Getting  Along With Your Computer Column Archive

Merry Christmas to All!
By Cate Eales

Appeared December 25, 2008 on castanet.net

Did Santa bring you a new computer? A new music player? A new camera? Or maybe you are the one tasked with helping Santa get all these devices working by Christmas morning. I'm here to help, just like one of Santa's elves. Here are some tips to make your computing tasks easier this holiday season.


Before you set it up --- whatever it is --- read the instructions!
People, please. This takes anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, and it will save you hours of time, and who knows how much money. Before you put that computer together, look at the setup diagram and make sure you have ALL the required cords and cables. If you don't, go get what you need before proceeding.

Once you've read the instructions, follow them! Trust me. This makes all the difference in the world! For instance, if you are installing a printer, don't just take it out of the box and plug it in. Go through the procedure step by step, and don't start plugging things in until you've installed the software.


Know what you're installing!
Just about every peripheral device (camera, printer, webcam, etc.) comes with software. Here's a tip: Sometimes you don't need it! When I help people with their computers, I often find software for viewing photos from Canon, Nikon, Adobe, and Kodak. And that's in addition to the software that comes built in to Windows.

You don't need that stuff. Windows is perfectly capable of understanding that you've plugged in a camera or inserted a memory card, and transferring the images to your computer. If you require additional software to organize/tag/find photos, XP users will find Picasa a very useful, free program. Vista users can use Picasa also, or rely on Vista's built in features.

When you install a webcam, you'll be offered a fistful of software for instant messenger programs, toolbars, and opportunities to purchase more stuff. Unless you really need that stuff, don't install it. Select "custom" (or whatever choice you have that isn't "typical" or "default') when you install software, and do not install the junk you don't want or need.


Keep track of what you're doing!
If you're doing something that requires a logon and password, be good, for goodness sake: Write down your logon and password, and write down what device or program it's for. This is especially true if you are setting up a local area network. This is especially ESPECIALLY true if you are setting up a wireless network. You are going to need those logons and passwords one day! You are! You might need them today, if you are adding a new computer to your existing wireless network.

You might need your email password, too, if you are trying to set up your existing email account on your new computer. If you don't know your password, be prepared to hold for a long time for a Telus or Shaw or any other tech support person. And have your account information handy.

A nice little program for keeping track of passwords is KeePass. I couldn't live without it. It's free, and you can download it here.


Limit your visitors' computer access
If you are having company who will want to use your computer, you might want to restrict the potential damage they can do.

In Windows XP, you can either create a Limited User account, or turn on the Guest account. While an Administrator account can access and change anything, a Limited User account can change or remove their own password, change their picture, theme, and desktop settings, view files they create, and view files in the Shared Documents folder. They can also install some programs, but not those that change system files.

To establish a Limited User account:

click to enlarge image

A Guest account has even more limited access. For a list of limitations, see this article. The same article will show you how to enable the Guest Account in XP Home or XP Pro.

In Vista, just create a new Standard User account:

Now in XP or Vista, you'll see the new account along with any others on the Welcome screen.


Do you need help with your computer?  With your printer/camera/music player? Do you have a new computer and now you're wondering how to get the files from the old one over to the new one? I'm here to help you and your computer get along! To ask a question, make a comment or suggestion, or schedule a visit, email cate@rlis.com. You can read previous columns here.  If you'd like to subscribe to this column by email, please visit this link.  It's easy, and free. If you'd prefer the RSS Feed, click here.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! Please drive safely!

Links
Picasa http://picasa.google.com/
KeePass http://www.filehippo.com/download_keepass/
Description of the Guest Account in Windows XP http://support.microsoft.com/kb/300489
Getting Along With Your Computer Column Archives http://rlis.com/column.htm
Get Cate's column by email http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?Sub=20618
RSS Feed: http://rlis.com/rlis.xml

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Cate Eales has been helping people make online computing safe, accessible and fun for over 20 years. She lives in Kelowna with her husband, Eric, and her dog, Sandy. Cate is a partner in Real Life Internet Solutions, helping individuals and small businesses with virus, spyware and malware eradication; personal computer training and management; digital image management; music transfer; and website design, hosting and management. Email Cate at cate@rlis.com with your comments, suggestions, or questions. To browse the column archives, visit the Real Life Internet Solutions website at www.rlis.com.

© Cate Eales 2008 – All Rights Reserved
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