Washington (dpa) - Thinking about upgrading your computer's processor (CPU) or graphics card? Before you do, consider upgrading the machine's BIOS. The BIOS is the software that allows your computer to correctly identify the components in your PC. Without an updated BIOS, your computer may not recognise a new CPU or operate optimally with other hardware.

Washington (dpa) - Microsoft Word "remembers" the last place in a document that you were working before closing it. To return to that place when you re-open a document, press Shift-F5. Word will jump directly to the last location where you were so that you can pick up from where you left off.

Washington (dpa) - Need your older versions of Microsoft Word and other Office applications to be compatible with Office 2007? Download the free "Office compatibility pack" from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads. With the compatibility pack, you can open and edit Office 2007 documents without owning the latest version of Office.

Washington (dpa) - If you buy a USB-based external hard drive, ensure that your computer is equipped with USB ports that conform to the USB 2.0 standard. Many older computers do not. If yours lacks 2.0 compatibility, you can always buy a USB 2.0 add-in card, which can be installed into your desktop computer. These add-in cards are generally inexpensive, often costing less than 15 dollars.

Washington (dpa) - Want to regain your sanity when reading e-mail? Try keeping your inbox empty or almost. Set up folders and rules for certain types of messages, and move them there from the inbox. Delete other messages liberally - even if it's to a "safe" folder that you can return to when you have time. (dpa)