New PCs, Wi-Fi will simplify computing life

Q I have three kids who share two desktop computers (from 2001 and 2005) and I have a 2005 laptop. All are slower than molasses in January and I'd like to use an upcoming bonus to update our system.

I'd love to buy one "super" computer and two or three 'drones' that could network into the central system in order to ease the burden of keeping individual computers up-to-date, but I can't find anyone constructing systems that way. Is this possible?

KATE RARDIN-LEAHY

BLOOMINGTON

A You can find drones (better known as "thin clients") in the business world (see tinyurl.com/6at38o.) But there's no advantage for a small user such as you. A server and two thin clients would cost about $1,000, the same price as a laptop and two netbooks (downsized laptops.)

You'd be better off using a Wi-Fi network to share documents and printers among three new PCs. (See tinyurl.com/4aq2y9x and tinyurl.com/yb523os for advice on setting up home networks.)

You can reduce the work of updating multiple PCs by using "Windows Update" on each one; new Windows features will be automatically installed. (See tinyurl.com/26glz4q.) Security software can do the same thing.

Q My PC keeps getting a pop-up window that says "desktop agent tray has stopped working." It gives me a choice of "debug" or "close program," but neither does anything. I've uninstalled programs trying to fix the problem, but it hasn't helped. What can I do?

JAMES CHARRON, TUCSON, ARIZ.

A Your problem is most likely caused by a program from telephone company Qwest that helps install its DSL (digital subscriber line) high-speed Internet service on your PC.

Qwest says if you've already installed the Internet service you no longer need the "Qwest Installer" software, and can remove it via your PC's Control Panel. Depending on which version of Windows you have, Qwest Installer will be in a list of programs found under "add or remove programs" or "programs and features."

Q I have thousands of old family photos on color slides that I'd like to convert to digital images. I'd prefer not to pay someone to scan them. Is there a reasonably priced slide scanner I can use at home?

LAURA PETERSON, BLOOMINGTON

A Check out film-to-digital scanners at tinyurl.com/6d6bben. Some cost less than $100 and produce a 5 megapixel digital image (equivalent to the quality on some cell phone cameras.) But read reviews: Some owners complain that devices produce blurry images.

E-mail tech questions to steve.j.alexander @gmail.com, or write to Tech Q&A, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488. Include name, city and telephone number.