This month’s article deals with something that virtually everyone has experienced with their computer. If you have not yet experienced a crash chances are, unfortunately, someday you will. Preparing for a computer crash correctly will ensure that the effect is minimized and the amount of tears shed will be few. No matter how much you baby your computer there are forces outside your control which can crash it and thus it is wise to plan and prepare for that day.
Preparation – A Stitch In Time Saves Nine
Step 1. Securing Your Data
There is no substitute for regular backups of your data. If you are a light computer user, which is rare these days, your photos and documents should fit on a usb key(flash drive). There are inexpensive so there is no excuse for not buying one. I recommend that you buy two and alternate backups. Usb keys are easily lost so it makes sense to have more than one. Sensitive information should be encrypted before being copied to the usb key. You can download a free encryption utility from www.reidyonline.com/downutils.htm I recommend you encrypt all sensitive information on both your computer and any backup devices you use.
For heavier computer users the best backup solution is an external hard disk drive. They can be purchased for around 65 euro and this is excellent value. As with the usb keys buy two if your budget permits. I’ve had more than a couple of customers who have broken their usb drives. A drop from the kitchen table will in many cases send your usb drive, and it’s precious cargo, to Valhalla.
Step 2. Generating Your Recovery Disks
This is a critical step to recovering from a computer crash. I’ve covered this topic in a previous article (December 2011 Of The Meath Coaster) but if you want to review the article check it out on my blog : http://reidyonline.blogspot.com/2011/12/your-pc-recovering-disks.html
Next month’s article will continue on this topic with : Securing Your Software CD’s/Software Licenses, Watching For Signs Of A Crash. When The Big Day Happens, and Recovering From A Crash.
Need Help? - Visit Reidyonline Click Here
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Protecting Your Computer
This month’s article details some tips for protecting your computer and maximizing the life. In these tight economic times few of us have fund available for replacing, and in many cases even repairing, a computer. Our reliance on computers continues to grow as more and more functions move to the internet. As companies seek to reduce cost you can expect this to accelerate in the coming years. Thus protecting your computer from damage or attack from virus or spyware will become increasingly important. This article includes links to two very useful utilities for security and temperature monitoring.
Virus And Spyware Attack
There is no free lunch when it comes to protecting your computer from virus or spyware attack. On my main page at reidyonline you will find several videos which shows just how undependable some products currently in use are. (To View The Videos click here)
Let me repeat : If you do not protect your computer properly from virus or spyware attack you will eventually fall victim to one of the plethora of scams on the internet. The cost to you can be anything from €80 up to thousands of euros.
Security
At a minimum you should password protect your computer, at both the bios and operating system levels. Sensitive data should be encrypted thus ensuring if your machine is stolen you will not become a victim of identity theft. Download the “free encryption utility” by clicking here or visit http://www.reidyonline.com/downutils.htm
Never, ever dump a computer with the hard disk installed. Remove the hard drive and keep it in the house or have it destroyed professionally. Hitting it with a hammer can result in serious injury so get professional assistance!
Safe Surfing
No, I repeat no anti-virus program that I am aware of can fully protect you on the internet unless you use commonsense when it comes to browsing the internet. Use the internet with caution and be aware that there are numerous sites out there specifically targeted at hitting you. Thus random surfing for holidays, and the like is not recommended nor is any attempt to download illegal content such as music.
Operation And Environment
I recently had a customer lose a perfectly good machine, which was less than three years old, to dampness. Be careful where you locate your computer and if the room is damp use a dehumidifier or better still move it to a warmer area in the house.
Electricity and Heat
All electronic components of value should be protected by a surge protector. I recommend Belkin or Apc, both leaders in the field, and do not recommend using "no name" brands. It will cost you around 10-25 euro to protect your devices and is a very reasonable investment. Surge protection is not a panacea for electrical problems and if your area is prone to electrical problems then you should invest in a small ups(uninterruptible power system) which will properly protect your valuable electronics. A ups contains a backup battery so that when power fails it provides emergency power to your devices until you can safely shut them down. A small ups will run you around 100 euro but is a life saver if you experience frequent power interruptions.
Many laptops are subject to heat problems and you should carefully monitor them for overheating. Avoid leaving them on overnight and disconnect from the mains when not in use. If you are not using the battery remove it to reduce heat build up. This free utility monitors both your computer and hard disk’s temperature. To Download click here or visit http://www.reidyonline.com/downutils.htm
Virus And Spyware Attack
There is no free lunch when it comes to protecting your computer from virus or spyware attack. On my main page at reidyonline you will find several videos which shows just how undependable some products currently in use are. (To View The Videos click here)
Let me repeat : If you do not protect your computer properly from virus or spyware attack you will eventually fall victim to one of the plethora of scams on the internet. The cost to you can be anything from €80 up to thousands of euros.
Security
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| Click Here To Register |
At a minimum you should password protect your computer, at both the bios and operating system levels. Sensitive data should be encrypted thus ensuring if your machine is stolen you will not become a victim of identity theft. Download the “free encryption utility” by clicking here or visit http://www.reidyonline.com/downutils.htm
Never, ever dump a computer with the hard disk installed. Remove the hard drive and keep it in the house or have it destroyed professionally. Hitting it with a hammer can result in serious injury so get professional assistance!
Safe Surfing
No, I repeat no anti-virus program that I am aware of can fully protect you on the internet unless you use commonsense when it comes to browsing the internet. Use the internet with caution and be aware that there are numerous sites out there specifically targeted at hitting you. Thus random surfing for holidays, and the like is not recommended nor is any attempt to download illegal content such as music.
Operation And Environment
I recently had a customer lose a perfectly good machine, which was less than three years old, to dampness. Be careful where you locate your computer and if the room is damp use a dehumidifier or better still move it to a warmer area in the house.
Electricity and Heat
All electronic components of value should be protected by a surge protector. I recommend Belkin or Apc, both leaders in the field, and do not recommend using "no name" brands. It will cost you around 10-25 euro to protect your devices and is a very reasonable investment. Surge protection is not a panacea for electrical problems and if your area is prone to electrical problems then you should invest in a small ups(uninterruptible power system) which will properly protect your valuable electronics. A ups contains a backup battery so that when power fails it provides emergency power to your devices until you can safely shut them down. A small ups will run you around 100 euro but is a life saver if you experience frequent power interruptions.
Many laptops are subject to heat problems and you should carefully monitor them for overheating. Avoid leaving them on overnight and disconnect from the mains when not in use. If you are not using the battery remove it to reduce heat build up. This free utility monitors both your computer and hard disk’s temperature. To Download click here or visit http://www.reidyonline.com/downutils.htm
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Broadband
This month’s article deals with some of the basics of Broadband so that you may be better informed before choosing or changing your broadband. Time was the internet was an option to personal computers but today it is a requirement. A poor or unreliable broadband solution will drive the average computer user nuts and frustrate them very quickly. I’ve seen numerous computers land on my desk where the owner alleges it is on it’s last legs. Diagnostics reveal the machine is sound and the fault lies in a faulty, slow or dysfunctional broadband connection. I wish I could say that this is a rare occurrence but it’s not. Worldwide we have one of the worst internet services ranking very far down the list.
Types Of Broadband
Irish broadband solutions can be divided into 4 categories as follows:
Fixed line, Cable, Wireless/Satellite, and 3g.
Fixed Line Broadband
Requiring a regular telephone line link to your home this is by far the most reliable of the broadband offerings available in the east meath area. All telephone lines and exchanges are operated and owned by Eircom, Other companies may rent the lines but they neither own ,operate, maintain , or repair the phone line and broadband infrastructure. Thus if you have a telephone line be aware that when you signup with a broadband company providing fixed line broadband other than Eircom they are middlemen and are not the real provider of the broadband service. This is critical because should a fault develop on the line the time interval to getting it fixed can be significantly extended as the provider cannot simply send out a technician to look at it. Some of the less scrupulous providers will try any method to convince you the line is not the problem in the hope the problem will resolve itself.
Cable
Upc provides, in the Dublin area, internet and telephone over the cable network. It’s fast, reliable and is a solid alternative to fixed line broadband. Unfortunately, it is not available in East Meath and I do not expect it to be available any time soon.
Wireless/Satellite And 3G
Two companies provide wireless networking in the area. It requires an antenna on the roof of the house. Wireless broadband does not require a telephone line but the cost is near that of a regular fixed line package. As such it has little advantage over fixed line broadband. Satellite broadband, while available, is expensive to install and as you might expect you will need a satellite dish on your home which may be subject to planning permission.
3G
This is definitely the least desirable of any of the broadband solutions and prone to very poor quality in certain areas in east meath. It’s cheap but far from cheerful. I’ve had numerous customers commit more than one blasphemy over these devices. If you have absolutely no other choice its better than nothing but be warned it can drive you crazy. I’ve heard of one person who can only get broadband by leaning out his window with his laptop.
Testing Your Broadband Speed
I’m providing a link to various broadband tests, together with an instructional video so you can analyze the results. To visit the the page please click on the link below.
http://www.reidyonline.com/broadband.htm
Types Of Broadband
Irish broadband solutions can be divided into 4 categories as follows:
Fixed line, Cable, Wireless/Satellite, and 3g.
Fixed Line Broadband
Requiring a regular telephone line link to your home this is by far the most reliable of the broadband offerings available in the east meath area. All telephone lines and exchanges are operated and owned by Eircom, Other companies may rent the lines but they neither own ,operate, maintain , or repair the phone line and broadband infrastructure. Thus if you have a telephone line be aware that when you signup with a broadband company providing fixed line broadband other than Eircom they are middlemen and are not the real provider of the broadband service. This is critical because should a fault develop on the line the time interval to getting it fixed can be significantly extended as the provider cannot simply send out a technician to look at it. Some of the less scrupulous providers will try any method to convince you the line is not the problem in the hope the problem will resolve itself.
Cable
Upc provides, in the Dublin area, internet and telephone over the cable network. It’s fast, reliable and is a solid alternative to fixed line broadband. Unfortunately, it is not available in East Meath and I do not expect it to be available any time soon.
Wireless/Satellite And 3G
Two companies provide wireless networking in the area. It requires an antenna on the roof of the house. Wireless broadband does not require a telephone line but the cost is near that of a regular fixed line package. As such it has little advantage over fixed line broadband. Satellite broadband, while available, is expensive to install and as you might expect you will need a satellite dish on your home which may be subject to planning permission.
3G
This is definitely the least desirable of any of the broadband solutions and prone to very poor quality in certain areas in east meath. It’s cheap but far from cheerful. I’ve had numerous customers commit more than one blasphemy over these devices. If you have absolutely no other choice its better than nothing but be warned it can drive you crazy. I’ve heard of one person who can only get broadband by leaning out his window with his laptop.
Testing Your Broadband Speed
I’m providing a link to various broadband tests, together with an instructional video so you can analyze the results. To visit the the page please click on the link below.
http://www.reidyonline.com/broadband.htm
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Why Computer Hard Drives Fail
This month’s article deals with one of the most common causes of computer problems, hard disk failures, and in my experience represents over 70% of the hardware failures I encounter. Hard disk failure on most computers is inevitable, and just as your shoes wear out so does your hard drive. Having said that I’ve seen hard drives older than ten years that are still working perfectly well. This article will deal with some of the common causes of early hard disk failure, and how you can reduce the chances of this occurring. Click the video link at the bottom of the article to see how a hard disk actually works.
Causes
The primary cause of hard disk failures is human ! In other words if your hard disk fails it is very likely you could have prevented it or even more likely that you could have anticipated and planned for it. I’m not laying all the blame on computer users but in my experience 90% of hard disk failures could have, if caught early, meant a lot less data loss and problems recovering files. Put another way if you suddenly fainted once you woke up you’d be contacting a doctor. When your computer crashes or appears abnormal to you likewise you should seek professional advice. Of all the parts in your computer your hard disk is the must vulnerable. Here is the list of the most common causes of failure.
· Rough handling – including using your laptop in bed, moving your laptop around without fully powering it down.
· Heat – Most common in laptops. Duvets often block the air flow causing overheating as does running your laptops for excessive amounts of time.
· Electrical Problems – A silent but deadly killer electrical spikes, surges, and brown outs will kill your drive.
Prevention
Rough Handling – Never move your laptop or desktop while it is running. If you are moving between rooms shutdown the laptop fully, move to the new location, place your laptop on a flat surface and don’t move it until you’ve finished.
Heat – Modern laptops and desktops generate a huge amount of heat for their size. So ensure you do not block the air intake and exhaust vents. Do not use your laptop to the point where it becomes excessively.
Electrical Problems – Purchase a good surge protector (I recommend Belkin) and use it always with your laptop and desktop. Surge protectors will prevent 90% of electrical problems and are a must for all computer users.
Video Link - How Your Hard Disk Works
Causes
The primary cause of hard disk failures is human ! In other words if your hard disk fails it is very likely you could have prevented it or even more likely that you could have anticipated and planned for it. I’m not laying all the blame on computer users but in my experience 90% of hard disk failures could have, if caught early, meant a lot less data loss and problems recovering files. Put another way if you suddenly fainted once you woke up you’d be contacting a doctor. When your computer crashes or appears abnormal to you likewise you should seek professional advice. Of all the parts in your computer your hard disk is the must vulnerable. Here is the list of the most common causes of failure.
· Rough handling – including using your laptop in bed, moving your laptop around without fully powering it down.
· Heat – Most common in laptops. Duvets often block the air flow causing overheating as does running your laptops for excessive amounts of time.
· Electrical Problems – A silent but deadly killer electrical spikes, surges, and brown outs will kill your drive.
Prevention
Rough Handling – Never move your laptop or desktop while it is running. If you are moving between rooms shutdown the laptop fully, move to the new location, place your laptop on a flat surface and don’t move it until you’ve finished.
Heat – Modern laptops and desktops generate a huge amount of heat for their size. So ensure you do not block the air intake and exhaust vents. Do not use your laptop to the point where it becomes excessively.
Electrical Problems – Purchase a good surge protector (I recommend Belkin) and use it always with your laptop and desktop. Surge protectors will prevent 90% of electrical problems and are a must for all computer users.
Video Link - How Your Hard Disk Works
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Your PC Recovering Disks
This month’s article deals with the “If Only I Had” issue of recovering your computer. If there is one wish I have for all those reading this article this Christmas is that they backup their computers and generate the recovery media. My heart often goes out to people when they lose their precious memories. Computers can be replaced but photos and videos are snapshots in time and as we all know, to our cost, we can’t turn back time. A backup drive will cost you 60-70 euro which is not that cheap but I ask you what value have your memories? If you value them less than 70 euro you need to re-adjust your priorities because somewhere along the way you’ve lost sight of what is really valuable in this life, and here’s a hint, it’s not money! End of Sunday sermon let’s move on to the processes.
Generating Recovery Media
All computers either come with, or are capable of, generating what manufacturer’s refer to as recovery software. To save money the vast majority of computer makers no longer provide the recovery software on cd but instead install the software onto your computer. The buyer, that’s you, must purchase blank cd’s (dvd’s in most cases) and generate the recovery media themselves. Unfortunately, as we are it appears procrastinators by nature, 9 out 10 ten people dropping off machines for repair to me have not taken the time to create the media.
Had they done so the job of getting their computer up and running again would be quicker and more importantly cheaper. Take the time to generate the recovery media because as sure as night follows day your computer will at sometime in the future need these disks. If you don’t know how then seek professional advice and I stress professional advice (I won’t charge you an arm and a leg to do it for you!).
Once you have generated the media put them in a safe place where you can find them.
Caution: These are not repair disks. They are recovery disks and if you used them without securing your data you will wipe out anything on your hard drive. If your computer fails, crashes, or otherwise misbehaves these disks are not the answer to get you back up and running. As before you need to determine the cause of the problem before you supply the cure. Seek professional advice.
Wishing you all a quiet and peaceful Christmas and may the new year bring you and yours joy ,hope, and peace in your life.
Nollaig Shamh daoibh go leir agus ta suil agam go mbeidh an bhlain seo chuagain nios fearr na an bhlain seo thart.
Oliver Reidy is a computer technician and has been in the industry since 1981.You can contact him via email at help.desk@reidyonline.com
Generating Recovery Media
All computers either come with, or are capable of, generating what manufacturer’s refer to as recovery software. To save money the vast majority of computer makers no longer provide the recovery software on cd but instead install the software onto your computer. The buyer, that’s you, must purchase blank cd’s (dvd’s in most cases) and generate the recovery media themselves. Unfortunately, as we are it appears procrastinators by nature, 9 out 10 ten people dropping off machines for repair to me have not taken the time to create the media.
Had they done so the job of getting their computer up and running again would be quicker and more importantly cheaper. Take the time to generate the recovery media because as sure as night follows day your computer will at sometime in the future need these disks. If you don’t know how then seek professional advice and I stress professional advice (I won’t charge you an arm and a leg to do it for you!).
Once you have generated the media put them in a safe place where you can find them.
Caution: These are not repair disks. They are recovery disks and if you used them without securing your data you will wipe out anything on your hard drive. If your computer fails, crashes, or otherwise misbehaves these disks are not the answer to get you back up and running. As before you need to determine the cause of the problem before you supply the cure. Seek professional advice.
Wishing you all a quiet and peaceful Christmas and may the new year bring you and yours joy ,hope, and peace in your life.
Nollaig Shamh daoibh go leir agus ta suil agam go mbeidh an bhlain seo chuagain nios fearr na an bhlain seo thart.
Oliver Reidy is a computer technician and has been in the industry since 1981.You can contact him via email at help.desk@reidyonline.com
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Free Software That Works
This month’s article deals with free software I have personally tested and can vouch for. Money is tight these days and these packages will allow you to achieve the same results as commercial packages costing hundreds of euros.
The caveat is that you should only download these packages from the links listed in this article.
Cautionary Tale On Downloading From Non Verified Internet Sites
I’ve come across a good few cases recently of people being stung for 20 euro by a software tool call Freerecorder. This application enables you to record music video from the internet but includes a scam where it gives you a chance to win an iphone. It also secretly embeds itself inside your browser and creates fake links on pages you visit. If you click on one of the links up pops the chance to win the iphone. Clicking on this link they ask for your mobile phone number to send the entry code and if you enter your mobile you will be stung for around 20 euro in sms texts per week until you send stop which will cost you 70 cent. The scam is currently perfectly legal under our very, very weak technology laws.
Alternative To Microsoft Office
Featuring 90% of the power of Microsoft office and available for free Open Office is an excellent package. If you have used Microsoft office you will have no trouble mastering it as the interface is very similar. Developed and supported by Sun computer systems I highly recommend this product. It can read and write office files, some conversion is necessary, and is quite fast. Sun asks for a donation and if you use it then send them a few bob. Download ONLY from http://www.openoffice.org / as there are numerous scam sites falsely claiming you can download from them.
Logmein Free
This handy application lets you access your computer from anywhere in the world for free. If you are out and about or away and need to get on your machine this application will allow you to connect and view your pc as if you were sitting in front of it. The professional version lets you transfer files between your pc and the remote location but in most cases people don’t need this feature. Download from http://www.logmein.com
Escan Anti-Virus
This is top class anti-virus software that beats the competition hands down and won’t slow your computer to a crawl. Forget the so called “free” anti-virus programs and download a professional solution that will protect your system. You will need to uninstall any existing anti-virus you have before trying it. Download from www.reidyonline.com/escan.htm Full step by step instructions on downloading are provided as well as video tutorials on how to quickly get the software working for you.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Symptoms that Your Computer Needs Help
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.
Visit Our Main Website @ http://www.reidyonline.com
Reidyonline is a member of Mebo (Meath East Business Owners). Visit Mebo @ http://www.mebo.biz
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.
Visit Our Main Website @ http://www.reidyonline.com
Reidyonline is a member of Mebo (Meath East Business Owners). Visit Mebo @ http://www.mebo.biz
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