QMy Toshiba laptop only

QMy Toshiba laptop only seems to run a 64-bit version of InternetExplorer -- and Adobe's Flash Player won't work there. How do I geta 32-bit browser? When will Adobe ship a 64-bit Flash plug-in?

AWindows Vista includes 32- and 64-bit versions of InternetExplorer, but that second edition should normally stay hidden in theStart menu's "All Programs" list. If you run it, as this readerdiscovered, the Flash plug-in (adobe.com/flashplayer) that playsvideos and animations at many sites won't work.

It's unlikely but not impossible for IE's normal 32-bit editionto stop working, leaving only its 64-bit incarnation available. Inthat case -- as with most mysterious IE malfunctions -- the simplestfix is to switch to a competing browser. Mozilla Firefox, Apple'sSafari and Google's Chrome all run well in Vista and only ship in 32-bit editions.

As for Flash, Adobe plans to ship 64-bit versions of its nextmajor release but warns that they won't necessarily run any faster.Don't expect great things from a 64-bit browser either: A primarybenefit of 64-bit computing, working with very large files, doesn'thelp Web browsing much.

I'm getting a prompt to upgrade my Java. How do I know that'ssafe and not some scareware?

Java is a legitimate program from Sun Microsystems that runsinteractive content in some Web pages. Its "update now" prompt is asmall icon in the Windows taskbar, not a huge Upgrade Now!! alert.If you're in any doubt, you can download a fresh copy of Sun'ssoftware at java.com.

Rob Pegoraro attempts to untangle computing conundrums and errantelectronics each week. Send questions to The Washington Post, 115015th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071 or robp@washpost.com. Visitvoices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward for his Faster Forward blog.