Simple Advice to Protect Your Computer and Your Sanity

This tip, if followed, could substantially limit the number of phone calls we get on the radio show and put a dent in my computer troubleshooting and training business. I can sum up the entire tip in one phrase you have heard me utter many times on the radio show:

I know ain't isn't a word, but if AOL can say "You've got mail", please allow me a little latitude.

Computers present the largest potential money and time pit ever created. Because the computer age is still very much in its infancy, the myriad of new upgrades and gadgets make it difficult too leave our machines alone. My advice to computer users every where is to take a step back and look at what you do with your computer, what you would like to do and how does it all fit.

For most computer users, their current computer and software work just fine. If your current version of Microsoft Word allows you to produce the types of documents you need, there is no need for an upgrade. If your current Internet software version suffices for sending email and browsing the web, that new shiny disk that arrived in the mail today isn't going to make the task any quicker or easier.

Most software upgrades contain features that were developed because newer hardware allowed them to be so. Unless you have a blazing fast computer with tons of memory, a software can be disastrous. If I had a nickel for every person who I hear mutter a phrase like "the computer worked fine until I upgraded (fill in the blank). Again, the key is if your computer is working fine, don't get caught using that verb in the past tense.

The same thing can be said for hardware. If your current printer functions perfectly for your needs, resist the urge to pick up that new multi-function printer that's on closeout sale for 75% off. And for computers, my rule of thumb for upgrading to a new computer is only do so when your current computer no longer provides the functionality you need. For example, if you delve into digital photography, your Windows 95 or first generation Windows 98 machine won't work with almost any new digital camera so an upgrade would be in order.

Remember, before inserting that CD to upgrade to the "New and Improved Perfectly Running version 8.0', think to yourself "is my computer causing me any large headaches right now?"

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