HELP DESK
Q: Regarding your recent column on computer backups, I suspect there are many computer users who are not backing up their systems because they simply do not know how to do that. Would you for instance buy an external drive of the same size as your hard disk connected via a USB? Is it advisable to buy 2 external disks to use alternately? — Arthur Schuurs
A: You’re right in thinking that many computers users – maybe as many as half of the home users – don’t backup their data. It’s almost certain that those who do not backup data will eventually lose everything they’ve saved, including photos, documents and financial records. An external hard disk connected to a USB port works fine. And if you worry that the external drive will fail or that you may someday back up a computer that contains a virus, then a second external hard disk would help. However, I lean toward using one of the online backup services such as Carbonite or Mozy, instead of an external hard disk. But if you are doing any back up at all, then I applaud you.
Q: Our Dell desktop computer works fine but no longer shows the correct time. Oddly if I set the time it does work until I turn the computer off. — Bill Randall
A: My guess is that the internal battery is failing. It’s pretty easy to replace that battery. But the method – and the type battery used – varies from computer to computer. So get out your manual – or go to the manufacturer’s web site and find an online manual – and check out the procedure for your computer. Replacing the battery is as easy as opening the case and popping in a new one.
Please send questions to Bill Husted at tecbud@bellsouth.net.
I once met a man who lived in a house with no windows. Not a one. He was pathologically afraid of burglars. I was a young reporter back then and my editor sent me out to interview him.
The house was a nice one in every way but the windows. And the man, his name was Max, seemed normal in every way but his fears. I think about him from time to time since he provided me with this lesson: Sometimes you can do too much. He was, I guess, safer because of his house but he lived like a mole buried beneath the ground.
It’s easy to fall into Max’s trap in the computer world. Today we’ll talk about how too much can be, well, too much.
Once is enough
The first thing comes to mind in this too muchness category is running more than one anti-virus program. While that does work fine sometimes, other times it creates a mess. And it’s easier than ever to do these days now that so many of us use programs for security that combine anti-virus, anti-spyware, and other anti-malware detection and elimination ability. One of your programs used mainly for spyware may have anti-virus capabilities built in without you noticing.
It’s smart, if you add a second program for adware/spyware, to make sure it does not also include an anti-virus program. You can usually run a second program for adware/spyware with no ill effects. But, like I said, two anti-virus programs running at the same time can be a problem. While we are talking about this, it’s also a bad idea to run more than one software firewall program. Windows comes with one and some security suites have their own firewall program. Luckily most I have seen automatically turn off the Windows firewall when installed.
Wasted power
Imagine owning a Ferrari and only driving it in heavy city traffic, moving along at 30 miles an hour. It’s fast and it corners as if it was glued to the road. But none of that matters when you are forced to drive it as if it was a farm tractor.
I’ve seen people who do no more than mess around on the web and send emails who have a computer that’s so powerful it could be used to design airplanes. I guess that’s fine if money is no object. But, to me, it’s a waste. Even the least expensive computer can handle the minimal chores I just described and the money could be spent on a better monitor, or pay for higher speed Internet service.
I guess it’s a status symbol but very few people will know or care how powerful your computer is. If you have the cash to burn and want to do it anyway, be my guest. But if you are a regular person with bills to pay, you may want to size your computer based on what you do with it.
Less obvious excesses
Let’s go back to our friend Max for a moment – the guy who sacrificed living in a normal way because he wanted to be safe. You can do the same things with computing, become so obsessed with computer security that using your computer becomes a pain, not a joy.
Gosh knows I care about computer security and urge you to care too. The risks are real. But if you take care of the basics – good anti-virus and spyware protection, enable the firewall, and avoid the usual con games you’ll find online – you are pretty safe. And if you think of it, pretty safe is about all we can reasonably expect of life in general – when we drive, where we walk and how we live.
The some of the same people who routinely hand their credit card to strangers in restaurants and shops live in fear each time they place an order online. All financial transactions involve some level of risk. Please don’t let computing become a frightening burden. And the best way to do that is to make sure you are following the rules for securing your computer. Once you’ve done that, relax and enjoy – open the windows and let a little sunshine come in.
About the Author
