q+a I want to switch from an Android phone to a Windows Phone 8 handset. Could you let me know how to transfer my phone numbers?

Sunita Kaul

Make sure that all the contacts on your Android phone are stored in your Google account. When you switch your handset, you should be able to get to all of that information by logging into the same Google account on the Windows Phone 8 device. On your Windows Phone, tap the Settings icon in the App list and choose ‘Email and accounts’. Press ‘Add account’ and select ‘Google’. Next, tap ‘Email, contacts and calendar’ and sign in. Enter your Google username and password to log in.

When you switch smartphone platforms, it may take a few days to get used to all your data in a different place. In addition to phone numbers and other personal information, you may have music, photos, videos and other files you want to move over from the old phone. If you are moving to a Windows Phone 8 handset that is made by Nokia, I would recommend that you use the Welcome Home to Windows Phone 8 by Mark/Space to transfer your stuff. This app is free for Nokia customers. You can download the app on your home computer or laptop from http://www.markspace.com/welcomehome/nokia/wp8/.

Beta video

q+a I tried to download YouTube videos using www.keepvid. com , but failed.

Arun Mazumdar

When you go to the Keepvid website check (at the bottom ) that ‘Beta’ is tuned on. Since it is off by default, most downloads fail. Once you enter the link for the video it will ask you to choose the format. If you choose .flv, use VLC player to play back the video. For best results, you should have Java on your computer.

Up to date

q+a I was gifted an iPhone 4, which was bought abroad. I am unable to use Facebook. What do I have to do?

Anirban Paul

The first thing you need to do is update your phone’s software to iOS 6. Most apps have been updated to support the latest version of the operating system. Some apps may not work in older versions of iOS. Fortunately for you updating the software is fairly easy.

There are two ways you can do this: from your computer or over WiFi. Connect your iPhone to your computer. iTunes should open automatically, if not open iTunes. You will be informed that there is an update (iOS 6) is available for your device. Confirm you want to install the upgrade. Just make sure you have the latest version of iTunes (11.0.4) running on your computer.

To update your iPhone over a WiFi network, connect your iPhone to a power source. Click on Settings. Ensure you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. Tap General. Tap Software Update. Wait for your phone to check for updates. When it finds the update, click on the Download and Install link.

Net speed

q+a My BSNL broadband connection is extremely slow. I am not able to do anything other than email. I have complained several times, but no one has bothered to help.

Tushita Ghosh

If there is a lot of line noise when you lift the receiver of your phone, you will somehow have to catch the telephone department’s linesman to get it fixed. If you are unsuccessful, try going to the exchange and meeting the relevant officials. A visit can sometimes work wonders.

If there is no line noise and your Internet connectivity is still very slow try changing the DNS server in your computer. In Windows 7 open Network Connections by clicking the Start button and go to Control Panel. In Network and Sharing Centre, click View network connections. Right-click the connection that you want to change, and then click Properties. Click either Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and then click Properties. Put the Preferred DNS Server as 218.248.255.162. Set the Alternate DNS Server as 218.248.255.163.

You should now get better speed. You can check it out by going to www.calcutta.telephones.com. On your right your will find a button for Measure Internet Speed.

Send in your computer- related problems to askdoss@abpmail.com with bits&bytes as the subject line