Many large cities are moving from 7-digit to 10-digit dialing--even for local calls--due to the overwhelming demand for telephone numbers. If your area is making such a switch (or you're traveling with your laptop to a place that uses 10-digit dialing), you'll need to reconfigure your dialer.

First, you will need to know the area code that requires 10-digit dialing. When you're in that area code, open your Internet Connection and click Dial Properties. Enter your present area code in the "I Am In This Country/Region" and then click on Area Code Rules. Check the Always Dial The Area Code box in the "When Calling Within My Area Code" section, and click OK twice.

Formerly part of ComputerCurrents, Stephen J. Bigelow's Computer Advisor column has been resurrected on ComputerUser.com as a daily tech tips column. Find Stephen at http://www.dlspubs.com.