ItsGeekToMe.co

Q: When I insert a picture into the body of my email, it is HUGE.  I cannot find the setting to change this.

– Melissa Y.
Crestview,FL

 A: Your pictures appear huge because they ARE huge, Melissa.  I assume you’re trying to e-mail pictures from a digital camera.  Most digital cameras take these “huge” pictures by default so that if you want to blow them up to 5×7 or 8×10, you can do so without worrying about losing the image quality.  Unfortunately, if you simply want to e-mail them, their huge size gets in the way in a hurry.

Unless you got a rock-bottom deal, your camera probably came with some sort of image editing software.  If you have a photo printer, it too probably came with some.  I would recommend that you get to know it, and if your pictures are too big, resize them before trying to e-mail them. If you don’t know whether you have any such software on your computer, try doing a web search for “photo editing software” and compare the results to the software you have installed.  You’ll even find some pretty good ones available for download for free.  One word of caution:  When editing your pictures, don’t overwrite your original files!  Reducing the size of a picture reduces the amount of image information it contains, and in attempting to make them suitable for e-mailing, you might accidentally make them unsuitable for printing.

Q: I use a browser with tabbing, Mozilla.  When I logoff a secure site (usually a bank account) I am frequently warned to close the browser.  If I just close the tab or window that I have been working in, am I sufficiently secure?

– Richard H.
Shalimar,FL

 A: I guess that would depend on your definition of “sufficiently.”  Secure transactions create a number of temporary files on your computer called, “session cookies” that help the site can keep track of what you were doing.  Although very unlikely, it is possible that these cookies could be accessed by the next site you visit, revealing your personal information.    Hopefully, the secure site cleaned up after itself, but not all sites are so well behaved.  To me, “sufficiently secure” means I have done everything I can to protect my personal data.  Closing the browser releases and deletes all the session cookies that might have gotten left behind.  It only takes a moment, and is a good habit to get into.

Q: I have an apple computer and can’t seem to find support for my Mac in this area.  Any local referrals /or suggestions?

-BeverlyM.
Miramar Beach,FL

A:  I try not to do plugs or pitches in my column, but since you asked, Apple’s website (www.apple.com) lists two authorized Mac outlets in our local area:  Consulting Services Inc., 17 NW Racetrack Rd, 850-862-8777 has been in town for over 12 years, and works exclusively on Macs. Tech Advanced Computers in Uptown Station, 850-301-0881 is a drop-off point for their store inPensacola, where they have no fewer than three Apple techs on hand to meet your needs.  TheFortWalton location can also order any parts and supplies you need.