Komando's Q & A: Text from your computer
— -- Question:Is it possible to send text messages to a cellphone from my computer? And what does it cost?
Answer:You can text from your computer. And it's free. In most cases, you'll need to know the recipient's cellular provider. Often, you can do a reverse lookup online to figure that out. This should show you the carrier associated with the number. You can send text messages from many providers' websites. Or, you can send them using a Mozilla Firefox Web browser add-on. You can find that for free at www.komando.com/news.
Q:I'm trying to find friends and I'd like help tracking them down. Do sites do this? I've tried Google, but there are too many results.
A:The Internet is a great resource for locating someone. Google is a good place to start, but it can be tricky if the person has a common name. You might try narrowing the search with a location or interest, but I recommend people-search sites. Try Wink, CVgadget, Pipl or PeekYou. I have links at www.komando.com/news. These sites search networking sites and public records. They often also search the deep Web. These are pages that aren't indexed by most search sites. You'll have better luck at these people-search sites.
Q:I use ZoneAlarm firewall on my computer. It recently started giving me security warnings. It says that Client Server Runtime Process is trying to access the Internet. It mentions csrss.exe. Is this malware?
A:Client Server Runtime Process is a Windows process. Csrss.exe is its executable file. This process is critical in Windows, but the file is also associated with malware. Many viruses and other nasties target this process. Versions of the Netsky worm use the csrss.exe file, for example. Scan your computer with antivirus and anti-spyware programs. You may find something. If you don't have these programs, I link to them at www.komando.com/news.
Q:I have a Panasonic 50-inch plasma high-definition TV. It has 720p resolution. Does the 720p limit my ability to benefit from HD? Would I waste money upgrading my Dish satellite programs to HD? Would I benefit from Blu-ray Disc?
