My first computer

In 1985, I purchased my very first computer, it was a Tandy 1000 from Radio Shack. For what it was, it was a good PC at that time. By todays standards, you would be greatly disadvantage. One thing I do remember is that I hardly ever had any problems or trouble with it. It was a PC with 5 1/4 floppy disk drives. It also had a 20 megabyte hard drive. Wow, and I thought I had a cool system at that time. he he he. Well, while my computer today seems like it’s far ahead by leaps and bounds from that Tandy computer, it’s not perfect. But, it gets the job done. Recently, I realized, wow, my computer is now 5 years old. Yikes, I may have to upgrade soon. So far, getting on the net, installing programs, and doing all the things I need to do can still be done with no disadvantage. The question is, how long can I go until I have to upgrade???

I’ve considered getting a laptop to replace my PC. They have been coming down in price, thus making it more affordable to buy. Well time will tell. Upgrade or buy, that is the question.

Buying a new computer?

When I bought my XP Home Edition PC by Dell in August of 2002, I got all my software disks with my computer when it arrived at the house. I special ordered my PC direct from Dell. After getting a new PC for my wife, we discovered that companies are starting to have all the software in the computer, thus making the user create backup disks of the software. So, if you are used to having those nice and convenient disks with your PC, well that is probably a thing of the past. Guess, it’s getting too costly for the companies to provide that convenience. I should also mention that when you create those backups, you usually are only allowed one copy. So, if you have any problems along the way, well, that’s the way it goes. I can’t guarantee that my wife’s backup is any good, I had a little trouble with it.

What ever happened to the days that the Customer always came first. Sure, the companies will continue to say that, but, it’s like it is changing as time goes on.

Keeping up with technology

My wife and I were just talking about a device called a Blackberry. A device that you can receive email, do text messaging and so fourth. I mentioned that one of the people I work with has one and he keeps up with all the technology. A good way to do this is to look at PC related magazines and web sites. A good source is Computer Shopper
I used to be a PC Consultant part time while working full time and this is how I kept up with everything. It’s especially easy when it’s just a few clicks away on the Internet. You don’t have to be a guru or professional to keep up with the latest technology. Even the very basic user can do this. It’s actually good to have some knowledge of what is available. This way, if you need something, you are that much closer to knowing what to do. This helped me while I was consulting.

There are many other sources available such as PC World and PC Magazine.

A thought on backups

Just a thought for ya. If you install programs, the CD or DVD they come from can be your backup for the programs. If anything happens, you can simply re-install from the CD or DVD. Any data that you create, will need to be backed up on a different media. Sometimes software you get can run automatically from the CD or DVD. It’s convenient to be able to have it on the hard drive for instant access. By doing this, the CD or DVD of the software becomes the backup.

Spyware

I’ve read some articles on Spyware, and I found that some are saying that in some cases, Spyware is or has become more of a threat than Anti viruses. Here are some basic questions to consider about Spyware:

1. What is it?
2. What does it do?
3. Should I be concerned about it?
4. What can I do about it?

I will try to explain as best as I can for each of the above questions. Starting with the first question -
What is it?

Spyware is programs that are downloaded without your knowledge when you access websites or install downloaded programs.

What does it do?

They collect information from your computer and send back to the companies they came from. This information can be anything from how you use your computer, personal information, system information etc. What it does can vary depending upon where it came from. It can also slow your computer down depending upon how much Spyware has infected your computer.

Shoud I be concerned about it ?

I think everyone should be concerned about Spyware and ADware. both can have a negative effect on your computer. These types of programs are not created equal. You never know what problems they will cause. Especially as new ones are being created as time goes on.

What can I do about it?

These programs – Spyware and Adware can be removed for FREE by programs that you can download for FREE from the Internet. The following is a list of programs available:

a. Spybot Search and Destroy
b. Spycatcher
c. Spyblaster
d. Adware SE Personal

The above are just some of the programs you can get to remove the unwanted Spyware and Adware from your computer. You can get these programs from http://www.download.com.

You should always back up your computer just in case problems are caused by running these types of software. Please read all instructions and/or warnings before using these types of software. I have found that it is best to have more than one kind installed on your pc. What one doesn’t get, the other one may. You need to be careful when making use of these programs.

In my experience with Spyware and/or Adware, I’ve seen that it doesn’t do as much harm as anti viruses, it’s just that it has other effects as listed above. If you need an anti virus software you can find some on Download.com as well.

Networking your PC

My wife and I have a home network for both of our PCs, and it has added some neat advantages. Backing up files one one another’s pc is useful. My computer is my wife’s backup and vise versa. We noticed a significant difference in Internet speed. It’s not had to have a Network added to your PC. Just follow the instructions that comes with the kit.

Networks are affordable and easy to install.

Routine Maintenance

It’s a good idea to perform some routine maintenance on your PC on a regular basis. Maintenance can include any of the following but is not limited to:

1. With can air, blowing out the inside of the pc
2. Cleaning the floppy disk drive (if installed)
3. Running a registry fix type software like Regscrubxp
4. Running other software like spyware and antivirus
5. Cleaning your keyboard and monitor

The above (before the picture) is a list of some things that can be done to keep your pc running good. What you do varies according to your needs. On thing not mentioned above is to do routine backups of your data in case you would have a hard drive crash. If you don’t backup your data, you may find later that you should have. I know someone who never backed up his work and eventually lost 5 years worth of work. Food for thought.

Help for your PC is not always a phone call away!

Some of you may have encountered this already. I have discovered that the Customer Service of the company that you purchased your computer from is only as good as the people behind the service. I have been in the Computer field since January of 1985 and have seen and learned a lot. Three years ago, I had some problems with my Home Edition XP and called Customer Service. I had major problems with being able to access web pages on the Internet. I was able to connect, I just could not access any websites. After following all the steps I was instructed to do over the phone, I finally was able to access web pages. So you ask what’s the problem? I then had problems with my printer. I was then told that I would have to re-format my hard drive. Well, NOT! I told the person that I absolutely refuse to do so and this person got help from others and the printer problem was solved. I had other issues later with my PC and later found out that the real issue was that I had a bad hard drive. I did not seek Customer Service to find this out after the experience I had. After replacing the hard drive, there were no further problems. The moral of the story is to be very careful with what you are told to do.

Now, I don’t want it to sound like I am giving Customer Service a bad name. I mean, thank Goodness Customer Service is available. There are a lot of people that benefit from the service they provide. It’s just that you have to be careful in that some people involved in the service may not know anymore than you do. Food for thought

The idea behind this blog

I see that there are all different kinds of PC users out there. Some have been using PC’s for years, and some are just getting “in to it”. Some deal with problems different than others. Those who are new sometimes don’t have a clue on how to deal with an issue with their new pc. And sometimes people find neat ways on how to fix or solve something.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a web site dedicated to bringing these people together? That is what this blog is all about. People who have PC related issues or problems and those who have the answers. You don’t even have to log in to use the blog. Just get to this site and click on User Problems and Solutions and start typing away. That’s how easy it is. There is no guarantee that you will find the answer to your problem. But, as this blog grows, you never know.

If you are someone who just figured out a neat way to handle an issue and you are interested in sharing it, then you’ve came to the right blog!

Regardless if it is a problem or a solution, it can be about Software, Hardware, or the Internet, just as long as it is PC related.

Sharing problems and solutions with all PC users is what this blog is all about.

Good Luck!!!

Welcome

Welcome to a blog that is geared to PC users helping other PC users. Problems and/or solutions are submitted for others to view and/or reply to in the User Problems and Solutions page. Now and then any kind of PC news and other information will be posted in the Home section.