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Q: I have tried searching everywhere and cannot find an answer to my question. Jeff, you are my only hope. My grandson and I enjoy playing Scrabble, unfortunately his father who is in the military is being assigned overseas. Is there a scrabble game that we can play together, on his computer and mine, while he is away? When we are using Skype now, when not visiting. Thank you, from a proud Grandfather.

– Bernie L.
Crestview, Florida

A: Before I answer, Bernie, let me first say thank-you to your son for his service and sacrifice to our country.  I know from personal experience what it’s like to be subject to the whims of military moves, and how hard it is to be sent overseas, away from friends, family and loved ones.  It sounds like he is lucky enough to be going somewhere that his family can accompany him.  Nevertheless, I wish him well on his assignment, and also pray for peace and comfort for you, and all of those whom he leaves behind who are waiting for his safe return.  Thank-you all!

There is indeed a game that I think will suit your needs.  It’s called Words with Friends, published by Zynga (formerly known as Newtoy Inc.).  This is a “Scrabble-like” program, in that the play is similar (if not identical) to the classic Scrabble board game.  However, Words it is not affiliated with Hasbro or Mattel, the trademark holders and manufacturers of Scrabble.  What it is, and what I think you’ll find highly attractive, is a turn-based, multi-platform game that allows multiple games against multiple players to be active simultaneously.  There is even a built-in chat function that allows players to send messages back and forth to each other from within a game.

Aside from the obvious differences in the physical vs. electronic game, there are a few things you need to know that will be very different than playing head-to-head on a board.  The main difference is that the electronic version doesn’t require the players to be present and playing at the same time, so a game of Words with Friends can take days or even weeks to play to conclusion.  Although this may sound like a problem, it is actually ideal for situations like yours where the two players are separated by time and distance.  Each can make their moves when it’s convenient for them, and the other player is automatically informed when it is their turn.

Words with Friends is available on Apple, Android, and Windows phone devices, as well as Kindle Fire, Nook and via Facebook.  One of the Geeky things about this is that players need not be on the same platform to play against each other.  In other words, someone with an iPhone could play against someone running it on Facebook, or any other combination.  So pick the platform(s) that best suit your needs, and get playing!  While you’re exploring methods of staying connected while your grandson is away, you should take a look at other games that share a similar turn-based play model.  I also hope you’re using one of the many video chatting apps that are prominent now.  Being able to see someone as you chat with them helps a lot to close the distance!  From one proud Grampa to another, good luck!

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 Q: I have an AOL account. Lately when I Google something, such as Wikipedia, the print is so small, I cannot read it. Did not used to be that way.

– Joann G.
Niceville, Florida

A:  You kind-of lost me at “Google something, such as Wikipedia”.  It sounds like you’re mixing the term “Google something” with simply using your web browser, and that the size of your browser’s font has changed to be very small.  You didn’t say which browser you use, so I’m assuming Internet Explorer.  This small font condition happens to me occasionally, because there is a keyboard/mouse shortcut that adjusts the size that is a little too easy to trigger accidentally.  Specifically, holding the Ctrl key and spinning your mouse wheel adjusts the font size, not just in IE, but in many other programs, such as Word.  The fastest shortcut to restore it to the “normal” size of 100% is [Ctrl]+0 (that’s a zero, not an oh).  You can also find size adjustments on the View menu, and even in the status bar at the bottom of the IE window.