Q. I started getting a message telling me that the batteries in my Microsoft wireless mouse were low. I changed the batteries twice, but I’m still getting the same message. Can you help me?

A. If you know that the batteries are fresh and fully charged, as is the mouse (if you have a recharging cradle), mouse synchronization or signal interference issues can create a low-battery warning.

You should be able to synchronize your mouse by pressing the button on the receiver (if you have one), then press the synch button on the bottom of the mouse. You may have to do this several times.

Make sure the mouse is within the reception range of the receiver. If you're not sure, check the documentation that came with your mouse. Usually two to four feet will be within range.

Items that may cause interference include fans, fluorescent lights, large metal objects, including computer cases and metal furniture; 2.4GHz cordless telephones or wireless home networking components.

Last but not least, it's always possible that the mouse is ready for retirement and needs to be replaced. A wireless mouse should be good for three to five years, plus or minus.

Q. Have you heard anything about a jury duty email scam that’s making the rounds? How can we tell what’s legitimate or not?

A. Identity thieves must be working overtime to come up with these diabolically ingenious plans to separate us from our personal information. A current scam involves a phony notification that you failed to report for jury duty. Here’s how it works:

The scammer initiates contact with an “official-looking” email. The message claims to be from a local court and places you on notice that you failed to report for jury duty in response to a letter mailed to you on a certain date. As a result of your alleged failure to appear, a warrant has been issued for your arrest.

The message advises you that with your cooperation, however, the arrest warrant will be quashed and you’ll be placed back into the jury-duty pool for subsequent notification. You are then asked to provide your birth date and Social Security number for “verification” purposes.

This scam is effective because most victims are caught off-guard, appalled at the prospect of having an arrest warrant issued for them, so in the spirit of cooperation they provide the requested information. Big mistake.

To avoid becoming a victim of this or similar scams is easy: Never, EVER provide your Social Security number, birth date, credit card number, driver’s license number, or any other personal information in response to an email received. No legitimate organization is ever going to request that information for verification or other purposes, by email.

If you are requested to provide your Social Security number, particularly if you don’t recognize the legitimacy of the request, ask why that information is needed. Remember, your Social Security is not an I.D. number, nor was it ever intended to be a universal identification number, and just because you’re asked to provide that information, doesn’t mean you always have to provide it.

Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:

Best History Sites
This site was created for history teachers, history buffs, and students. Featuring more than a thousand links to related sites, it is arguably the top history portal on the Web. Select whatever interests you from a long list of links to Prehistory, Ancient/Biblical, Medieval, American, Early Modern Europe, and Art History Web sites. There are also fun features such as quizzes, puzzles, games, and even lesson plans.
www.besthistorysites.net

Golden Age Romance Comics Archive
If you enjoy old romance-themed comic books, this online archive is worth a look. Here you’ll find publications from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s, a time described (as the name of the site suggests), the “Golden Age of Romance Comics.” Read a brief history of the genre and view full issues that have been scanned for your viewing nostalgia.
http://tinyurl.com/222rs2

For plain-English answers to your questions by email, plus useful PC tips, subscribe to Mr. Modem’s Weekly Newsletter. For information, visit www.MrModem.com.