Helpdesk No. 5
Q: My husband says it is best to leave our computer running all the time. He says they were made to work that way. That seems crazy to me and I’ve been nagging him to turn it off when we aren’t using it? What do you think? — Barbara Kane
A: Happily I can report that you are both right, as long as we are talking about desktop computers. They are designed to be capable of running 24/7. And turning a computer on and off throughout the day can — over time — create problems. Here’s what I suggest. Turn on your desktop computer when you first start using it each day. Turn it off when you go to sleep at night. If an enormous thunderstorm moves in, unplug it from all connections including power and Internet. It’s a different story with laptops. Packing all that power in a small enclosure means that laptops can run too hot if kept on all the time.
Q: Our computer’s power supply is defective. I know that’s true because I took it into a repair shop and that’s what I was told. The quoted price for replacing it seemed high to me. Our income is limited and I’ve heard that is something I can do myself. Do you think I could do it? — James McClain
A: It is a job within the capability of many people. My problem is that I can’t know if you are one of them. When I don’t know, I take a cautious approach and recommend that you let a professional handle the job. It’s possible to make a mess of things and end up with an even higher repair bill. That said, if you decide to try it anyway, you can read about the job here: www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000422.htm.
It is time to reveal 10 important computing secrets. I don’t need to swear you to silence because they’re so simple that they will fly under the radar for most folks.
Even for those who think a hard drive is a long day in the car, they’ll help set you free from computer worries. These secrets work with Macs and PCs alike and don’t require a screwdriver or a degree in electrical engineering. You’re welcome to them, and I give you full permission to tell others.
I said they were simple. That means they won’t be satisfying to folks who put great stock in answers that involve unpronounceable words. But they’re so powerful that — for those who truly believe — you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your computer and less time cursing it.
So here are my secrets of computing:
1. Most things that go wrong with a computer, modem or printer are one-time events. Think of them as hiccups. There's no way to cure them, nor do you need any curing. Just ignore them, and they'll go away. I've seen more computer disasters created by "fixing" these hiccups than from lightning storms or defective hardware. Do nothing unless a problem sticks around longer than a bad haircut.
2. Turning a computer off and restarting it cures most ills. Before you get out the manual and start calling 1-800 help lines, try this. Turn it off and let it sit for a few minutes. If the computer works fine after you've restarted it, don't try to figure out what went wrong and what you did right. It's also the best way to restore a lost Internet connection. Turn the modem off, let it sit for a moment, and turn it back on.
3. The correct answer to most technical questions — no matter how esoteric — can be found on the Web. That's the good part. The bad part is that incorrect answers to most technical questions can also be found on the Web. Here's how to protect yourself from that madness. Keep googling. What you are looking for is agreement from several sites. Pay special attention to the brand-name sites.
4. The most likely cause of a problem is the most obvious. If the computer won't start, make sure it's plugged in. If there's no sound from the speakers, make sure they are turned on. Computers have the innate ability to make fools of us all. I once spent hours trying to fix a computer sound system. Turned out the volume control was turned all the way down.
5. Viruses and spyware are real. But they've also become the scapegoat for almost every problem. When experts don't know what's really wrong with your computer, they are quick to blame a computer virus or some other malignant hunk of software. Sometimes that's right, but by blaming these guys too early you avoid considering other possible causes of the problem.
6. There's no shame in admitting that a problem is beyond your technical ability. Sometimes the best tool for fixing a computer is a credit card. Use it at a reputable repair shop when you're over your head.
7. There are too many people in the world — including your brother-in-law and the guy who sits next to you at work — who call themselves computer experts. There are too few people in the world who really are experts. You wouldn't let your cousin the salesman perform brain surgery on your dog. Don't be too quick to let an armchair expert operate on your computer.
8. Read the manuals that came with your computer and software. I realize most manuals are not as good as they should be. But they often offer information that will help you avoid problems.
9. Don't get in a big hurry when things go wrong. A quick fix often makes for a long repair period.
10. Finally, learn where the off switch is, and use it frequently. Computers and the Internet are wonderful things. But when measured against the value of naps, time with your family and discussions of the starting pitching rotation for the Braves, they are only minor miracles at best.
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