You and Your USB Printer, Scanner and Web Camera

Many of our customers hire us to connect external devices to their computers, which we appreciate. If you feel strongly that you would like to do this yourself, here are a few items to keep in mind. The first rule, which you should almost NEVER break, is never physically connect the device to your computer until the software that came with the device is installed. In most cases, during the software installation, at some point the software will ask you to physically connect the device to the computer. If the directions are clear enough so that you are able to follow the instructions, you should end up with a fully functional piece of equipment. If for some reason you receive error messages, call us and probably do not try and fix the error messages yourself. On at least two occasions in the last 5 years, our customers have had installations they attempted go badly to the point where the only recourse was a $200 reinstall of the operating system to get everything to work. As always, we are ready to help you in any way you would like us to help you.

Which Internet Browser Should I Use?

We live in America, the land of choice. Internet Explorer (48% market share), Firefox (30%), Chrome (13%), Safari(6%), and Opera (2%) are the current generation of browsers to pick from. Your new computer will only come with Internet Explorer preloaded on it (Windows PCs) or Safari (Mac PCs), but any one of the five can be added from their respective company's websites (except there is not an IE for the Macintosh). Yes, Firefox and Opera may be a little faster. Yes, IE is hacked a little more often than the rest. But all browsers offer pretty much the same features, so no advantage there. Also, IE is going to be the most compatible browser, since people who create special options on their websites are going to do so for the browser with the largest market share. The continued life of a browser is a concern, too. Firefox and Opera have limited revenue streams and could go bankrupt tomorrow. Chrome and Safari do not have the programming muscle that Microsoft does. What do we recommend? Most of you know that we are minimalists when it comes to adding software to a computer. We think you should only add programs that you absolutely have to add. There are not any truly compelling reasons to use a browser other than the one that ships with your computer. So, in most cases, we believe you should stay with Internet Explorer or Safari.

Keeping Your Computer Healthy

Mr. Tech Support had a booth at WTVR Channel 6’s Health fair this past Saturday where Dr. Oz was the featured speaker. About 6,000 people attended the event. In the spirit of the show, we prepared a flyer outlining the 7 Tips To Keep Your Computer Healthy. The flyer covers in detail the steps we go through when we perform a tune-up or periodic maintenance on a computer, which you can read below. For a printable version of this flyer, click here. We also handed out 4 coupons to save you money in your pursuit of a healthy computer. To receive these coupons, click here. As always, we are happy to answer any questions or tune-up your computer if you would rather not or cannot do the work yourself. We are here to support you and your healthy computer.

The Healthy Computer

A Seven Point Tune Up

Following these steps could save you an average of $240 a year.

1. Proper OS and Program Updates a. Check once a month. b. Must be connected to the Internet. c. Start > Windows Update or Start > All Programs > Windows Update. d. Select the Custom Button or Check For Updates. e. Repeat until High Priority, Software (optional), and Hardware (optional) are 0’s. f. OS Automatic Updates only applies High Priority updates. g. Apple, Adobe, HP and Java regularly will notify you that updates are available. h. Install updates and do not ignore.

2. Proper Antivirus/Antispyware installed, updated and scanning a. Check for OK status once a week. b. Virus definitions should never be more than 7 days old. c. Use a product that provides real-time scanning. d. Set weekly automatic full scan. e. Viruses more devastating, but less frequent than Spyware. f. Symantec Endpoint Protection and Microsoft Security Essentials do not require an annual fee and have a very small footprint/impact on the computer. g. McAfee and AVG do not provide adequate protection. h. Norton, Trend Micro and Kapersky are good but severely impact the computer and require annual fees.

3. Proper Backups a. Store all created files in My Documents b. Consider an On-line backup like Carbonite c. External Hard drives d. Restore a test file once a month to test integrity of back up

4. Peripherals properly installed & working a. For all USB devices, install peripheral software first, then attach device when asked to do so by the software.. b. Replace parallel port devices with USB devices. c. USB hubs should be powered.

5. Reduce Program Conflicts a. Only install programs you absolutely need. b. Remove all trial programs. c. Remove unused games and programs. d. Remove third party utilities (C-Cleaner, PC-Tools, etc.).They rarely work well and sometimes make things worse.

6. Properly Setup Internet and Wireless Connections a. Comcast and FIOS are "always on" and ready to go. b. DSL is 8 to 10 times faster than Dial up. c. High Speed is 3 to 4 times faster than DSL, 30 to 40 times faster than Dial up d. Speed vary, DSL or Comcast not available in all areas e. No service is 100%, all the time f. Firewall security already built into Windows Operating System g. A router provides additional security. Password protect wireless router

7. Proper Email Setup and Use a. Check every 2 or 3 days. b. Empty In Box when checked. c. Consider Web based vs. Program based. d. Most anti-spam software does not work. e. Make sure back up catches program based email data. f. Write down and know your username and password, TODAY! Not sure what it is? Find out from your email provider.

Things to consider: Update productivity applications at least every other major update. Replace any computer that is 6 years old. Replace Windows 98, 2000 and XP. Have proper Surge protection for electrical outlets, network and phone connections. Leave your computer on 24/7. Turn off and unplug when on vacation.  

The Death of a Hard Drive

Last week the hard drive of one of our customers died. It wasn’t a surprise. The drive actually had a warning system built into it and it had been telling the customer for a while that failure was imminent, please back up the drive and replace it. The customer decided to replace the 8 year computer with a new one, a good decision. But when we went to move the data from the old drive to the new computer, the old drive died. Not just a software on the drive problem, a physical parts failure. We are working hard to perform a small miracle and recover their data, but the anguish and stress this situation has created is intense. The customer has suggested that Mr. Tech Support was at fault for their data loss. While we care deeply about our customers and their computers, we do not and never have taken responsibility for the viability of their files. Even when we transfer data from drives we know are healthy, the customer is responsible for having a backup. In trying to make me feel bad for the dead hard drive, the customer went on and on about how important the files were on the drive. But in 8 years they had never backed up these “critically, important” files. We think in the long run most of the files will be restored, but please save yourself from this drama. In my January 4 newsletter I strongly encouraged all of our readers to back up their data. At the risk of repeating myself to the point you will stop listening to me, PLEASE back up your files today. If you need help, give us a call.