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Here at MSD Computer Corp. we see the results of PC users' most common
mistakes. Well, now, you can benefit from their misfortune by reading
about these common problems and also easy ways to avoid them yourself.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.
1. Misbehaved Programs - You've probably heard of spyware, also known as
adware or malware. These programs are generally designed to run silently
in the background and make money for some person or company somehow.
Some spyware simply tracks your surfing habits in order to sell for
marketing purposes, while others pop-up ads, redirect you to different
sites, install toolbars, change settings, and worse. Spyware often
requires expert help to remove, and can often
But where do these misbehaved programs come from? Spyware does not
directly spread in the manner of a computer virus or worm. Spyware gets
on your system either through security 'holes' in unsafe programs (see
#2) or by hitching a ride with another program (like the ancient Trojan
horse).
So do some research before you download, and use some common sense. If
the program is designed to do something illegal or semi-legal (like P2P
programs Kazaa, Limewire, Morpheus, etc.) don't be surprised if they
take some liberties with your PC along the way. Especially beware of
free utilities and screensavers, which are also a major source of
spyware. However, some of our favorite programs are free; so the point
is, make sure to check the source and exercise caution when downloading.
2. Unsafe Web Browser - Internet Explorer is the default browser on
almost all new PCs. Don't use it! Internet Explorer is the most common
point of entry for spyware. Even on a fully updated install of Windows,
many websites can install spyware AUTOMATICALLY.
The solution is simple: just download and use a different web browser.
We like Mozilla Firefox (free download), and Opera is also good (and
free). You can visit all the same websites with Mozilla Firefox without
having to worry about spyware. However, please note Firefox won't remove
spyware or in any way actively protect your PC; it is simply a safe way
of viewing websites.
3. Backup Your Data - We deal with damaged PCs, hard drives, and data
loss on a regular basis, and we notice that very few PC users, even
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. MSD has an on-line backup system which is fully automatic and backs up your data off site.- call for details. You can also do-it-yourself using CDRs which are a popular
choice, since they are inexpensive , and most PCs have CD-writers.
Other backup devices are flash drives (usually 1024MB and up),
or external USB hard drives (80,000MB and up). Small business owners may
want to consider a more automated backup system, such as MSD's On-line backup system.
4. Security Software - Most computer users know that they need some sort
of antivirus protection. But if you visit the software store, you'll
encounter a vast array of 'internet security products' designed to
protect you from spyware, hackers, pop-ups, junk mail, and so forth.
Should you go for the extra protection?
No. Really, just don't. The best way to avoid problems with your PC is
to keep things simple. Most security software is a bloated mess of
programs that accomplish little more than slowing down your PC. We
regularly 'fix' computers by removing such software, which can conflict
with other programs or cause other networking problems. Plus, the extra
protection isn't necessary. If you follow steps #1, 4, 6 and 10, you
won't have any problems from hackers, spyware, or pop-ups.
However, you should use some sort of anti-virus protection. Viruses can
spread in unusual ways. We recommend E-Scan (not
Norton or McAfee) and make sure it stays up to date.
5. Surge Suppressor - Most PCs that are damaged by surges and lightning,
by far, are hit through the TELEPHONE line, not the power cord. Most
modern surge suppressors include phone line protection. Use it. And be
sure it's a good one, like an APC or Belkin brand; we've seen cheap ones
that failed and let the computer 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 them regularly.
Some users are paranoid about allowing Microsoft to send them updates,
thinking that it might
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. And if you think
you'll miss color, see #8 below.
8. Printing Digital Photos - If you just read #7, you know that
operating an inkjet printer can be expensive and time-consuming. It's
doubly so with printing photos (photo paper, ink costs, cleaning print
heads, etc.). So consider bringing your memory card or CD to a place
like Walgreens, CVS or Target where you can use a simple kiosk to select
and print photos quickly.
Even better, import all of your photos into Picasa (free download from
Google) where you can crop and enhance them. Then select your favorite
photos and click the [Order Prints] button to select from a variety of
online printing services to send them to. If you don't mind waiting to
receive them for a few days, getting prints this way is generally less
expensive, easier, and many of these services offer several free prints
for new customers.
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)
which supports many document types and can also export to PDF.
10. Protect Your PC From Other Humans - That's right. Your friends and
family can be one of the biggest threats to the health of your PC.
We see it all the time: Joe pays to have his PC cleaned and is told how
to keep spyware out. Later, Bob comes over to check his e-mail, and then
browses some 'fun' sites using Internet Explorer. Bob then decides to do
you a favor and install some of his favorite free software. If you've
read #1 and #4, you can imagine the state that Joe's PC is in right now.
What practical steps can be taken, other than locking the computer away?
Well, if you use Windows XP, just let them use the 'Guest' account built into Windows. You see, the Guest account doesn't allow users to install programs or to change system settings. Note that you may need to visit the User Accounts section of the Control Panel in Windows to enable the Guest account.
Using the Guest account may not work out well for a family member,
though. Working in a limited account environment can be frustrating in
the long term, and also some utilities and games don't function
correctly in a limited account. So instead of trying to install some
kind of draconian security software, it may be best to just sit the
family down and explain the dangers (and expenses) of unsafe computing
to them.
Hope this helps!!
MSD Computer Corp.
10 Campbell St. E.
Little Current, Ontario, P0P 1K0
705-368-2545
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