Top three ways users create computing difficulties

ers needlessly create computing difficulties.

I’ve pretty much covered the No. 1 sin, but in summary:

Fixing to get into trouble

The notion here is so universal and true it is a cliché. Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken. That thought extends to these additional warnings: Don’t fix it if you don’t know what’s wrong with it and don’t fix it if you aren’t sure of what to do.

I’m all for home users taking responsibility for maintenance and easy fixes. But make sure you spend the time to research and learn.

Join a computer club, get a good book on computing or spend time on the Web reading and learning first.

Ignoring the basics

You must install and use protection against viruses and adware/ spyware and other malware.

The computer must be protected by a firewall. You simply have to backup your data.

Plenty of other things are smart to do — using a UPS to give you back-up power so you can safely turn off your computer; defragmenting the hard disk, cleaning the innards of your computer to get rid of the heat causing dust once a year.

I still urge you to take those additional steps. But first and foremost take care of the basics.

Lacking self-restraint

Continuing with our theme of “You Are Your Worst Enemy,” too many people are too trusting, too quick on the trigger.

If an email has an attachment, they click on it. If there’s a Web link — even in an email is from someone they don’t know — they follow it.

If a Web page invites them to download some program or game, they do. summarize the problem: It started with the picture fading, going dark. Turning the TV on and off corrected the picture for a short while. — Valerie Wolny

I can’t know for sure. And if it’s a hardware failure, you are probably right in thinking the repair bill would be high (wild guess would be $250 to $300). Arguing against a hardware problem is the fact that – for a time – you could fix the problem by turning the TV on and off. Try this just to see if it helps: Power off the TV; unplug it

These downloads and links often accomplish their purpose magnificently by adding a dash of virus here, a drop of spyware there. Soon, you and your computer are a mess. When it comes from outlet; press and hold in the power button on the TV for 30 seconds (while it is unplugged from the wall); release the power button; plug in the TV, power it up and see if that helps. Also, see if there is a factory reset option in your menu under the Setup section. If there is, you might try that (you’ll lose all your settings and need to run the setup to find all your channels again). One last thought, even though you’re out of warranty I’d contact both the manufacturer and to computing, nothing is wrong with being paranoid — remember they really are out to get you.

More than half the time, when readers write to tell me of their computer troubles, the problem the dealer (I know the manufacturer hasn’t been of much help) and ask that it be fixed free anyway. You’re right in thinking that a TV this new shouldn’t have the problem. You will — if you do this — have to spend a bunch of time. The first person will turn you down and you’ll have to continue asking to speak to each person’s supervisor. But, when I’ve been in that boat, I’ve often finally received some help. It’s worth a try if you are patient and have the time. started because they ignored one of these three items. Think of that. It means you can cut your chances of trouble in half by paying attention to my Top 3 list. You’ll avoid a boat load of trouble.