Q: I added a new video card to my computer, it was actually surprisingly easy. However, my computer now shuts down at times. I've removed the video card and installed it again. Usually things work fine for a couple of hours, but then the computer shuts down. What is wrong?
— Bill King
A: There's always the chance that you made an mistake during the installation or that the card's software doesn't agree with your machine. But I don't think that's the problem. I suspect that the new card — especially if it is a powerful one — may be be drawing more power than your machine's power supply can handle.
So what can you do about it? The obvious answer is to go back to your old video card. It is also possible to replace a computer power supply with a larger one. Stores such as Fry's Home Electronics (www.frys.com) offer replacement power supplies or a repair shop can do the job for you.
I can't guarantee, of course, that the power supply is the culprit — it's sure the logical suspect. But unless you are especially handy, it probably makes sense to have a repair shop confirm my diagnosis.
Besides, if I'm wrong, then you could end up spending the money for the power supply and find that you haven't cured the problem.
Q: Our family has added a second computer. Obviously we'd like to create a network so that we can share information as well as the Internet connection. I am reasonably capable, so I don't think I'll have a problem adding a router and setting it up. But I'm still debating whether to go wireless or to use a wired network. What do you think?
— Alan Watts
A: Here's an answer I always hate giving: It depends. But it really does.
If all things are equal, I prefer a wired network. It offers more security, is generally faster and has less that can go wrong. If the two computers are in locations that make it easy to run ethernet cable to connect them, that's how I would go. In fact, that is how I go in my home. I also have a WAP (wireless access point). That way, when I want to use the laptop on the deck, I just turn on the WAP. You'll find information about a WAP here: http://tinyurl.com/bbsd3.
While wireless networks can have all the liabilities I mentioned, they can be the right choice if done correctly. Follow these tips and you can have a secure and relatively trouble-free wireless network: http://tinyurl.com/nc9uxo.
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