Computer News

A Question for the Ages: Disk vs Disc?

Ask Mr. Modem!

Q. Sometimes I see the word disk spelled disc, and other times as disk. I know I'm probably nitpicking, but which is correct?

A. If you're into picking nits, you've come to the right place! When new words enter the English language, they often appear in one or more variations until one form prevails over the others. There are also occasions when competing forms remain in use for a long time. Such is the case with disk and disc.

Stifle the Desktop Cleanup Wizard

Ask Mr. Modem!

Q. When I start to type the current date into Microsoft Word, the date auto-completes, but it's an incorrect date. What is causing this and what can I do about it? Thanks, Mr. M.

A. When you begin to type the current date into a document, Word thoughtfully suggests the full date, thus saving you a few exhausting keystrokes.

Backup Your Data...Today!

Ask Mr. Modem!

Q. Ive been in a dither, not knowing what files to back up. Can you suggest or recommend a backup procedure?

A. When it comes to a backup strategy, the best advice I can offer is to keep it simple. The more involved and time consuming it becomes, the less likely you are to adhere to it. That's just human nature. I've been using the same backup strategy and protocol for years, and despite having experienced several drive failures, I've never lost anything of significance.

Using Multiple Monitors

Ask Mr. Modem!

Q. I recently purchased a 19-inch flat-screen monitor, but I still have a clunky, old 19-inch CRT, which works fine. I work with Excel spreadsheets all day and Ive heard that if I have two monitors connected, that I can drag items from one spreadsheet to another. Is that true, and if so, is it possible for a computer novice like me to do that? What would I need to do or what do you recommend?