Q&A
Bloggers like sharing their inner thoughts
Q. What is a blogger?
A. Bloggers are individuals who share their thoughts or musings with other Internet users by posting Weblogs. Weblogs are diary-like entries on a given topic that are added to a Web site over a period of time. A shortened term for "Weblog" is "blog," so the person who creates entries for a blog is frequently referred to as a blogger.
Q. Is game console software interchangeable? Specifically, if I buy my son an Xbox, will he be able to play Sony PlayStation games?
A. No, game console software is not interchangeable. Just as certain programs are designed specifically for Windows-based computers and others are made for Macs, each gaming title is created to work specifically with a particular console. That's not to say that an Xbox user can't enjoy a game because it was originally designed for the PlayStation platform. Game developers, out to capitalize on the popularity of all game consoles, frequently develop multiple versions of their software titles, so users of any of the consoles can purchase a version of the game that works with their device.
Q. I'm trying to determine how much space I would save by buying a liquid crystal display (LCD). How thin do LCD monitors go?
A. It varies, but you can easily find an LCD screen that's only about 2 to 3 inches thick. Some are as thin as only 1 inch; others are thicker. If space constraints are a big part of the reason you're buying an LCD screen and cost isn't an issue, determine how much space you have for it and shop accordingly. Not surprisingly, the thinner the monitor, the more it costs. If you've already started shopping for an LCD screen, you know that they can be costly, ranging from about $500 to upward of $5,000.
Q. When I leave Web sites in which I had to log on, I generally don't officially log off; I just go to the next Web site I want to visit. I've been told I shouldn't do this. Is that true?
A. You're actually opening yourself up to a security risk by failing to log off of Web sites that require you to log in, such as Web-based e-mail services. By not logging off but continuing to use your browser to visit other Web sites, you're leaving your connection to that original site open. If you're accessing the Web in a public place such as the office, you want to make sure that no one else can come behind you and gain instant access to your personal Web-based services.
Holmes answers questions daily at usatoday.com/tech.htm.
