MICROSOFT GIVES AWAY E-BOOKS.(MONEYWISE)(Computers)

The mailbag is full again:

Q. I heard Microsoft is giving away free e-books but I can't find out the details.

A. Head to ''www.microsoft.com/reader.'' To promote its free Microsoft Reader e-book software, the company is offering 100 free books - primarily pieces of literature and scholarly works. The Reader itself is pretty cool, with the company's Clear Type technology that makes documents easier to read. (There's also a plug-in for Word 2000 to save documents in the Reader format for easier reading.)

Q. Can you tell me how to change the extension of a file I have received?

A. Sure. Open Windows Explorer and locate the file. Right-click on the file and select RENAME. There, type in a new name, a dot and the extension you want.

You will get a warning message noting if you change the extension the file may become unreadable. Say OK and you're done.

Q. Is it illegal to download music from the Internet?

A. Illegal as in men coming to your house with handcuffs? No. However, there are several issues here. Downloading copyrighted works without permission is a violation of law and deprives the artist of income. However, not all music online is so protected. Some singers and bands (usually those without record deals) are offering their music for download for free to build their fan base and to get their music heard.

Q. I use the instant chat program ICQ on my laptop. At home when I am dialed in to my Internet provider, I connect fine. But when I take it to work and connect to the network it will not work even though I have Internet access at work. How come?

A. Your company likely has a ''firewall'' installed that limits the connections it will allow to the company network. The purpose is to halt malicious attacks to the network from outside but some also are set up to limit connections to such programs as ICQ, as you really are connecting to another server when you use that program. You can check with your company's IT department to see if they allow a way to get around the firewall, but I doubt it.

Q. Can I have two computers connected to one monitor, mouse and keyboard without forever switching the wires around?

A. Yes. Several companies make such keyboard controllers. My favorite company for such is Belkin, which also makes dynamite cables. Few computer stores stock the controllers, which are common in server rooms, but you can see some wares at www.belkin.com. Don't forget you will need some cables to connect the PCs to the switch. The standard switches control up to four PCs with one keyboard, mouse and monitor.

Q. My printer, an HP Deskjet 520, just died. I have tried several dealers seeking to have it repaired and no one will touch it. Where can I take it to be fixed?

A. Take it out Sunday night for the trash man. Once a stellar printer, the 520 (which cost $299 in its day) is a doorstop. Any of the newer HPs or Epsons will run rings around your 520, will cost $75 or less and even print in color. The service call for the 520 exceeds its value and makes no sense to fix it. It's sorta like repairing a VCR. Why bother when new ones cost $59?

James Derk is computer columnist for Scripps Howard News Service. His email address is jderk@evansville.net.