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I should have trusted my instincts

I teach my kids to trust their instincts when making decisions, taking tests, and dealing with people. I try to do the same, but sometimes my brain (or maybe ego and curiosity) gets in the way. Over the past few years, we have talked at length about computer security and the dangers of not being secure.  After spending many hours hunkered down over an infected computer and trying to get overwhelmed computers fixed, we have come to a conclusion about fixing some of these problems. In some of the worst cases, it is cheaper and quicker to backup up the necessary user files then format the hard drive and start over with a fresh install of Windows, its updates and the proper security software.

Ordering HP – Compaq Recovery CD’s

Few computer manufacturers include the original installation disks or even recovery disks for new computers today. Almost every computer user will have a need to access these important disks over the life time of the machine. Most computer makers' web sites allow you to order these recovery CD's via their support sections. Also, you can (and should) make your own set of recovery CD's or DVD's through tools installed by your manufacturer on your computer. These tools can usually be found on the desktop or the Programs menu.

If you own an HP or Compaq computer, however, finding where to order these disks online is fruitless.

LED’s

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. They are designed to last for years and come in mostly green and red. However, you will find orange and blue ones as well. Where? Look on the front of your stove, microwave, TV, DVD, VCR, digital alarm clock, computer tower, power strip, modems, routers, cell phones, printers, electric tooth brushes. They are literally everywhere. At night my office looks like the Las Vegas Strip! Tonight, I decided to photography the lights to see how they would come out. The picture doesn't do justice to the light these little guys can emit, but you get the idea.

Big Box Electronic Stores Tech Help

Our town is getting ready to open a Best Buy. We have had a Circuit City for five or six years and recently (probably in preparation for the opening of Best Buy) they started offering in-store computer repair. I am not privy to the training these sales people go through to learn to fix and troubleshoot computers, but I do have anecdotal evidence that these post-adolescent sales people have no business

Repair/Reinstall Outlook Express

We had a caller who had a problem importing and exporting her address book in Outlook Express. While we still haven't found a solution for her exact problem, this link will take you to Microsoft's support site that explain's how to repair and reinstall Outlook Express.

FAX from your computer…

I wrote this Windows 98 fax tip many years ago, but I realized this week that some people still do need to use a fax. Here is some updated information for faxing with Windows XP:

Setup the FAX

If your computer has a modem, you should have the Microsoft Fax already setup. To see if it is ready to go, click Start –> Control Panel and double-click the Printers and Faxes option. If you see the Fax in the installed printers you are ready to go. If you don't see it next to your other printers, then Click the "Setup faxing" option from the task lists on the left and follow the instructions.

Sending a FAX

  1. Any image (including scanned images) or document you can view on the screen, can be faxed following this method:
  2. Open the document in it program (Word, Excel, etc)
  3. Click File –> Print from the menus
  4. Choose the Fax from the printer options
  5. Click Print
  6. The Fax wizard will start where you can type the name of your recepient and their phone number (if it is long distance, DO NOT enter the area code, instead type: 1-area code-phone number).

Receiving a FAX

  1. Call the party who needs to send you a fax and give them your phone number.
  2. Click Start –> All Programs –> Accessories –> Communications –> Fax, and then click Fax Console to open the Fax Console.
  3. On the toolbar, click the Receive Now button when you hear your phone ring.

 

Another hobby horse: Don’t let your kids fix your computer

Yesterday I wrote about how much I dislike poorly custom built computers. Today I saw a similar situation – computers custom built by kids.

By kids I don't mean children or young goats, I mean offspring.

While at home this family's two sons had built and maintainted the two family computers. Now those two sons have moved away from home and married.

I was called to fix things up and the call went something like this, "Hi, we need your help. My two sons usually fix the computers but now they both live out of town and they don't have the time when they come to visit to fix the computers."

Why I don’t like custom built computers

I have seen a lot of custom built computers lately. By custom built, I don’t mean Dells or HPs that are ordered custom configured. I am referring to computers that are built by friends, family members or computer shops using parts that are purchased separately then assembled like an Erector set.

Most computer geeks will likely prefer custom built comptuers because the parts are non-proprietary and they can be more easily worked on. These are valid arguements, but I will argue that most custom builts need worked on more often than off the shelf systems.

When you buy a custom built computer there are a few factors to consider.