Windows users advised to wait for Vista update

Letters have filled the inbox again — besides the ones from the Apple fanatics mad about my earlier comments — so let's get to it.

Question: Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista is out, but I still don't have it from Windows Update. Should I download it manually or keep waiting for it?

Answer: You can do either one, but I would wait for Windows Update. If your computer has a few hardware options that make it incompatible with the update, it won't be installed until Microsoft solves the incompatibilities.

To avoid a large load on the update servers, the update is being rolled out in batches, so it may just be a matter of time. Keep running Windows Update each day and selecting the Microsoft Update option. Make sure you back up your data first.

Question: When I insert a 4 GB USB thumb drive into my Vista laptop, I am not given an option to use ReadyBoost to speed up my laptop. How can I get the ReadyBoost to work?

Answer: You are not using a compatible thumb drive. You need one with a speed of 3.5 MB per second for random reads. Some are now putting the Vista logo on them to make them easier to spot. Generally, the newer drives will be compatible with ReadyBoost. (For those new to the game show, ReadyBoost is a cool feature of Vista that allows you to plug in thumb drives and have Vista treat them as added system memory. It's like plugging in RAM when you need it. It is very nice for gamers who may need an extra 4 gigs temporarily.)

Question: Are you following the Macbook Air issues with overheating and freezing? Lots of people are complaining about the computer getting hot and just freezing if you are watching videos. I thought you'd want to know after your column saying it was no good.

Answer: My column didn't say it was "no good." Rather, I thought it was under-featured for the price and missing some key things that business users would really want, including a replaceable battery.

In answer to your question, Apple has released a patch, "Update 1.0," that's supposed to adjust when the system's small fan kicks on. It should help alleviate the overheating and locking up, according to Apple. If it does not, make sure you contact Apple during the warranty period and get your complaint noted. Some early users of the patch on the Apple forums have not reported much improvement thus far.

Question: I heard you could download a free version of Photoshop.

Answer: Not exactly. There's a Web-based version of Photoshop you can use, on which you also can store 2 gigs of photos. Just head to www.adobe.com to check it out. It's free, so you have nothing to lose. It's another in a series of "software as a service" moves, as software moves to the Web.

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James Derk is owner of CyberDads, a computer repair firm, and tech columnist for Scripps Howard News Service. His e-mail address is jim@cyberdads.com.