Ask A Geek

Q: Hi there, once again I need your help. I’m in possession of a nokia n79. It keeps rebooting randomly but mostly when I access the text messages menu. This started happening right after I updated firmware on it. I have tried everything from soft-reset to hard-reset the firmware version is 20.175. I really need your help in resolving this issue.

Q: How do I connect a cell phone to a PC with no Bluetooth capabilities? I would like to use it for a dialup ISP.

Q: Where can I find a video converter for my HTC Touch Diamond I’ve tried a lot of then and they don’t seem to work.

Q: I have a new mobile phone that uses a micro SD card. I also got a USB adapter that I can plug into my computer. The card worked fine the 1st time I download files and music onto it.

Problem is, it stopped working after only a day of use. Now when I put the reader in the computer with the 2gb card inserted, it shows in my computer as 0 bytes and I cannot access the files on the card. If I remove the card it comes up with a message saying please insert disk.

If I remove the card from the adapter and put back in my phone, all my songs play just fine so I know its not a problem with that card.

Q: I need a 3.5mm male to 2.5mm female adapter for my phone that can work with a microphone as well as earpiece. How can I obtain one of these?

Q: I have an HTC mobile that can share internet connection with a laptop. I have an Advent laptop with bluetooth running Windows XP home edition and I would like to connect to the internet via my mobile. The instructions on the mobile say to select the option Network connection and View network bluetooth devices but I don’t have that option. How do I connect my laptop to the internet with my mobile using bluetooth?

Q: I have a Casio GzOne boulder and I cannot get my downloaded music on my SD card to play on my phone.

Q: My step daughter is using yahoo messenger on a cell phone. Is there anyway to retrieve all the messages sent and received?

Q: What is the name of the device that makes a mobile phone vibrate?

A: Like pagers and even some toys, a cell phone uses a tiny device called a DC motor to cause vibration. DC motors take electricity from a power source, such as the battery in a cell phone, and that energy is then converted into mechanical work. If you want more information you can read all about DC motors.

Tip: You may also wish to research AC motors and synchronous motors.

Q: What is the name of the device that makes a mobile phone vibrate? Even if its just a general name.