Ask our experts

Should I upgrade from my current Vista operating system to the new Windows 7?

Maryanne L. Zupeck
Lambertville, NJ

Yes, but only if your computer can handle it. (To find out, go to www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx.) Windows 7 is more stable than Vista, it generates fewer false alerts, and its user interface, utilities, and file organization are better. If you bought a Vista computer after June 26, 2009, contact the manufacturer to see whether you qualify for a free upgrade. Microsoft advises against upgrading from XP.

I keep my top-freezer refrigerator in the garage. During cold weather, the freezer doesn’t stay cold enough. Why?

Larry Lichter
Flanders, NJ

A refrigerator's thermostat signals its compressor to cycle on and off, cooling both compartments. But the thermostat is usually in the fresh-food compartment. As your garage cools down, the compressor needs to run less often to keep the fresh-food section cold. As the cooling decreases, the freezer warms up. If the garage is cold enough, the compressor will stop running altogether because the thermostat doesn't call for cooling. The freezer will then warm to the garage temperature. That's why many manufacturers advise against putting a refrigerator/freezer where the temperature can fall below 55° F.

I was unable to use two nonrefundable tickets for a trip to Europe. The airline said I could use them for one year from purchase date. Is that my only option?

Jean-Pierre Enguehard
Houston

In most cases, nonrefundable means just that. You can see if there are any exceptions by contacting the airline's customer service. Otherwise, you can use the tickets within a year for the same trip or go to a different destination. You'll have to pay the price difference, even for the same itinerary, and you might face a change fee.

Can you recommend any natural ways to eliminate flatulence?

J. Davis
New York

Gas is made when intestinal bacteria ferment the carbohydrate remnants your body hasn't digested completely. Consider cutting back on common culprits, including beans and other legumes, whole grains, broccoli, cabbage, peaches, and pears. Dairy foods will produce gas if you have trouble digesting lactose. Also eat more slowly and chew with your mouth closed because swallowed air creates gas. Beano, sold over the counter, can reduce gas by helping your body digest troublesome carbohydrates.

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