|
#10.) Your Computer Will Die One Day
It makes no difference how new or old your
computer is, it will stop working one day. Just like your car, your
computer is a machine. As a society we have come to depend on these
"machines" for a lot of different things. The Data your computer holds can
be priceless to replace. Think of all your Addresses in your E-mail
Address Book, Digital Pictures, Letters, Recipes, Checkbook and Financial
Data, Music, Internet Favorites, and on and on. One day you will go to
start that machine and it will not start! At that moment
the key word will be BACKUP. What are you doing to Backup all of your Computer
Data? Surprising, most people don't have a Backup Plan. You will never
realize just how much you have on your computer until it is gone! You
need a Backup Plan.
#9.) Your Computer Needs
Maintenance
Just like your car needs an oil change, your computer
REQUIRES regular monthly maintenance to keep it running in top form and extend
it's usable life. Tools like Scan Disk, Defragmentation, Updating your
Virus Protection Files and Cleaning Your Systems Chassis, are necessary to
keep your machine running at it's best and to ward off small problems
before they become nightmares.
#8.) You Need Virus Protection
Software
After your Operating System, the most
important piece of software you should have is Virus Protection. You can
get a Virus attack from the Internet, E-mail or Software. Virus Protection
Software will notify you BEFORE you open the infected file and release the
Virus to do it's damage. Virus Protection Software WILL NOT repair damage
a virus has already done. You need to know the File is infected, so you will not
use it, and how will you know if you don't have the tools to tell you! The
Virus Software also needs to be updated at least once a month so it is
"programed" to look for the newest Viruses that threaten your
system.
#7.) Don't Fix What's Not Broke
Just because there is some software update
that comes out, you should question if it is something YOU REALLY NEED. Updates
are released to correct known problems. Many times a user will update
their software in some manner, when they are not even having any problems and find they have
now created problems for
themselves.
#6.) A "Brand Name Machine" Is
Not Always What It Appears
Most Major Name Brand PC Manufactures,
we call them "Assembly Line Computers", do not make
the parts and
components their computers contain. Hard Drives, Main Boards, Video
Cards, CD Rom Drives, Floppy Drives are all made by other parts
manufactures, with a wide scale of quality. The parts used in a Name Brand
Computer, are often the result of the lowest bidder wins. Major Name Brand PC Manufactures
will have an
"acceptable" rate of failure. They will warranty the computer for one year
and "accept" so many failures and still make money, because they bought the
parts in question at such a good price.
#5.) Open
Architecture Computers Out Sell all Brand Name Computers Combined
An Open Architecture
Computer is a PC that is a Custom Built System. Some people call them
"White Boxes" because they do not have a Major Brand Name on the front of
the case, and yes they do out sell ALL Name Brand Computers combined. Each
part is shopped on a component by component level. A Custom System Builder
can create for you, a good quality PC or a "cheap" PC that may often have
problems. You need to be careful and consider more than price. You are not
only buying a computer, but also Warranty, Service, Support and
Reputation. Ask the Builder for a "Spec Sheet" listing the components by
Brand Name. Also ask for "References" and check them out. In a good
quality Custom Built System, the components will complement each other in
speed and performance, giving you the best possible computer for your
money.
#4.) Buy Only
What You Need Today
Many times people feel
they have to buy the biggest and the fastest computer or they are buying
something they cannot use. Shop for a computer based on what you will be
using it for. If you are never going to play high end 3d games or make
movies with the computer, why pay for one that can do this. You are buying
something you will never use. Also, keep in mind that technology changes
very fast. If you buy a computer with the idea that "some day" I might
want to create movies or play high end games, chances are like most
people, by the time you are ready to use your computer for those things,
the technology will have evolved, and what was once state of the art to
do those functions, is now out dated and will need to be upgraded.
#3.) Let An
Expert Do What They Do Best
If your computer needs
service, seek out a Trained, Qualified Technician. Uncle Joe may mean well
when he offers to "fix" your problems, but many times the problems become
worse. This will cost you time and money in the end. Trained,
Qualified Technician's are experts in their field and will have
the skills and resources to properly fix your problems in a timely, cost
effective way.
#2.) Read The
Manual
When you get a new piece
of equipment or software for your computer, take the time to read the manual. It's not
the most exciting reading, but you will save yourself time, money and aspirin if
you read the manual. Many times you will come to learn of features you did
not know the device or software has or could do. You will get more out of the
equipment and software if you are knowledgeable as to all it is capable of.
#1.) Number One On the Computer
Help Top Ten List Is: Backup Backup Backup
Just as we started this list we
are ending it. We cannot stress the importance of a Good Backup Plan. CD-RW and DVD Disks, Tape Drives, Memory Sticks and USB External Hard Drives all make good backup media. And once your
backup plan is ready to use, USE IT!
|
