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Cut the power to your Windows PC when it's not being used.
 technofile
Al Fasoldt's reviews and commentaries, continuously available online since 1983

T e c h n o f i l e
What they forgot to tell you at the store: Tips for new computer users


Dec. 26, 2004


By Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2004, Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2004, The Post-Standard

   Did your family get a new computer over the holidays? If you have a new desktop computer or a new notebook model, save this week's tips and keep them handy. You'll find advice you might not be able to get anywhere else.
   No rock 'n' roll: Don't put your desktop computer on a shaky table. Those little rocking movements that might not bother you can drive your computer's hard drive crazy. As it spins, it can lose data with every bump. Give it a stable table.
   Take control: You or your kids probably installed new software after all the presents were opened. Many programs install unneeded extras -- sometimes even spyware onto your computer if it's a Windows PC. Install a spyware catcher if you don't already have one (Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy are good) and remove any programs that are running without your permission.
   Windows has a configuration program that helps you disable programs that are starting up without your OK. Click "Start," then "Run," then type MSCONFIG and press Enter. Macintosh computers don't have spyware, but they're not immune to program overload. If you have a new Apple Macintosh, disable unwanted startup programs by choosing "Accounts" in system Preferences. Click the name of the user, then "Startup." Click the minus button to remove programs from the list.
   Lock the door: Don't plug your new Windows computer directly into a wall socket. Plug it into a power strip that has a switch instead Then, when you are not going to use your new computer for more than a few minutes, shut it down and turn off the power at the power strip.
   Shutting down the power feed to the computer prevents spyware and viruses that are already in your computer from "phoning home" and turning your Windows PC into a zombie. (Zombie PCs are taken over during the night by viruses or spyware. They become relays for viruses, spyware and spam. Thousands of Windows PCs are taken over this way every week.)
   Lose the tail: Most new computers come with a wired mouse. Wireless mice are much friendlier; there's no cable to get in the way. Microsoft makes one of the best -- the Intellimouse Explorer -- and it works on both Windows PCs and Macs. Logitech has a wireless laser mouse, too, with greater accuracy than LED mice like the Intellimouse Explorer. Both have extra buttons that are helpful in such operations as Web browsing and text reading.
   Lose the pad: All notebook computers have trackpads or pokey-sticks that take the place of mice. If you hate them as much as I do, follow my lead and plug in a mouse. You can even buy half-size mice that take up less space. Use the mouse whenever you can.
   See what you're missing: Most new Windows computer monitors aren't adjusted right. If you have a digital camera, you'll never know what your pictures really look like unless you spend a few minutes adjusting the screen. For a quick, basic adjustment, turn the contrast up almost all the way and turn the brightness down about two-thirds of the way, so that blacks aren't gray and colors are rich and saturated. I'll explain how to do a precise adjustment next week.
   Tsk-disk: Save money when you buy blank CD-R disks for your new computer's CD burner. Buy the cheapest you can find and see how they do. Chances are, they'll be just as good as the expensive versions. And always avoid buying "audio CD" blank disks, even if you're going to be burning audio CDs.
   This might seem crazy, but it's not. Blank CDs sold for audio use are designed for those rare component CD recorders that connect to your stereo system. They're not even any better than non-audio CD blanks. The only difference is a royalty, hidden in the price of audio CD blanks, that's collected for artists. (Beat your friends in your next trivia game. They probably don't know about the audio royalty.)