By Kim Komado
Gannett News Service

Question: When Windows or another program crashes, I get a message asking me to send information about the error to Microsoft. Is this safe?

Answer: Microsoft uses this information to strengthen its programs. Some people don't like sending potentially private information to Microsoft. If you get such a message and don't care to participate, just refuse. Or you can block the messages. Click Start. Right-click My Computer. Select Properties. On the Advanced tab, click the Error Reporting button. Disable the message, or limit it to certain programs. Click OK, OK.

Q: I have an older computer with Windows 2000. It has a 10-gigabyte hard drive and 256 megabytes of RAM. Can I use it as an MP3 jukebox?

A: That sounds like a perfect machine for your purpose. If you don't already have it, download free software to play the music. For example, Windows Media Player and the RealPlayer work fine on 2000. Use the music player to create play lists. Then, simply let the play lists run. At the risk of stating the obvious, you'll need an audio system in the computer, along with speakers.

Q: My Windows XP computer has an AMD Athlon chip and 512MB of RAM. Can I use it for VoIP?

A: VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It allows you to make telephone calls over the Internet. The most important thing you need is a broadband connection. You can test your system to see if it can handle VoIP at TestYourVoIP (www.testyourvoip.com) . It will make a call from your computer to Boston or San Jose, Calif., then tell you if your system has what it takes.

Q: I want to set up a family Web site. My wife is concerned about the family's safety if we have a site anyone can access. Is there a risk?

A: You may be happier with a site designed especially for linking up far-flung family members. MyFamily.com (www.myfamily.com) andYourFamilyHub.com (www.yourfamilyhub.com) are sites that offer free space and, more important, password protection. That will keep unwelcome strangers out of your site.

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