Q. My computer displays the wrong date and time on startup, and also a message saying the battery is low. Why is this, and what battery is being referred to?

A. Every computer has a small CMOS battery on it's motherboard that powers the storage of information like date and time, bootup and BIOS settings. Yours obviously needs to be replaced. These batteries typically last only a few years. They are not a difficult thing to replace yourself - you’ll find easy step by step instructions via Google - but if you prefer, you could take the system unit to your local PC shop and ask them to do it for you.

Q. The display on my digital camera is described as Amoled? What on earth does that mean?!

A. Amoled stands for Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode. It is a type of thin-film display used in portable devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras, as well as in larger displays. Amoled displays consume less power, enabling portable devices in particular to make more efficient use of battery capacity.

Q. Perhaps foolhardiness, but I upgraded the RAM on my laptop and removed the battery whilst doing so. Since putting everything back together, the Power Manager software shows only an X where the battery icon should be. Talking to my local PC shop, they say that the battery must have died and that I should buy an expensive new one. Is there anything else that I could try first?

A. You should get at least three years use from a battery, and towards the end of its life you should notice a gradual reduction in how long it lasts between charges. If this describes your experience, then yes, it is probable that your battery has died and needs to be replaced. If this doesn't reflect your experience, then it is likely that you damaged the battery connection when upgrading the RAM. Ask your local PC repair shop to swap batteries and check. If the battery icon returns, you need a new battery, but if the new battery doesn't show up, then there is a hardware problem. If there is a hardware problem, it might well be more economic to buy a new laptop ... or keep your current laptop and run it on mains only.