I’m revisiting this topic this month with an aim to refreshing your memory as we approach the traditional “buy a new pc” season. As we don’t have anyone manufacturing computers in Ireland I would suggest that money would be better spent stimulating the local economy. FYI: According to the CIA World Factbook, 76% of the Irish workforce is employed in the services sector and 70% of GDP is produced by this sector. Spending money which stimulates that sector is in everyone’s interest. So buy Irish, buy often and buy local (End of Rant)
Symptom No 1 – sluggish Responses, Noticeably Slow, Crashes
I’ve combined these three as they represent key indicators that the machine needs attention. Despite the fact that your computer is a fairly sophisticated machine it’s not too good at diagnosing when it needs attention. As such it will plough on long after a problem has turned from something that can be easily corrected into one which costs money. If you notice any of these symptoms on an ongoing basis then the machine needs to be looked at quickly to avoid expensive repairs.Symptom No 2 – Desperately Slow Internet
Often diagnosed as a virus or spyware problem this in many cases, can be attributed to one of three causes: (a)poor broadband quality, (b)overloading, and last but not least (c) poorly written anti-virus software.
(A) Poor Broadband Quality – With pressure on family finances I’ve seen an increase in the amount of people abandoning traditional fixed line broadband and opting for the pay as you go internet dongles from the mobile phone companies. Unfortunately, these products are, in my opinion, oversold as to what they actually are. Bottom Line: They are not a replacement for a traditional broadband line and while you may save 40 euro a month you will pay for this with patchy service, atrocious speeds at times, and poor reliability.
(B) Overloading – I see this on virtually every machine that comes in. Teenagers and “experts” are prone to this and given the chance will pile tons and tons of useless software, toolbars and utilities onto your computer. Bottom Line: Avoid downloading tons and tons of useless add-ons to your internet browser and avoid “free” utilities like the plague. Download and install Firefox web browser as, in my humble opinion, it beats the socks of Microsoft’s Internet explorer, Apple’s Safari, and Google Chrome.
(C) Poorly Written Anti-Virus Software. More common than you think and the result of companies trying to be all things to all people. Your anti-virus software can be one of the chief causes of poor response.
Bottom Line: Seek professional advice before buying anti-virus software.
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Saturday, October 1, 2011
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