DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know about the Internet. When we delete emails, do they no longer exist?

Are the energy needs of the Internet rising exponentially every day, as all that new activity results in more stored information? Thank you! — Greg Boardman, gboardman@lewistonpublicschools.org

ANSWER: Delete doesn’t really mean delete. Emails can often be recovered from your computer by an expert. There are ways to “scrub” a drive, but average users are unlikely to know them.

In addition to being on your computer, they are on the computer of whomever you sent them to (or received them from), as well as all the servers they crossed on their travels.

The question about power usage is a bit above Sun Spots’ pay grade. It’s a complicated issue even for experts. Power usage is obviously increasing, but it makes a difference if you are talking about huge server farms or charging an iPod.

Adding to the complication is that even though the number of computers is increasing, the newer models are also more efficient.

For a rough number, at techthefuture.com, it says that about 10 percent of usage is computer related. It also featured the following humorous series of statements:

Wikipedia: I know everything

Google: I have everything

Facebook: I know everybody

Internet: Without me, you all nothing

Electricity: Keep talking

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve misplaced the list of companies that clean houses being sold. Can you send a link or list? Thanks! — Jim Boyd, pucabob@aol.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not respond privately to queries, but she is pleased to respond in the column. Especially this time of year, when letters tend to drop off. If you have a question, now is a good time to send it along.

Meanwhile, here are the names you seek:

* Mike Farrell, Farrell Enterprises, also does cleaning and maintenance, 576-2501, farrellmik@roadrunner

* Pamela Griffin, 357-0904 or 264-3395

* Nicholas Hewison, Chore Brothers Maintenance, Poland, nichewy78@yahoo.com, 333-8167

* Jack Harlow, J & J Cleanouts, hfs80@msn.com, 320-0151

* jkeith7@roadrunner.com, Greene, 212-6645

* Chris Rousseau, Christopher’s Maintenance, also does emergency calls for landlords, crouss48@gmail.com, 417-0686

* Nel Roy, North East Land Services, 212-3059, northeastlandservices@gmail.com

* Wayne, catfarm1@myfairpoint.net, 778-2477 or 491-9394

* Ben Watson, 754-5355,hockey8681@gmail.com

And if people have stuff left over to get rid of when they are done with clear-outs, Claudette Therriault of Loaves & Fishes in Sabattus asked that the charity be remembered. Loaves & Fishes seeks clean and usable merchandise for its weekly furniture and garage sales. Please call Ellie at 577-9364.

The original column is online at sunjournal.com/news/sun-spots/2013/06/04/house-clearing-query-reaps-responses/1373034. If Sun Spots missed anyone, please write and let her know.

DER SUN SPOTS: Could you contact Jeff Marshall, director of operations for Restwend LLC, which operates 14 Wendy’s in Maine (Sept. 26 letter). We need a Wendy’s on upper Sabattus Street. It is very heavily traveled. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots did as you ask, but she received no response. Sun Spots has wondered about the lack of fast food on Sabattus Street. There must be a reason, but she knows not what it is.

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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