DEAR SUN SPOTS: You had a letter in a recent column about whitesmoke.com as a translator. I went there, and it has attached itself to everything in my computer. It acts (or is) a worm. It is impossible for the average person to get rid of it. Even deleting the file didn’t help.

I had to hire someone with a lot of computer knowledge to fix it, and it was done by restoring my work back two weeks. This was an expensive lesson, and I hope in the future you will check these sites closer. You’re my favorite and always will be. — Computer Illiterate via e-mail

ANSWER: Sun Spots is very sorry for your troubles, but she did not send you to whitesmoke.com. She’s never heard of it. She sent the reader wanting a translation to www.freetranslation.com, which Sun Spots visited first before recommending it. You may have gotten your worm through an e-mail attachment or may have inadvertently clicked on something else that led you to that site.

Many people, especially those unfamiliar with computers and seniors, struggle with “mousing.” As we age, our eye–hand coordination declines, and diseases that cause tremors, such as Parkinson’s, can make using a mouse nearly impossible. Many computer problems are caused by inadvertent clicks by users both young and old.

Mr. Sun Spots, who is a technology professional, taught one relative with Parkinson’s several shortcuts to reduce scrolling with a mouse. Sun Spots recommends that those who are less expert using computers slow down. Often people working online feel anxious, as if they must instantly respond to each box that pops up. You do not. The box will not go away. Take your time and read everything carefully first.

Sun Spots is glad you got your computer fixed. You are not too computer illiterate or you wouldn’t have even been able to figure out that you needed professional help!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anyone in the area who could add anti-freeze to a 20-plus-year-old solar panel system? — Nancy, photoqueen8@yahoo.com

ANSWER: Floyd at Maine Solar, 491-3461, in Starks, said he could do that.

Closer to home, Don, owner of Alternative Energy and Solar Solutions, said he couldn’t say for sure without looking at your system, but that he’d be glad to do so. He said that normal maintenance is to check the glycol level every year and swap it out every five years. You can reach him at 514-7016, 35 Markarlyn St., Auburn, www.alteng.net.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am writing in response to the person looking for balloons in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Craft-Mania on Center Street in Auburn has a large selection of balloons, both latex and Mylar. The latex balloons asked about are $1.24 each with high-float.

Craft-Mania also carries the largest selection of party supplies in the area. We have 22 solid colors of tableware which are 50 percent off all the time, and many of the popular theme tableware are 25 percent off all the time. Craft-Mania carries a large selection of Wilton Cake Decorating supplies and wedding supplies. Call us at 783-8265. — Lee via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In reference to the person looking for someone to look at their CB radios, Dyers Electronics in Mexico is a great place to go. They are a Radio Shack official dealer and, as far as I know, still sell and service CB radios. — No Name via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Charlie Gilliam, aka Coastline Charlie, can be reached directly at P.O. Box 82, Orrs Island,ME 04066. Also, there is a CD, “Charlie Gilliam the Early Years,” by Coastline and his band, the Blue Mountain Boys, that includes the song “Casco Bay,” which is written and sung by Coastline. — Maine Country Music Fan via e-mail

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link