Here at BlueNova Computing we see the results of PC users' most common mistakes. Well, now, you can benefit from their misfortune by reading about these common problems. Contact us if you have any questions, suggestions, or complaints.
1. Unsafe web browser - Internet Explorer is the default browser on well over 90% of new PCs. Don't use it! Even on a fully patched install of Windows XP, the spyware can get you. Internet Explorer is responsible for most of the computer problems we see. Really.
So just download and use the Mozilla Firefox web browser. It's free, it's safe, and it has more features than IE, like tabbed browsing and popup blocking. If you feel like your PC has already been compromised, feel free to give us a call and ask about getting it fixed.
2. Antivirus protection - Most PC users know that they need to have antivirus protection. But many don't realize that you have to keep the program up to date in order for it to be effective at stopping the latest viruses.
Most antivirus packages include 1 year of free updates. After that, you must purchase an extended subscription, or uninstall it and install the next year's version. We recommend Norton or CA antivirus, or AVG free edition if you're a home user on a budget.
3. Backup your data - We deal with damaged PCs, hard drives, and data loss on a regular basis, and we've noticed that few PC users, even small business owners, make regular backups of their data. So what's the best way backup your data?
Well, there are many options. First, don't rely on floppy disks; they are too delicate, slow, and only hold 1.4MB of data. CDRs are a popular choice, since they are inexpensive (about $0.29 each in bulk), most PCs have CD-writers, and you can backup 700MB at a time. Some also use flash drives, or send backup data to another PC on their network.
Small business owners may want to consider a more automated backup system, like using an external hard drive or tape drive. Also some data is more tricky to backup, like e-mail files and address books. Give us a call if you need assistance.
4. Unsafe programs - The practice of downloading and installing free programs from websites on the internet can be dangerous. Why? Many of these programs bring along with them viruses or spyware, like the ancient Trojan horse.
Especially be careful of those free peer-to-peer (P2P) programs that are often used to download music and movies, like Kazaa, Limewire, and so forth. Also beware of free utilities, screensavers, games, and so forth. Do some research before you download. Also don't forget to visit our Recommended Downloads list for safe downloads.
5. Surge suppresser - Most PCs that are damaged by surges and lightning, by far, are hit through the TELEPHONE line, not the power cord. Most modern surge suppressers include phone line protection. Use it. And be sure it's a good one, like an APC; we've seen cheap ones that failed and let the PC get fried anyway.
6. Keeping Windows updated - You need the latest security patches and service packs to avoid the latest exploits that hackers and viruses use to attack your PC. All window users should either turn on automatic updates or manually get the updates.
7. Inkjet printers - Inkjet printer ink is priced a little higher than gold right now. Seriously. So when you're shopping for a printer, check the ink cartridge prices too. Don't be tempted by that $39.99 Lexmark deal. If you price the cartridges, you'll see where they're making the money.
Also, if you are a small business owner and you print in large volumes, you NEED a monochrome laser printer. Remember to look past the higher price for the printer and the toner cartridge, and instead calculate the MUCH lower cost per-page and all the time you'll save. If you think you'll miss color, see #8 below.
8. Printing photos - If you just read #7, you know that operating an inkjet printer can be expensive. So consider sending your photos to a place like Walgreens, Walmart, Snapfish, or Shutterfloy. You can simply e-mail or upload your photos directly to them, or in the case of Walmart and Walgreens, just bring in your camera and choose the shots you want printed.
9. E-mail attachments - This is one of the biggest area of frustration for new PC users. The first mistake is usually trying to send a file that is too large. What is too large? Well, consider the rate at which the other person will receive the file.
On a dial-up connection, which most of your friends are probably still using, they'll be receiving the files at about 4 or 5kB per second. So if you send them a photo straight from your 3 megapixel camera for instance, at about 900kB it will take 3 to 4 minutes per photo to download. Ouch. So resize that photo first before you send it.
Also, it's important to remember not to send someone a file that they can't open. For instance if you use WordPerfect to create a document but your friend uses Microsoft Word, they won't be able to view it. What can you do? Pick up PDF Creator (free) to create a document that anyone can view and print, or you could both switch to OpenOffice (also free).
10. Protect your PC from your buddies - That's right. Your friends and family can be one of the biggest threats to the health of your PC. The first thing your friend is likely to do is open the dreaded Internet Explorer web browser and invite untold amounts of garbage onto your PC. Then, to make it worse, they make decide to do you a favor and download their favorite spyware-ridden program, like Kazaa or some screensaver.
What can you do? That's easy. If you use Windows 2000 or XP, just turn on the Guest account and make them use that. See, the Guest account doesn't allow users to install programs, like spyware or that annoying screensaver, or to change system settings. So thusly you can preserve the sanctity and safety of your computing environment.
1. Unsafe web browser - Internet Explorer is the default browser on well over 90% of new PCs. Don't use it! Even on a fully patched install of Windows XP, the spyware can get you. Internet Explorer is responsible for most of the computer problems we see. Really.
So just download and use the Mozilla Firefox web browser. It's free, it's safe, and it has more features than IE, like tabbed browsing and popup blocking. If you feel like your PC has already been compromised, feel free to give us a call and ask about getting it fixed.
2. Antivirus protection - Most PC users know that they need to have antivirus protection. But many don't realize that you have to keep the program up to date in order for it to be effective at stopping the latest viruses.
Most antivirus packages include 1 year of free updates. After that, you must purchase an extended subscription, or uninstall it and install the next year's version. We recommend Norton or CA antivirus, or AVG free edition if you're a home user on a budget.
3. Backup your data - We deal with damaged PCs, hard drives, and data loss on a regular basis, and we've noticed that few PC users, even small business owners, make regular backups of their data. So what's the best way backup your data?
Well, there are many options. First, don't rely on floppy disks; they are too delicate, slow, and only hold 1.4MB of data. CDRs are a popular choice, since they are inexpensive (about $0.29 each in bulk), most PCs have CD-writers, and you can backup 700MB at a time. Some also use flash drives, or send backup data to another PC on their network.
Small business owners may want to consider a more automated backup system, like using an external hard drive or tape drive. Also some data is more tricky to backup, like e-mail files and address books. Give us a call if you need assistance.
4. Unsafe programs - The practice of downloading and installing free programs from websites on the internet can be dangerous. Why? Many of these programs bring along with them viruses or spyware, like the ancient Trojan horse.
Especially be careful of those free peer-to-peer (P2P) programs that are often used to download music and movies, like Kazaa, Limewire, and so forth. Also beware of free utilities, screensavers, games, and so forth. Do some research before you download. Also don't forget to visit our Recommended Downloads list for safe downloads.
5. Surge suppresser - Most PCs that are damaged by surges and lightning, by far, are hit through the TELEPHONE line, not the power cord. Most modern surge suppressers include phone line protection. Use it. And be sure it's a good one, like an APC; we've seen cheap ones that failed and let the PC get fried anyway.
6. Keeping Windows updated - You need the latest security patches and service packs to avoid the latest exploits that hackers and viruses use to attack your PC. All window users should either turn on automatic updates or manually get the updates.
7. Inkjet printers - Inkjet printer ink is priced a little higher than gold right now. Seriously. So when you're shopping for a printer, check the ink cartridge prices too. Don't be tempted by that $39.99 Lexmark deal. If you price the cartridges, you'll see where they're making the money.
Also, if you are a small business owner and you print in large volumes, you NEED a monochrome laser printer. Remember to look past the higher price for the printer and the toner cartridge, and instead calculate the MUCH lower cost per-page and all the time you'll save. If you think you'll miss color, see #8 below.
8. Printing photos - If you just read #7, you know that operating an inkjet printer can be expensive. So consider sending your photos to a place like Walgreens, Walmart, Snapfish, or Shutterfloy. You can simply e-mail or upload your photos directly to them, or in the case of Walmart and Walgreens, just bring in your camera and choose the shots you want printed.
9. E-mail attachments - This is one of the biggest area of frustration for new PC users. The first mistake is usually trying to send a file that is too large. What is too large? Well, consider the rate at which the other person will receive the file.
On a dial-up connection, which most of your friends are probably still using, they'll be receiving the files at about 4 or 5kB per second. So if you send them a photo straight from your 3 megapixel camera for instance, at about 900kB it will take 3 to 4 minutes per photo to download. Ouch. So resize that photo first before you send it.
Also, it's important to remember not to send someone a file that they can't open. For instance if you use WordPerfect to create a document but your friend uses Microsoft Word, they won't be able to view it. What can you do? Pick up PDF Creator (free) to create a document that anyone can view and print, or you could both switch to OpenOffice (also free).
10. Protect your PC from your buddies - That's right. Your friends and family can be one of the biggest threats to the health of your PC. The first thing your friend is likely to do is open the dreaded Internet Explorer web browser and invite untold amounts of garbage onto your PC. Then, to make it worse, they make decide to do you a favor and download their favorite spyware-ridden program, like Kazaa or some screensaver.
What can you do? That's easy. If you use Windows 2000 or XP, just turn on the Guest account and make them use that. See, the Guest account doesn't allow users to install programs, like spyware or that annoying screensaver, or to change system settings. So thusly you can preserve the sanctity and safety of your computing environment.
![McAfee VirusScan 2005 [Old Version]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002T889Y.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg)
![Norton Systemworks 3.0 Mac [AntiVirus, Utilities, Backup, Spring Cleaning]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0001CJEHC.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg)
