It’s time to get a little extra mileage from your computer.

Literally.

Your computer can help cut the amount you spend on gas each month. At today’s prices, saving just a few gallons can keep quite a few bucks in your pocket.

I saw the difference myself recently. I made a trip to Arkansas over the Memorial Day weekend and kept track of what I spent on gas. I covered about 575 miles each way and paid about $180 for gas.

The gas expense would have been even more had I followed my usual path. But before the trip, I used MapQuest (www.mapquest.com) to calculate various routes and found one about 70 miles shorter. That saved me more than two hours of driving time roundtrip and perhaps $24 in gas.

Using a route planner is the first and most obvious way of cutting costs. But there are plenty of others.

For instance, it’s a no-brainer to buy gas from stations that charge less. Sites such as http://www.ajccars.com/articles/gas-prices.html and, nationally, http://www.gasbuddy.com provide a fairly reliable index of what various station charge. I don’t drive miles out of my way to pay a few cents less. But it makes sense to find stations nearby — and along the route of longer travels — that are more reasonably priced.

I knew the route for my trip to Arkansas in advance so I was able to predict where I would stop. More than once the Web led me to cheaper stations just a couple of miles from interstate exits — where gas has always been notorious high.

Another bit of technology can come in handy for finding the most economical route: A GPS. Keep in mind, when you plan a route using a Web site or a GPS, the shortest route is not always the best. Cars get their best gas mileage without the stop-and-go pattern of two lane highways.

Like most people, the bulk of my driving is between home and work. Because of my jobs and hours I’ve never been a good car pool candidate. Besides, my drive is only about 8 miles. But I know co-workers who commute from distant counties and in one case from another state.

If I was in that long range crowd, carpooling would be essential. Here in Atlanta, I could use this Web site — http://www.erideshare.com/carpool.php?city=Atlanta — to find a partner with the same route and similar hours. In other parts of the state and country, I could use this site — http://www.commuterchoice.com — to do the same thing.

You’ll find carpool sites by using this Google search: +carpool +(the name of your city).

Even if you carpool to work there are plenty of trips you’ll make solo. There are some common sense ways to get more miles to the gallon. Here are some Web sites that offer ways to increase your mileage: http://www.wikihow.com/Save-Money-on-Gas and http://www.howtoadvice.com/savinggas.

Of course, the best way is to drive less. Your computer can help you cut down on the miles, especially for things like entertainment, shopping and errands. A few examples:

Shopping: Many local merchants have Web sites. When I buy locally, I use sites to compare prices as well as check availability. That avoids trips to a store only to find the price is too high or the item is out of stock.

Entertainment: We haven’t given up on going to the movies, but home-delivered DVDs from services such as Netflix (www.netflix.com) make sense.

Errands: A few years ago I would have never considered planning routes for several stops in the city. Now, I spend a few moments with an online map or with MapQuest to plot the most efficient course.

The biggest savings from your computer? Using it to telecommute — assuming your job and your company allow it. You can learn more about telecommuting — and pick up some arguments for the boss — at: http://www.telcoa.org/.

Finally, be aware that your computer can also make high gas prices worse. I’ve found many slick sites that promised the moon if only I’ll buy a product that injects a bit of water into the combustion process, or that uses magnets to magically save on gas consumption. So take a few moments at this site — http://tinyurl.com/5vltom — to learn how to avoid online scams like this.

That’s it for today. Now I need to join the jam on I-85 and head to work.

I often tell my bosses that I learn more from readers than they learn from me, although I secretly hope the bosses think I’m just being modest.

But it’s the truth, and today we’ll talk about some topics that have been on your minds. Let me know about others we don’t get to. You’ll find my e-mail at the bottom of this column.

HDTV

The initial mystery is wearing off and prices are dropping. The trend with my readers has been toward LCD sets, although plasma still is a popular choice.

The surprise for me is that many readers want to use an HDTV with just an antenna. There’s nothing wrong with that if you can survive without 100-plus channels of reruns and documentaries about bear cubs and spiders.

One plus is that over-the-air broadcasts offer the best HDTV signal -- better than you get with cable or satellite.

But some of you are bewildered by the latest marketing gimmick: special HDTV antennas.

That’s what it is, a gimmick. The best antenna for digital is the same as the best antenna for anything else: big and tall.

If you’re close to antenna sites you might eke by with rabbit ears. But if you’re going to avoid cable and satellite, I suggest an old-fashioned TV antenna (the kind that populated most roofs in the Leave it to Beaver days). If that seems unsightly, investigate an attic antenna. You get most of the advantages of an outside antenna without all that aluminum hanging over your house.

VCRs

Speaking of TV, there’s another topic that came as a shock to me: VCRs. Mine are gathering dust in the basement. But many people still use them. And they worry whether they’ll work with digital TV signals next year.

The answer is no, unless you have the capability to convert the digital signal to analog. Converter boxes will do that. Besides, at least for a few years after the switch, cable companies are required offer service to those with old analog technology.

Still, VCR owners should really consider a digital video recorder. It’s truly a better solution, and one is often available as part of your cable service.

Cellphones

The Apple iPhone has done the impossible. Both my technically inclined readers and those who feel uneasy about high tech simply love the iPhone. You’re using it for wireless e-mail and for checking the Web. Each week I get mail from readers who now feel comfortable travelling without a laptop and a digital camera. The iPhone has become the Swiss Army Knife of technology.

Look for news from Apple in early June. Faster connections, a true built-in GPS system and more connectivity with business e-mail systems are likely to be coming. The iPhone is a rare example of a device that crosses lines of age and expertise -- a true winner.

Video

While video is on my mind, let me tell you about a tiny video camera from Flip Video (http://www.theflip.com/products.shtml). This may be the sleeper product of the decade. It didn’t catch my eye because, frankly, I’ve never figured out why I would want to make videos of anything.

But I’m finding out that — as often happens — I’m in the minority on this one. So I’ve purchased my first video camera since the days of tape. It’s a graduation present for the daughter of our neighbors.The camera is tiny, takes great video and comes with a built-in USB connector that lets you seamlessly dump the video into your computer.

Here’s what is capturing the hearts of readers. The camera is extremely easy to use and you’ll pay as little as $100 for a camera that holds 30 minutes of video, or $150 for one that holds 60 minutes. Make sure you check mass marketers like WalMart and Target.

Be aware that Sony sells a video camera called a Flip Video Camera. Use the Web site above to see the one I mean.

Movies

Another productcapturing hearts and minds: the $100 Roku Player that lets Netflix customers almost instantly download movies and watch them on their TVs -- no computer involved. You do, of course, need a high speed Internet connection.

These kind of players have been around for a while but until know haven’t gotten much traction. The killer features here are price and ease-of-use. Check out the Roku here: http://tinyurl.com/5n3hkk

OK, that’s a sampling of topics I’m hearing about from you, but I’m sure I missed some. What are some of the products that you’re trying that have made a difference for you? Let me know at bhusted@ajc.com.

The oldest rule of medicine is “first do no harm.” It’s much the same with computers. Today I’ll tiptoe close to that line.

Many times a computer is so fouled up, a person has to do one of three things: (1) Take it to the shop, (2) Dedicate weeks to trying one thing and then another or (3) take some chances with potent cures.

I think of these potent cures as desperate measures. I present them with no warranty, no promises. In fact, I suggest you only use them when no other option presents itself.

We’ll start with the least desperate of the bunch -- reformating the hard disk and reinstalling Windows. Some experts recommend this process fairly routinely, even for computers that are working. The theory is that you should start fresh once a year or so, removing any conflicts as well as hidden viruses or spyware. I don’t go that far. I only use this tactic when I can’t quite figure out what’s wrong with a computer but am fairly sure the problem is in the software, not the hardware.

If you do it, remember to back up all your data first. Also, make sure you have original disks for the programs you use.

The sequence at that point is: install the operating system; then the programs; then the backed up data.

My next tip is more dangerous. There are times when it will work, you’ll have to decide if you want to take the chance.

Remember floppy disks? Many people still send e-mail to me explaining that some important bit of information is stored on one. But the disk isn’t readable.

One desperate measure is to take the floppy disk apart. Carefully remove the inner circle of plastic coated with magnetic material. Then open a second identical brand new floppy and insert the inner material that you just removed. Put the disk back together. If it works — and it often will — immediately copy the material you need to the hard disk. Keep in mind that if you fail you’re ruined any chance of recovering the data.

Now lets turn to hard disks. When one goes bad, it can take much of your precious data with it — especially if you have not backed it up.

You can easily locate a disk recovery company by typing “disk recovery” into Google. I can’t recommend a specific service since I’ve never used one. But there’s a desperate measure that can help.

If the disk damage is not mechanical — and is software instead — there are programs that sometimes can recover your data. This is relatively safe and does not destroy the data if you fail. I’ll mention a couple of places to find these programs: http://www.runtime.org/data-recovery-software.htm and http://www.recoverdatasoftware.com/. I’m not recommending these programs, just offering examples. You can do a Web search using the terms: data recovery software.

In the worst case, the problem is mechanical. Software usually won’t help here. You’ll often recognize a mechanical problem by clicking or chattering sounds.

This is the point where only a commercial data recovery firm can help. There are some tricks floating around the Web that offer do-it-yourself remedies. I do not recommend them since, if they fail (and they usually do) you lose everything. I’ll tell you about a couple in case you decide to throw care to the wind with an otherwise useless hard disk.

The first one involves freezing the disk. Remove it, put it in a freezer bag and seal. Put that bag in a second bag, squeeze to remove the air, then put the whole shebang in the freezer for several hours.

When you take it out, let the the hard disk return to room temperature. Then reinstall it. If it works, immediately copy the information. Here’s why it might work: contraction from the cold, followed by expansion during the warm-up, can free balky parts.

Another trick that has worked for me is to remove the bad hard disk and tap it two or three times on a hard surface. I do not mean banging it like you’re driving a nail. Tap it.

I was serious in suggesting that you not try the last two tips unless the data on your disk is totally unimportant and you just feel like trying a parlor trick. Why mention them at all? I wanted you to know about them in case you stumble across a glowing review on the Web suggesting them.

Enough desperation for one day. I truly hope you never need to try any of these tips.

I could tell the time of year even if I lived in a windowless cell. E-mail from my readers is the world’s best calendar.

This is when many of you begin to think of buying a laptop for a son or daughter heading to college. I’m several years removed from that necessity, but readers keep me up-to-date. In more than one case, I’ve changed my recommendations based on what you’ve told me.

As is usually true with smart technology purchases, the most important work is done long before the credit card slip is signed.

The starting point is the college Web site. You leave yourself open to costly mistakes if this stop is skipped. Many colleges have specific requirements for student computers. Ignoring these requirements could mean you’d end up buying two computers — the one you select and the type specified by the college.

Also, some manufacturers offer significant discounts for students at certain colleges (but comparison shop to make sure it is indeed a bargain).

In Atlanta, Georgia Tech has definite ideas about computers. Here’s a Web page that lists the requirements: http://tinyurl.com/56lra3.

You’ll see on the same Web page that Tech has purchasing agreements with Apple, Dell and Lenovo. Another link shows you programs that need to be installed on the computer.
Since Georgia Tech is known for engineering and technology, it’s not surprising its requirements are fairly specific. Other colleges may show more general requirements, or none at all. In that case, a call to the school may be prudent.

If you still have no guidance? Well, the specifications on the Georgia Tech site are an excellent start. Even if you end up paying a bit more to get the power called for, you probably will save money over time. That’s because your goal should be to buy a laptop computer that will survive four years of college without replacement.

To boost the odds of computer survival, here are four things to keep in mind.

One: All computers are compromises. For instance, extremely light computers often cost more and may not be rugged enough. Powerful laptop computers can be too bulky to comfortably carry around. The compromise I favor for college use is durability.
One example (though not a recommendation) is the Panasonic Toughbook, made for the school of hard knocks. You can read about it here: http://tinyurl.com/689xnq

Two: Consider insurance and an extended warranty. That goes against my usual recommendation. But parents have told me of broken screens, dropped computers and theft. Make your own decision, but research this option. Some credit cards offer warranty extensions if used for a purchase, so check on that as well.

Three: A good carrying case can add to survivability. I favor an aluminum hard-shell case. If your student considers that impractical, make sure any soft-side case you buy has plenty of padding.

Four: Keep in mind that laptop computers make a tempting target for thieves. There are dozens of devices ranging from cable lock systems that secure a computer in a dorm room, to tracking devices that make it easier to find a stolen computer. For ideas do a Google on “laptop computer anti-theft” or similar words.

Finally, make the student part of the search process. Your young scholar needs to buy into the notion of protecting the laptop. And it’s a good idea to cater to their biases when you make the purchase.

I’m sitting here at the keyboard smiling. I’ve been through this purchasing process twice. It’s a wonderful feeling to know I’ve finally graduated fr

Feline nature of PCs

Computers, I’m convinced, must be related to housecats. Just when you think everything is purring along nicely, a computer can stick its claws right into your heart.

One moment it’s a computer, the next it’s a big paperweight. That shocking instant — when you hit the power switch and nothing happens — triggers a fine cloud of panic that turns even the most rational person into a wild-eyed fixing machine.

Today, while we are both calm, let’s map out a game plan for that inevitable day. Stick this column in a desk drawer so it can help you calm down and avoid making things worse.

At the risk of sounding like a Zen master, first do nothing. Almost anything you do in the first moments is likely to be wrong. Calmly jot down any symptoms that occured in the days before the computer died, as well as what you were doing at the time. You may find a clue there.

Now that you’ve had time to let the panic settle, check the most obvious causes. And yes, that starts with checking to see that the power cord connections are sound. Then check to make sure the surge protector or UPS is turned on and plugged in.

Some surge protectors and power strips can automatically switch off if electricity to your home is interrupted. Plug a small lamp or other AC device into the power outlet you’re using to make sure a circuit breaker hasn’t popped.

Next look at the front panel of your computer. Are any lights on? If not, the power supply may have gone bad. It’s an easy replacement — most large computer stores offer them — but many will be leery of that repair. Those of you who are competent to do it probably know it and those who aren’t know it too (I hope) .

But what if the front panel lights are on but the machine won’t do anything? Lets turn it off and see what it can say for itself. Hit the power switch and restart.

Do you see an on-screen message when the computer restarts? For instance, if the hard disk has failed you’ll see a message. But that’s not the only way a computer can tell you its woes.

Most use beeping sounds to alert you to problems. The meaning of these codes vary according to the kind of motherboard installed in the computer. Your manual will tell you the type of motherboard installed, or you can use another computer to check the manufacturer’s Web site. Once you know the brand of motherboard you can use this site to deciper the beeps: http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

Of course, the computer may be mute: No on-screen messages, no beeps. If so, try disconnecting any unneeded accessories — printers, scanners, etc. — and turn the machine on again. At times, a malfunctioning device will cause the problem, and if not you can at least rule it out.

The next step is to open the case.

Some of you will be reluctant. That’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with packing up the computer and taking it to a repair shop at this point.

But if you proceed,take a look at the cables and connectors inside once you have the case open. Are they firmly seated? Now — using the manual or just your knowledge — locate the processor chip. Most often it will have a tiny fan connected for cooling. Is the fan turning? Most computers will shut down if they overheat — a good thing. It’s also a good idea to check the larger fan — usually at the rear of the computer — that cools the entire innards of the machine.

If there’s nothing obviously wrong and the fans work, then try removing and reseating accessory cards. Important: Shut down the power first.

OK. We’ve reached a fork in the road. This may be all you can do. But if you have spare accessory cards (like the video card, sound card, etc.) you can try removing the card that’s in your computer and replacing it with one that you know is in working condition.

If the problem still isn’t fixed, it’s time to call it a day — and to call for an appointment at a repair service.

Since you’re reading all this with a computer that’s working just fine, you can use these tips to prepare for the inevitable. Make sure you have the manual that came with your computer or download one and print it out. Also, it’s a good idea to accumulate spare parts. Often times the problems aren’t as dire as a computer that won’t start at all. Many times all you need is a replacement keyboard, video card, even a monitor or a mouse.

Next time your computer turns into a housecat, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding those painful claws.

Your summer vacation

I’ve arranged a special vacation offer just for my readers. You’ll stay at no nightly cost, have food prepared to your taste and never bother with packing and unpacking.

It’s exactly what I plan for myself: A stay-at-home vacation with activities for the whole family. You’ll have plenty of time to read and take naps — important parts of any vacation.
And it will leave you with a little extra money in your pocket. I have plans for some of those dollars, but even so you’ll end up spending a fraction of what a conventional vacation would cost.

Think of me as counselor at your high-tech summer camp. There are a wide range of fun and educational activities offered. You can tailor what you do to all age groups.

I’ll direct you to some high-tech family projects you can order using the Web. Most of these sites offer dozens of projects. I’ll suggest a few types, and then you can find kits to suit your family.

Build-a-computer

One of the best ways to learn about computing is to build your own computer. Everyone in the family can help.

The first option is to build a powerful computer that can join the family arsenal. Simply pick up all the components from power supply to case at any good computer store. Most stores will help you find what you need and have books that explain the process.

You can also get Web help here: http://www.mysuperpc.com/

The project requires no soldering and is surprisingly easy. Depending on the components you select, you’ll spend about $800. The site above offers links to sites of various parts vendors. You can also shop locally or at other Web sites.

For a more sophisticated project where you literally work at the circuitboard level, try this Web site: http://tinyurl.com/5vwrnq

This isn’t for the faint-hearted. But for those of you who want to mount tiny components, it’s a great experience. You’ll get a book and all the components you need for $125.

You will not end up with a PC. Instead, this computer is mostly for learning. But it can be used as the brains for another project, including a robot. This is definitely a project for the hobbyist, but enough help is offered to make it suitable for motivated beginners.

Some kid stuff

Many families — especially those with young children who want to get involved — would be better off starting with much easier projects. Try this Web page for a wide range of scientific kits geared toward kids: http://www.hobbyengineering.com.

A child of 11 or 12 can easily navigate kits such as these.

One of my first boyhood projects was building a radio. I did it from scratch, but there are easier ways today. A Tennessee company called Ten-Tec (it also makes outstanding ham radio products) offers a $39 kit that lets you make a shortwave radio.

You get everything you need, along with instructions. This project is suitable for kids, but soldering is required so supervision is a good idea. Check it out at the top of this page: http://radio.tentec.com/kits

That radio won’t be fancy. But the same Web page offers increasingly difficult radio kits. You can wind up with a very nice homebuilt radio for about $200. Ten-Tec is known for its willingness to help when you’re stumped. That’s a nice plus.

Heat things up

If you are interested in some of the kits that involve soldering, why not get a kit that specifically teaches soldering? It just costs $12 and — for your efforts — you end up with a robot with blinking eyes. You can see it here: http://www.kitsusa.net/phpstore/index.php.

For those who want to build a real robot, here’s a good site: http://www.lynxmotion.com

I’ve geared a lot of this to kids, but tech-minded adults shouldn’t ignore the fun these electronics projects offer. I still get great joy in building something. There’s a real thrill in hitting the power switch on something you made yourself.

So now you have a starting point for what could be a really terrific family vacation. Even if you took on two of the more expensive projects, the cost will be a fraction of what you’d spend on a conventional vacation. And you you have the potential for educational fun that can bind a family tighter than the most elegant solder joint.

Walk on the weird side

Today let’s take a walk -- a walk on the wild, scary side of computing.

We’ll leave hackers, ordinary computer viruses and scammers for another time. Let’s examine some real, but mostly hidden, dangers of computer use that can do real harm to your equipment, or even your body.

These threats don’t just come from the internet, but also from other gadgets that connect to your computer or allow you to use it. An example is the digital picture frame, one in a series of digital appliances that can come with an added and unwelcome feature at times — viruses, worms and password stealing programs implanted at the manufacturing source.

So far, the list of infected gadgets includes iPods, other music players and GPS devices. But it could widen to any gadget that contains computerized circuitry.

Most of these devices seem to be infected by accident at the factory — for instance, a worker might use a music player for his own use, connecting it to an infected computer. But there’s also evidence that some of these programs are added on purpose.

Not to pick on digital frames, but one giant U.S. retailer yanked them off its shelves when it discovered they contained a virus programmed to steal passwords and disable anti-virus software.

How does this sinister threat work? All these gadgets end up connected to your computer — either to transfer photos, music or navigation maps. When they are connected, the virus can migrate from the device to your machine. The safeguard? Keep your anti-virus software updated so that if a virus tries to sneak in the backdoor, the program catches it.

Another potential hidden danger is toner, the stuff used in a laser printer. Some researchers think the dust-like particles can be as dangerous as cigarette smoke. A study published in Environmental Science and Technology magazine suggested that changing toner cartridges on a laser printer sometimes subjected people to the high-tech version of black lung disease. The only difference is that, instead of coal dust harming the lungs of miners, the tiny particles of toner dust attacked the lungs of office workers.

There isn’t universal agreement on the harm. But it’s another example of an unexpected risk that may be lurking. If you’d like to read more, here’s a link to a 2007 article in Time magazine: http://tinyurl.com/3jb7qu

There are other risks to your body when you use a computer. One that is well-documented is carpal tunnel syndrome. Spending long hours at the keyboard can create serious and permanent problems when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand and can become squeezed at the wrist.

Other, lesser aliments, can also be caused by long hours at the keyboard too. So take a break.
Another, equally frightening medical problem, isn’t as well known. New Zealand researchers say extended sessions at a computer can cause fatal blood clots. The risk seems similar to what can happen if you spend a lot of time in a confined position — on long drives, or long airline flights. That adds to the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The veins become compressed and can form blood clots.

Between carpal tunnel system and fatal blood clots — well, that’s reason enough for anyone to take frequent breaks from the computer. Just get up and walk around.

In fact, I think I’ll do that right now. I never knew writing a column could be such a risky oc