Dixie Tech Guy

What To Look For In a New Computer

2010-05-10T14:22:00.000-06:00

Last time, I talked about when is the best time to get a new computer. This time I plan on talking about what to look for in purchasing a new computer.

First, you need to know if you would like a portable computer (laptop/netbook) or a desktop computer. Laptops are great for those on the go, even college students. Desktops are great for needing a centralized computer.

Second, what will this computer be used for? Checking the internet, e-mail, banking? Business purposes? Photo, music and video entertainment and production? Video games and more? Or a combo of any those listed?

Knowing what you plan on using your computer for can help prevent you paying extra for something on the computer that you may never use, or from preventing you from getting all that need in a computer when you need one with power and speed.

Third, when you go in to look at computers, knowing what you need will help you in finding what is right for you. Also, check out and play around with the selection of computers that the store has in stock.

If you are looking for a laptop, are the keys spaced enough or too much/little for your fingers to work with when using it. Is the screen too small, perfect or too large for viewing and for lugging around. All laptops will get warm/hot underneath, so check the temperature too (if you can).

Forth, also know what you plan on hooking up to the computer (i.e., printer, mouse, etc). Some computers, such as desktops, can have a simple upgrade so you can add more detachable devices... Some can not, such as a laptop, and are that way for the duration of the life of the item. So make sure to take that into consideration when looking and playing around.

Fifth, make sure you can upgrade RAM (Random Access Memory) in case the computer you like has the minimum (1 or 2 GB), and you would like add more at a later time down the road (a few months to a year) when you feel it is time to help speed up your computer.

Also, you may come across the subject of "32-bit vs. 64-bit". Don't worry about knowing too much about what each one does, the only real big difference between the two is that a 32-bit computer will hold up to 4GB of RAM and a 64-bit computer can hold much more than 4GB. If you need a computer with a lot of RAM (gaming or video editing), you may want to pick up a 64-bit computer.

But if you can't find the answers to questions, feel free to ask a sales clerk who can answer them for you or find out a little more by doing a little research on the model you have your eye on.

Sixth, if you are use to a PC, stick with a PC... And the same with a Mac. But if you feel the type of computer you used in the past is not what you need anymore or are looking at are no longer your style, feel free to look at the other. You may like what you see.

Last, do not feel pressured to buy that particular model from that store at that exact moment you are there. Search around a bit, travel to another store if you need to so you know what is out there. And don't feel pressured or guilty if the sales person didn't make a sale. When you are ready, you will know because that computer will be with you for a long while.

I can go on, but these tips should help get you started... And good luck in your purchase!

When To Get a New Personal Computer?

2010-05-01T17:59:00.004-06:00

When do you know it's time to get a new personal computer? First and most obvious sign is when your computer estimate towards replacing hardware (possibly software) will be the same, or more, than buying a new computer. Remember, ALWAYS get an estimate before any work is done.

But let's not let that frighten you. There are other obvious signs that it is time to say goodbye to your computer.

The second sign is when you notice your computer can not handle the work load it once could. If you notice that trying to watch videos online, listening to music, playing games or other items that require fast and high processing power, and it takes forever for your computer to do, it could be a good sign that it is time.

Third sign, is when a certain program(s) you need will only run on newer computers and they will not run on your older computer.

Forth sign, is when your household uses one single computer and there are others waiting to use it. Then it is time.

Fifth sign, is when you need the latest version of Windows of Mac OS X, and your computer can not handle the upgrade to the newest version.

But if you do get a new computer and the one you were using before is still usable, hand that computer off to a younger sibling or family member. They maybe able to use it for homework. If the computer no longer works, you can recycle your old computer. Always make sure you clear your data off first, or take out your old hard drive because some deleted data can be retrieved. If you ever need advice, help in both choosing a new computer, or getting rid of your old computer, I am here to help. Feel free to call me at 435.467.8324 or visit my website.

Is It Safe To Turn Off My Computer

2010-04-24T18:17:00.002-06:00

"Is it safe to turn off my computer, or should I leave it running?"

I get this question quite often from those who wonder if it is okay if they should leave their computer constantly running, or if it is okay to turn off/on their computer.

Now a days you are able to do both. It doesn't hurt the computer to leave it running, or to turn it off when you are done using it. But leaving it running all the time can result it a higher power bill.

If you have a computer (running Windows XP Service Pack 2+, Vista or Windows 7) it wouldn't hurt to completely power them down. Doing this installs any critical updates for your computer that may have been missed when other important updates were installed. If you leave your computer running, doing this once a week can be very helpful.

Also powering down every once in a while clears any excess programs running in the back ground.

Many who ask this question are worried about the computers' hardware and if it is causing wear and tear. In the 80's to early 90's, this may have been a factor in the computers used back then, but hardware design and performance have come a long way since then to resist damage that would once had worn out your computer. It is safe to shut down the computer, but like before, let the computer fully shut itself down. This way, you should not run into problems as if you didn't fully shut or safely let the computer shut down.

Things Your Computer Person Won’t Tell You (...But I Will)

2010-04-17T14:03:00.003-06:00

The first 20 are from Readers Digest [13] [7], so I can not be the one to take credit for those. But 21 and beyond, and the notes in bold, are from yours truly.

1. Turn it off, turn it back on. “Nine times out of ten, rebooting your computer-and any equipment that connects to it-will solve the problem,” says Aaron Schildkraut, who owns a home tech-support service in the New York tri-state area.

2. Just because we're “buddies” at work, don't expect me to come running every time you've got a problem. I've got a slew of IT problems to fix.

[Note: Yes, we are willing to help you, but please remember, just don't expect us to drop everything we are doing to save you. Call and ask if there is a time we can schedule you in.]

3. We're like Santa: We know if you've been bad or good. Fessing up to what really happened right before the system crashed is going to save time-and I'm going to figure it out anyway.

4. Use “strong” passwords. Geek Squad agent Derek Meister suggests combining letters and numbers-but not your birth date-to create a “base” password, and adding a unique suffix for each site you use. If your base password is your spouse's initials and your anniversary date (say, SP061789), your Amazon password might be “SP061789AM.”

Note: Use numbers or symbols in place of letters. This type of lettering is known at '1337', or 'leet'. For example, for the world "hello", try, "h31lo" or "h3ll0".

5. Make sure you have current antivirus and anti-spyware protection, and set it to update at least once a day and run a full-system scan at least once a week.

[Note: Also, make sure your firewall is running too.]

6. There's no free lunch. Downloading free music, movies, and games from file-sharing sites can open holes in your system for others to exploit. Play it safe and use established services like Rhapsody, iTunes, and Netflix.

7. Remember: Public Wi-Fi is public. If you don't have a compelling reason to check your e-mail or bank account while sipping a latte at the mall, don't do it. While you're on a public network, even one that's encrypted, a nearby hacker can capture your passwords.

8. Give it a rest. Turning off your computer when it's not in use saves energy and clears out the RAM, or temporary memory, which would otherwise slow your machine over time.

9. If you can't get online, call your Internet service provider first. Connection problems can often be checked and fixed-free.

10. If you want to see less of me, get a Mac. That's what we use. “Macs are actually a little bad for my business,” says Schildkraut.

11. No, you can't use your cell phone to pop popcorn. Next time an Internet rumor drops into your inbox, don't just pass it on-check it out at snopes.com first.

12. Sometimes we talk about you-in code. If you hear “HKI error” (for human-keyboard interface) or “PEBCAK” (problem exists between chair and keyboard), we're insulting you.

13. If you don't understand me, I'm not doing my job. Confusing tech jargon is a sign of insecurity, not intelligence.

[Note: If you do not understand what we just said, please tell us that you didn't understand or that you "don't follow". We will be glad to explain it and show you what is going on. Also, if you want to know how to do something, please let us know so we can show you. Otherwise, we will simply do our job at a fast pace.]

14. Keep it clean. On a PC, run Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter at least once a month. This will store files more efficiently so your system doesn’t slow down. After about four years, your computer is elderly. If you’re shelling out for a blazing-fast Internet connection, pony up for a new model.

15. Check the cables. “People are always shocked that a cable came loose,” says Geek Squad agent Derek Meister. Of course, everything that needs power is plugged into an outlet, right?

16. Got neighbors? If you do, protect your home wireless network with a password. “If a person knows what he’s doing, getting into a computer on a non-encrypted net-work is easy,” says Schildkraut.

17. You backed up your data, right? External hard drives with lots of memory now sell for under $200, and automated programs like Cobian Backup or Apple’s Time Machine make regular backups a no-brainer. Secure online backup services save your data offsite should anything happen to your home.

[Note: Remember, if you didn't back it up-- It wasn't important.]

18. If you travel with your laptop, get a lock. A 2007 survey by the Computer Security Institute found that 50 percent of respondents had a laptop or other mobile device stolen in the past year. A simple cable lock (starting at about $20) lets you physically secure your laptop anywhere you go.

[Note: Also, don't forget to put a strong user password on your account (as mentioned in #4) when traveling.]

19. Remember: If your company owns the computer, they own what’s on it, too—even your email in some cases. Act accordingly.

20. Please remember: We didn’t create the problem; we’re just trying to help you fix it.

21. NEVER open e-mail attachments unless you are expecting it. This is the best way your computer can and will be infected.

22. Even if you 'deleted' the files/files in the Trash Can, the files can still be retrieved at a later time (unless they have been over written by another file).

23. Google, Yahoo! & MSN's Bing are always there to help you out if you have questions.

24. Please don't tell us that you are "computer illiterate" or "I don't know what I am doing". We hear this all the time and it will not make us feel sorry for you. Some technicians will even use this to their advantage. Instead, try saying, "Maybe you can help me out here..."

Note: If you want to learn the basics of using a computer, feel free to take a class or course. The saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" does not apply to using a computer.

25. Just because a software program promises you that it can fix or prevent something, doesn't mean that it will... Very rarely, it can cause more of a headache for you. If you need a second opinion before you purchase something, ask a technician. If they have never tried or heard of that software, they will probably recommend something else that is just as good.

26. Always keep your disc! Store them in a safe place that can be located at a future time... Even if they are never used again.

27. Sometimes a salesman at a store will push for an extra sale. If you don't need it right then, don't bite. If the extra sale includes a rebate (such as a new PC bundle- PC, monitor, printer, etc.), ask if you can come back to get that offer at a later time (before the offer expires).

These are just a few things your computer person won't tell you. If you have some more secrets, feel free to post them here for others to read.

Does This E-mail Theory Work?

2010-03-26T10:30:00.000-06:00

I received an e-mail from someone I know asking me this, "What do you think about this [e-mail], Ryan?".

The e-mail stated this...

"How to protect your e-mail address book.

A computer repairman says this is like having gold. This is a good thing. I learned a computer trick today that's really ingenious in its simplicity.

As you may know, when/if a worm virus gets into your computer it heads straight for your email address book, and sends itself to everyone in there, thus infecting all your friends and associates.

This trick won't keep the virus from getting into your computer, but it will stop it from using your address book to spread further, and it will alert you to the fact that the worm has gotten into your system.

Here's what you do:

First, open your address book and click on 'new contact,' just as you would do if you were adding a new friend to your list of email addresses. In the window where you would type your friend's first name, type in 'A'.

For the screen name or email address, type AAAAAAA@AAA.AAA

Now, here's what you've done and why it works:

The 'name 'A' will be placed at the top of your address book as entry #1.

This will be where the worm will start in an effort to send itself to all your friends.

When it tries to send itself to AAAAAAA@AAA.AAA, it will be undeliverable because of the phony email address you entered. If the first attempt fails (which it will because of the phony address), the worm goes no further and none of your friends will be infected.

Here's the second great advantage of this method: If an email cannot be delivered, you will be notified of this in your In Box almost immediately. Hence, if you ever get an email telling you that an email addressed to AAAAAAA@AAA.AAA could not be delivered, you know right away that you have the worm virus in your system. You can then take steps to get rid of it! Pretty slick huh? If everybody you know does this then you need not ever worry about opening mail from friends."

So, is this true or false.......?

False. Most worms have their own e-mail client to do the work for them and they do not use your e-mail address to send the worm to someone else. So you will not get an e-mail saying your e-mail address was unable to send an e-mail to "AAAAAAA@AAA.AAA" The only part that I saw true was the part in green.

So compute smart and remember the 3 things to keep your computer from being infected:
1) Anti Virus-- Keep an up-to-date anti virus program installed on your computer... Even if you own a Mac. (Don't forget to run system scans at least once a week)
2) Keep your version of Windows or Mac OS X up-to-date with the updates released once a month.
3) Never open an e-mail or download the attachments from someone you do not know.

If you do these three things, your computer will continue to be safe. If you would like to make sure your computer is clean, or if your computer ever becomes infected, feel free to contact me to help you out.

Computer Savvy

2010-03-23T19:38:00.003-06:00

One thing I hear all the time from people is that they claim that "they are illiterate" with computers. This is not true. If you know how to turn the computer on and use it, you are definitely not illiterate.

You are "computer savvy" [fun quiz]. You know how to turn on the computer, you know how to work with programs, you know how to do a few hidden tips/commands and how to shut it down. You are not "illiterate".

It is when the computer starts acting funny, or behaving not like a computer should, that is where someone like me comes in to help. I, and others in this field wanted to know how the computer works. We took classes and courses to do just that and became who we are today. Just like a doctor, we have to also keep up to date in our field. But that is because technology is growing at such a high and fast paced rate.

But if you feel you would like to know more about how a computer works (inside and out), many high schools to community colleges offer many courses about the computers that we use day to day. I encourage you to check them out and take at least one class. It will take your use of your computer to a new level. Who knows, maybe it will lead to a course that will teach you more and one day you'll be fixing the computers for your friends and family... Or just be able to show them how a computer works.

Facebook and Koobface

2010-03-16T09:24:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, I read two status update post on Facebook that stated that people need to "BEWARE" of a new virus and that it is, quote, "attacking peoples computers and hacking their accounts".

This virus they are talking about is called Koobface, but it is not new. Last year, this Trojan virus made itself known and started doing its damage. But, the big thing that these warnings on the status updates don't mention (and this goes for ALL viruses and anything malicious) is that as long as you keep your computer up-to-date, anti virus software up-to-date (yes, even on a Mac), do not visit any sites that appear suspicious, you do not open any e-mail attachments from people you do not know... and you change your user account to Limited (not Administrator) you should be fine.

One way people are being infected on Facebook is when...
1) One users computer is infected and then their FB account has been infected and it goes out and post comments on their friends pages about, for example, "Hey, I have a funny video of you. Click here to see it...";
2) The friend(s) click on the link, and the website says that your version of Adobe Flash (or any web video player ) is outdated and would like you to update it before you can see such "video";
3) Friend download and installs file. Turns out, it is a Trojan and it starts to do damage to your computer.

Usually, these updates automatically update themselves in the background. But if you ever need an update to the following, here is a list of major plug-ins you use on your web browser everyday.

Adobe Reader http://www.adobe.com/go/EN_US-H-GET-READER
Adobe Flash http://www.adobe.com/go/EN_US-H-GET-FLASH
Java http://www.java.com
QuickTime http://www.apple.com/quicktime/

One major myth is that you are safe on a Macintosh and that you can not be infected on a Mac. This is FALSE. If the user follows my advice above, any computer can remain clean... Just like a PC. It's when you allow this software to be installed that your Mac computer can be infected. It is true that there are more viruses/worms for PC's, but there still are virus/worms for Macs...

So please, always use your computer safely.

Disk Defragmentation

2010-03-12T08:00:00.001-07:00

If you ever need help with this tip, I am always available to help you out in person.

Last week, when I was talking about keeping your computer up-to-date, I did forget to mention one more thing that PC users could do: Disk Defragment, or "defrag" for short.

Many of us use our computer day in and day out. We add and delete files from our computer all the time. Over time, those files become scattered all over the computers hard drive and it takes longer for the computer to find and locate these files. This is why your computer may be running a little slow.

Think of your computer like your room or office. You have your items where you want them. Some over here, some over there. You know where they are... But say you have a DVD movie. You may have the case in one spot, and the actual DVD disc in the player (or somewhere else). What happens when you go to open that DVD case to watch that movie and see it is not there? You have to go searching for it.......... This is what your computer does when it becomes too cluttered.

How to Run Disk Defragment:
1. Open My Computer (or Start> Computer).
2. Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, and then click Properties.
3. On the Tools tab, click Defragment Now.
4. Click Defragment (or Defragment Disk).

It's that easy. Some newer computers are capable of doing this automatically. But for older computers, or to make sure things are running smoothly, it's good to do this little task yourself manually at least once a month.

Note: This tip is for Windows users. If you are Mac user, because of the way the computer is set up and runs, you do not need to do this task. If you feel you need to, there is a paid utility called "iDefrag" that you can use.

Dusty Computer

2010-03-08T16:28:00.005-07:00

If you ever need help with this tip, I am always available to help you out in person.

So many people now a days are so worried about keeping the software side of their computer clean, they tend to forget about the hardware side of the computer. Keeping a computer clean can not only help keep the computers hardware running for a long time, but it can also keep the computer cooler inside to make it run better and faster.

"How do I clean out my desktop computer", you maybe asking? [I'll get to laptops in just a moment...] It's very simple. What you will need is a can of canned air, and a vacuum* with hose/attachments [for the area around the computer].

Desktop...
When ready, completely shut down your computer. I would recommend disconnecting the cables in the back of the computer and taking the computer outside on a sunny day. But if you would like, you can leave the cables connected and do it inside. Once outside, remove the side panel from your computer [with the computer sitting straight up as normal] and then take canned air and spray air on the areas where you see dust. If you are doing this inside your home or office, and there is a large a amount of dust, you may want to take the computer outside.

Don't forget to spray air into the odd areas... You'd be surprised as to how much dust gets it those areas. Even areas on the front and in the back. Once you feel the computer is cleaned out well enough, put the side panel back on and take it back inside... But don't hook it back up just yet.

Laptops...
If you have a laptop/notebook/netbook, you can do this at your desk, not outside. Shut down your computer, close it and unplug any devices. Grab a (used) towel and lay the computer upside down to have the lid laying on it. Take the canned air and spray at an angle at any vents on the bottom of the computer. Spray vents on the sides, front and back. Don't forget to spray the fan at the bottom. Be gentle with laptops since they are more delicate then desktops. Once done, flip the computer over and toss the towel in the wash (since it maybe covered in dust).

Now, with the vacuum*, use the attachments to clean the dusty areas near and around where the computer sits. Doing this helps you from having to clean out your computer more often. After cleaning both the area around the computer desk/table and the computer, start hooking up your computer to its peripherals... Mouse, keyboard, printer...

And there you go. The computer should be running a little better now... Also, perform this routine every 6 to 12 months to help your computer.

Keyboard
If you have a little extra air left, take the keyboard (to your desktop) outside or open the laptop computer (as if you are going to start typing) and spray the canned air into there to get the things that fall into the keyboard out.

*NEVER use a vacuum on a computer or electronic item... Electrostatic electricity may cause damage to those items.

Staying Up-To-Date

2010-03-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Kat for suggesting topic to write about: Making sure your computer is up-to-date.

Before I start, I should mention that if you do not know what you are doing, or you do not feel comfortable do any of the following, I can always help you out.

Sure, most programs now days will automatically update itself in the background. But sometimes it's good to do a manual check just in case one misses something. Computers, like humans, are not perfect and need a reminder too.

So once a month, on your day off, try doing the following tips to stay secure. Doing them takes very little time (on your part), and they do not take long if you do one, come back and then do the other.

Check List:
[ ] ... Your PC anti virus software should display an icon near the time clock (most anti virus programs do this). Right-click it and tell it to update itself to see if it is up to date to make sure your computer is protected.

[ ] ... Once it has updated itself, have it perform a complete scan of your computer. This may take a while, but once finished or while it is scanning ...

[ ] ... Simply check your computer to see if it is up-to-date as well. Microsoft Windows users, click here, Apple Mac users click here to find out how.

... If needed when it tells you too, restart your computer and continue with the step you were on.

Doing these major tips once a month really helps keep your computer up-to-date and makes it so your are less likely to be attacked by something malicious*.

* An anti virus can only protect you from something it knows what it needs to protect your from. Simply stay away from bad websites, and do not open e-mail attachments from people you do not know.

What Should I Write About Next?

2010-02-15T08:00:00.002-07:00

I need your help, and I'm even willing to reward the person who suggest the next great technology question or next idea I should write about here on the blog.

What kind of reward? A $10 Gift Card to iTunes or $25.00 off any service that I provide... Your choice. That's right, all for suggesting what I should write about next.

You are welcome to submit as many questions, comments, ideas and/ or topics as you would like to. But just in case you submit something and someone suggest I should write about the same thing-- the first person whom suggested it gets credit. So start submitting your ideas right away to:

contact@istgeorge.com

Don't forget to put in the subject line (no pun intended), "Blog Idea". I'll always take suggestions after this date, but last day to enter for the grand prize is February 28th, 2010 @ 11:59PM (MST). Winner will be announced via Twitter on March 2nd, 2010, and the question will be answered in the next blog entry.

Thanks everyone! Be creative, and good luck!

Back It Up

2010-02-14T22:31:00.003-07:00

Well, I guess the first thing I'd like to write about is backing up your personal data (i.e., files, pictures, videos, documents, music, links, etc...)

I don't know what it is with technology, but lately, I have seen a lot of customers come to me with problems involving the computer not starting, and they need me to get their data off of the drives before Windows can be reinstalled. Or, what they thought was backing up, they somehow missed a step or something went wrong with the back-up drive or process, and they now need me to hook up the drives and use expensive software to retrieve their data... If it is still possible.

Even though this is one of the many types of jobs that I do, it still makes me sad when someone has lost EVERYTHING!

Now, I'm going to tell you about two simple types of back-up processes that you can do in order to properly back up your data.

ON SITE:
- On Site back up is where you have another hard drive (internal or external) and you make a copy (back up) of your data from the original. Some external hard drives come with software to back up part or your entire drive automatically. Some do not come with software, and you have to back up your drive manually. But good news-- the latest versions of Windows and Mac OS X has software built in to help remind or automatically back up your data.

The only bad thing about backing up your data to another hard drive is that in the event something bad were to happen to both your computer and/or your back up drive (i.e., flood, fire, theft, etc...), there may not be any way to retrieve anything once everything has been damaged or is now missing. So...

OFF SITE:
In the event you own a laptop/netbook, or you can not afford to buy another hard drive at the moment, there are multiple online services (such as Carbonite or Mozy) that help back up your data "off site", or in another location. In the event you need to retrieve any data, and as long as it has been backed up with these back up services recently, you can retrieve it.

The only bad thing that I have found with Off Site storage is that the first time you back everything up into 'the cloud', it may take hours, days or even weeks. It just depends on how much data you have.

But it is still worth it to look into backing up your data because when it happens, you'll wish you did...

Welcome!

2010-02-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

Ryan, the Dixie Tech Guy here. I tried this in the past, but I enjoy helping people with their computer and iPod issues and problems. So I am going to start writing here on Blogger again.

I will also try writing about the latest tech news that going on in today's world, but I also plan to help answer your tech questions. If you have a question that you would like to ask me right now, contact me by visiting my Contact page on my site. If you with to remain annonymous, please let me know because I plan to give everyone credit for their question or questions. Also, if you have a blog or a link that you would like people to find you at, let me know that too.

See you in a few days with the first official blog entry. Until then, don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to hear about great savings or discounts for my services and parts.