Ask Bag... with a vengeance

Question 1: Can a computer function properly with two operating systems?

Yes, it can. The key is to make sure both operating systems exist in two separate locations. This can be done a number of ways; by installing them on separate hard drives, partitioning a hard drive, or using a virtualization program (like Parallels or VMWare).

Once both OS' are installed, its merely a matter of configuring the boot process. On Windows-based machines, you edit a document called BOOT.INI.

You can learn more about that here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022

On the Mac, you'll need to use Boot Camp. Boot Camp helps you install Windows onto a partition of your drive and run it natively on an Intel-based Mac. If you'd like to run two OS' at the same time, you'll need a program like VMWare or Parallels, which emulates the Windows experience on the Mac desktop.

It should be noted that Apple's OS X won't run on a Windows-based hardware without a fair amount of hacking.

Learn more about Parallels Desktop for the Mac: http://www.parallels.com/ca/products/desktop/

Lean more about VMWare Fusion 3: http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/overview.html

Question 2: My Bluetooth device does not turn on when I press the power button. Do I have to download something?

Nope. Chances are you haven't paired the device with your machine. Or your device is paired with another device and needs to be unpaired first. Because every Bluetooth headset has a different method of connection, you'll need to consult its user manual for details on the pairing process.

Question 3: I'm looking for a video editor that allows me to rotate a video (e.g. one that was shot with the camera inadvertently turned sideways). Low price or freeware preferred.

In terms of freeware, you might want to check out Free Video Flip and Rotate: http://www.tucows.com/preview/516508

If you're a Mac user (specifically using OS X 10.6 +), you can do this action for free with Quicktime X.

Another good alternative for both PC and Mac users is Quicktime 7 Pro. Not only does it allow video flipping, but also encoding and basic editing tools.
Get it here: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/extending/

Question 4: My friend has an iPhone. The other night we recorded a video of ourselves and when he emailed it to me, it wouldn't play on my computer. I have a Windows XP desktop. Help! I'd like to watch it.

Sounds like a codec issue. Codecs are generally computer programs that encode and decode specific digital or audio data. In this case, videos from the iPhone 4 are encoded as H.264 MPEG4 videos, also known as .m4v files. You'll need Quicktime to open it.

Get Quicktime, for free, from here: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

Question 5: Will unmounting an SD card erase everything on it?

Not if done correctly. The rule of thumb with any SD card, flash drive or portable hard drive is to eject or unmount it before removing. This will prevent any disruptions with file transfers, especially if the drive is in use without your knowledge. On Windows, removing an unmounted card tends to be a bit safer. However, on the Mac this can lead to data corruption.

Question 6: How to set the time on an Android phone?

Go to Settings, then Date & time. Now uncheck Automatic. You can now set the time manually.
If you check Automatic again, it will sync the time and date through your cellular network.