The Do’s and Don’ts of the Computer

1. Do Use an Antivirus.  McAfee and Norton are your best bet.  Don’t let your subscription expire – Renew Each Year!  If you purchase Norton, remember to run Live Update at least once a week – some updates are Not Automatic.  Be sure to set a weekly scheduled scan and let it run when scheduled.  Never install programs on a new computer without installing an Antivirus first.
2. Don’t Download Programs from the Internet.  Purchase the CD.  If something happens to your hard drive- you’ll have the CD needed to restore the program.  Beware of music (mp3) players, instant messengers, screen-savers and games.  For instance, many free music programs will install a virus when you install the program, or when you download the music.  They can cause your computer to lock up or completely shut down.  Downloaded programs that instruct you to turn off your Antivirus before installing – are probably not a good idea.  Follow the directions to turn off your antivirus ONLY on a purchased product, when you truly cannot install the program when the antivirus is running.  (Try turning off the firewall for 15 minutes, instead of completely turning off your antivirus.)
3. Don’t Remove Programs already installed.  If you think it will speed up your computer by removing old programs, you’re wrong.  Check your hard drive size (Click on Start, My Computer, Then click on the C: Drive – the details on the screen will tell you how full your hard drive may be.)  If you MUST remove a program – try doing it in safe-mode first (Hit the F8 button repeatedly when the computer starts up).  If you have America Online installed, and try to uninstall it – regardless how – you will forever regret this decision. 
4. Don’t access Social Networks at Work.  Sites like MySpace (and others) are full of malware – Malicious Software.  It can cause problems if it gets through your network and onto the server.  IT techs aren’t the bad guy’s, they just don’t want to see you get fired.  Lunchtime used to be safe for surfing, "Used To Be" - as in the past tense.
5. Don’t purchase from a website that doesn’t start out with https: - the “s” following the http in the URL address stands for “secure”. 
6. Do have a technician cleanup and backup your computer at least twice a year.  A computer used for business – should be maintained at least quarterly, if not monthly.  A home computer should be cleaned at least every 6 months, and backed up monthly.  Your tech can install a program that backs up your data, and all you have to do is put in a blank CD or DVD and select the icon.
7. Do keep your old computer, and use it for downloads or surfing.  Be sure to backup this computer as well.  And set Restore Points prior to downloading or opening something fishy (For most Operating Systems: Select Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore, Create Restore Point).  Make sure this computer is protected with a current Antivirus as well as Spyware programs (like Spybot and Ad-Aware, both are free).  If you receive an email that you are unsure of, you can always open it on this computer.  If and when this computer dies or refuses to restart, no tears are shed.
8. If you want to keep utilizing a dependable XP computer -Don’t buy a computer with Vista or Windows 7 already installed.  Older hardware and software may not work on these Operating systems.   You'll have to purchase current versions of all your favorite software! If you already have a business or home network installed, you’re better off purchasing computers with the same Operating System installed.  Custom order XP computers through MicroDiva and Techs.  However, XP will not be supported forever.  Beginning in 2011, you may have no choice but to purchase a computer with the newest version of Windows.  (If the drivers are available, a licensed copy of XP could be installed over the other operating system.)
9. Do lockdown your wireless router.  Leaving your wireless router with the default settings may make it easier to access the internet, but it also makes it easy for anyone within several hundred feet of your house gain access to your internet connection and your data. 
10. Do have a Battery Backup Unit.  Battery backups, can keep your computer running for 10-20 minutes, depending upon the size (350W, 500W, etc).  If the power does go out for an extended period of time, save all your data, and shut down the computer then turn off the battery unit.  This will save on the life of the battery (and gives you ample time to save your data).  If you have frequent power outages, you should replace the unit every 1-2 years.  Most units have a built in “battery low” LCD light.  If that light illuminates, replace the battery, or the entire unit.  Only plug your computer and monitor into the actual battery sockets.  Printers, calculators, desk lamps, etc. should be plugged into the surge protector side of the unit.  If you have a single DSL or Cable modem, be sure to plug that into the battery outlet as well.  If you have multiple Routers, buy a separate Battery Backup Unit for them.
11. Don’t leave your computer on overnight.  Leaving your computer on for an extended period of time can shorten the life of your computer. Leaving your computer on also gives hackers plenty of time to figure out a way to attack your computer (if you don’t have it locked down properly).  If you are in an office environment, other employees could “accidentally” download programs, or visit harmful websites, after you’ve left the office. Leave it running only if you have a designated computer for nightly backups, or if you have your Antivirus set to run on a certain night of the week.  Those are the only incidents in which it is wise to leave your computer running.  (Some techs may offer the idea that keeping your computer on in "stand-by" will save you time when loading up the next day.  This is true, but it will not ask for your password when you take it out of stand-by.  So you just left your computer open to AnyOne!)
12. Do change the Power Settings when purchasing a New Computer or Reinstalling Windows.  I prefer to change settings to Never (Start, Control Panel, Power Options) for a desktop unit.  On laptops, I recommend the battery settings be change to at least 2 hours, and the monitor at 1 hour.  On a laptop, be sure to change the Advanced settings for closing the lid to “Do Nothing”.  If you slightly move the lid of your laptop, the default settings will cause the laptop to go into “standby” mode, leaving you under the impression that there is something wrong with the laptop.
13. Do Keep Cell Phones and Pocket PC’s far away from your hard drive.  New phones and/or their carry case are highly magnetized.  If you need to sync up your equipment to your computer or laptop – extend the cord as far as possible.  This applies to your credit/debit cards as well.  My cell phone zapped the magnetic strip within one week of receiving the new phone – and the card was only near the phone while I was pumping gas – mere minutes.
14. Do Remove the windows User password the moment your computer starts to act up.  Removing the user password (Control Panel, Users) will eliminate the time involved for the technician to take ownership of your files – in order to backup your data onto CD/DVD’s.  If you have your computer passworded, and Windows dies, the files will show up as not accessible when the tech hooks your hard drive up externally.  It can take hours (depending upon the amount of data/photo’s/music) to complete the Take Ownership process.

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