It's the basics baby...5 of them
A customer of mine commented earlier in the week that he was "amazed" at my knowledge of computers. I thanked him then replied that all of my knowledge could fit in the head of a thimble. And it's true. Many days I stew over how much more I would like to know and learn about computers, technology, programming (which I know butkus about), web design, and web marketing.
One reason I have been successful in supporting people and their computers is that I stick to the basics. Similar to cars, unless you REALLY know what you are doing and you don't mind spending HOURS and HOURS troubleshooting a glitch, computers shouldn't be expected to handle anything you dish out. Here are my five simple rules to living in harmony with your computer or any technology gadget.
- Care for it by keeping it clean inside and out. On the outside, don't let it get caked with dust (because the inside will have 3X as much). Dust insulates the computer and makes it hotter which inevitably leads to problems. On the inside, keep your computer clean by using AVG Antivirus, a couple of good anti-spyware programs, browse the Internet exclusively with Mozilla Firefox or Opera, and use a firewall. Oh, and use the disk cleanup utility (or download one from our Links & Resources section and use it monthly).
- Don't use shady "free" downloaded software (use reputable sites, not search engines to find the good, legit free software) or download services for music/movies, etc. The cost of "free" can add up to hundreds of dollars quickly. When in doubt, don't download. If you aren't sure whether to doubt, ask first...preferably someone that knows something about computers, NOT sales people posing as technologists.
- If you use the Internet or email and have access to high speed Internet service, get it. Dial-up is dead. The small extra cost for a high speed connection will pay dividends in time and money, I promise.
- For computer help, find someone good, and use them and only them. You've heard that too many cooks spoil the soup, right? With computers, too many "experts" (including tech support lines) will kill a computer, your sanity, your pocketbook, and your time...fast!
- I would love to give credit to who coined this phrase, but it applies to computers almost better than any other situation: If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Print out and post these five simple rules next your computer and live by them, and your computer will give you many years of trouble-free service.
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The heart of the problem
You're 100% correct in your five point, Rick, but you left out the very heart of the problem: most people are so ignorant in so many areas, that we don't even have enough knowledge and skills to know whether or not we have a good doc, dentist, lawyer, auto mechanic or computer guy/gal. As a result, many of us, many times, wind up schlepping along with much less than good "professional" help.
The ONLY way to overcome that problem is to do the first-hand, personal research, study, and work necessary to be able to know enough to know whether or not we are trusting someone competent and professionally skilled.
At least I have learned enough to be able replace the alternator, brake pads, and water pump in my car, and the hard drives in my pc. That's how I can tell when I talk to you that you're the man I want to spend my computer-help money on. I know enough to know when so-called "professionals" are blowing smoke, and you NEVER do that. That's why I ALWAYS recommend you to all my friends who need help with their computers.
Another way to tell a good computer guy is whether or not he is 1) always trying to speak plain English and encourage you to learn more on your own and become increasing self-sufficient, or 2) always trying to speak "geekese," and make himself indispensable.
You are of the former, not latter, variety, and I will forever be grateful that our paths crossed. Thank you for all that you do for your fellow computer users!
Your friend,
John Wilkenson
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