Q&A
Microsoft wants to track problems

By Kim Komando
Gannett News Service

Q. When Windows or another program crashes, I get a message asking to send information about the error to Microsoft. Is this safe?

A. Microsoft uses this information to strengthen its programs. If you get such a message, and don't care to participate, just refuse. Or you can block the messages. Click Start. Right-click My Computer. Select Properties. On the Advanced tab, click the Error Reporting button. Disable the message, or limit it to certain programs. Click OK, OK.

Q. My Windows XP computer has an AMD Athlon chip and 512MB of RAM. Can I use it for VoIP?

A. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It allows you to make telephone calls over the Internet. You need a broadband connection. You can test your system to see if it can handle VoIP at TestYourVoIP (www.testyourvoip.com). It will make a call from your computer and then tell you if your system has what it takes.