Question & Answer | Nerds On Call

Q&A:

These are real questions by real people. We figured if someone wanted to know enough to email us, maybe you’re out there secretly wondering the same thing.
 

Q: Is an anti-virus program necessary on a Kindle Fire tablet?

A: The short answer is that any gadget that connects to the Internet should have an anti-virus program installed on it. In theory, because the Kindle Fire uses an Android operating system, you should be able to install any Android compatible app by going to the company’s website from the Kindle browser and installing it directly. I’m a fan of Lookout Mobile Security, available for free download through the Amazon app store. I’m not sure whether it’s compatible with the Fire’s browser, but because the Fire runs an Android based operating system, it should be. If you elect to search the Amazon app store for anti-virus, look for downloadable versions from reputable companies such as McAfee or Symantec, but I’m not sure whether they offer free versions. Otherwise, make sure that you employ the same safe surfing habits you would on your primary computer to keep from getting an infection on your new tablet. Obviously, if you have any questions about these anti virus solutions, you can ask one of our Nerds.

Q: How can I cash out a gift card that I know I won’t use?

A: It’s rare that a retailer will trade you that gift card from Aunt Mabel for cold, hard cash. They want you to have to spend the money on their stuff, after all. The exception in California is for gift cards with a balance less than $10, which retailers must give you cash for. If you happen to have collected some gift cards you know you’ll never use, check out www.plasticjungle.com. The site will buy your gift card for up to 92 percent of its face value. You can take your proceeds in cash or use them to purchase a discounted gift card for a store you actually like to shop at. If you aren’t happy with the offer you get for your card from Plastic Jungle, Cardpool does pretty much the same thing.

A: The cold, hard truth is that all batteries are going to die eventually. The good news is that the batteries for most portable electronic devices are relatively easy to replace with the make and model number of your device and a simple Google or Amazon search. Once you have a shiny new battery, how do you keep it in tip-top shape? Don’t leave your system constantly plugged in. As strange as it sounds, your battery needs the chance to stretch its legs every now and again. About once a week, allow it to run down at least 50 percent before charging back to 100 percent. On the other hand, if you tend to run the battery all the way empty and then fully charge every time you use your device, your battery won’t last as long either because of over-use. If you’re going to store your system unused for a longer period of time, leave the battery at about 70 percent to maximize its lifespan.

A: Definitely install Microsoft Security Essentials before you remove Webroot so you don’t have any crossover/unprotected time. Don’t worry about accidentally selecting the wrong version of Windows (32 bit vs. 64 bit) — it will give you a pop-up notice to install the other if you choose the wrong one first. Once you’ve installed Security Essentials, you will be safe to run through the uninstall process for Webroot and maintain your active protection from viruses, spyware and malware with no more subscription fees.

Q: Does surfing the web and visiting websites (which I do a lot) use up any of your cell phone’s data plan allotment, or is it only when you download a file (which I do rarely)?  

A: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but any time you use your Smartphone’s cell network signal to access the internet you are going to be using some of your data plan’s allotment. Visiting an average of 5 web pages each day will use about 60 MB of data over the course of a month. Everything you do online, from downloading videos or email attachments, streaming music, uploading photos, even checking out your Facebook wall, will tally against your data limit. One way to surf the net without using your data plan is to turn on your phone’s WiFi when you are in range of an open wireless network. If you’re going to download a large video or image, or several files or attachments, consider waiting until you are in range of an open wireless network. This can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of data you use on your cell plan.

Q: I presently have Norton but my computer is slow.  If I delete it and download Microsoft Security Essentials, would it protect against malware?  Also, I have a cable connection. Do I still need to add a firewall?

A: Microsoft Security Essentials should protect your computer against almost everything (viruses, spyware and malware). Make sure to download Security Essentials before you remove Norton, and use a Norton removal tool (available on their website: http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_view.jsp?wv_type=public_web&docurl=20080521134618EN) because getting rid of all of Norton’s components is not as easy as just clicking uninstall in your add/remove programs options. While newer versions of Windows include a software firewall, you should definitely have a hardware firewall on your cable network. If you have a router (not just a modem), you likely have a firewall. A router allows you to connect multiple devices to the same internet line, often broadcasting the signal wirelessly so you can access the internet throughout the house. Be sure to change the router’s default password settings and keep the firmware up to date to ensure you are fully protected.

Q: I’ve seen commercials about companies that can access my computer over the internet to remove viruses. Does this let them hack into my computer whenever they want?

A: You’re smart to be wary about allowing an unknown person or company to remotely access your computer. It can be perfectly safe and incredibly helpful. We do it all the time to help customers get their computer problems fixed immediately so they don’t have to wait for an appointment, or have a tech out to their house. However, you are ultimately giving the person on the other end of the phone line permission to access anything on your computer and if the software they use to gain control of your system is left installed and active they may have the ability to return later to access data and files stored on your computer. First, make sure that you trust the person or company you allow access to. Second, confirm that the program they use to access your system requires you to confirm and allow the remote connection every time, and that you can terminate a session at your discretion. Since you will likely have to pay for service via credit card, make sure that the company you call is one you’d be willing to trust with your credit card number.

Q:My wife just purchased an iPad 2 Wi-Fi model.  Now she would like to have the 3G model. Is it possible to upgrade the Wi-Fi model to a 3G model?  If not, does Apple have a trade in policy?

A: You’re experiencing the most frustrating part of gadget shopping. You spend hours researching all the options, finally decide on the version you want, only to discover after a few days of use that you wish you’d chosen a different model. Argh! I wish that technology companies had trade-in options, but it is rare (Apple doesn’t). Gadgets lose value as soon as they leave their shiny packaging and power on for the first time. I don’t know of a way to modify a Wi-Fi only iPad to make it into a 3G version. However, you still have options. Do you have a wireless capable Smartphone (like an iPhone or Android)? Consider your cell provider’s application to make your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot. There will be a monthly fee, probably abound $20/month in addition to your data plan, but it’s likely to be comparable to the monthly access fee you’d pay to AT&T or Verizon to use the iPad’s 3G service. If you don’t have a Smartphone, check out the wireless anywhere MiFi card from Virgin Mobile (http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/mifi-2200.html). The card costs about $150, but then it’s a pay as you go plan so there’s no contract. Either of these options will give you access to the internet anywhere you have a decent cell signal, just like you’d get with a 3G iPad.

How Can I Ditch My Cable Bill?

Q: I am very interested in doing without my cable bill. The majority of our TV watching is for our kids, mostly Nick Jr., Disney, Sprout, and PBS.  I looked at Hulu and they don’t seem to have a lot of choices for these types of shows.  Do you have any recommendations or alternatives for our TV watching?

A: Isn’t it funny how drastically TV habits change when kids enter the picture? CSI and American Idol are neglected on your DVR and suddenly it’s all Elmo and Dora. We are definitely in the same boat. To accommodate the lack of kid-friendly programming on Hulu, we subscribe to Netflix’s streaming service. For $7.99 per month you get unlimited streaming to a multitude of internet capable home theater devices, including the three major gaming consoles and all the primary set-top internet-TV streaming boxes. We watch all sorts of kid friendly content, including Thomas the Train, Word World, Dinosaur Train, Elmo, and many more. There’s also a huge selection of National Geographic, nature and documentary series, and full-length cartoons, all commercial-free.

Can My Tv Be Used As A Duel Monitor?

Q: Can you plug your laptop into the TV to get streaming shows to appear on your television rather than having to watch it on your laptop?

A: I wish there was an easy answer, but it really depends on your laptop and your TV. If both are pretty new, your laptop may have an HDMI outlet, which you could use to connect it to a TV with an HDMI input slot using just an HDMI cable. If this is the case, you’re in luck: it’s pretty easy to project what’s happening on your laptop onto your TV. Older laptops may have a VGA outlet, but to connect to a TV you’ll need a cable goes from VGA to the input on your TV. If your TV has VGA input, you can use a standard monitor cable but you’ll still have to consider sound. Computer speakers attached to your laptop would amplify the audio, but getting it connected to your home theater’s surround sound can get tricky.

If you have a tech question you’d like to get our take on, use our live chat service by following this link.

You also may like

• When You Know Better, You Do Better: iTunes U Is Educating A Generation
• The 6 Best Gift Cards Gift Ideas