Keep that iMac up to date on anti-virus software

Q: I'm considering purchasing my first Apple iMac computer, the type that can run both Apple software and Windows software. How should I protect my system from viruses, scams and intrusions under this duo system? If I communicate through e-mail via the Apple side will I be protected from viruses? I've read that the only reason there aren't many viruses for the Apple is because the hackers haven't been that interested in "attacking" that system. Is that true or is there a difference in how the different systems communicate with the Internet environment?

Phil, Tacoma

A: You definitely want to install and maintain up-to-date anti-virus software for whatever operating system you're going to use. Yes, there is some truth to the notion that there are fewer viruses that attack Apple Computer systems, in part because the operating system is less popular. It's understandable that a virus writer would want to make the biggest splash possible. But there are a great number of viruses that can afflict Apple computers. For more information, you may want to take a look at www.securemac.com.

At the same time, it's true some operating systems are more vulnerable than others. There are reportedly more vulnerabilities that can be exploited in Windows XP than Mac OS X. But that can be taken as a challenge by virus writers, too. Until the first virus appeared for Mac OS X, there was quite a bit of speculation about how long it would take. I'm sure there were a number of virus writers competing to see who could be the first.

Q: My question is about e-mail and servers. Can I have a server and get my e-mail through that server, yet have an e-mail address with a different server? For example, can I have speakeasy.net as my server and retain my present e-mail address with att.net. Or must I get a new e-mail address?

Tom Deschner

A: Sounds like what you really want is your own domain name. If you have your own domain name, you can have the e-mail address you choose and it can be hosted by any of a number of e-mail service providers. For example, I have the e-mail address of pgmarshall@pgmarshall.net, and it is hosted by Network Solutions. Network Solutions runs domain-name servers that connect traffic between the Internet and my domain name, including my e-mail and traffic to and from my Web sites. If I want to move to another service provider, I change the server information associated with my domain name.

Unfortunately, you don't have this option when you get your e-mail through most Internet service providers, or ISP. If you have e-mail with an ISP such as AT&T, your e-mail address includes its domain name. If you're going to move to another ISP, you'll have to change your e-mail address to include its domain name.

Q: Where does someone go to have home-computer problems analyzed and fixed? Calling tech support can be difficult when it can't see the problem firsthand. With our computer, the screen will go black periodically and not return to where it was. We have to turn off the power and restart it. A friend came over about four months ago and cleaned the drives and reinstalled all the programs. Afterward, the computer ran fine for about two months but the problem has returned. The friend has since moved to California, so he can't help us again but thinks we need to reinstall the programs again and possibly install a new video card. I want to once and for all find out what's causing this problem and get it fixed. So any suggestions as to who to go to with this kind of problem?

Robert Yokobe, Bellevue

A: There are a number of consultants and services available in the Seattle area. There's a business called Computer House Calls in Seattle, and I imagine you've heard of the Geek Squad, which can be found in Best Buy stores. You can quickly contact either of these businesses or a number of others by searching the Internet for their names or for computer repair house calls Seattle.

I don't get into recommending individual stores or service providers, since that would require constant checking on the quality of service they provide. That's a job for the Better Business Bureau. As for "once and for all" fixes, don't expect any guarantees. With the numbers of possible causes of problems, ranging from hardware problems to viruses you download from the Internet, don't expect anyone to promise your problems won't recur.

Questions for Patrick Marshall may be sent by e-mail to pmarshall@seattletimes.com or pgmarshall@pgmarshall.net, or by mail at Q&A/Technology, The Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111. More columns at www.seattletimes.com/columnists.