Today, answers to reader e-mails.
Q: I'm in the market for a digital camera. I assume I should buy the model with the highest megapixel rating. Any other advice?
Answer: Actually that's not always true. Megapixel rating refers to the camera's photographic resolution; in other words how well a picture it takes looks at a certain size, to simplify the matter. For example it's common to find cameras with 10 megapixels or more now, yet a 6 megapixel model will take a perfectly sharp picture suitable for printing and certainly for web use.
It's best to look at the camera's features as a whole rather than to focus on one aspect. After you make sure the resolution is adequate, check for features such as auto-focus, manual control and other things you might need.
Q: I read online that Microsoft Word will no longer be sold. Why not?
A: To paraphrase Mark Twain, rumors of Word's death are greatly exaggerated. What happened is that Microsoft did indeed lose a lawsuit over a feature in Word. They are presently fighting an injunction concerning this. The worst-case scenario would be that they would have to rewrite the product and delete the offending code to comply with the court's decision.
Q: I'm in the market for a new desktop computer, but the complexity of choosing baffles me. Any advice?
A: I get this question constantly. The simplest approach is to decide what you'll do with your new computer for the next year or two, including what software you'll use. The good news is that the sweet spot for a screamer of a computer has dropped to around $450 for the tower only. There are several models also at that price that are less powerful but include extras such as printers and monitors. Just be sure to factor in the cost of software and any other necessities into your budget.
Q: Microsoft seemed to be the dominant company in technology for years, yet now it appears Google, or perhaps Apple, has taken their place. Would you agree?
A: Microsoft indeed dominated technology when the desktop computer operating system or OS was the primary force in computing. Several things have changed to weaken their position over time.
The advent of the Web made the computer's OS less important, as any computer with a browser could get online. As search became the primary activity online, Google gained power because it had a superior product at the time. Also, Microsoft was so invested in desktop software that it at first found it difficult to focus on anything else.
Then, there was Vista, a virtual train wreck in public relations.
Apple's rise was nothing short of phenomenal, thanks entirely to the leadership of Steve Jobs and the team he assembled there. Apple was considered down for the count, out of the business in all practical ways. Jobs had been fired and had started another computer company, Next Computer.
When Jobs returned to Apple, he brought a sharp focus on the practical aspects of the company's business. He closed a deal with former enemy Microsoft for software, he simplified the Mac line of computers, and he cut wasted effort and expense in every possible way.
His greatest business move was to create computer-related products that were unique and useful. The iPhone and iPod are two efforts in this direction. iTunes dominates music downloads and is growing to encompass video and in time perhaps eBooks and other offerings. Finally, Apple is the master of buzz, the art of creating interest and speculation. The constant rumors on the alleged upcoming Apple tablet demonstrates this well.
Having said all of this, don't count Microsoft out. Company leaders are relentless.
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