Some basic computer questions, reviewed
When I write this column, I keep in mind that most of you don’t want to become electrical engineers or build a nuclear submarine in your basement. Instead, you just want your danged computer to work. So I write for beginners.
Knowledgeable computer people also read the column. I’m flattered and grateful. And some of them know much more than I do. That’s a bonus crop I’m proud to have but not the intended audience.
As some beginners graduate and move on to more sophisticated sources of computer information, a new crop takes their place. That means I spend a lot of my time talking about the same basic topics, repeating my lessons for the new class.
So I’m like a primary school teacher in a way, with new students joining, old students leaving. My goal today is to cover questions that seem to come up over and over. It will help those of you just now joining our class. I’ll discuss each tip briefly.
Should I leave my computer on all the time or turn it off when I finish computing for the night?
Here’s what I do. I turn on my PC when I get home and turn it off when I’m done for the night. On weekends, I leave it running unless I’m going to be away from home all day or longer. Here’s why. Turning a computer on and off creates small voltage surges inside the machine that — over time — can do damage. But leaving a computer on all the time and unattended isn’t a great idea either.
Should you buy a Mac or a PC?
I have both. Over the years, they’ve become a lot alike in the way they work. Both can be wonderful as well as wonderfully frustrating.
Do I need a software firewall if I have a router?
A router offers excellent protection against hackers. But it isn’t perfect protection. I use both a router and a software firewall at home, and I think you should, too.
Should I buy my computer online? How about local retailers? What about small momand-pop computer stores?
It depends. Some small companies are great. But most beginners should stick with brand-name machines from established companies. However if you have friends — knowledgeable friends — who have had success with a mom-andpop store, go for it. Often you’ll get great service after the sale.
Why can’t I connect with the (and you’ll list a specific address) website you recommended?
Many times that’s the result of a typo. And you’re not always the one making the mistake. Sometimes web addresses get garbled when the column moves on the wire to other newspapers. Other times it’s your typing problem. Also keep in mind that sites can be busy or even down. (The life span of sites on the web is sometimes that
of a housefly.)
Have you heard of this virus? A friend just sent me a note about it.
Usually I have heard. And usually the “virus” is a hoax. Most emailed warnings of viruses (along with emails telling you that Bill Gates is giving millions of dollars away for forwarding that email) are hoaxes.
Why didn’t you answer the computer question I sent by email?
The columns I write appear in several newspapers. They generate a lot of email from readers. I calculated once that, if I spent five minutes with each reader email, there still wouldn’t be enough time in the day, even if I decided to stop eating meals and sleeping. (Fat chance.)