Three must haves for every computer owner
Bill Husted
There are thousands of computer programs and accessories that would be nice to have. But there are only three “must have” items.
When I say “must have” I mean just that — without these things you are walking around with a virtual kick-me sign pasted to your back. Without them, you will face computer problems. The question is when disaster strikes, not if.
Let’s take a look at my short lists of these must haves.
Anti-malware software
I look back on the days when we only feared viruses with fondness. There are so many effective and evil bits of trash out there nowadays that I could fill several columns just listing them. Luckily the makers of anti-malware software have done a danged good job keeping up with the times and I have no trouble at all finding programs to recommend.
But there has been a difference in what I recommend over the past year or so. I now believe that most home users should use commercial anti-malware software. I’m talking about stuff you pay for and not the free anti-malware software. That’s not because the free stuff has gotten bad. It hasn’t — there are free programs that hold their own with any of the for-pay stuff.
Then why do I now avoid recommending free anti-malware software? It’s because — even with the best programs — there will be times when you need help. Free software (for reasons that make perfect sense to me) doesn’t get the sort of tech support you can expect as a paying customer. It’s not an affordable way to deal with a free product.
But since not everyone will follow my advice I’ll offer up what is currently my favorite free anti-malware program: Malwarebytes. It’s terrific. There’s a for-pay version of it, too, and that’s what I use at home these days.
You aren’t limited to what I recommend — here’s an excellent rundown of the best free and for-pay anti-malware software.
https://www.pcmag. com/roundup/354226/thebest-malware-removaland-protection-tools.
Back-up for a minute
If computers wore a tattoo, it would say “Born to Die.” No matter how careful you are, your computer and its hard disk will eventually become road kill in cyberspace. That’s why you must back-up what you store there. Otherwise you will eventually lose family photos, financial data, Aunt Vera’s spaghetti recipe and more.
I back up using an online service. It’s the easiest way to do things — both Carbonite and Mozy do a good job at affordable prices. And — unlike TECHNOBUDDY’S BIG Q&A
Q: I read your column regarding the advice to purchase a PC with a solid state hard drive, but I failed to save it. Now I need a new PC and I don’t know what size solid state hard drive I should purchase. Please recommend and thank you. I enjoy your commentaries.
— John Gay
A: Hey John, this is going to sound like a smart alec answer — it isn’t intended that way — but the size of the disk you need depends on how much stuff you routinely store. So it’s not as if there is just one size for everyone. I need one size; my buddy Ben needs another size, and so on.
Let’s start here. How big is the hard disk you have now? Does it handle all your storage needs? Do you have a lot of free space on it? Or is it crammed full? If you are barely using any of the storage space, maybe you can get by with the same size for your new computer. If it’s full, then get one at least twice as big.
Here’s the truth: hard disk prices are so low these days, err on the side of getting one that is too big. backing up to a hard disk in your home — your data will be safe if fire or some other natural disaster hits. That’s because the data is stored away from your home.
However, I’m fine if you want to use a local hard disk to back-up your data. It’s a heck of a lot better than nothing. Windows comes with free software to perform back-ups as do many external hard disks that connect to your computer simply with a USB cable.
If you aren’t backing up now, stop reading this column and get busy fixing things. Here’s a good article on how to back-up data: https://www. backblaze.com/backup-your-computer.html.
Finally some juice
It’s shocking but your regular home electrical circuit is about as likely to knock out your computer as a lightning strike. Voltages vary wildly during an average day. One surge probably isn’t going to hurt but, over time, the damage builds up. That’s why you need an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).
It is designed to provide emergency power that gives you time to shut down your computer normally during a power outage. And that’s good to have. But that’s the potatoes. The meat is that it filters your every day supply of power so that normal surges won’t hurt your computer. Here’s a good article on how to pick one.
https://www.howtogeek.com/161479/how-toselect-a-battery-backupfor-your-computer/.
Make sure you have these three essentials before you even think about picking up any computer frills. That stuff is fun, this stuff is essential.