By Randall Hull
Tech Talk
This biweekly column will suggest solutions to personal computer problems submitted by readers. Questions are welcome, no matter how challenging.
Q: I have a new Power Mac G4 AGP which came with OS 9.1. I had 128MB of additional RAM installed by the retailer. Shortly after loading all my applications, the computer started crashing at startup. It displays an “unimplemented trap” error and hangs. What is causing this and are there any fixes?
A: We have found Mac OS 9.1 to be very fragile and “broken” easily.
First, it does not play nicely with OS X Beta Classic. If this is on your system, uninstall it before doing anything else. Use your OS 9.1 CD to uninstall rather than just throwing parts and pieces in the trash.
Second, the “Documents” folder is “blessed,” so don’t mess with it. The “Applications (Mac OS 9)” folder also wants to be left as is. If you renamed or removed either of these folders, you will have to reinstall your system software.
Third, update all your applications and utilities to the latest versions. Many old extensions and cdevs give OS 9.1 fits. To find new updates for your applications, surf to www.macintouch.com and look for product updates or check out www.versiontracker.com.
Last, but certainly not least, Apple offers a firmware patch on their Web site (www.apple.com) that improves stability. However, the Firmware Update 4.1.8, in an effort to alleviate random crashes, disables any installed memory that does not meet Apple’s new RAM specifications. Your additional RAM might be disabled after the patch. Glenn Anderson, a Mac enthusiast in New Zealand, has posted a free program that will determine RAM compliance. The program is available for download at www.mactcp.org.nz/DIMMFirstAid.sit. If you find your RAM doesn’t measure up anymore, call your retailer or check www.ramseeker.com/firmware.shtml if you know who made the RAM. Most vendors will work an exchange for compatible memory.
Q: I am looking for a good digital camera that can take snapshots easily and connect to my PC. I want to save my photos so I can print and e-mail them. What are the best choices?
A: The wide variance in price, picture quality and features in digital cameras makes it difficult to answer in the space of this column. However, to start, ask yourself these questions before buying:
1. How much do you want to spend? This is not the place to look for bargain basement prices. With digital cameras, low price and low quality photos go hand in hand. Expect to shell out no less than $300 and you easily can approach $1,000 and up. Models feature zoom lenses, automatic and manual settings, and a wide range of image-capture options. Some offer video capabilities and lens converters. What you plan to shoot will influence the features you need and the camera’s cost. Higher-resolution and capability equal higher cost.
2. What photo quality do you want? Resolution is crucial with digital cameras and is one of the primary cost factors. Resolution is the digital camera’s “film;” the higher the resolution, the sharper the picture. Digital camera resolution is measured in pixels (usually megapixels). More pixels equals higher resolution and sharper images. Most snapshots in the 1 megapixel range look good at 640 x 480 pixels when viewed on-screen. Printing sharp photos larger than 5 x 7 inches requires 3-plus megapixels.
3. Do you want a small camera? Smaller isn’t better unless you’re a spy (you would get your neat toys from the CIA anyway). Pocket-sized digital cameras give up too much to be worthwhile.
4. How do you connect the camera to your computer? Digital cameras are generally IBM- or Mac-compatible only. Few cameras work with both platforms. Get to know your computer’s interface ports. A serial port is the most common, but computers may accept parallel, USB, SCSI, and/or PCMCIA. The latter offer faster communications. Keep in mind, older PCs don’t have USB ports and some cameras don’t come with Mac USB drivers. Only certain models come with removable storage. There are four types: Memory Stick, Compact Flash (PCMCIA), Smart Media (SSFDC) or floppy disk. The first three require an adapter.
Look at sample shots from the camera you are considering. Some high-end models output both RGB and YC TIFF files, something digital imaging enthusiasts may want.
Two local camera shops worth visiting are Wolf Camera on Main Street in Los Altos and Keeble & Shuchat on California in Palo Alto.
Q: I just bought a new Acer TravelMate 602 notebook. I want to move the applications from my old Dell Dimension PC to my new notebook and keep all my preferences and settings the same. Although copying everything over is an option, I understand it can introduce problems. Is there anything to make this process easier and foolproof?
A: Unfortunately, you can’t simply copy your applications and Windows settings to the new PC because they are keyed to the Registry of your old PC. You have now entered the world of PC migration. Welcome.
There are automated migration services that can save you a ton of time and a fist full of trouble. Along with sparing your hair, you end up with the feel of your old PC combined with the updated versions of the OS and software that came pre-loaded on your new notebook. There are four programs from which to choose: Miramar Systems Desktop DNA, pcFirst pc2pc, AlohaBob PC-Relocator and Tranxition Personality Tranxport Professional. Each uses fundamentally the same means to accomplish the task.
The products mentioned are offered as possible solutions to specific problems. Neither the author nor this newspaper endorses the products or their manufacturers.
Please be as specific and succinct as possible in describing the problem. Keep questions to 100 words or less. Send to: TechTalk, Town Crier, 138 Main St., Los Altos 94022 or e-mail: techtalk@latc.com.
Randall Hull is a Los Altos resident and Owner/Creative Director of The Br@nd Ranch, an advertising and marketing agency serving technology companies.
