Compute: More computing Q and A

The mailbag is overflowing again, so let's go to the stack and try to answer a few of your letters.

Question:Can I change from 32-bit Windows 7 to 64-bit Windows 7 without losing my data?

Answer: Not without a huge effort. There is a truly nerdy way to do an in-place upgrade that you can Google, but, if you ask me, it is beyond your reach. Instead back up your data or install the new OS on a new hard drive and keep the old one on a second drive so you don't lose anything. I like doing that because hard drives are cheap and that way I'm sure I don't lose anything.

Question:I installed a Windows 7 upgrade on your recommendation, and now I can't find Outlook Express. Where is it?

Answer: It has gone away. You can install and use the Windows Live Mail client that replaces it for free. Your mail and contacts will install directly from Outlook Express. Or you can use Outlook if you have Microsoft Office. If you don't have Windows Live Mail on your computer already, you can download it free from the Microsoft website with Windows 7.

Question:When I order a new laptop for my daughter for college, is it worth the upgraded resolution screen? It costs another $120.

Answer: Yes. The default 1280 x 800 screen is OK, but it will drive most people crazy because you can't fit much on the screen at once. I would pay for the upgrade.

Question:When I tried to install my home printer on Windows 7, I was given the choice of the universal printer driver for my HP printer. When I installed that, I was offered a permanent install or a dynamic install. I don't understand what that means.

Answer: With the universal driver, which is pretty cool by the way, many current HP printers will work automatically without specific drivers installed on your computer. When it comes to network printers, when you hit "print" it will find the HP printers on your network and offer to print to them. That's the dynamic option. Or if you plan to use the same network printer over and over, the driver will offer to let you permanently install it to save you a bit of time. It will show up as a permanent printer in your printer list and remain there when you disconnect.

Question:You had written a column before suggesting Mozilla Firefox as the main browser and then another one supporting Google's Chrome. What do you suggest now for Windows 7?

Answer: Chrome is my current favorite for Windows browsing.

Question:Are you still supporting the Motorola Droid for a smartphone?

Answer: Absolutely. Now that Amazon.com is selling it for 20 bucks it is a no-brainer. (You read that right — 20 bucks.) You should take a look at the HTC Incredible as well, but for keyboard phones the Droid is impressive and rock solid. Of course, the new iPhone on Verizon is the wild card, but if it decides to show up it will be this summer sometime.

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