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Avoid programs that 'fix' what isn't broken

By BILL HUSTED

Cox News Service

February 24, 2008

Q:  What is your opinion on these fix-it programs that promise to analyze your system and correct problems? I got one that said I had more than 200 problems on my system. Is there a free checkup like AOL used to have before I went to DSL?

—  Bill Friday

A:  My general feeling is these programs find more problems than exist, then seek to impress you by fixing them. That's marketing. But they also try to fix some problems that don't exist. That's trouble.

Some of these programs are valuable. I've seen cases when a user noticed a problem and a program like this fixed it. My advice is not to have it checking for problems actively. Instead, only use it when you've noticed a problem.

Q:  About once a month my DSL service goes out. A tip I learned from you — shutting off my DSL modem for a time — has always been able to restore my service.

But I wonder if I should be concerned, as far as fixing the problem that causes these disconnects?

—  Wes Harmon

A:  You could always ask your provider to check your service. But, honestly, a once-a-month disconnect isn't a huge problem.

Q:  If I buy an HDTV, do I need a new home theater package?

—  Fred Smith

A:  Adding a sound system to create a home theater environment will improve your experience, but it sure isn't necessary.

Please send your questions to Bill Husted at tecbud@ajc.com. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.