HELOISE Writing on CDs calls for soft-tipped markers

Dear Heloise: Whenever I buy a new computer program with a serial number required for installation, I write the number on the CD just in case it becomes separated from the case. Kate, via e-mail
Kate, this would be especially helpful for those of us who have many software programs. You must hold on to those CDs and any important installation numbers or codes in case you need to reinstall the program. Use a felt-tip marker (Do not use a hard-tip, such as a pen, pencil or fine-point marker), and never write on the data side of a CD or DVD.
On the flip side, we received a question from Dan Lyons of Rockwall, Texas, about removing permanent marker from a DVD. He said that once the marked-up DVD was in the player, it would not open or play. We talked with a leading manufacturer of permanent markers and found out that when marking is on the data side (side that the laser reads) of the DVD, there is nothing that can be done to remove it. Unfortunately, this also means that the data section could be damaged. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I reuse the blank backs of letters that I get in the mail from junk mail, holiday letters, etc. I print the e-mails that I want to keep on them. If I do decide to throw them away, I just use a marker and black out the e-mail address, account numbers, street address, etc. This is a great way to reuse all that "useless" paper. Marilyn Maltsberger, Columbus, Mont.
Marilyn, it's good to recycle, but please shred or tear up those papers that have any personal information on them -- don't just black it out. Heloise
Dear Readers: Judy N., a good friend who lives in Canada, has a great idea for sending greeting cards. When she sent me one, she wrote her note on a paper insert. I can save the note and reuse the card to brighten another friend's day. I guess you could say it's a way of recycling friendship. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I use white typewriter correction fluid to mark the proper settings or buttons on things that frequently need changing. One example is setting the thermostat to a different value at night. I can see the desired temperature without glasses and in low light. Another example is marking a button on a remote control for ease of use without glasses. I mark the top of all the cables on the back of my computer with a white dot to make plugging them in easier.
I also use a black marker to help align the marks on the tops of light- colored items such as pill bottles. Glenn Dow, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: Tell your readers not to forget to put decals on sliding doors at adult and child eye levels. I had put them only at adult level, and my 5-year-old granddaughter walked into a closed door. Luckily, she wasn't hurt. A reader, via e-mail
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax (210) HELOISE, or e-mail heloise@heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate