Merry Christmas to All!
by Cate Eales
Appeared December 24, 2009 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. I’ve updated some of the tips from last year 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 going any further.
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 connecting things in until you've
installed the software.
(click to enlarge graphic)
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 want more features,
my first choice is
still Picasa, but
Windows
Live Photo Gallery is also a good choice. Both are free.
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. Aren’t you glad you wrote
them down?
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.
For more about keeping track of passwords, consult
this previous column.
Protect yourself at all times!
Well, at least protect your investment. Get a surge protector, and use it!
A good surge protector should have the "UL Listed" label on it; it should
offer a "connected equipment warranty;" and it should have an indicator
light on it so you can tell when it has quit working. Expect to pay at
least $25 for a good one. Make sure you plug your cable or DSL modem and
your router into a surge protector, too. Inspect your surge protectors
from time to time, and expect to replace them every couple of years, or
more often if you have many power hits.
No column next week; I’ll see you next year.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Links
Photo Gallery – Windows Live
http://download.live.com/photogallery
Picasa
http://picasa.google.com/
The Most Common Passwords
column203.htm
Computer Care Kelowna
http://computercarekelowna.com
Getting Along With Your Computer Column Archives
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--
Do you need help with your computer? I'm here to help you and your home or
business computer get along!
Cate Eales runs Computer Care Kelowna, a mobile service helping home users
and businesses get along with their computers. To arrange an appointment
phone her at 250-764-7043. Cate also welcomes your comments and
suggestions. Send email to
help@computercarekelowna.com.
You can read previous
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©
Cate Eales 2009 – All Rights Reserved
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