Archie,

The scanner problems that you are having are software related.

I can't believe how many responses to your note indicate the number people who have their computers powered up 24/7! IF YOU WANT TO WASTE ELECTRICITY, KEEP YOUR COMPUTER(S) POWERED UP 24/7 !!!

IF you aren't providing webserver space that needs 24/7 access, or some similar reason for being fully operational 24/7, DON'T DO IT!

Any device that is powered by electricity will last longer if surges are limited. BUT, that sure isn't a good enough reason to keep every light in your house on 24/7. A light bulb will last longer in terms of hours if it never gets turned off, but if you only need to use it once in a while, it will last much longer if you turn it off when you don't need it. Some of the lightbulbs that I started out with in my home 13 years ago have never been changed and still work just fine when I hit the switch.

I do almost all of my computing on laptop computers. In the last seven years, I've worn out two keyboards, but have never worn out anything else. They have to be unplugged for travel. Shut the damn thing off! You could be (probably are already) blamed for energy shortages!!!

TURN IT OFF!!!

Bob