Some interesting web finds….

After years of reading computer magazines and trying to keep all my info straight, I finally came up with an idea to make my reading more streamlined and my retention a little higher. Actually, it is just like taking notes in school, but I didn’t make the connection for about 15 or more years. Now, I keep a notebook with me when I read the trade magazines, and I jot down web sites or tips that I read, that I want to...

Windows XP Repair Option

I was ‘back in the saddle’ today after a hiatus last week for spring break with my kids. Helped a client out with a problem that, fortunately, isn’t too common, but common enough that it warrants its own tip. It applies to Windows XP only and you might need to try using it if you cannot boot your computer up to anything other than the startup menu screen (where you get the option to start in Safe...

Travel tip from a customer…

A major light bulb went off today when a customer of mine talked about a tech travel tip he had recently received. For better or worse, when many of us travel today, we bring along cell phones, cameras with rechargeable batteries, laptops, MP3 players, portable DVD players and more. These gadgets crave power and usually at the same time! When I travel, I’m usually unplugging lamps, clocks and other devices in the hotel...

Don’t assume it is your problem….

If you use a high speed Internet connection, don’t assume that if you have problem accessing the Internet that it is your computer’s problem. I encountered a situation today where a customer, in an effort to save money, had problems with their DSL connection. Before calling me she: Attempted to troubleshoot the problem herself for two days by playing with the settings of her email and network Her husband...

Not everyone needs or wants a computer

My first appointment of the day was at the house of a couple whom were given a hand-me-down computer about six years ago. I taught them how to send and read email and a few computer basics back then and haven’t heard from them since. They needed me to look at the old Windows 95 computer today because nothing would come up on the screen. Indeed, Windows had crashed and they elected not to fix it. After talking a few...

The Trouble with Macintosh Computers

I received a call from a nice woman today who had a Macintosh computer that was on the blink. She made comments about how tough it was to find someone to work on her computer and thought I wouldn’t work on them either. I told her that I could look at it, but if it needed hardware work, we would have to find someone who could work on it for her since I didn’t do that. Sounded as if her disk needed initialized (Mac...

Everyone is an expert….

I put gas in my truck every week, but I’m not a car expert. We raised some goats from ‘kids’ to their adulthood, but I’m not a farm or goat expert. It always strikes me as funny when some folks who merely ‘use’ computers think they are computer experts. Today, a client of mine illustrated this point perfectly. He has a widescreen Compaq laptop (not the typical almost square monitor). The...

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Every day I go out and make my rounds, I’m surprised at how many people have never visited our web site. We believe that we are building the best computer help web site on the planet. We cover all the basic and most frequently asked questions that computer users have and in the last two months have added many new features and made the site easier to navigate and search. Adam and I had lunch with a colleague today who...

Learning is fun

By far the most satisfying part of my job is teaching someone something new about their computer that will enable them either to do more or do something more efficiently. However, when I learn something new (and I do every day), nothing exceeds that satisfaction. Today, as I was helping a client learn to use their new computer and Palm handheld organizers, they informed me about some of the great features available in the...

I’m not perfect….

I have never claimed to be the most knowledgeable computer tech on the planet…and I never will. However, what I will promise is that I give my customers the best advice that I can for the topics that I know about and will refer them to the best possible resources for topics outside my scope. Today, I saw a client who traded some services with another computer tech here in Grand Junction, CO. The other tech reformatted...

Upgrade or repair?

If I had a dime for every time this question comes up…. I actually had this happen with two of my cutomers today. My answer, the last couple of years, is a definite ‘it depends’. Wishy, washy, I know, but it really does have to be thought out. First, the proper diagnosis has to be made. What is the estimate of the repair parts and labor and how does the user use the computer factor in together. Next, a...

“I went over to the dark side”

The title of today’s entry was a quote from a customer of mine that I saw in a store today where I stopped to get a refreshing beverage. He was referring to the fact that he bought a Macintosh computer. Adam and I both get similar comments with reference to Macintosh computers. The reality is that WE LIKE MACINTOSH computers. We just don’t talk about them much because so few people use them. Overall they are...

Things aren’t always the same

A client of mine made a great observation today about computers. She put into words something that I have tried to articulate for years. I’m paraphrasing, but it went something like this: "The trouble I have with computers is that they don’t always react the same way twice." "Wow", I thought….great statement. Unlike cars or toasters, computers have many more complex instructions...

Palm Handhelds Still Work Great

I helped a customer setup a new Palm E2 Handheld organizer today. After nearly 10 years since the first one, they still rule the handheld market for ease of use, flexibility, portability & power. In less than 1/2 hour, I had her entering in contacts, using the scratch pad, tracking birthdays (with reminders), using the calculator and more. The amazing thing is that we only scratched the surface of its ...

Know where to find your vital computer information

One of the reasons I share so much information on this web site and on our show is because I like to help people learn to save time and money. Usually if a person isn’t saving time or money, they become disgruntled and agitated. Today, two of my clients could have saved some money and time if they had had some basic computer information available. In order to help others be more efficient and frugal, here is a list of...