Q: I just purchased a netbook, and I am confused as to whether I should have it go into sleep or hibernate when I close the lid or should I just turn it off? And what is the difference between sleep and hibernate anyway?
— Gary Kazanjian
A: I'd turn it off. But that's a preference, not an order. Here's how those modes work: In hibernate mode, the power goes completely off after any open files have been saved. In sleep mode, the computer turns off all nonessential devices but still uses some power.
For a better explanation of the differences, go to www.mydigitallife.info/2007/10/12/what-is-the-differences-between-sl eep-standby-and-hibernate-in-vista/.
I'd turn it off, but you get the same sort of energy savings that will preserve battery life by placing it in hibernation mode.
Q: Many of my files are in Microsoft Office format. I bought a new computer which does not have Office. Is there any way to get to those files?
— Gus Cienki
A: Try downloading the free Open Office. You can download it at OpenOffice.org. It should open your old files. It also does a pretty good job of creating files that match those created by Microsoft Office.
Q: I bought an external hard drive, and after formatting it, I used the Windows Backup feature. There's now one huge file saved on the drive, but I'm wondering: What does it contain? Exactly what is "backed up"? And should my regular hard drive crash, what would be restored onto a new drive?
— Susan Strandberg
A — The backup will contain all the data you've created but none of the programs. That's fine because if your hard disk crashes you're better off reinstalling the programs from the installation disks. You can also customize the backup program so that saved the only data folders you select.
All that is true for the free backup program that comes with Vista Premium Home.
If you have the Business or the Ultimate version of Vista, it is capable of backing up everything, including Windows itself and your programs.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Please send your questions to Bill Husted at tecbud(at)bellsouth.net. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.