Ask Dr. Webbie
Is there an Internet question you'd like to see answered in a future edition of Website Compass? Email your question to DrWebbie@WebsiteCompass.com.
To assist him in answering your question as specifically as possible, be sure to include the following: the name of the browser you are using (i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 2.0, etc.), the name of the email software you are using (i.e. Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0, OS 10.4 Mail, etc.), and the version of your system software (i.e. Windows 98, Windows XP, etc.)
QUESTION:
I've been hearing a lot about Windows 8. How is it different from Windows 7?
ANSWER:
Windows 8, the next version of Microsoft's personal computing operating system, has been redesigned for a stronger user connection and includes the capacity for touchscreen inputs, similar to a Windows Phone. When released, Windows 8 will be available in 109 languages in 231 worldwide markets. Here are some of the highlights:
- Metro-style start screen – Users of the Windows Phone will recognize the start screen featuring tiles that represent applications and notifications, such as the number of unread email messages or the current temperature.
- Metro-style applications – Applications will be able to share information.
- Windows Store – Windows Store will be a portal for downloading Windows-based software.
- Internet Explorer 10 – IE 10 will be included with Windows 8.
- Microsoft account login – You will be able to log on to Windows and your own Microsoft account settings, using any computer running Windows 8.
- Component update – The task manager and file search functions have been redesigned.
The primary difference between Windows 8 and Windows 7 is the new touch interface. Windows 8 is optimized for use of this function, but it will be possible to use it with a conventional keyboard and mouse. Initial reviews of Windows 8 have been mixed, but most users agree that — as with previous Windows versions — this one will require a learning curve.
QUESTION:
I'm concerned that I may be spending too much time on Facebook. How can I know if I have a real problem?
ANSWER:
Spending too much time on Facebook is just one aspect of Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD), which encompasses a range of concerning behaviors revolving around an emotional need to interact on the widely popular social media site. Though FAD is not an official clinical diagnosis, it is a recognized disorder that is causing many people to experience problems with personal relationships and work performance. You may have FAD if at least two or three of the following statements have been true in the last six to eight months:
- Facebook is a requirement for your happiness.
- You regularly have three or more Facebook tabs open on your browser at one time.
- You become agitated when you don't have access to Facebook.
- You frequently talk about Facebook when not using it.
- You have lost interest in activities you took part in before you started using Facebook.
- Most of your Facebook "friends" are actually strangers.
- Friends and family are concerned that you spend too much time on Facebook.
- You get up in the middle of the night to check messages/updates.
If you think you might be suffering from FAD, try setting goals for what you really want to accomplish on Facebook and log off when you have achieved them. Limit the time you spend on Facebook to 60 – 90 minutes each day and reduce the number of automatic feeds and status updates you receive. If you are unable to break your Facebook dependency on your own, you may want to seek a therapist's help.