Helpdesk No. 2
Q: Dan Liftman — a reader I correspond with quite often since we share some of the same interests when it comes to technology — ran across an article recently that saved him some money. It’s also something I’ve written about. When Dan wrote, I realized that I haven’t mentioned it for a while. Dan was on the verge of purchasing some expensive HDMI cables when he read an article that made the case that inexpensive HDMI cables work about as well as the expensive ones. And he wrote to tell me about it.
A: I totally agree. It’s insane — even if you are some sort of video purist — to spend top dollar for an HDMI cable. And the price difference is huge. Believe it or not, you can spend hundreds of dollars for a single HDMI cable. Or, you can do what Dan eventually did and buy one for less than $20. All this cable hysteria started back in the high-fidelity audio days. Purists insisted on giant cables. Like a lot of things that became extreme, it was based on some logic, especially in those days. But when it comes to a digital signal — like the one passed along an HDMI cable — it’s pretty much pass or fail. Either the dang thing works or it doesn’t.
Q: I’m shopping for an external hard disk to back-up my computer. How big of a one should I get? —Dane McMillan
A: You didn’t mention the size of your computer’s hard disk and — obviously — the amount of data that you need to store will determine the size of the external hard disk. Here’s a decent general rule. I usually get an external drive that can store at least 50 percent more than the size of the hard disk on the computer to be backed up. Truth is, the prices for external hard disks have dropped. So it wouldn’t be crazy to get an external disk that stores several times what your current hard disk can store. That way, if you move to another computer with a larger drive you’re still in good shape.
I want you to meet someone. But you need to know something first. This is the person responsible for much of the trouble you have with your computer.
Is it some famous hacker? Nope. In fact, you see this person every day when you look in a mirror. I don’t worry that I’m wrong when I tell you that the most common culprit, when it comes to computing problems, is the user himself.
That’s because we — and I sure include myself in this infamous group — often let our reach exceed our grasp. We tackle computer problems that are best left to the experts and turn a problem into a disaster in the process. But there are other ways that, with the best intentions, we stumble through the computing life leaving an ugly trail behind us.
Let’s start with what seems obvious but maybe is not. The software you use to prevent viruses and other malware is a wonderful first step. But it won’t completely protect you from yourself. You can’t depend on it to carry the load. You have to help.
It’s no different than snapping on your seat belt when you drive. You’ve taken an important step toward making your ride safer, but it offers no guarantee of safety in an accident. Same deal with your protective software, it helps but it can’t offer complete protection. So don’t rely on it to save your neck. Instead, develop some safe driving habits for the times you are behind the wheel of your computer.
Downfalls of downloads
There’s so much stuff out there and the promises are extravagant. Download this free program and your computer will run faster. Or get this free program and it’ll find all the problems in your computer and shine your shoes at the same time. Then there are free games and other programs, all yours at the click of a button.
Think twice before downloading free software. Sure, I know I often recommend specific free programs. When I do, they are programs I have downloaded and used and have found to be safe. So I feel fairly confident when I offer them up to you.
Even then there can be problems. For instance, some sites may truly deliver the free program I recommend but add in a hidden payload of other, less reputable programs that come along with the legitimate free program. I try to find sites that avoid that added payload, but I’ve messed up at times. The safest places for downloads are generally directly from the creator’s site, not from the sites that store multiple offerings.
Getting in a fix
I mentioned this one earlier and it’s a biggie. Improper fixing can make a mess of your computer. You may have learned that for yourself when faced with a malfunctioning computer or program. You used Google to find recommendations on how to fix the problem yourself.
You faithfully followed the directions — even though you didn’t understand half of what you were reading — and things turned out horribly. The original problem remained after your fix and to make things more interesting you also had half a dozen new problems.
I’m not saying you can’t attempt to fix a problem yourself. But what I am saying is that unless you truly have the skills to do it, you should take your computer to a professional technician instead. And here’s the problem when it comes to determining whether you know enough. It’s human nature to give yourself higher grades than you deserve.
Unless you are sure, solve the tricky problems with a credit card, not with a web search.
