The nuts and bolts of setting up a computer

It seems that we are in a computer buying season. I have several appointments this week to setup new computers. While we have a number of tips on the site about how to setup a new computer for safety, we don’t have much written about the physical setup of the system. Here are a few tips to get things setup quickly and efficiently. 1. Start with the big parts – Don’t take every cable and disk out of the box,...

Backup Outlook Express Email

The most reliable way is to search your computer for *.dbx files using Start –> Search. Make sure you check the option to search for hidden folders and files. Then backup any of the dbx files. To restore these files on a new computer or new installation, Start Outlook Express, Click File –> Import –> Messages. Follow the wizard and choose Outlook Express 6 as the type of email you are importing,...

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...

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...

Blood relation does not equal computer expertise

A few years ago, I added two items to my list of common advice that I give. 1. Don’t let your kids fix your computer, no matter how old they are or who they work for. 2. Blood relation does not equal computer expertise. I know that this makes me sound arrogant at times, but my first appointment this morning was a case in point. It was a simple enough job, I was to setup a laptop and get it online. My client didn’t...

My hard drive enclosure saves the day again!

There are a variety of inexpensive tools that make my job easier on a daily basis. Some of these tools include the various anti-spyware programs I carry with me, my USB flash drive, and my hard drive enclosure. A hard drive enclosure is a box that you hook a standard hard drive into that allows you to hook it up into the USB port. This turns an ordinary hard drive into an external drive. I use my hard drive enclosure one of...

Computers are not cars

I used to make a lot of Analogies relating computers to cars. I don’t do that much any more because I have realized that computers are not cars. Computers are not like anything we have ever used at any other time in the history of the world. Your car is used to get you from point A to point B. It is not designed to do anything else. Sure it may have a few bells and whistles, but when you stop to think about it, it...

Digital Darkroom Basics

Digital Darkroom Basics The inaugural meeting of our Digital Photography SIG was amazing. We literally had a standing room only crowd and as with all of your Users Groups meetings the information shared was nothing short of fantastic. Here is some of the information shared at the meeting: Basic computer requirements If you already have a computer and it is working great for your purposes, don’t take...

Simple Advice to Protect Your Computer and Your Sa...

This tip, if followed, could substantially limit the number of phone calls we get on the radio show and put a dent in my computer troubleshooting and training business. I can sum up the entire tip in one phrase you have heard me utter many times on the radio show: "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it."   I know ain’t isn’t a word, but if AOL can say "You’ve got...

Windows XP Makes Computing Easier

When Microsoft released the latest version of Windows in October ’01, one of the most touted features was its redesigned user interface. The press and reviewers of the software initially called the interface “Fisher Price” like, but after working with the operating system over the past four months, I have come to appreciate some of the new usability features. Some basic computing functions like renaming,...

Recycling Your Old Computer

If you received or bought yourself a new computer during the holidays (or any time), many options are available for the use of your old computer. In addition to passing on a still useful machine, remember that in many cities throwing out old computers or monitors is illegal. First and foremost BEFORE giving away your computer, make sure you purge it of any of your personal information. If your computer came with restore...

Laptop vs. Desktop Computer

A question that has been popping up more and more lately from computer users looking to buy a new computer is: “Should I buy a laptop computer or desktop computer?” As with most computer shopping questions, the answer is ‘it depends’. In this article, I will point out the pros and cons of each and what type of user would benefit from a laptop. In terms of performance, both laptops and desktops handle...

Flat Panel and Laptop Monitors – Comfortable...

Flat panel monitors (those diminutive, skinny, sexy monitors no thicker than a couple of inches) now come packaged with many new computers. Their price drops over the past year make also them attractive upgrades for existing systems. Flat panel monitors use the same technology as the monitors laptops use..LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). These monitors look great and cause much less stress to our eyeballs, but sometimes the text...