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We at PC-Helpers Computer Services, Inc. were not sure at first if we should offer "tips" to our
customers...
However, I often find myself at the nearest Computer Software Store
observing customers, people just like you and me, trying very hard to decide which
Software Application to buy. And as we know, there are allot and they all have many
claims of being the best and solving all your problems. If this were just
true... But, back in the "real world" they are like any other product just trying
to sell themselves. So, to the point. How do you know which one to buy? And, once
you've opened the package, forget about returning it for your money!
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I have been in the Computer Field since the "teletype"
and "key punch card" days, 1973, have a BS degree in Computer Science,
am A+ and Microsoft Certified, have
managed several computer schools along with having taught applications and operating systems
for such companies as Allied Signal, AMEX, Garrett Research, SRP, Motorola,
Intel, etc., However, my best qualification
for offering my opinions and tips to others is that I also own PC- Helpers which
builds, services, upgrades, repairs and teaches computers
in many homes and offices across the valley since 1996.
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Proper
Computer Care and Use:
To insure the proper care, health, use, warranty
and long-life of your new
Computer please always do the following:
*
Turn "ON" your Computer by firmly pressing the "Power ON/OFF Button"
all the way in. It is located in front of the Computer's Case. By NOT doing the latter,
your computer may NOT turn "ON" or "Stay ON" correctly.
*
Turn your Computer "OFF" ONLY after you have properly "shut-it-down"
through the Windows "Start Button" shutdown procedure.
* Shutdown your
Computer and turn it "OFF" if/when you suspect and/or are experiencing
electrical power "spikes, surges, outages, and/or lightning".
* Place
a rubber mat, or cardboard, etc., separator/insulator between your computer and the
floor if this where you wish to locate it.
* Only use your computer with a proper
"Surge Protector" that is grounded, "Internet ready" and absorbs
1000 joules or higher.
* Only use your computer's modem with above listed device
and the telephone line is connected to it first then connected to the modem.
*
Do NOT turn your Computer "ON" and "OFF" constantly throughout
the day. If you expect to use it that day, turn it "ON" at the beginning
of the day, and then turn it "OFF" at the end of the day when you do not
expect to use it again.
* Let your Computer "BREATHE". Make sure that
there is ample area/room in front, in back and on both sides for fresh COOL Air to
enter and HOT Air to leave the case.
* Do not install "utility" programs
such as, "Norton Utilities, First Aid, McAfee Suite, etc.," they are not
necessary and only slow down your computer and may damage Windows. MS Windows is
very capable of and does maintain itself - if you let it.
* Remember to "Scan
Disk" your computer regularly (see Windows' Help).
* If you have a choice,
do not "download" programs/software through the Internet - it is better
to order the program/software and install it using a CD or diskette. Often due to
phone line conditions, (such as static), downloaded programs/software can be "corrupted"
and therefore install incorrectly which can/will greatly damage Windows.
* Do
NOT "delete" programs/software. You MUST "uninstall" them otherwise
you WILL greatly affect/damage Windows.
* Do not open "attachments"
to e-mail messages unless you personally know the sender and what the "attachment"
is supposed to be. Computer Viruses are often transmitted to Computers through e-mail
"attachments"! If you suspect an "attachment", do NOT open it
- "delete" it immediately!
* Do not open your computer's case for any
reason unless you are qualified to do so and take the proper precautions. It is very
possible to damage your computer's "main board" and related components/hardware
if you are not careful and have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience.
*
Note your computer's warranty will be voided if anyone improperly
performs any
type of service and/or upgrades on your New Computer.
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Should I -or- Should I Not??
In reference to everyone's
BIG Question, "Should I Upgrade my current PC or Purchase a New one???"
I
suggest you Upgrade or Purchase for the following reason, "IMPROVEMENT".
As
technology advances and PC's like automobiles improve, Upgrading or Purchasing to
make our lives more comfortable and efficient, makes sense. However, WHAT to Purchase
or Upgrade to, is a MORE difficult Question...
A current PC should
at this time have at least the following to take advantage of current Computer
"IMPROVEMENT":
> 6.4GB Hard Drive
> 64MB SD PC100 RAM
>
400MHZ CPU (AMD or Intel)
> 56K KFlex V90 X.2 v/d/f "HARDWARE" Modem
>
8MB Video Card
> 32Bit 3D Stereo Sound Card w/speakers
> Windows '98
2nd Edition
> MS Explorer 5.1 or AOL 5.0
> MS Works 2000
> Virus
Scanner Program
> 17" Monitor
> 52X CD Player (CD-ROM Drive)
Based
on the above, it IS possible to upgrade MOST PC's that have a modern type Mother
Board allowing the use of a 486 Processor or higher, and 72pin RAM, which most PC's
DO have that have been built within the last 2-3 years.
The BIGGEST problem
I come against is Manufactured PC's which are ONLY upgradeable to the
specifications of the
Manufacturer, which is often VERY limited!
Also, I suggest you thoroughly
check-out my WEB Site, it has allot of helpful information and prices of computers
that I build, along with some slightly used, like new PC's.
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New Computers:
When purchasing a New Computer,
Please consider the following:
1. Is it current with today's standards?
2.
Is it Upgradable?
3. Will the Computer Company deliver my New Computer and show
me how to use it?
4. If and when service is needed, will the company come to my
home or office and pickup & deliver?
5. How much should I spend?
6. Are
Brand Name Computers always the Best buy?
(I have seen brand new Gateway and Del
Computers, just out of the box, NOT working!)
7. How long is the Warranty, and
What does it cover?
8. Is the Computer Company reputable and dependable?
9.
What Software and Hardware comes with the Computer?
10. Will I get ALL Software
& Hardware Drivers, (CD ROMS and/or diskettes), and Warranty Documents?
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Buying a Computer is an important and tough decision. Please be careful and do the
following:
1.Compare Prices and features along with hardware
2. Thoroughly
investigate the Computer Company by doing the following:
>
Call the Better Business Bureau for any information and/or complaints
> Ask
the Computer Company for any customer references, and call them!
3. Confirm
if
you REALLY need ALL the components and features
4. Ask a friend who recently purchased
a Computer about their experience and who they recommend
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Computer Service:
When obtaining Computer
Service, Please be careful and do the following:
1.Compare Prices and Services
for the Money
2. Thoroughly investigate the Computer Company by doing the following:
> Call the Computer West Computer Club for any information and/or complaints
> Call PORA or HOA, or your local Home Owners Association for any information
and/or complaints
> Call the Better Business Bureau for any information and/or
complaints
> Ask the Computer Company for any customer references, and call
them!
> When having Parts replaced due to repair and/or upgrades, ask the
Company to give you the old parts. If they refuse, call another Company!
3. Ask
a friend who recently purchased a Computer about their experience and who they recommend
**As
you may know, there are allot Self Proclaimed Computer Experts, and there are also
allot of Questionable Individuals/Companies they will and do take advantage of others,
especially the Elderly. You wouldn't believe the stories I've heard and the things
I've seen. Please ask questions and obtain as much Computer Knowledge as reasonable
to protect your self and your investment.
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Scanners:
When purchasing a Scanner, please consider
purchasing one that comes with a SCSI Card.
Even though some Scanners will work
with some Printers, I constantly get service calls for Scanners that will
NOT work. Keep in mind, even though Scanners by design should work in line
with a printer, (most scanners plug into the printer), they BOTH share the SAME Cable
and Port to your computer. Therefore, since they are NOT exactly the SAME type of
device, Very Often ONLY one device will work when connected in this way. Even if
the Store Sales Person assures you that the scanner will work just fine, still ask
for or demand a scanner with a SCSI Card. (Pronunced: scuzzi). You may spend slightly
more money, but it is worth it. Otherwise, you will be calling - the Scanner manufacturer
help desk; PC Helper, and/or the store from which you purchased it.
**Important
Note: The SCSI Card is a Printed Circuit that is installed in your computer so that
the scanner has it's own port to connect to. For the latter to happen, you must open
your case and have an available ISA slot to insert it. If you are not experienced
with working on computers and/or opening your Computer case, please have an experienced
person help you and/or call for professional service assistance. Otherwise, if you
have installed an internal Modem before, installing the SCSI Card is just as easy.
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Modems:
When purchasing a New Computer or upgrading
your current Computer - the BEST type of Modem to have/install is the
"HARDWARE" Modem! The "HARDWARE" Modem is
extremely IMPORTANT and NECESARRY for the Internet! This type
of Modem is independent of the Computer's CPU and supplies it's
own power (unlike WIN-Modems). If you have a hard time connecting to
& staying on the Internet and/or your modem speed is very slow
- install a "HARDWARE" Modem! It WILL make a difference...
*
Also consider DSL Modems such as those provided by USWest.
These are EXTREMELY FAST, easy to install and allow you
to have only one phone line, thus you can be on-line and use
your telephone normally - all on the SAME line! Last customer I installed
a USWest DSL Modem for received an average 640,000 bps!!
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Free PC or NOT?:
I am often asked about “free computer” offers and if they are worthwhile. I
say, "No", but I could be wrong. There are a few different programs
out there. Some that requires you to sign up for at least three
years of ISP service.
Some that requires you
to disclose all personal info. Even some that require
you to spend money on their E-Commerce partners every month or at least visit their E-Commerce
partners every few minutes to avoid being disconnected.
Frankly, I have been suspicious myself and considering
that you can get a fairly cheap computer now days, companies offering “free computers” figure
that they will get their investment back by getting you online for e-commerce
and if they can point folks (especially first timers) to their sites as the best
bargains they will do well in commissions as well.
Unfortunately, I have reviewed many of these "free" systems and have
found the following:
1) Low cost, low quality components. IE Winmodems, $4 soundcards, non-upgradeable,
etc.
2) You must have perfect credit to be eligible for rebate. (They
will run a credit check on you.)
Basically, its best to save up your cash, get a real Computer, and not be locked
into a contract with an ISP you may regret using in the future and/or a low cost
non-upgradeable computer.
Remember
– Nothing is “FREE” and “You Get What You Pay For”…
Comments and Feedback?
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Downloading:
As any marketer will tell you, we
all love free stuff. And the Net is the best source of free stuff there is--you can
spend the rest of your life downloading free software, games, graphics, fonts, sounds,
videos, and almost anything else you can think of. But you have to know how to download
first.
Luckily, downloading is easy to understand. There are some variations
to the process--depending on the type of computer you use, which operating system
it runs, and what software you use to access the World Wide Web--but overall, it's
pretty straightforward stuff. In fact, it's just a five-step process:
1.
Make a special download directory.
2. Find and download the software.
3. Decompress
the archive.
4. Install the software.
5. Delete the compressed file.
Even
after you've mastered the art of downloading, it can be a hassle to handle and work
with your newly acquired files. That's why I've put together a collection of great
utilities for managing your downloads. These tools will help you get the most fun
and productivity out of your computer.
Step 1: Make a special download directory:
Downloading can get messy. Unless you neatly file away new software, you'll
be bogged down in no time. To keep track of software you download, you should save
it in a special location. Methods for creating a new download folder or directory
vary depending on whether you're running Windows 95/98, Windows 3.x, or the Macintosh
OS, but the good news is that you can make the folder or directory once, then reuse
it time and time again. And if you call your in-box something intuitive like Downloads,
you'll always know where to find it.
To make a special folder for storing your
downloaded programs (you can also point your Web browser's Save dialog box to this
spot), follow these steps:
Windows 95/98
1. Right-click anywhere on
the Windows desktop.
2. Select New/Folder from the pop-up menus.
3. A folder
will appear on your desktop with its default name, New Folder, highlighted. Type
the word, "Downloads", over the old name and press Enter.
Windows 3.x
1. In
File Manager, click the root directory (usually C:).
2. Select File/Create Directory.
3.
Type the word Downloads to name the directory and click OK.
Macintosh
1.
In the Finder, select New Folder under the File menu.
2. An untitled folder will
appear on your desktop. Type the word Downloads over the folder's current label,
then click elsewhere on the desktop.
Step 2: Find and download the software:
Downloadable
software is available everywhere on the Internet--from FTP sites, Web sites, and
special collections like that of AOL, MSN, CNET, SNAP, Etc., If you're looking
for a particular piece of software and you aren't sure which FTP site to visit,
searching www.download.com is a good site to visit.
As with most web-sites, the search process is easy
enough. For example, with www.download.com,
just
head straight for the Search box, enter one or more search words, and click the
Go button. You'll get a list of software that matches the word (or words) you
searched on. You can sort these results in a variety of ways by clicking the
hyperlinked words (title, date added, or number of downloads, for instance) that
appear at the top of the page. www.download.com also lets you filter the results by
using the drop-down boxes (labeled software license, category, and operating
system) at the bottom of the page.
On the other hand, if you know what
type of software you're looking for but don't have a specific program in mind,
select a category of software from the list under the search box to narrow your
search.
Once you've homed in on a program you want to download, click
its hyper linked title to get more information about the program. To download it,
just click the "Download now" link on the right side of the page. This
will automatically initiate the download via the best available download site. If
you'd like to choose among all the sites that offer that program, click the link
directly below the "Download now" link.
What happens next depends
on your Web browser. In most cases, you'll get a dialog box that confirms where your
download is saved. Before you click OK, make sure that the file is saved in the Downloads
folder you created in step 1.
If your browser isn't configured to view compressed
files, you'll get a message like this: "No viewer available for this file type.
Do you want to save to disk?" You should uncheck the box that says "Always
ask this question with this file type" (so that in the future you'll be able
to begin downloading automatically) and click OK. Then, select your Downloads folder
as the saving destination. If you encounter other problems, click here for more troubleshooting
tips.
Step 3: Decompress the archive:
Practically every file you'll ever
download from the Internet is compressed. A compressed file not only reduces download
times, but also makes it possible to download all of a program's files (like help
files and drivers) in a single file. Overall, dealing with compressed files makes
the whole download process go more smoothly--until the file is on your hard disk.
At that point, the file may have one of these unfriendly looking extensions: ARJ,
ARC, BIN, EXE, GZ, HQX, SEA, SIT, UU, UUE, ZIP, or Z. How you handle these files
depends on whether you're using a Mac or a Windows PC and what software you use to
decompress these files. (The most popular decompression program for the Mac is StuffIt
Expander, and most PC users rely on WinZip to handle compressed files.)
PC users:
If
the file you've downloaded has the extension EXE, it's likely to be a self-extracting
file that will decompress when you double-click it. Before you do this, though, drag
the file into your Downloads folder or directory to keep your hard drive tidy. After
you double-click the file, your installation should be complete and you can skip
straight to step 5.
If you've downloaded a file that ends in ARJ, ARC, GZ,
ZIP, OR Z, however, you'll need to decompress it with a program such as WinZip. Here's
how to decompress a file using WinZip:
1. Double-click the file you want
to decompress. WinZip will automatically start up and show you all the compressed
files contained in the zipped file.
2. Click the Extract button.
3. Select
a destination folder or directory for the files (to create a new directory, just
type in a name for the new folder and press Enter) and click the Extract button.
Step 4: Install the software:
Merely removing programs from their compressed
archives doesn't always mean you can run them right away. Many programs need to be
installed.
WinZip can make it easy for PC users: if a ZIP file contains a program
called either Install or Setup, WinZip detects it and creates a button labeled Install
at the right end of the WinZip button bar. Before you click this button, check the
archive's read-me file for any special instructions. Once you know what you're getting
into, click the Install button, and let WinZip take it away. Since installation routines
vary widely, you'll have to follow any instructions as they come up.
If an
Install button doesn't appear in WinZip, you'll have to install the program yourself.
This process varies among programs, so check the app's read-me file to know for sure.
Step 5: Delete the compressed file:
Before you start enjoying your newly
downloaded and installed software, remember that the compressed file (which you'll
no longer need) is taking up valuable disk space. If you want to pass the software
on to friends, or if you think you may need to reinstall it, hold onto the file;
we suggest you move it to a floppy disk. But if you're finished with the compressed
file, just delete it.
That's it. You're now ready to enjoy your new program!
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If you need help and/or just want advice, please feel free to e-mail me by clicking
the e-mail button below.
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Please watch for any new Tips - and I do have many!
Also, I am open
to correction and will be the first to say I'm wrong.
So, please, if you have any
opinions and/or corrections regarding my PC Helper Tips, please let me know by selecting
this e-mail button 
Comments and Feedback?
Thank You!
623-849-5459 -or- 602-241-6628 -or- 480-615-7525
