Jan's Computer Basics:

On Your Own: Summary

When you decide you want to own your own computer, you must think about why before buying. What tasks do you expect to perform with your computer? Keep in mind that something better and/or cheaper will be offered for sale in the near future! Don't let that stop you.

The tasks to handle can make a difference in the kind of computer system you buy. Games need the fastest, most powerful computers. Think about how much you can afford to pay and include the extra costs like ink, paper, furniture, Internet connection, replacement parts, and software that does not come pre-installed. Consider whether you actually need a full size computer or will a tablet or smart phone do the job?

Choose your software carefully. Read the box and reviews and try it out first. Several kinds of shareware can make it painless to 'Try before you buy'. Choose your software first so you can make sure that your hardware meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for the software. Do you need to exchange documents with others? What software are they using? Can you read each others documents with the software you plan to get?

For both hardware and software, where do you plan to buy? Each type of seller has advantages and disadvantages. Where can you get support when you need help or hardware repairs?

Before you install new software, read the manual or readme.txt file to be sure it won't conflict with software you already have. Is it an upgrade? Do you need to have the earlier version installed? Or do you need the old registration code? Start an uninstaller program before you start a new installation. Have your registration code and activation code, if needed, ready before you start installing. Codes may come in an email or be on the box or on a card inside the box. Choose what kind of installation - full, typical, or custom - carefully. Do you know what will be left out?

Trouble with computers comes to everyone who works with computers. If you have planned ahead, you can survive anything the computer can throw at you. A solid back-up plan, that you actually use, is most important. You need multiple copies in different locations of important data. Keep your installation disks, manual, and codes until you stop using that software and any updates to it. Pay attention to how you computer behaves normally and what it sounds like. Changes can mean you have fallen under attack by malware. Run your antimalware software all of the time.

When something goes wrong with your computer, the first remedy is to give it a nap. Shut it down (properly) and let it rest awhile before starting it up again. Many, many problems are cured this way. If that does not fix the problem, you can try undoing recent changes or installing recently added programs or hardware. Can you duplicate the problem or does it seem random? If you can duplicate it, check with support for the program or hardware involved. It may be a known issue. If it seems random, it is likely related to heat, approaching hard drive failure, or bad spots in memory. You many need new hardware.

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