PC Tips April 11, 2005
Topic:"Illiterate" isn't in my dictionary!

Yes, I hear this alot- "I'm illiterate when it comes to computers", or "I'm computer illiterate". I guess what most of my customers are really trying to say is "I don't know a thing about computers", or "I just don't know enough about 'em to do what I want to do". The plain truth is, if you own a computer, you must have had some goal or objective in mind, a mission of some sort or maybe wanted to just surf the web or check email. Folks, I believe nobody is just plain computer illiterate! Even if you know that you need a keyboard or mouse connected to the computer to operate it, then this automatically makes you "literate" in some form or fashion when it comes to computers!

If you are a "guru" of a tech and you're reading this, you can laugh if you want, I won't hear you anyway. This is for the "novice" computer user so you may want go hang out at "Microsoft's Tech Net" a while and see how many security fix's are due for this week. Anyway, technology is a never-ending learning process and when one finally says "I know all there is to know", then big surprises await them!

Here's today's tip; For those of you who may not have ever used the "right-mouse button", here's what it is mainly used for......
The "right-mouse button", when clicked in most areas of Windows, will display what is referred to as a "context sensitive menu". This simply means that depending on the location of your mouse cursor, when "right clicking", the "menu" that pops up will have items listed in it that is relative to this area. For instance, if you "right-click" on your Task Bar (the bar at the bottom with the Start Button) then you will see items listed in the menu relating to what you can do with the Task Bar- "Toolbars, Tile windows either vertically or horizontally, Close Title, Close Toolbar" and so on. It would take a lot of instruction to explain what each and every function actually does, however Microsoft has done this for us in the "Help" menu. You can get there by simply clicking "Help and Support" through you Start Menu. One of the main uses for "Right-clicking" is to utilize the "Copy, Cut, and/or Paste" functions. I will be explaining this in detail in the next entry of PC Tips so stay tuned!

For any questions or to search for answers, please visit our support forums.

PC Tips April 1, 2005
Topic:Hardware/Device drivers Drivers

Let me begin by defining the term "driver". A "driver" is simply computer code or should I say "software" written by a manufactuer of a specific hardware component that properly "drives" that component or device which in turn allows the component to operate properly and at it's fullest. Printers, scanners, modems, motherboards and virtually any other device that can connect to your pc requires a "driver". Those users running Microsoft Windows XP may already know that XP takes a lot of the headache out of installing new hardware! Just pop it in, or connect it and "wala"! After a moment or two, you see that much gratifying yellow balloon at the bottom, right of the screen saying "Your new hardware is installed and ready to use!" With everything else, there are a few imperfections though and every once in a great while, you must provide the manufacturers cd containing the "device driver".

Now that we have an overall understanding to what a "driver" is, we must also remember that sometimes these "drivers" need to be updated every so often. This is dependent on when manufacturers see the need for fixes or simply to enhance the performance of a particular device. You may ask how can you be sure to always have the most current driver available for all of your devices on your computer; good question! Easiest method is to "stay on top" with the "Windows Update" found on your Start Menu in Windows. Most companies will alert Microsoft any new driver they may have for a device and in turn, Microsoft will "digitally sign" that driver and thus make it available for download to all Windows users. Remember that when using "Windows Update", to first download all "critical updates" first!, then, and only then, work on the hardware updates (drivers).

For any questions or to search for answers, please visit our support forums.

PC Tips March 2005
Topic:Antivirus

Just thought I would give out the link for Symantec's NAV "Intelligent updater". This is the method to manually update your virus definitions. All you have to do is download the intelligent updates (save to any folder), then click "RUN" when finished, quick and easy! There have been some pretty nasty virus's out there lately, and since Norton Antivirus only updates once every Wednesday, it might be a good idea to bookmark this link to install these updates "in between" Symantec's regular cycle.

IMPORTANT!: I work on literally dozens of computers every week sometimes and most problems are attributed to virus threats and "spyware". It never used to be this way folks. I remember when the Internet used to be fairly safe and fun. It still can be if we develop a sense of awareness of what "could happen" in the event of a virus attack. Think about it, if you happen to lose your wallet or purse with credit cards, driver's license and such, sure it is devasting but it can be replaced. If you lost your keys to your car, you could just go down to your dealer and purchase an additional set. The data on your pc is another completely different story. Maybe you just play games, check email or simply just use your pc as a nice desk ornament. In MOST cases, that's NOT the case! Most all of us have SOME important information, whether it be pictures, documents (scanned or typed), business email, financial data and so on. So you think you have a reliable enough computer that all your data will just sort of thrive forever? Think again! I can name numerous causes of a hard drive, aka- "computer crash". Anything from lightning, to surges, moving your pc the improper way, or the number 1 nightmare, a tiny 1K file with enough code in it to put your business or home pc in jeopardy.

My intentions are not to frighten anyone, and most of you "guru's" out there are probably bored by this point from reading this! The novice computer user, however, should get serious about safeguarding the health of their computer.

For any questions or to search for answers, please visit our support forums.