Tips for new computer buyers!

Posted in: Hardware,Software,Windows 7,Windows Vista,Windows XP | May 19th, 2011

Here are some tips for you if you decide to buy a new computer.

Backup your data

A computer or its hard disk drive can fail at any time and without warning. When it does all your personal documents, letters, pictures, music, video, etc. is lost and in many situations cannot be recovered or costs a lot of money to be recovered. Make sure you have backups of all your important data so it is not lost when the computer fails.

Protect the computer

Make sure to protect your computer from electrical surges, brownouts, and black outs. At the very least, every computer user should have a decent surge protector on their computer and phone line if they use a modem. Surge protectors can help protect your computer during an electrical storm and could save you hundreds of dollars in repair, if it were to get damaged. It is also a good idea to have the computer running on a UPS, which can help prevent damage to a computer during a brownout or blackout.

Keep computer and its programs updated

There is no such thing as a perfect software program or hardware drivers. After the developer has released their program they may discover errors and release updates to fix these problems. In the case of major software programs and operating systems, there can be several hundred updates and service packs released during its life time. Making sure your computer and its programs are up-to-date can help prevent problems.
In addition to updating a program, programs that use other programs or plugins may also need updates, for example, it is very important to make sure all the plugins for your Internet browser are also up-to-date.

Keep the computer safe and be familiar with viruses, spyware, phishing and spam

Every computer connected to the Internet or other network need to be protected. If you’re using Microsoft Windows, we recommend having some form of anti-virus program installed and running on the computer. It’s also a good idea to have a malware detection program running on the computer to pickup any spyware or malware that an anti-virus may not have detected. Finally, every computer user should also be fully aware of other security risks such as chain mails, phishing, and spam while on the Internet.

Keep the computer clean

Keeping the computer physically clean can help keep the computer running smoothly, help prevent issues such as over heating, and help protect you from getting sick. While cleaning the computer, it’s also a good idea to clean the data on the computer. Microsoft Windows users can run ScanDisk to check the hard drive for errors and Defrag to keep the data on the hard drive organized. It’s also a good idea to go through the installed programs and uninstall anything you no longer use.

Look for free alternatives

Be familiar with and know about free alternatives to popular commercial programs. For example, almost every computer user needs a word processor program installed on their computer. Instead of purchasing Microsoft Office, which is several hundred dollars use a free alternative such as Open Office that is just as capable.

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Did you spill liquid on your laptop? No need to panic.

Posted in: Hardware | April 28th, 2010

Water spills could be dangerous for your computer.  Since the sugar could further corrode the laptop parts, soda or alcohol spills are even worse

So, here are steps you should take if you spilled liquid on your laptops:

    • Turn off your computer immediately.
    • Then remove the battery and remove the hard drive to avoid data loss.
    • Open your screen as much as possible and place your laptop on a flat surface with the keyboard faced down.
    • Take a hair dryer and blow, blow, and blow!  This will help dissipate the liquid.
    • Do not even think of turning your computer on again right away.  Keep your laptop off for at least 3-4 days.
    • After 3-4 days, turn your laptop on and hope for the best.

      Hopefully the keyboard trapped the liquid and the rest of your laptop is safe.  If your laptop still does not turn on call specialist at VA Denver Computer Services for further assistance.

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      Adding a Shortcut Key to Your Internet Connection

      Posted in: Windows XP | April 23rd, 2010

      This basic and common way to dial the internet connection using giving path:
      Click on Start Button > sittings then click on Network and dial-up connections option, here you can dial your internet connection.

      Another way to dial your internet connection if you have a shortcut to your internet connection on your desktop. Simply boot your system and dial your internet connection from your desktop shortcut.

      A new cool tip to dial internet connection with out using the mouse, simply add a shortcut key that will allow you to do this. Just right-click on your Internet connection and go to Properties option. Click in the Shortcut Key box and then press a key combination that you would like to use here like (Ctrl-Alt-I). When you have a combination you like, click OK. Next time no need to use mouse to run your internet connection simply use this shortcut from your keyboard, you can just press your shortcut key combination (Ctrl-Alt-I) to launch your Internet connection.

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