Q: I use the Hibernate option a lot. But today I clicked the Start button, and the Hibernate option is missing from Vista’s Shut Down menu! How can I put Hibernate back on the menu?

A: When you click Hibernate from Vista’s Shut Down menu, Vista grabs information from your PC’s memory — your currently open programs and documents, for example — and stuffs it into a large file on your PC’s hard drive.

When you turn on your PC again, Vista dumps that information back into memory — leaving your desktop just the way you left it. It’s faster than closing your programs manually, turning off your PC, then reopening all your programs.

The biggest culprit for removing Hibernate from the Start menu is Vista’s Disk Cleanup tool, which purges your PC of unnecessary files. And one file Vista considers to be unnecessary is “Hibernation File Cleaner” — that chunky file containing your PC’s information as it drifts off into Hibernation. Once that file disappears, Vista forgets about Hibernate, and it trims that option from your Shut Down menu. (The next time you use Disk Cleanup, uncheck “Hibernation File Cleaner” to avoid this problem.)

To put Hibernate back onto your PC’s menu, follow these steps: Click to read more »

Most people hate their antivirus program for many reasons. Once you buy an antivirus program, for example, you’re stuck paying an annual fee. If you ever stop, the program stops working.

And when most antivirus programs do their job, they often slow down your PC by overloading it with an overblown security “suite,” which duplicates Windows’ built-in firewall and Microsoft’s free anti-spyware program (Windows Defender).

To help out those who dislike or can’t afford an antivirus program, Microsoft’s shaking up the big players with Microsoft Security Essentials, a slim ‘n’ trim program that checks for incoming viruses, removes spyware, and scans your PC for viruses every week.

It’s fast, unobtrusive, and it works. Plus, it’s free to owners of legitimate copies of Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7. (The program doesn’t work on Windows Me, 98, or other Windows versions.) I’ve been using it for many months without problem.

To download and install Microsoft’s Security Essentials program, follow these steps: Click to read more »

Q: Do all Internet radio stations broadcast using MP3 format at 128 Kbps bit rate? And how do I record Internet radio stations onto my computer’s hard drive?

A: Internet radio stations can broadcast (commonly known as “stream”) at any rate or file format they prefer. But many choose 128 Kbps because it strikes a good balance between sound quality and bandwidth. Plus, MP3 is so popular, nearly ever media player can handle it without problem. Still, some Internet radio stations also broadcast in formats other than MP3. One of my favorite Internet radio stations, SomaFM, for example, broadcasts in MP3, aacPlus (mostly for Mac owners), and WMA (for Windows Media Player).

If you’re interested in the technicalities of Internet broadcasting, check out the Setting Up Your Own Internet Radio Station page from SHOUTcast. SHOUTcast offers hundreds of Internet radio stations to choose from, in a wide variety of streams. You can even download programs that let you broadcast your own station. (Your ISP probably doesn’t give you enough bandwidth to do this, though.)

Recording Internet radio stations can be difficult, as many Internet radio stations don’t want you to record them. And Windows doesn’t come with a built-in method of capturing Internet radio. If you don’t mind downloading third-party programs, this Web page explains how to record some Internet radio stations.

The intrepid Rich Robinson of MintyWhite.com posted an interview with me and a review of Windows 7 For Dummies on his Web site.

Thinking about installing Windows 7 on your Windows XP PC? I’ve outlined some tips and tricks for Windows XP upgraders for Datamation’s Web site, as well as answered questions from readers.