10 Ways To Kill A Computer

Computers are very similar to people in that they have a finite lifespan and like us, there are a number of afflictions that can cause a computer's digital existence to cease. Most of these problems stem from careless handling, neglect, unhealthy environments and old age, leaving the average computer system's longevity no more than ten years.

However, careless handling, maintenance and badly trained users can shorten a computer's lifespan just as a careless lifestyle can cut shorten ours. Here is a list of the ten most common causes of catastrophic computer failure.

10. User errors - From not powering down properly to skipping scan disks, a user can seriously damage a computer's hardware, particularly drives and processors by not following correct guidance in using their machine.

9. Faulty manufacture - years ago there were only a handful of companies producing PCs now it seems there are an almost infinite number of manufacturers and assemblers, some have vast experience and resources, others are no more than two guys in a garage so it is not surprising that an increasing number of computer systems are faulty when bought new.

8. Bad upgrades. It is not just computers themselves that are victims of bad workmanship, upgrades by inexperienced computer fitters can cause horrendous problems and faulty add-ons such as RAM can kill a processor instantly. Also attempting to 'overclock' a processor can often lead to a fatal melt-down.

7. USB Device Mishaps. It seems everything can be plugged into a USB these days. However, it maybe that your USB device is not suited to the operating system you use or it may be faulty leading to a fatal short circuit.

6. Power surge/cut. Power surges or unexpected power cuts can not only cause instant loss of data but can also fry a processor rendering it useless. It is not just power from the grid that causes problems either, lightning can surge through cables (even phone wires) frazzling your system and a build up of static can cause similar results.

5. Dust. A dusty environment will clog a computer and block cooling vents causing a computer to overheat. Dust can also contain conductive material and particles can stick to circuit boards and cause a short circuit. Even home computers if not properly cleaned can succumb to problems caused by too much dust.

4. Water/fluids. Of course computers are electrical and with all electrical equipment, computers and water do not mix, just one spilt cup of coffee could see the end of your PC.

3. Heat. Processors can run exceptionally hot and if a computers cooling system is inadequate (because the machine has been upgraded, overclocked or just clogged up with dust and grime) it will only be a matter of time before it packs up for good.

2. Cold. Just as with heat, computers don't enjoy the cold too much either. Processors will not operate at all if the operating temperature is too cold and Processors can permanently freeze up if the temperature drops too much.

1. Knocks/bangs. Computers are sensitive machines, simply moving a PC to another room can cause havoc, disrupting the delicate circuitry and hard drives. Dropping a computer or severe knocks and bangs will permanently damage the circuits and processors or dislodge wiring.

There are of course measures that can be taken to protect a PC such as always ensuring any computer has been assembled correctly and any upgrades are done carefully by a fully trained professional. Making sure a decent power supply with surge suppressor is fitted is also important (many computer experts will tell you that a power supply is the most important component in a PC, and I can't argue with that) and that any peripherals are checked to be working correctly before you plug them in (ask to see them work in the shop) and will run correctly on your operating system.

Finally there is a low cost ways of adding extra protection to a PC, in the shape of a computer enclosure, particularly worthwhile if your PC has to operate in a dusty or moist environment, under varying temperatures and prone to knocks and bangs.

These industrial computer enclosures are relatively low cost and can house virtually any PC, monitor or printer. They often contain air conditioners and heaters to control temperature and can protect from extremely severe knocks and bangs (some even claim to be bomb proof). These enclosures also prevent dust and fluids from entering (some can even be hosed down in industrial environments without fear of damage) and allow a conventional PC to be used in the most hostile environments from ovens, freezers, dusty shop-floors and even explosive environments.

Copyright 2008 © Richard N Williams
Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the industrial computer industry helping to develop industrial computer enclosures and protection for all environments. Please visit us for more information about industrial pc solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_N_Williams

Electronic Data Interchange

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the interchange of structured data by agreed message standards, from one computer system to another, by electronic means. It allows electronic exchange of routine business transactions between computers. EDI was first used in transportation industry. The first set of EDI standards were developed by the transportation data coordinating committee (TDCC).

EDI can bring strategic, operational and opportunity benefits to organizations. Strategic benefits brings faster trading cycle, ability to adopt new business processes,ability to win new business and ability to respond to highly competitive new market entrants. Operational benefits brings reduced costs,improved cash flow, security and error reduction and acknowledged receipt. Opportunity benefits brings Enhanced image, competitive edge and improved corporate trading relationships.

A request is placed for analysis process during the initial stage of establishing the EDI message interchange process. Business requirements and technical details are passed on to the EDI analyst for analyzing and designing the EDI specifications. These specifications are used by EDI developers to define and develop EDI message prototypes. EDI testers test the new EDI connection to validate this information.

Once a new connection tested, it's deployed in the production system. EDI is widely used in manufacturing, shipping, warehousing,utilities, pharmaceuticals, construction, petroleum, food processing, and health care industries. EDI can bring benefits to business's by improving overall business quality through better record-keeping, fewer errors in data, reduced processing time, less reliance on human interpretation of data, and minimized unproductive time. Reduce order time since EDI allows businesses to process orders much faster etc.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juny_Kallukalam

5 Awesome Innovations That Bring Sexy Back To The Future

There's something to be said about Timberlake's "Sexy Back" from two years ago - when half the people were trying to mesh noir and technology together to form some steampunk-ish child, the song (and mostly the video) evokes a wanting for bringing sexy back to technology.

That gives everyone a bit of re-decorating to look forward to - throw out the wires, the dials and the big, clunky forms - leave in the sleek, shiny plastic, brushed metal and the slimmest possible sizes.

This is, to say, in the future, clutter is a no-no, and using walls, tables and other fixtures will act as screens and input devices.

For those planning the transition as early as today, here are a few gadgets, concepts and innovations you have to look forward to, and make space for.
(Most of these are concepts and do not exist yet in reality. It's a wonder how other people's imaginations overlap our own desires for the future.)

Multi-Touch Technology - 6 years after Minority Report and we're still obsessing about re-creating the futuristic interface that Anderton used in the movie - case in point? That video for "Ayo Technology." (Which, surprisingly, also stars Timberlake.)

The difference of Multi-Touch Technology with similar touch-screen interfaces is that it can accept multiple inputs at the same time. This means multiple fingers = multiple inputs, and it also means that multi-user applications is possible. This is already widely used and may come in a photosensor/screen wall near you. Apple's iPhone is one example of this - the iPhone uses Multi-Touch scrolling and picture manipulation technology.

Vaio Zoom - While not designed by Sony, this Yanko Design Concept is an interesting piece. What started out as "showing what's behind the screen" wallpaper series, this concept takes it a lot further by implementing holographic displays over a transparent screen.

Nonobject Behind the Scenes Camera - To help shape what the future will become, Nonobject has dedicated their time to creating fully plausible (and yet currently unbuildable) designs that are created to inspire future tinkerers.
The idea behind the Nonobject Behind the Scenes Camera is being able to take photos from scenes that are both in front of you and behind you. Thing is, how would you take a photo without getting your face, body and hands in the way? I have no clue either.

Proclaim Speaker DMT-100 - These futuristic eyeball speakers just look amazing. With pivoting arms, the "eyes" can be positioned so that the sound waves can travel in different directions, plus, it also helps if you have a space problem and need something that can be neatly tucked into place.

Printer Table - Again, from Yanko Design, this sleek device marries a furniture into something a little more useful. Want that report printed out while you have coffee? No sweat - using this device, one doesn't need to run to the office printer while enjoying coffee with clients, just load in a fresh ream of paper in the faux drawers ... and you're good to go!

Andy Biggins knows that life isn't a box of chocolates but he loves it as sweetly as if it were! Travelling and Gadgets rule his world, and if you want to know more about his thoughts on just about those 2 topics, swing by his site The Big Life

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Biggins

Why Is My PC Slow? Answering The Question

Are you one of the many people who are complaining, "Why is my PC slow?" Unfortunately, many people share this predicament. Many people have probably cursed or shouted a curse or two directed at their computer. It can be frustrating especially if you are on a rush and your computer takes forever to loads or to process. You're probably wondering, "Why is my computer not as fast as it was when I first bought it?" Those are the good old days. So, why is your computer slow?

Packed Computer Registry

This is the most typical reason for a slow computer. Not all people who use a computer what a computer registry is, how to find and how to clear them up. Before they could even get around to clearing their registry, they probably have suffered slow processing computer for a significant length of time.

Basically, your computer's registry is that area where most of your files, programs and software are stored. It is important that you regularly clean and maintain this section of your Windows XP in order to ensure faster operation and processing. If you keep storing and storing files into your registry without cleaning it every now and then, your computer may likely crash from storing too many data. People may also hear you complaining, "Why is my PC slow?" when you store too many data in your registry because this makes it difficult for your computer to easily locate entries. So, it takes the computer quite a while to respond to your commands.

Spyware and Virus Attacks

Spyware and viruses are not only pests; they are also resource thieves! Although these malicious programs are not designed for Windows XP slow down, they can still cause your computer to lag or to even come to a screeching halt. This is why it can never be too emphasized that you need a good anti-spyware or anti-virus programs to clean your computer off of these pests. If you can afford buying the good ones, do so. Although there are software that are available for free, they do not really give the same protection that paid programs do. Also, make sure that you keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs updated. If you have to update every minute, do so. Set up the programs to regularly run automatically. Otherwise, you'd have a computer packed with spyware and adware; and you'd be complaining, "Why is my PC slow?!"

Constantly Running Background Operations

There are instances when your Windows XP slow processing can be blame to your background programs. You might be unconsciously running these programs. A good way to check on background operations is by looking at the bottom tray at the right side of your computer. You might have operations and programs running. They take up resources; although you are not actually using them. So, make sure that you close all these programs so they will not interfere with the speed of your computer. Change the settings of these programs if possible so they will not automatically run without you knowing.

Don't let you PC slow to a crawl check out http://www.kmainieri.com for more Windows XP Tweaks that will have your PC running on steroids!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kris_Mainieri

Computer Problem Tips - 10 Spyware Warning Signs - Are You Infected?

It's been estimated that over 60% of all computers have some kind of spyware installed and most of their owners are unaware! If you are tired of your PC running slow and filling your screen with those nasty pop-up then you will want to read the 10 warning signs listed below. Afterwards check out my "action plan" and what you can do to rid yourself of your spyware infestation.

1. Browser Hijacks - When I used to get a call from a customer saying that their homepage had suddenly changed, without them doing anything, I knew to bring my anti-spyware fighting software. Malicious programmers love to change your browser settings to transfer your homepage to their "client's" websites.

2. PC is Crashing - Without warning, your PC starts crashing, freezing or locking up, but you haven't added any new software or updated anything recently.

3. Pop-Ups - You open your browser to visit your favorite blog site then "WHAM!" You are suddenly drowning in pop-ups! Your screen is full of brightly colored lures to porn, gambling or gaming websites. You click on the "Close" or the "X" to shut it down...uh, oh something is downloading to your machine!

4. Strange Favorites - You notice that there is a strange looking icon in your favorites. You click on it out of curiosity. You are caught in a webring of girly webpages...drat it, you're at work!

5. Strange Icon on Desktop or in Systray - You know notice a "winking" red light on the bottom-right in your Systray display. It says you have been infected. You hurriedly click on it to see what is wrong. Then a pop-up appears that says it is downloading an "anti-virus killer"...uh, oh.

6. Strange New Files Appear - You are poking about in your files and you notice that some odd, spyware-killer software has a folder on your hard drive. Where did that one come from?

7. Strange Emails - While searching for a note you dropped to the boss, you notice that you have lots of strange emails in your "Send" folder. You didn't send them, especially the ones in a foreign language.

8. Strange Toolbars - You open up your browser and now you have 3 toolbars instead of just one. What gives? When you try to remove, or change the settings, they keep coming back no matter what you do.

9. PC runs sluggish or slow - Granted your computer may not be the newest kid on the block but lately it has been moving slower than the Street Dept fixing a pothole. It takes several minutes for it logon and go out on the web. And it takes forever for you do to the simplest things anymore.

10. Hard Drive is running all the time - You have noticed that your hard drive is running all the time now. Even when nobody is on the machine! You can see the activity light blinking away and you can also hear the drive being accessed. Huh?

Action Plan - What to do next...

Download from the Net or buy a good anti-spyware software package. For free try Ad-Aware or SpyBot's S&D. Or use SpySweeper if you need an industrial strength cleaner.

Scan your hard drive and follow any instructions on removing items.

Install a good personal firewall program to slow down pop-ups and other nastiness.

Copyright 2008 by Chancer Reese

For more free tips see http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com
Hard Drive Crashed? Repair or Rescue Any Hard Drive... visit http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com/Hard-Drive-Crashed.html
From Chancer Reese, your Small Office Tech Diva.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chancer_Reese

Computer Problems Tips - The 3 Levels of Spyware - Do You Still Control Your Computer?

"The only difference between the fool, and the criminal who attacks a system is that the fool attacks unpredictably and on a broader front." (Tom Gilb)

It doesn't matter if your computer is compromised by professional villains or just by the geeky kid across the street, once your sensitive files have been broken into your life may never be the same. Spyware is one of the most unrated forms of "espionage" occurring in the world today.

Most computer users think of this kind of program as a being just as an annoying or embarrassing kind of prank. But criminal-minded programmers know better.

In the past, spyware and its close cousin adware were simply wicked bits of "paid advertisements" for shady website publishers to attract customers. But soon, more malicious coders determined to use these programs to really "spy" on innocent people and dig out as many of their victim's secrets to use or sell on the black market as possible.

These new programs are being crafted by "professional" development teams just like a "real" software company. The programs are sophisticated and slick.

At its most innocent level, these spy packages just track your browsing habits (where you go and what you do on the web). Your email addresses are also raided. This information is then sold to websites for advertising.

At an intermediate level, a "keystroke" logger (a program that observes and records what you type on your keyboard) can be used in combination with web-tracking software to dig out the keywords, passwords and usernames you use when visiting sites such as eBay, PayPal and your bank.

The final level is in which spyware has completely overwhelmed your computer and all your sensitive information is laid-bare to any prying eyes that want to view it. Your ID/SSN numbers, your home address, personal photographs, your banking or other financial information is dug out and sold to the highest bidder.

This is then used to create everything from fake driver's licenses for teenagers, terrorists, and illegals to making dupe credit cards used to run up charges under your name. Your "identity" has been stolen and compromised for years to come.

Your computer can be turned into a "zombie" and thousands and thousands of fake emails could be sent through your connection to the Internet. This will result in your ISP (Internet Service Provider) taking action and limiting or shutting down your account. And with unpaid charges bouncing about your credit card report will soon be in a shambles as well.

What you should do now to lock down your PC...

Download from the Net or buy a good anti-spyware software package. For free try Ad-Aware or SpyBot's S&D. Or use SpySweeper if you need an industrial strength cleaner.

Scan your hard drive and follow any instructions on removing items.

Install a good personal firewall program to slow down pop-ups and other nastiness.

Password protect any personal folders where sensitive documents, photos, etc are stored.

Download and install a password storage program like "Password Safe" to securely store your usernames and passcodes.

Use strong passwords.

Change passwords every 6 months for your bank, eBay, PayPal and other financial institutions.

For more free tips see http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com
Hard Drive Crashed? Repair or Rescue Any Hard Drive... visit http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com/Hard-Drive-Crashed.html
From Chancer Reese, your Small Office Tech Diva.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chancer_Reese

How A Web Notification Service Can Help Your Business

A web notification service is a necessity in today's world. Events happen quickly, and managers and administrators must be able to respond immediately. When an unforeseen event occurs, a web notification service is essential.

Communications and technology today allow instantaneous transmission of information among people. Mass notification software has revolutionized the way that administrators take action when an incident takes place. With mass notification services, thousands of people can be reached across multiple modalities, including SMS text message, voice messages to cell phones, work phones, home phones, and email. The ability to send BlackBerry PIN blasts is also very helpful in the event that other communications systems are down.

A web notification service that is hosted on external computer services is desirable because in the event of an emergency, your on-premise notification service could be unavailable! With a hosted web notification service, that is co-located in a secure location and backed up at redundant hosting sites, you are guaranteed to be able to send out critical messages to your peers even though your organization's building might be flooded, on fire, destroyed, or without power. A web notification service is infinitely more reliable than on-premise notification software, and because of the benefits that come with a large, time-tested notification company, the hosted service is probably a lot faster as well.

If your company has its own software or system that can generate alerts or events that you desire to send out to groups of people, a web notification service that has reliable web services that you can connect your system to is a must. Web services support easy integration with any existing customer applications so that you don't need to change your existing business processes. There are many examples of companies using web notification services in this manner, including:

1. Utilities or cable television companies that receive notifications from customers about service outages. These companies then automatically relay messages to their service repair teams in the vicinity so that they can quickly locate and fix the problem.

2. Financial trading companies that receive notices about critical events in the marketplace that will affect their investing decisions. These messages can be routed to the appropriate people immediately so that everyone is up to speed.

3. Many companies receive severe weather alerts through mass notification systems. Instead of manually informing individual managers or stores of impending severe weather, weather alerts are automatically sent out from a weather service company using a mass notification system.

4. IT departments might receive automatic alerts to their team when a server goes down or there is some other type of overload or incident.

The possibilities are really endless when it comes to web notification services. Most likely, YOUR existing business processes can be enhanced by choosing a notification robust notification service.

Learn more about Web Notification Services Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Gambacorta

XP Fixes For Basic Screen Freezes And Problems

You have been very excited when you first bought your computer. You made sure that you bought the best that your money can buy. So, you got the latest and most expensive computer and you installed Windows XP in it.

For the first few months, you were quiet happy with its performance. Until suddenly, you begin to notice that it's taking a significant amount of time to open programs or files. You begin to notice that a click on the mouse could trigger a freeze. There are times when your computer would even freeze without any reason. This can be really frustrating especially if the computer tends to freeze and shut down while you're at the middle of your work. You need to know basic XP fixes to help you deal with the common computer problems.

Causes of Window XP Slow Performance and Freezes

One minute you're busily typing reports, the next you're staring at a blue screen. Often, you'd find yourself cursing your computer. The blue screen is often called the Blue Screen of Death. This happens when Windows XP meets up with a system error. This also happens when the computer needs to recover from a serious system error. You could also have the Blue Screen or Death in cases where the operating system fails to recover from a huge error.

Another possible problem that people encounters when using the Internet is the Screen Freeze. The difference between a Screen Freeze and the Blue Screen of Death is that the computer freezes on the page where you're working. There is no change of solid color to indicate system error. The cause of Screen Freeze is unavailability of RAM. This means that you'd used up your computer's entire RAM so it has no space left to function.

Everyone also experiences lack of program response. This happens when only one program or two fail to respond to your command but if you click on other programs, the latter would work just fine. This is its difference from Screen Freeze. In Screen Freeze, the entire computer is frozen. It is not in blank blue but it does not respond. All these things require that you know XP fixes to help you deal with the problem without needing to send your computer to professional computer technicians.

Basic XP Fixes for Basic Problems

The Blue Screen of Death is easily solved by some online software. In fact, there are widely known Internet users' tools for this kind of problem. You can go online and download, make your research. Once you're satisfied, you can then proceed to downloading the software directly to your computer so you can use it the next time you're computer attempts a Blue Screen of Death

XP fixes for frozen screens or programs are quite simple. Often, you just need to wait for the computer to recover and to resume its operations. If the computer freeze is mainly limited to a particular program or a couple of programs, you can press Control plus ALT plus Delete so you could cancel the programs running that have gone frozen.

Don't let you PC slow to a crawl check out http://www.kmainieri.com for more Windows XP Tweaks that will have your pc running on steroids!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kris_Mainieri

Throw a Rugged PDA in the Water...

Rugged handheld personal digital assistants or PDA's or as they are sometimes called, electronic handheld information devices are great for harsh environments and the rigors of everyday use. Most Rugged handhelds can be used virtually anywhere meaning they can handle the bumps and bruises.

The rugged handheld PDA's can help with tracking orders, log information, keep track and run proprietary software programs. Everything is contained within the small handheld personal digital assistant - PDA and will help in time and productivity as the rugged PDA is simply another tool allowing you too perform your job quickly and efficiently.

The rugged handheld PDA's will also help the salespeople in the field for they can see via Bluetooth or wireless connection, immediately if there's any of what they are selling left instead of having to make a phone call to the warehouse and wait for someone to check the shelves. That is because everything is downloaded into the PDA's informational mainframe and able to share it with many users via the wireless connectivity most handhelds feature.

Rugged computers and rugged handheld PDA's are covered in a hard plastic that will withstand many of the normal elements found in nature and warehouses such as wind, dirt, water and rain, dropping and general 'banging around.'

Rugged computers can be found in warehouses, used by our troops, or deep in the rain forest to name a few. The protective coating on the rugged computer helps to protect them from whatever you and your crews can do to it. Drop it, dip it, throw it, almost anything...

Many of the rugged handheld PDA's and rugged computers have removable shock mounted hard drives in them so that you can replace the hard drive if things get too rough and rugged. (In a semi rugged computer there is s shock mounted hard drive that is non removable and this will keep the hard drive in place and safe if it is dropped from low levels.)

With the rugged hand held PDA, you might consider getting a smart card reader attachment which allows you to read credit cards, employee Id badges or any other type of card you pre-designate when you set up your rugged hand held PDA system. This way, your workers can use the smart card reader to scan customers accounts with just one swipe of a card and know immediately if they have the buying power needed to purchase the big screen television or they need to stick to the smaller version. This will save time and money at the counter when the cashiers have rung up the big ticket item and then they find out the customer does not have the funds to pay for it or something else in their account is preventing them from purchasing this item.

Now that you know what to do with a Rugged PDA -most Rugged PDAs come with a slower processor than a rugged laptop but still VERY fast for a PDA considering the size and room within the device. Compact Flash drives and USB and/or RS232 serial ports. The screens are no bigger than a normal PDA but, throw your normal PDA in the water and see what happens. Rugged PDAs can sink AND swim up to 3 meters. The PDA will work with no problem while under water.

Visit http://www.OCRuggedLaptops.com for more information about the rugged computing industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mack_Harris

Taking a Look at the Camcorder World

The world of videos was forever changed when the first camcorder came along. These small devices offered those who wanted to take home videos with sound a chance to make their own movies, which can watch and relish the memories for years to come. A video recorder that also had sound incorporated was something that previously had only been available for broadcasters. With this invention, the world of memory-keeping was changed forever.

The world of the camcorder became known in 1980 when the inventor, known as Jerome Lemelson, patented his idea. He had tried before to receive a patent on this hand held recorder, but the office of patents claimed that it would never work.

Lemelson also had a hand in inventing crucial components for machines, such as the ATM, the Walkman and the barcode scanner seen in almost every retail store. Lemelson changed the way that technology fits into our everyday lives with his ideas for the advancement of technology.

When a person thinks of camcorders, they most likely do not consider the internal components. Inside those small digital handycam recorders are many components, including a mini VCR.

The handy cams are so tiny that one may have a hard time believing this, but in every type of camcorder, this crucial component exists. Also included inside is a CCD, which helps measure the light used to show the images, as well as lens and motors that deal with zoom, focus and aperture.

The camcorder offers a person the chance to record memories that they would not have been able to do fifty years ago. Not only can a person record the still pictures of an event, but now, thanks to the video recorder known as the camcorder, people can also capture the voices.

Technology has advanced to levels unseen by many of our predecessors; however, if a person only learns about how to operate one of these high tech devices, then they can take advantage of this world of the video recorder and save memories for a day when they will slowly begin to forget them. Memories are the cornerstones of the past.

Mike Selvon has a passion for digital videography, and his portal answers your common questions about the camcorder. Visit his portal for your free gift and leave a comment at his digital camcorder blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon

How Not To Screw Up Your Computer Or Laptop

Here's some personal advice on how not to screw up your computer or laptop based on stupid things I've done over the years. This article should be of help to people who are brand new on the computer, people without much experience and possibly people with mid-level computer skills, who if nothing else can use this as a refresher. I've also included some other advice and pointers to help you avoid other potential computer pitfalls. I'm sure this is elementary advice to the more experienced computer user.

What Not to Do on Your Computer or Laptop if You Don't Want to Mess Them up:

1. Do not delete anything that you don't know what you're deleting. For example, if you delete a driver, you can totally screw the computer up. So do not delete anything unless you know what you're deleting & know it won't harm your computer by deleting. If you're not sure, do not delete.

2. Do not go to porn sites at all. This has nothing to do with morality but a lot of them have viruses,spyware and adware on them.

3. Do not open up any email with an attachment that you do not know who the sender is. Delete them. I also would not open up any email period if you do not know who the sender is. If you see an email from a place like Ebay, Paypal and Amazon, a Bank, etc. and the subject does not make sense- I.E., "Your account is suspended", etc., do not open it up, chances are its bogus with some nasty hidden computer code attached or its a scam email, On a lot of these suspicious emails you can check if they're genuine by looking at the messages on the actual site. I would never open up any Ebay message for example unless it is in your Ebay message Box.

4. Do not download any software from a site unless you know it is a legitimate site. A lot of sites are known to contain spyware, adware, and perhaps viruses. If you are going to download free software, I would only do it from sites like Download.com, Tucows, Microsoft, the software company's website, etc. As an aside, I have an Ezine Article on Free Software that you might find helpful, titled "10 Great Free Computer Software Programs and Applications (OK Some Of Them Are Cheap Software!), " Ezine ID 1062401

5, If you are not sure how to install a program, ask someone with experience. If you do install a program, initially just use the defaults and don't try to custom install it because the chances are you will screw it up.

6. When deleting a program, go to the control panel where it says add or delete a program and if during the deletion process it asks you if you wish to remove all files or a certain file which may cause damage, click no and/or no to all. This will seem clearer to you when that happens.

7. If you see some outrageous offer like free dinner, etc., for clicking a site, don't click it. Chances are you'll be getting spam, spyware, adware or worse.

8. Keep a seperate email address for personal email for people you know. Keep a separate one for e-commerce.

9. Try to not put your personal email address on anything you buy online, use a separate email address for online purchases. I would also try to avoid using your correct phone number, address, full name, etc., unless you absolutely have to or the website is from an established place like Amazon, etc. Obviously if you purchase something online you will have to give a correct address and name but you don't have to give a correct phone number. I would also give incorrect birthday dates that you'll remember. On websites/services that will not be sending you stuff in the mail, I would try to avoid giving your true information out alltogether even if it means changing it after your original info was put in and verified. I mean there's nothing like an angry person you sold something to online, harassing you by phone. Do not give out your Social Security Number! Repeat do not give out your Social Security Number.

10. Do not open up your computer and put things in like extra memory, drives, etc., if you haven't done that before as you're liable to screw things up big-time.

11. Have your computer plugged into a good surge protector that you get at a computer place or retail store like Best Buy based on a salesman's recommendation or online reviews. Do not buy at your local supermarket. If there is lightning outside, I'd recommend shutting your computer off completely as it still could get messed up even with the surge protector.

12. Do not let a friend or anyone else use your computer without you seeing what they're doing as they''re bound to do things covered here that I said you shouldn't do!

13. Don't leave your laptop outside for a long period of time if its hot as that could cause your computer to overheat.

14. If you hear your computer making a strange sound or smell anything burning, turn your computer off at once. The sound is probably coming from its fan. I once had a computer at work start to burn up from the fan.

15. Treat your laptop with care. If you drop it, bang it, etc., there is a good chance you will have caused some damage.

16. I personally recommend if you're not that experienced with a computer, to always buy a new one that has most things already installed- plug and play. If you buy

a used one, there's a chance that there could be something wrong that an experienced person could fix right away but you can't. Let the buyer beware. Here's just

a quick example. I bought a used laptop online from someone years ago and he said everything was set to how the laptop was when it was in the store. Well I

discovered massive amounts of spyware, adware, some viruses, etc., on it but I was experienced enough to know how to remove them with the aid of the right software. If you're not and try to do it, your asking for possibly even worse problems.

17. Don't drink any soda, water, etc. near your computer and try not to eat near the keyboard, either.

18. If a key gets stuck on your keyboard, do not pull it out, especially on a laptop, Alot of times, if a key comes off a laptop and you can't put it back in place, if you get it fixed, they will replace all the keys and charge you accordingly. Bummer.

19, I would get an extended warranty on a computer because if disaster strikes at least you won't be totally wiped out. Think of it as insurance.

20. Make sure you understand what you're doing with new software programs before you start using them.

These are just a few basic things and I'm sure I haven't come close to touching the surface but things will come fairly easy to you once you use the computer regularly.

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