Print Your Own Passport Photos

Q.  The fan that I usually hear running while the computer is on, isn’t making any noise and my computer seems to stop on occasion. Is this like a car that overheats and then stops? What should I do?

A.  Your auto analogy is right on the money: If your car’s fan stops running, the engine will overheat. Similarly, once the cooling fan inside your computer stops running, you are definitely in danger of overheating—as is your computer.

My best advice would be to take the computer into a reputable computer repair shop and get the fan replaced. If you don’t replace the fan, and the computer continues to overheat, it can damage your processor and motherboard, which may cost you hundreds of dollars. The cost to replace the fan will probably be less than $50, so it’s not worth the risk.

Paying attention to the noise your fan makes is a good idea whenever you use your computer.  If you hear a screeching sound when you first turn on the computer, there’s a very good chance the fan is on its last legs or that you stepped on the cat. Don’t take any chances with the cooling fan:  If it’s making an unusual noise, it’s best to get it checked out and replaced, if necessary.

Q.  I have a digital photo that would make an ideal passport photo, so I would like to print a full page of small photos. Please tell me how I can do that, Mr. M.

A.  Just about anything is possible with the right software, and this is no exception. One of the most popular applications for this purpose is the cleverly named Passport Photo (http://tinyurl.com/84l9m). You can select between U.S., Canadian, standard or custom passport photo sizes. A free trial version is available, and it’s only $10 to purchase.

Q.  I just replaced my old printer with a new one, but when I go to print, my computer still thinks the old printer is the one to use. The new printer was installed properly and I can see it listed, but how can I make sure that’s the printer my computer uses?

A.  You need to tell your computer which printer is your default printer, meaning the printer it should use whenever you issue a print command. To do this, click Start > Settings > Printers. You’ll see your old and new printer icons displayed. Right-click the printer that you want to establish as your default printer—in this case, your newly installed printer.

On the menu that appears, click “Set Printer as Default,” and a check mark will appear. Once you see the check mark, you’re done. Just close the Printers window and your new printer will spring to life the next time you have something to print.

Mr. Modem’s Sites of the Week:
Causes of Colors
Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue, how rainbows are created, or what makes an emerald green? Me neither, but work with me here. This educational site examines the 15 causes of color, the concept of microconsciousness (huh?), and the way in which color is perceived by our eyes and how it impacts our life experience. This Web site is described as a journey into light, where you can learn how light is created, lost, and moved. Other features reveal how the world looks through color-blind eyes and how animals see.
http://webexhibits.org/causesofcolor

Energy Drink Reviews
Drinks such as Red Bull and Zoom are extraordinarily popular, particularly with young, hyperactive people today. This informative site reviews more than 250 energy-boosting beverages ranging from Acai to Zoom, based on taste, cost, and the all-important “pump-upedness” factor. All things considered, make mine decaf, please.
www.bandddesigns.com/energy

Time and Date
This handy site will generate a calendar for whatever year you wish. You can personalize your calendar by adding special dates or holidays, then print it.  
www.timeanddate.com/calendar

For plain-English answers to your questions by email, plus useful PC tips, subscribe to Mr. Modem’s Weekly Newsletter. For information, visit www.MrModem.com.