If you have a Dell laptop, check your model and battery number through this link. If your battery is identified as being at risk of catching fire, you'll get a free replacement.

Both Microsoft and Homeland Security are urging Windows users to download security updates.

Microsoft released an update to Internet Explorer last week, and quickly discovered a flaw. It issued a security bulletin #MS06-040. You can follow this link to read more. It's especially important for people who are using Windows 2000 and Windows XP with only Service Pack 1 installed.

What it does: People tapping into the weakness in Microsoft's programs can gain access to your computer and remotely execute code allowing an attacker to install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

Since Microsoft no longer supports Windows 98 or Windows ME, those users are advised to upgrade to Windows XP. Run this vulnerability check to see if the ports of entry are at risk on your computer. http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6626984.html?tag=nl.e724

Good anti-virus firms have already updated their software to protect you, and with any technology, we try to balance the potential risk against the likelihood of a problem. Netscape users are at much less risk than those using Internet Explorer.

As a bit of relief from fiery batteries and computer hackers, I was in Oregon visiting my sister last week. She has a terrific bookshop on the coast, and a customer came in looking for an embroidery book.

The woman finds embroidery so compelling, she said she "Used up the Internet" and needed more patterns.

I can't imagine any of us ever being sated by the Internet, or bored with its contents, but maybe her search techniques were a bit lacking.

The spirit of free enterprise lives on. While the web makes us think everything is 'free,' there's a high cost in developing new ideas and getting users on board. Without these new innovations, we'd be stuck in a mega-Google/Microsoft world of technology.

So, thanks to RBW for passing along news of Pando software providing a free home for all your digital photos, music clips, video, or giant spreadsheets.

Our Internet providers force a limit on the maximum size of email attachments. If you need to send a larger file, your choices usually are:

1. Zip the files

2. Use a free service like Yahoo, where you have oodles of storage space. However, you won't likely want to give out your password so others can access those files.

3. Use a free utility, FTP (file transfer protocol) to upload files to your web site.

4. Use an inexpensive service like MyDocsOnline.com where you have 50 MB of storage for $9.95/quarter. You can use a generic password to allow clients and colleagues to download files.

5. For photos, you can use a service like Shutterfly or Google Video where recipients can view photos online but may have to register. Many recipients want the photos on their computer, not on the public web.

Along comes pando.com. Pando allows files are large as one gigabyte each.

Users need to download and install Pando once. Then you select the files or folders to send to colleagues, type email addresses onto the screen, and Pando sends info to the recipients so they can fetch the files, and download to their computer.

The recipient also needs the one-time download of Pando software. Transfer times are very fast. A recent Walt Mossberg article in The Wall Street Journal cites 8 minutes to transfer a huge 95-MB file.

1. The first week of August was National Simplify Your Life Week, and the entire month is National Small Business Month. Spend a few minutes assessing your tech skills and make a list of what you want to do better.

2. Schedule an Autumn appointment with Computer Clarity if you need to brush up your skills.

3. If you use Microsoft Office and don't have time to teach yourself something new, visit www.office.microsoft.com and look at all the free learning aids - tutorials, articles, templates, and audio presentations to teach you PowerPoint.

4. Click Start / Programs. If the menu is getting crowded, right click to delete unused programs.

5. Learn to download MP3 files by visiting www.RickSteves.com for a free MP3 Paris audio tour.

Are you a Sam's Club member? Did you know they offer a complimentary Start-up Web site or domain name for all Business Members, with no purchase required. Follow the link or phone them at 877-726-7932.

Remember to post your computer questions on the forum at my site, www.cclarity.com.

I'll be speaking about Better Writing with Technology at the Midwest Literary Festival in Aurora, IL on Sunday, September 17th at 11:00 a.m. If you have friends out that way, please let them know.

Helen Gallagher

Phone: 847-998-6240, www.cclarity.com

Feel free to forward this issue of Computer Clarity's monthly e-newsletter to your friends, or invite them to subscribe on my site at www.cclarity.com. There's no charge.