Welcome to the first in a series of Ask the Expert columns where readers can write in with any tech questions they may have and one of our experts will answer it. Kicking-off the first one is Computer City’s Todd Martin.Q What is the range of a Wireless (Wi-Fi) Router?A You will find that router manufacturers will not quantify a specific range for their equipment, primarily because there are so many other factors that can affect the wireless coverage. Every install will be different, with obstacles and issues that serve to hamper the coverage that you require. Placement of the router is one of the main factors. The good news is, that there is always a way to get you the coverage that you need, whether through additional access points, range extenders and power line adaptors. Of course, the bad news would be the price of these solutions, which would have to be weighed against how cost effective your final solution would be.Q What is the difference between a laptop, notebook and netbook?A Laptops and notebooks are interchangeable terms for the wide range of full function, portable computers. Netbooks are typically ultra-portable with small screen s (10”), and are suited for the traveller who would like to access the Internet (hence the name “netbook”), check emails, watch movies and listen to music and have basic computing functionality. Netbooks will have a special atom processor, do not have an optical drive (CD/DVD player) and limited amount of RAM (memory) that makes it ideal for its purpose but limiting it from use as your primary computer.Q What is the difference between a tablet and a tablet laptop?A Tablet laptop is a portable computer with a screen that can rotate from the traditional laptop view to having the screen viewable when the lid is closed. With touch screen technology, it is ideal in particular applications where both ultra-portability and full functionality are required. The new Tablet devices that have become popular are by far much more portable, but do have certain limitations such as computing power, storage and connectivity, which makes them suited to particular applications, but not quite ready to replace the full function computers just yet.Q Out of your selection of In-stock computers, which is the most up to date?A There is a very large selection of computers available to the interested buyer on the market. We do get the question from some customers who are interested in making sure they are getting the most up to date PC/Laptop that will last them the longest. To be sure, most of what you will find available will be ‘up to date’ but the question that you should ask is “which PC will best suit my needs?”. You will want to ensure your processor power, RAM (memory) and hard drive (storage) will meet your requirements and the requirements of the applications/software that you need to use.Q What is the difference between DVD+R (plus R) and DVD-R (minus or dash R) media?A When you buy DVD media, you have no doubt been asked which format you need, plus or minus. DVD+R and DVD-R are different media formats that, when first introduced, you had to get the media according to the type of drive you had. Now you will find most drives will have the symbols of the front plate denoting that it will take both formats (DVD+/-RW), so your decision is may not be important. Depending on your source, you will find that either could be considered the more compatible media, but really, it comes down to what you find works best for you and your computer.Please send your tech-related questions with Ask the Expert as the subject of the email to business[AT]royalgazette.bm