The Dangers Of Selling Or Recycling Your Computer

Posted on February 16, 2011 by admin

Never be in such a hurry to get rid of your old computer that you forget the things you need to do to protect yourself. You could be subjecting yourself to identity theft or criminal penalties. Here are just some of the things you need to do:

  • Always remove the License sticker.  Use a razor blade, or knife and carefully remove this sticker.  It can be found in numerous areas on the outside of the case.  It will have the name of the operating system that was installed on the hard drive.  Just below that is the very long number which is the activation code. If you can successfully remove the sticker in one piece, you can reuse it on another computer if need be. You are the one that owns the license that you paid for.  You don’t want somebody else to use it.
  • Remove all personal data from your hard drive. If you don’t you could be subjecting yourself to possible identity theft. In fact,  if you left the address list on you  email account every person on that list could be at risk. If you saved all your passwords and user names for your bank account or other critical web sites, it is possible for somebody else to access these accounts. Once they are in they can change the password so that you can’t get into your own account.  They can find ways to empty your account before you know what happened.
  • Reformat the hard drive.  This is the only good way to be real sure all your personal data has been removed. Even after you format the drive, highly sophisticated software can get information off you drive. If you had very sensitive information on the drive you may want to have it professionally destroyed. They would be done with special software or by physically destroying the drive.
  • If you aren’t sure how to reformat a drive or remove it find a technician in your area that does know.
  • You could also just remove the hard drive from the case. The hard drive can be kept or you can worry about what to do with it later.
  • There could be some legal problems if you try to just throw the computer in a dumpster or get rid of it in an illegal manner. Many Cities now have recycling laws that must be followed.

If you recycle the computer at a recycling center do not bet that somebody will not want to see what is on your computer.  This is even more true if you sell your old computer to somebody else. The data that is on the computer hard drive could be worth more than the computer itself  for certain people.

Posted in Computer information, Hard drive, hardware, Recycling, Software | Leave a comment

How To Increase The Efficiency Of Your Computing Experience

Posted on February 2, 2011 by admin

Many people buy a computer not thinking about what they need to do to keep it operating in the most efficient way so that you can get their work done faster and easier.

Locating your computer

Be sure to locate the computer in an area where it can’t be hit or knocked over. If you put it under a table or desk be sure you can’t accidentally kick it or damage it. The cases are all plastic. Many people still put them right on their desk. That’s OK if you are sure you can’t accidentally knock it over or spill something on it.

If you have a laptop

Keep it in the same place at all times. This way you don’t have to worry about where it is. Don not let others use it. Keep it in a secure place so it can’t be stolen. Use a docking station if practical. This will keep you from having to plug in your printer or other external devices ever time you bring it back to your office.

Cable problems

It seems like more and more cables are added to computers. You can have cables for you mouse, keyboard, printer and other devices. If you have these cables under your desk you could trip on them and maybe accidentally unplug one or more. To prevent some of this problem you can use a wireless keyboard and mouse. It will at least help.

Clutter

Clutter is a big problem in any office or work area. Get yourself some shelves or filing cabinets. This will help you know where things are when you need them. Do not print out anything you don’t have to. You can file your documents on your computer. Be sure you put it in a folder (directory) that you create and label it so you can find it again. This will keep you from having to find a place for it on a shelf or on your desk.

Back up your data

This is far more important than you think. You can buy programs that will do it automatically. A One Touch drive is great for this purpose. Once you have set it up, all you have to do is literally touch a button and it will back it up for you. The reason it will increase you efficiency is that if your hard drive crashes you will have everything backed up and you can get up and running much faster. You don’t have to worry that you might loose your valuable files.

Get comfortable

You will be able to spend far more time at your computer if your comfortable. Get a chair that is easy to sit on. Lighting is very important also. You will have less eye strain and you might even feel like working.

The above suggestion are only that.  The main thing is that you don’t let anything interrupt whatever you plan to do  with your computer.

Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, Desktop computers, Laptop Computers | Leave a comment

Protecting Your Laptop Computer

Posted on January 31, 2011 by admin

Protecting your laptop  computer

Due to their portability and light weight Laptops have become one of the main devices people use to get their work done.This makes it vulnerable to accidents and other dangers. There are several things you need to know to protect it.

Keep it out of the reach of children

Children may go to chat room, social media sites or other sites you don’t want them to.  Other than subjecting you to Viruses and spyware they may be subjecting you to identity theft. They may not handle the computer properly. They may end up dropping it or even sitting on it.

Always carry it in a case or safe container

Computers have plastic cases. Other parts of the computer may be plastic also. That makes it easy to break if you drop it.  If you drop it the case may crack or even worse, the screen may break or other components may get damaged or destroyed.

Here are good things to know:

  • Never let it out in a freezing environment-The screen may crack (or maybe even the motherboard) the second you plug it in.
  • Do not subject it to extremely hot temperatures – This may overheat the components and may burn them out.
  • Keep it well ventilated- This will allow the laptop to remain at a temperature that will allow it to function properly.
  • Create a password-Always use a strong password. Be sure it is at least eight characters long. Use a mix of capital and small letters and include a least one number or character. Never use your name or any name that is a part of your family. Never use birthdays, anniversaries or an address.  Make up something nobody knows and write it down.  Be sure nobody knows it and hide it in a safe place. DO NOT post it on the computer,monitor or under the keyboard. Everybody knows that trick.
  • Computer access-If you have children do not let them use your computer.  Do not let others use your computer or a least your account. They may be snooping around or trying to see what they can get away with. They may try to log onto a banking account or some other account that you don’t want them to see.
  • Keep them clean- Dirt can accumulate inside the computer that will eventually allow the computer to over heat.

More good advice

  • Never let a College student access or try to repair your computer. They may try illegal shortcuts or use pirated software. They may try to access websites while they have your computer or infect it with a Virus or spyware. They very rarely have practical experience or at least not much of it.
  • Always protect your computer with Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs.
  • When you purchase it get at least a two year warranty. I never recommended that in the past but things have changed. They don’t make them like they used to.
Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, hardware, Laptop Computers, Viruses | Leave a comment

Protecting Your Desktop Computer

Posted on January 31, 2011 by admin

Protecting your desktop  computer

For one thing you never have to move it.  This ,in itself, will protect your computer.

Locating your computer

Properly locating your computer is the key to protecting it.  If you locate Your computer  under or on your desk be sure it is located so that you can’t kick it or hit it. If you have USB ports in the front (most of them do) it is even more important.  If you hit or damage a thumb drive you may not be able to fix it. That means you will lose data that you had stored on it. Be sure that the air vents are not blocked.  If you block air vents the computer could over heat. If that happens you could burn out your motherboard, processor and/or other components.

Warranty protection

When you purchase your computer get at least a two year warranty. I never recommended that in the past but things have changed. They don’t make them like they used to. In fact I have seen a lot of these fail just after the one year warranty expired.

Protecting your data

The whole idea of using a computer is working with and creating files that mean something to you or somebody else. that means you need to protect your data. This may sound crazy but people loose data all the  time. They either can’t remember were they stored it or they don’t remember the name of the file.  Here are some ways to make sure that doesn’t happen.

  • Do not let others use your computer or at least not your account.
  • Backup your data daily if possible. This may be the only real way to guarantee you will ever see your valuable files again.
  • When you save something be careful what file you put it in.  You MUST know were it is the next time you need it.
  • Name the file something that makes sense.  Then at least you can search for it if need be.
  • Do not use the default location. The number of files get so big you will never find it.
  • Create folders to store your data. it will keep thing far more organized.
  • Don’t get lazy.  This sounds weird but it is half the reason things get goofed up to start with. Take the time to do it right.

Always use virus and spyware protection

This is a big one. OH! even if you have an Apple computer you still need it. Viruses aren’t picky. Get the best program you can afford.  I am not going to recommend one in this article. DO NOT get a free one. Some people will swear by these. Are you kidding me? Viruses are your enemy and you need the best weapon you can afford.

Password protection

Always use a strong password. Be sure it is at least eight characters long. Use a mix of capital and small letter and include a least one number or character. Never use your name or any name that is a part of your family. Never use birthdays, anniversary or an address.  Make up something nobody knows and write it down.  Be sure nobody knows it and hide it in a safe place. DO NOT post it on the computer or under the keyboard. Everybody knows that trick.

Protect your children

If you have children do not let them use your computer.  Get them their own.  Use parental control and always know what they are doing. Many site they could access carry spyware, viruses or both.

More good advice

  • Never let a College student access or try to repair your computer. They may try illegal shortcuts or use pirated software. They may try to access websites while they have your computer or infect it with a Virus or spyware. They very rarely have practical experience or at least much of it.
  • Never assume your child doesn’t know how to work  on your computer. In today’s world children know how to run and use computer at very early ages. Toy manufacturers make games for children as young as two years old. They learn their ABC’s and even math.
  • Keep them clean.  Dirt can accumulate inside the computer that will eventually allow the computer to overheat. Periodically open the case and blow it out with canned air. This will greatly extend the life of any computer.
Posted in Computer information, Computer Repair, Desktop computers, hardware, USB drive, Viruses | Leave a comment

What if I loose My Remote Control For My HDTV?

Posted on January 27, 2011 by admin

What if I do loose the remote?
If you loose it, contact the the store you purchased it from. They may help you. Contact the manufacturer if all else fails. Most manufacturers now have web sites. Many of these sites have solutions right on the site. They normally give you some way to contact them also.

What if I my remote doesn’t work?
If you can’t get it to work be sure the batteries are good first. Contact the store you bought it at or the manufacturer. They can determine if you can fix it and may offer a replacement. Some times you can even get one free if you had bought it recently.

What about Universal Remotes?
This is a possibility.  However, you may have trouble finding one that is compatible to your model.  They can be difficult to set up also. The manufacture of the TV will not support it if you can’t get it to work and the Manufacturer of the remote may or may not help you. Always get the remote that is supposed to come with the TV.  It may cost more but at least it will work and you can easily get help when you need it.

Ways to keep your remote from getting lost
I feel I need to touch on this first. Here are just some of the possibilities. You household may require different solutions.

  1. Find a common place to keep it. It is better to keep it on or near the TV if possible.
  2. Never take it with you. If your going to answer your phone or get something to eat leave the remote in its right place.
  3. Instruct your spouse and/or children to leave it in its designated place. I understand that it can be difficult but you will never control the location of the remote unless you do that.

Cautions

  • Never spill any liquids on the remote.
  • Never drop or throw it.
  • Never let small children play with it.
  • Always read the instructions.

If you can’t find a remote in a store or on a website, you can Google it.  There could be one on EBAY or some other auction site. Be sure to plug in the make and model of the remote. You will need that information no matter which route you want to take.

Another option that isn’t as popular is to use the menus and buttons that are right on the TV.  Ya! they are not as convenient but at least you can use the TV if need be.

Posted in Digital TV (DTV), HDTV | Leave a comment