest. That’s why when, for instance, you shrink a 800x600 file into a 120x40 file.
The extra file information is lost. It may look the same to you, but actually the pixels have gone down from 800 pixels on one side to only 120 pixels on one side. And when you zoom in, you will see those 120 pixels magnified to 800 which, of course, will distort the picture. You can do this though. Take your screen resolution to the lowest possible resolution. You’ll find that it improves the image a little bit more.
More queries
1. I want to download songs which can be saved on my PC.
2. When my Win98 starts it gives an error message “tickler_3210.” I have to close using Alt+Del+Ctrl. How to remove this error?
3. My image files are not opening. How can I fix this problem?
4. Are there any rifles used on laser jet printers (5LX)?
SHAHARYAR ANWAR
Hyderabad
Editor: Please find the answers in the order they have been asked:
1. Try
2. From Startup; go into Start> Program> Accessories> System Tools> System Information> Configuration and then Startup Tab. To turn off these programs, unclick the boxes next to the names of these programs. Press Okay.
3. Press Shift and then right click on the file you want to open. You’ll see another sub-menu called Open With, choose the program you wish you open the file with. Or you can always install a program like ACDSee, which will take over as default viewer.
4. Laser printers use big toner cartridges to print. They are filled with very fine carbon particles with which the printer prints the desired paper.
Resolution problem
When I increase the resolution of Win98 to 800x600 the screen goes blank. Can you explain why?
TAMOOR MIR
tam_mir2000@hotmail.com
Editor: There could be three reasons for your monitor going blank:
1. Video card drivers are not being supported in Win98. The way out would be to reinstall the drivers you have, or try choosing a different monitor in the Control Panel under Display. That will help.
2. It could be that your computer is not getting enough power under Win98. It happens sometimes.
3. Could be a problem with the Sleep mode under Win98. Try moving the mouse and typing a few keys. See if that brings it back.
