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Q I need a new TV, either 2-D or 3-D, and I don't want to make a purchase that doesn't make sense. I'm not really a technology guy, but the 3-D TV demo I saw at a store was amazing. Do you think that 3-D is far enough along the development curve? My cable TV company isn't saying anything.
RICHARD POWELL, ELK RIVER
A While three-dimensional TVs are available, there aren't many 3-D shows yet, and there may not be for several years, according to technology website Gigaom at tinyurl.com/23kh24s. What's more, 3-D TV sets cost several thousand dollars each once you include 3-D glasses and a 3-D DVD player, says Consumer Reports at tinyurl.com/23p96gf.
But, if you're determined to be a 3-D TV owner, read the Startribune.com story "10 things to know before you go 3-D" at tinyurl.com/27jauy7.
Q I use a Linksys router with my desktop PC, but about once a day it disconnects from my Comcast Internet service. I then have to unplug the router, wait a few seconds and plug it in again. Is there a way to fix this? Do I need a different router, or is there a Comcast issue?
RON KNAPP, BURNSVILLE
A I don't think it's a Comcast problem. It's more likely that your router is getting out of sync with your cable modem, and that rebooting the router restores its original settings. I solved a similar problem by getting a new router.
However, before you go to that expense, check for downloadable software updates for your router at the Linksys website, tinyurl.com/38ur5zd. Also, contact Comcast (see tinyurl.com/25vopps) to see if its network monitoring equipment shows that your modem is working properly.
Q A Yahoo add-on has taken over my Firefox browser, and I can no longer find my browser bookmarks. I'd like to restore my original Firefox format, but with the Yahoo format I can't even find the browser's "tools" menu. What can I do?
DAVE BLUMBERG, MIAMI
A It sounds as if you've downloaded either a Yahoo toolbar for Firefox, or a special version of Firefox that includes the Yahoo toolbar. Many other people also have complained that the Yahoo toolbar is difficult to remove.
Rather than try to fix the browser you have, I suggest downloading a new version that doesn't include the Yahoo toolbar. You can find it at tinyurl.com/d9pp59.
During installation, the software will automatically copy your existing Firefox browser's bookmarks to the new version of Firefox.
E-mail tech questions to steve.j.alexander @gmail.com, or write to Tech Q&A, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488-0002. Include name, city and telephone number.
