Program Update Clarification: (As a rule, uncheck all options when installing updates other than Windows updates) Windows Updates Yellow shield in lower left corner (Windows XP) Blue DVD case in lower left corner (Windows Vista & 7) Java Updates: Uncheck all options, if any! Adobe Flash: Uncheck all options, if any! Adobe Acrobat Updates Apple or Call 727-366-5711 Tim The Computer Wizard
Security programs that are legitimate: AVG Anti-Virus Free: CHOOSE BASIC Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Look in the upper left corner of a running program. If it isn t one of these, DO NOT CLICK. TO CLOSE USE THE X IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER! Call 727-366-5711 if you discover another security type of program running Updated 9/25/2013
PRINT THIS PAGE AND TAKE IT WITH YOU SHOPPING. FEEL FREE TO CALL WHILE SHOPPING. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING EXCEPT THE COMPUTER IF I AM SETTING IT UP FOR YOU! If you are considering purchasing a new laptop or desktop computer, please see the free advice below. Last holiday season computer buyers, who spoke to me prior to/or during the purchase process, saved an average of $250. When shopping for a new PC or Laptop: 1. Do not buy a Celeron Processor 2. A Quad-Core processor is strongly recommended. (All retail Intel icore processors are quad-cores) 3. At least 6 GB of RAM memory, more if within budget 4. Laptop buyers: If you want a web cam or CD/DVD drive, confirm included 5. I recommend Dell, HP or Toshiba 6. Sam s Club/Costco if you're a member or hhgregg/office Depot/Staples (Not crazy about Best Buy due to their return policy) 7. Do not pay more than $599 for a laptop or $499 for a desktop without talking to The Wizard first! Now that you saved all that money, click to check out my New Computer Special for a truly user-friendly computing experience. The Wizard makes Windows 8 GREAT! Please feel free to call anytime with questions, even when a salesperson is trying to up-sell you. 727-366-5711
Computer Specifications & Terms Explained General Terminology You do not need to understand the information below completely. Just know Hertz refers to speed and Bytes refers to size or capacity MHz: Speed in Megahertz GHz: Speed in Gigahertz (1 GHz = 1000 MHz) MB: Storage Capacity in Megabytes GB: Storage Capacity in Gigabytes (1 GB = 1000 MB) Hardware: Physical parts of a computer Software: Programs that are installed in a computer Hard Drive or Hard Disk Hardware that stores data, programs and information Contains several rotating re-writeable disks Measured in GBs. 1 GB = 1000 MBs If this part fails, all your information or data may be lost The hard drive copies files into RAM, where it can manipulate the files more easily, and then "saves" it back to the hard drive when it is finished. This is the part that is referred to when you hear the word Back-up Memory or RAM (Random Access Memory) Hardware that accesses information you are currently using Memory speed measured in GHz. Memory size measured in MBs or GBs When you open a program, you start a process that finds the requested information on your hard drive. Your computer's RAM is its workspace - the place where it can open and manipulate files and store information for short periods of time for quick retrieval. The more RAM (or memory) your computer has, the more things it can have open at once, and the less time the processor has to spend moving things in and out of RAM as it needs them. Processor or CPU (central processing unit) Hardware that processes all system operations Examples of trade names: Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, AMD, Athlon Speed measured in GHz The faster the processor is, the faster the computer should run. The processor is the heart of your computer, and directly determines the raw speed of your system. What do I need? The next question that is usually asked is "How much speed, memory, and storage do I need?" This is difficult to answer, because it depends on what you are going to be doing, and what programs you plan to use, and how long you would like the computer to be "good enough". As technology evolves, the programs we write require more processing power and more workspace (RAM) and take up more storage space, so what is perfectly acceptable today will before too long be considered unusable. Almost all commercial software programs include a list of "System Requirements". These are the specs for CPU speed, RAM, and Hard Disk space needed to install and run the program. There are usually two lists, the "minimum" requirements, and the "recommended" requirements. As long as your system is at or above the recommended requirements for the software you need to use, you are probably fine. If you are only meeting the minimum requirements, then it's likely that this version of the software may not run as fast as it could, and the next version of the software may not run at all on your computer. It is possible to upgrade parts of your computer. RAM is usually the easiest thing to add, but there are different types of RAM, so matching your system properly is important. A hard drive can be replaced with a larger one, but you will need to get the data off of your old hard drive and on to the new one. The CPU is often more difficult to upgrade, because it has certain dependencies on the motherboard and other components.
Helpful Windows Keystrokes Symbol Definition Example < > Specific key <Enter> = The Enter Key Windows Key General: <Ctrl> + <a> = Select All <Ctrl> + <c> = Copy <Ctrl> + <v> = Paste <Ctrl> + <x> = Cut <Ctrl> + <z> = Undo last key or click, works repeatedly (Careful, works in background windows) <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Any Arrow> = Rotates Monitor (Try It, Up Arrow returns to normal) <Alt> + <Esc> = Switch among open windows <Shift> + <F10> = Right-click <Ctrl> + <Esc> = Start Menu <Ctrl> + <Shift> + <Esc> = Task Manager + <Break> = System Properties + <L> = Lock your System When typing: <Ctrl> + <b> Bold font, changes highlighted <Ctrl> + <u> Underline font, changes highlighted <Ctrl> + <i> Italic font, changes highlighted
Tips for Laptop users Laptop computers are a great convenience because of their portability. However, many have a shortened life due to improper care & usage. The most common issues are heat related and accidental damage. Do not use a laptop on a soft such as a bed, couch, pillow or even your lap. Doing so may block the vents on the bottom of the laptop, causing it to overheat, which will cause any heat sensitive part to fail. Some parts like the hard drive are not that expensive to replace, but your personal files, pictures & documents may be lost. Other parts like the motherboard are not economically practical to replace. If a hard surface is not available, use a TV tray, cutting board, large book or other flat surface. Laptop cooling plates with a fan are also available at most stores that sell computers and computer accessories. You should not stack things on a laptop computer, as the pressure could break the LCD screen. A new screen can also be very expensive to replace. When placing a laptop in any bag or luggage, disconnect or remove all devices that are plugged into any external port. Mouse, wireless mouse receiver, wireless network adapter, etc. Leaving them connected can damage the device and/or port. If you leave your laptop plugged in and the cord is not concealed, be careful not to trip or pull it. This may damage the cord, laptop power socket or the entire laptop if it is pulled off the table or desk. Your manufacturer s warranty will not cover accidental damage. You may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty for a laptop. Read the terms carefully, some plans are better than others. Look for the term Accidental Damage if you want that coverage. Following these guidelines should extend the useful life of your laptop computer, and increase your enjoyment of it. As always, please feel free to call with questions. 727-366-5711
Resetting Your Internet Connection: Power off all computers that are connected to the network Locate the Cable or DSL Modem and the Router (If no router is connected, disregard router references) Identification Notes: Cable and DSL Modems are provided by your Internet Service Provider Usually black in color There are many different brands routers Brand names include Linksys, Cisco, Belkin, TRENDnet, D-Link If Wireless, there should be at least 1 antenna. Locate the power cord (Usually black in color & round) on the back of each device and disconnect. Leave all other wires connected. If you have combined Internet & Phone Service, there may be a battery in the Modem. This also needs to be removed. Wait 20 seconds and reconnect the power cord to the Cable or DSL Modem ONLY. Replace the battery, if removed. Wait 3 FULL MINUTES You will notice the lights on the front of the Modem light one-by-one, blink and/or light solid. After 3 minutes, reconnect the power cord to the Router. Wait 1 minute. Power on each computer. This process should restore the Internet connection in most cases. If not, call Tim The Computer Wizard: 727-366-5711
COMPUTER BACK-UPS If you do not keep any important information in your computer, please disregard this message. Otherwise, please read on. Recently, I ve seen an increase in data loss due to a variety of reasons and there not being a back-up system or process in place. When this occurs, all personal files, document and pictures stored in the computer are lost. I can retrieve all the data in many cases, most of the data in some cases and none of it in others. Think about losing everything in your computer, family photos, financial and business records, email, address books, etc. If you do not keep current back-ups, there will be a day when a computer failure will cause this to be a reality. I m not trying to scare you, but it can happen on any given day. The time to take action is before there is a problem. There are several different methods ranging from an inexpensive USB thumb drive to manually back-up data to automated systems which back-up on a regular basis. A 2 gigabyte thumb drive can be purchased for under $15.00 at discount department stores and office supply stores. Automated systems can be purchased and installed for $200 - $300, depending on your choices and needs. Regardless of the method you choose, please make sure you do something to preserve your data. If you choose a USB thumb drive, you can do this by yourself. If you would like me to purchase the thumb drive, I can set it up and show you what and how to back-up your data. If you would like a quote on a custom or automated system, please call me. 727-366-5711
Discharging a PC After a Power Failure If a computer fails to turn on, it may need to have the power supply reset to discharge the capacitors inside. 1. Locate the socket pictured above 2. UNPLUG the power cord from the back of the computer 3. Obtain a paper clip or small screw driver. 4. Place and hold the paper clip or small screw driver across all 3 pins in socket pictured above 5. Press the Power button on the FRONT of the computer 3 times while holding the paper clip or small screw driver in place 6. Remove the paper clip or small screw driver from the socket 7. Reconnect the power cord to the back of the computer 8. Try to turn the computer ON 9. If unsuccessful, the computer will need to be diagnosed by Tim The Computer Wizard 10. Call Tim at 727-366-5711