When Computing Japan asked me to write a regular column, I really had to put on my thinking cap to decide what it would be about. Writing a column -- a regular column is far from easy. The hardest part is not the writing itself, but finding an interesting and timely subject.

I decided against an "industry opinion" column because that probably would not be very interesting. There are already too many people in the media spouting opinions on what computer or software is best; why IBM is good, or if it's just satanically evil; and whether or not Bill Gates has a sense of humor. Hard-core computer users are probably the most opinionated bunch in the world. (Some of the fights I've seen between Macintosh and DOS users could easily have turned into something worthy of CNN coverage and a UN peacekeeping operation.) So, why add to the fray?

After a lot of thought and discussion with the editor, I decided to do a monthly column about something much more interesting and -- even better -- useful: a public service that can make it easier for readers of this new publication to get things done in terms of EDP. And best of all (for me), the chore of figuring out what to write about from month to month will be eliminated.

Finding the answers

How many times have you had questions about whether or not a software package exists to do a specific task? Or where to pay a reasonable price for a specific item in a city known for having too many middlemen and not enough choice? Perhaps you've wondered whether ISDN is practical or just another joke played on us by NTT. Whatever your question, the purpose of this column is to find an answer to it, and to give Computing Japan readers an idea as to what is going on in the computing world of Japan. Here is how it will work: we have set up an e-mail address compjapan@twics.com ) and fax number (03-3447-4925) where questions for "The Query Column" can be directed. (Please note that e-mail is preferable, and questions received that way will be the first ones looked into.) Just send in your questions, no matter how bizarre or strange. We'll take anything you can throw at us and do our damnedest to get you an answer. We won't be able to answer everyone's questions, but we will answer the questions asked most often and the ones that we believe would be of the most interest to our readers.

We also want to hear from hardware and software vendors retailers, consultants, and other problem-solvers. Tell us what you are up to, and what's new and interesting. Whether you are a multi-billion dollar company or a hole-in-the-wall shop in Akihabara, please get in touch if you are doing or providing some thing interesting and useful.

Asking the Questions

Since the first regular edition of the magazine is not yet published as I write this, there are no questions from readers to dig up answers to. So as a guide, here are some of the types of question I would be asking if I were reading this column instead of writing it:

• Where can I buy reasonably-priced computer office furniture that makes working comfortable and is not draconian in design,
• Where can I buy a reliable used computer?
• A lot of people in the States recycle their laser printer cartridges. Is anybody doing this in Japan!
• Where can I get my daisy-wheel printer Fixed or (more appropriately) buried with honors?
• Is theft, fire, or earthquake insurance for computer equipment available in Japan? If so, where?
• Are there any companies that specialize in computer disaster recovery from earthquake, North Korean missile attack, etc.:

To make people a little less tongue-tied, we will not print questioners' names. A lot of questions people ask about computers will be "obvious" to someone else, and I've seen far too many people made fun of for their lack of knowledge. As Roger Boisvert, former president of the Tokyo PC Users Group, is famous for saying "We're all beginners -- just at different things."

So, whether you are the head of an operation employing hundreds of technicians, or a student who has just bought your first PC, ask whatever is on your mind. The only stupid question is the one that's never asked.

Thomas Caldwell is managing director of CFI Associates KK, a Tokyo-based government and public relations company, and is a two-time president of the International Computer Association of Japan. in his spare time, Tom writes for the Japan Times Weekly and Asahi Evening News and is a correspondent for the UPI Radio Network.