Computer Zone
| Published: 23rd November 2007 23:32 |
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Roger Latch is on hand to answer your computer-related questions
Q: I'm setting up a new home business and I want to put my accounts and clients in a database- what do you recommend?
A: You can use an accounts package like "Sage" which has a database of all the people that you Invoice. If you want a data base that you can use for mail shots and for building up a list of potential and actual clients and ease of access to and sorting information then you will need a cheap program like MS Works or a more expensive program like MS Access. You should then review after 12-18 months depending on how the business is growing.
Q: How often should I be updating my Anti-Virus software?
A: Most Anti Virus Software lasts 12months from installation and will update automatically on a daily or weekly basis. At the end of 12 months you have to make a judgment on whether to renew the license for another year or buy this years software which will look for more types of viruses and spyware. The trouble is that the latest software will slow your computer down more.
Q: My computer seems to have got slower over the past year- are there are basic things that I can check?
A: The usual reasons for a computer getting slower are viruses and spyware or lots of programs running in the background or a new program which uses up more of your memory. It is always worth checking the hard disk for errors and defragging it.
Q: How easy is it for someone to hack into my computer?
A: If people can hack into Government Computer Systems etc. etc. then if an expert wanted to hack into your computer, he wouldn't have any problem. In reality if you have reasonable Anti-virus software with a reasonable firewall and you take reasonable precautions, then you should be OK.
Q: I think my computer has a virus- how can I tell?
A: Usually the computer will be much slower and you might find that your "home page" has been hijacked when you go on the internet. There are 1000's of different viruses, some mischievous, some malevolent so I would suggest that if your computer is behaving "differently" then check it out or get it checked.
Q: Someone said something to me about "backing up" my computer- what is this and would you recommend it?
A: I think sometimes a lot of nonsense is talked about backing up. In most cases the only thing that needs backing up or saving is your data ie your individual documents, photographs etc. You can then just backup or save that information onto a CD, a DVD, a memory stick or if there is a lot, onto an external Hard Disk (We all know that 25 million records can be put on 2 x CD's). You then need to keep that backup somewhere other than in or near the computer, ideally in a different location or a fireproof safe. Think the worst, fire, flood, theft - you can always replace the computer and load new software on but you cannot replace YOUR data.
Q: My computer seems very dusty- should I take particular care whilst cleaning?
A: Vacuum the fan grills on the outside to keep airways clear but I don't advise taking the case off and cleaning inside yourself unless you know what you are doing. Get it serviced occasionally.
Q: Is it true that having the printer on can slow down the performance of a PC?
A: I cannot think that having a printer connected will slow a computer down, but the printer software running in the background, looking for software updates etc. certainly can.
Q: What's the first thing I should do if my computer crashes?
A: If your computer freezes make sure there is no disk activity, you might need to wait, then hold the power button for 4-5 seconds and it should switch off. Switch off at the mains for a few seconds, then switch back on. Often it will then boot up OK or if not it will go to a screen offering a number of options. Try "Safe Mode", if that works then try rebooting. If you still have a problem and you value your data, call an expert.
Q: I was thinking of getting a very cheap new or reconditioned computer for my 6 year old son to practice on- what do you recommend if my budget is £150-200?
A: Your 6 year old is most probably going to use and get more out of a computer than you so I would advise not getting a very cheap computer because it is likely to be very slow and the 6 year old will get very frustrated and bored very quickly.
What do you think?
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