OSKALOOSA — Q. I recently heard you comparing the iPod touch and iPad. Why didn’t you mention an update for the iPod touch? It adds 3G to the touch, just like the iPhone.



A. You’re talking about the iPhone OS 3.1 software update. But you’re a little confused. Older models running OS 2.2 can upgrade to the new software. It costs $4.95 and unlocks some new features. However, 3G connectivity isn’t one of them. The current iPod touch model is labeled 3G. And that’s where the confusion arises. In this case, 3G stands for “third generation.” It doesn’t refer to the cellular 3G standard. The iPod touch doesn’t have a 3G chip. So it can’t connect to cellular networks.



Q. I’m tired of using iTunes. I’d like to switch to Windows Media Player. But it won’t play my iTunes AAC files. Is there a way to get around this limitation?



A. Microsoft has discontinued a plug-in that lets Media Player play AAC files. That’s frustrating. But there are solutions. The first is to use a different media player. Try Songbird, doubleTwist or Foobar2000. If you don’t want to use a new program, you can convert the files. Unprotected AAC files can be converted to the MP3 format. These files will work with Media Player. The free BonkEnc converts batches of files quickly. You can find links to these programs at Komando.com/news.



Q. I bought an iMac when my old PC finally gave out. I like it. But I miss a few features and programs I used in Windows. Is there any way I can run Windows programs in Mac OS X?

A. Believe it or not, your Mac is a really good PC. You can dedicate a portion of your hard drive to Windows. You’ll do it through a utility called Boot Camp. Simply click Go>>Utilities and open Boot Camp Assistant. Then click Print Installation & Setup Guide. This guide will walk you through the installation of Windows XP, Vista or 7. Once finished, you can boot into either operating system. Simply hold down the Option key while starting up. You can then choose which you want.



Q. I currently schedule all my household chores on index cards. The system would be more manageable if the cards were digital. Could you recommend an easy-to-use database program?

A. A database would probably be more trouble than it’s worth. If you really want one, try the free OpenOffice suite. But I recommend a calendar program instead. Google has a great free calendar. You can add a large number of activities. Not everyone likes having a calendar online. If you use Thunderbird for e-mail, download the Lightning add-on. It adds a powerful calendar tool. If you don’t have Thunderbird, try Sunbird. This is a stand-alone version of Lightning. Find everything at Komando.com/news.



Q. I am putting together a home theater with a projector. High-definition 3-D looks interesting. Are 3-D high-definition projectors available? If not, when will they be out?

A. As with everything related to 3-D, the situation is complicated. Here is the short answer. Yes, there are projectors capable of 3-D. Yes, there are a few, expensive models that offer high-definition (HD). But what kind of 3-D do they support? Do you need active or passive glasses to use them? Will they work with 3-D Blu-ray players or broadcast TV? There are just too many unknowns at this point. If you have money to burn, there are options out there. I’d wait for things to standardize a bit.