Skip to content

new computer

Save yourself some grief…

And money and time.

We have many tips on our web site concerning passwords . The number one issue with passwords is remembering them. It's crazy how many computer users I help that tell me, "I don't have a password.", when I query them about their email or Internet password to troubleshoot a problem or setup a new computer. ANY OF US WHO HAVE EMAIL ADDRESSES HAVE TO HAVE A PASSWORD. It may have been years since you had to remember what it is, but at some point you will be asked for it. Use some of the great (and free) software packages available to manage your passwords. Or at the least write them down in a central location; small address books work well, post-it notes, not so much.

Send this article to EVERYONE you know…

REALLY! The health of your computer, your friend's computer, your neighbor's computer, the government computers, my computer are all at stake. Heck, economies world wide depend on the information I am about to repeat to you and you HAVE to forward it every computer user you know! REALLY!

I cleaned up a laptop today that belonged to a sophomore in college. She readily admitted that she knew very little about her computer and knew nothing about Internet security. After cleaning off some horrific spyware and a couple of viruses, I explained to her how to maintain the standard products I add to all my customer's computer:

  • AVG Antivirus
  • Windows Defender, Ewido, SpyBot Search & Destroy, and AdAware (anti-spyware programs)
  • Mozilla Firefox (an alternative browser to help prevent the problems)

We have talked and written volumes on this subject, so I'm listing for you links to the articles and tips we have written so you can brush up and educate and inform all the computer users you know.

The long-handled old lady grabber

I have written a number of times about tools that make my job easier. I have discussed my Swiss Army knife with a built-in USB flash drive, ball point pen and flash light. The USB hard drive enclosure is also a favorite of mine, but yesterday I found a new tool that I will be getting soon, the long-handled old lady grabber.

Old Lady GrabberContrary to the name I have given it, it is not a tool that grabs old ladies with its long handle. Althought I suppose it could be used that way.

Lots of new computers

The past couple of weeks I have helped many computer users setup new systems they had purchased. I have seen everything from laptops to some pretty pricey desktops. I think the low prices are fueling the new purchases. I think the prices will remain low through the end of the year and into early next year. LCD flat panel monitors are getting ridiculously cheap, memory appears to be plentiful and inexpensive and the upcoming (no one knows for sure when) release of Windows Vista all are contributors to the lower system prices.

One other trend in the PC market is the up-sale. Sales people want to sell you the $100 system upgrade, the most expensive and ineffective security software, and of course extended warranties. Don't fall prey to these taunts…grab the cheap PC's, send in your rebate forms and walk away from the deal…otherwise it will be a deal no longer. Once you get the computer home, read our tip on how to setup a new computer HelpMeRick.com style. You will have a little extra money in your pocket and a great system to pull you through for years to come.

Minimum Requirements

When buying new computer hardware or software it is imperative that you read the side of the box at the minimum requirements. Some products will even offer recommended requirements above the minimum requirements. The truth is that a vast majority of products (software and hardware) are designed to run on the latest hardware and operating system (Windows XP).

Minimum requirements that say the newest photo printers or games will run on a Pentium II machine running Windows 98 are put there to simply sell products. Yes, they may run after hours and hours of getting the installation right, but they will slow your computer down to a crawl and cause other programs to have errors as well. If you are using older hardware/software, stay with older versions of printers, scanners and other hardware and software to keep your frustration levels down and your computer running well.

DON’T WAIT!!

A few times this past couple of weeks I have been approached about whether to wait and buy a computer next year with Windows Vista or get one now. I'm firmly in the camp that Vista is not so special that if you are in need of a new computer, go ahead and get it. Worse case scenario is that if Widows Vista turns out to be a blockbuster must have (which I doubt), any new computer will be capable of running it. I'm even hearing rumblings that some of the Vista upgrades my be downloadable…which furthers my case of how uninteresting this release of Windows may be.

IF, however, you are getting along just fine and can wait until summer or winter 2007 or even spring '08 for a new computer, sit tight and see where the chips fall then.  

I am worth $1,879,756.80…

As of the close of market today, that is. How did I arrive at that figure? I have heard it many times before, but this week I heard it from three different customers, "You are worth your weight in gold."  Today, gold closed $611.90 and I'll let you do the rest of the math.

When I hear that phrase, or "thanks a million" (which I also use), I think, "Ah, if only…" Heck, I will settle for 50% of market value!!

On a serious note, I also get the question regarding whether I get bored doing what I do, and I truly do not. Helping people out of a pickle, teaching computer users how to shave a few seconds from a computer task, or seeing someone marvel at what is available when they log onto the Internet for the first time is awesome. Even if I'm not literally worth my weight in gold, I enjoy each and every day that I head out for new computer and tech adventures.

Future proofing your new PC

We have talked at length about the upcoming Windows Vista on our show and eluded to it here on the site. Microsoft says that it will come out in the first quarter of 2007 which leaves us about six months give or take. Adam and I had our first look at Vista during this year's Consumer Electronic Show (CES). We weren't impressed. Since then, I have read many Vista articles, reviews, blogs and even downloaded the beta version of Vista. I'm still not impressed.

All that being said, at some point you may want to upgrade to Vista (or its upgrade). I don't recommend waiting for Vista before buying a new PC because I truly believe that Vista will be a flop for the first six or so months (putting us into 2008). BUT, when you are buying a new computer or laptop, you might as well plan a little for the future. Here's what I'm telling callers and clients this month about what to look for in a new computer.

I am sensing a theme here

I am sensing a theme with my work lately. Late last week I had to tell a client that their entire hard drive had crashed and nothing was salvageable.

Today I taught some computer classes for the local Parks and Rec. I enjoy teaching these classes because I get to tell people about the importance of things like backup and broadband Internet.

After that class my first client had just bought a new computer and she needed me to transfer data. She had replaced her old computer because it kept locking up and giving her errors.

As I transferred her important files I discovered what had been causing the problems. Her hard drive was nearly dead and many of her files were gone completely.

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.