Avoid stupidity when handling computer glitches

The computer is a smart machine. But it sure can make us do stupid things.

I’m not sure why that is. Maybe we think it’s so smart that we can turn off our own brains and let it do all the work. But for whatever reason, intelligent people seem to lose a few IQ points whenever they sit down at the keyboard. Today we’ll talk about that. And suggest some ways — short of a brain transplant (messy and expensive) — to get those IQ points back.

Slow reaction time

One quick way to get into trouble is to react too fast when a problem develops. If there are error messages on the screen, write down exactly what they say. If there was some other symptom then make note of that.

The next step is one that is especially difficult to master. After you’ve taken note of the problem, turn off the computer and leave it alone for a bit. Maybe pet the dog, or have a cup of coffee. Then turn the computer back on. If all works fine then forget the problem. Computers — just like humans — sometimes develop hiccups. It’s annoying but not serious. Fixing a problem that seems to have vanished, is a sure way to make things worse.

More than hiccups

Dang. When you turn the thing back on, it’s still acting up. The natural inclination is to try to fix the problem instantly. That can get you into trouble instantly. And that’s the topic of our next stupid human trick: Trying to fix a problem when you don’t know what is causing the problem. It’s sort of like having a car with the engine stuttering and blindly making changes in

Hi, I took your suggestion and have started backing up my files. I’m using an external hard disk. I have a question. I have two computers, a desktop and a laptop. Can I back up both on the same external hard drive?

In theory Windows should create a separate name for each computer and let you back up each computer using just the single drive. I say“in theory”because, believe it or not, I’ve never done it. I’ll paste in a website that talks about using a single drive for more than one computer.

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/enUS/eaed919d-5abb-4881-a232-dca0723dc615/ backup-and-recover-two-computers-to-one-externalhard-drive?forum=w7itprogeneral

I always feel odd answering when I haven’t tried something myself successfully and when I am just passing along what others say. That’s the position I’m in now. I suspect what I’m passing on is correct and would feel easy trying it myself. But since I haven’t done it myself I feel obliged to say I can’t guarantee it. the hope that one will fix things — maybe changing the tires in an effort to fix it. If your life is lacking in excitement, fixing without knowing the problem adds excitement — in a negative sort of way.

Know your limitations

The smartest computer users have a good idea of their own skill level and stay within it. But many others have an inflated notion of their own skill. Imbued with the courage of an enraged poodle, they begin to tinker ... now changing this setting, now trying some fix-it tip they found online. Pretty soon, they’ve fixed the computer so thoroughly they have turned it into a beige paperweight.

What’s a person to do?

The picture I’ve painted is pretty discouraging. Unfortunately it’s also pretty accurate. Cheer up, there are things you can do to prevent most problems. That’s smart because it is a heck of a lot better to avoid a problem rather than to try and fix one. So take note of this — most computer problems are self-induced. The hardware on a modern computer seldom dies and computer programs — when left alone — seldom go bad. All that’s required on your part are these things:

■ Install and use excellent programs to detect and eliminate computer malware – stuff like viruses, spyware, Trojans and adware. If you are in doubt, just use the decent software that comes with Windows.

■ Avoid downloading free programs from the Internet unless you know for gut sure that they’re OK. I mention some that I find worthwhile and safe from time-to-time. But many of these free programs aren’t worth it.

■ Don’t click on links sent to you by email, don’t open attachments that come by email. That’s a major way that bad software gets into the computer. You’ll notice I didn’t put any qualifications on this. I didn’t, for instance, say it’s OK to click on the link or open the attachment if it comes from a family member or friend. Even your best friend can unknowingly forward a bad link, or attach dangerous software.

One more thing

Look I realize that all this is very restrictive. And I also know that some of you are well able to fix computer problems.

But when I talk through a newspaper column I am facing a mix of people with a mix of skills. I’ve found that the safe way to go is to tailor my advice to computer beginners. The notion is like the one physicians have followed for ages – first, do no harm.