13 Most Common Computer Problems And How To Avoid Them

This is an educational booklet I wrote for new computer users in 2005 when I owned a computer business. I wrote this after many customers would call me up with small, easily fixed common computer problems.

I then handed it out or emailed it to customers and friends so that they could save themselves time and money - with things like this it was no wonder I was not running a highly profitable business. 

13 Most Common Computer Problems is must read for every computer novice.

At Last.....

The 13 Most Common

Computer Mistakes.....

And How to Avoid Them!

 
Forward

At   long  last   a   book   written   for  computer   users   to   help   them  avoid   the   most   common
mistakes with their computers, written in a simple, easy to read format.
This guide should serve as a starting point every time you have a computer problem and for
that reason we recommend printing it out and keeping it handy when a problem occurs.

Run  through  the   list  and  try  the   recommended  solution  before  calling  your  professional
technician, this should save you time and money.

We would like to thank ComputerHelpers.com.au for their help in distributing this free e-
book. It  takes a business really  focused on helping people  to give  away a  free  book  that
actually cuts into their profits.

!!!   Please feel free to email this book to any of your friends
who might also find it helpful   !!!

About the Author

Conan Stevens  has been involved  with  computers, programming, repairing
and building for the last 23 years – nobody knows home computers better.

His first experience was at the tender age of 12. The school he attended  had
just  taken  shipment  of –  arguably  the  world's first  'home' computer  – the
Sinclair Spectrum ZX81 with 1K of memory!

Upon  entering the  new computer room, he spied  an older student  playing
“Moon Lander”  the  basic but  popular arcade game of the  time. Upon  asking  to  play, the 
older student said “Yes, sure but you have to write it  yourself” and plonked down a  large
book on programming.

To look back now and imagine  how much different his life would have progressed had he
played the game a couple of times and wandered off again.....

His interest gradually changed from programming to hardware and building computers. He
has since worked as a computer repairer, Broadband Internet helpdesk senior, consultant to
businesses,   laptop   repair   specialist,   network   installer,   computer   manufacturer,
reconditioning   expert,   and   salesman.   For   23   years   he   has   lived,   worked   and  breathed
computers, there is no problem Mark has not seen and fixed before.

Mark currently holds the position of Head Technician at ComputerHelpers.com.au, helping
and guiding the next generation of Technicians with his vast knowledge and experience.



Table Of Contents

CHAPTER  PAGE
1 Introduction  4
2 Check your Cables & Switches  5
3 Common Printer Problems  6
4 Boot Troubles?  7
5 Reboot Your Computer  8
6 Anti-Virus Information   9
7 Lack Of Training  10
8 Dial Up Connection Problems  11
9 Taking Back Your Internet Start Page  12
10 Banking and Funds Scams  13
11 Upgrade or Buy a New Computer?  14
12 Non-Professional Help  15
13 Backing Up   16
14 Mistake Number 13  17
BONUS Cut your telephone bill in Half!
 18
So Long And Thanks For All The Fish.  19

About Computer Helpers

Computer Helpers is distributing this book to all clients in the hope  that it will help them,
and stand the  company in the highest praise of its customers, thereby creating goodwill and
cutomer loyalty. The  Computer  Helpers repair  business can best be  summed  up by  their
service promise and guarantee :-

When you need someone you can trust to fix that computer and get it running smoothly call 
Computer Helpers, the phone number of whom is listed at the bottom of each page in this





Introduction

When  it  comes to our  computers we  all want them to work, and work right.....ALL  THE 
TIME!

Unfortunately, the modern marvel that we call a Personal Computer is a machine, and let's
face it - machines fail, as we  all saw in “Terminator II - Rise of The Machines” or “2001: A
Space Odyssey”!

Often they fail at the time that we seem to need them most.

This  is  why  I   have   written   this  book,  many  times  I  have   thought  to  myself,  “Gee,   the
average person must get into a heck of a mess when this happens to them” and so I gathered
my thoughts and  wrote  this simple guide to help the average person out in many of those 
circumstances.
When computer problems happen there are some very "obvious" reasons why they fail.

As   computer   owners,   we   should   assume   responsibility   for   checking   the   basics,  before
calling for technical help or repairs. This saves you time and money.

If you are not sure how to fix a problem yourself with this guide, then it is not going to be
fixable   over  the   phone  either.  In  all  likelihood,  your  computer  will  have  be  repaired  in
person by a professional.

If you  do need professional computer help within the Sydney (Australia) then please  call
Computer Helpers, their phone number is listed at the bottom of each page.

Listed  below  are   some   things  every   computer  owner  should   check  prior  to  making  that
repair call, so read on and enjoy....






Check Your Cables & Switches!
Is the computer plugged in? This sounds simple enough, but you'd be amazed at how often a 
power cord is the source of the trouble. Show me a stone-cold PC and I'll find a loose power
cord, usually at the computer end - 90% of the time.

Also included in the check is the power strip/surge  protector. Check that this has not been
pulled from the socket or turned off by a cleaner, child or passing animal. Also check if the 
surge protector has tripped and reset it if required.

Make sure you are you looking at the right cord. The backs of computers tend to become a
huge mess of cables. Actually pickup and follow the cables from start to finish to make sure 
your are checking the correct ones.

The follow up to the  first item: If the computer starts but the  monitor doesn't, guess which 
power cord it is? That, or it's the monitor cables from the computer if the monitor turns on
but there is no picture.
Don't just look, unplug then plug the cable back in to make sure it is in firmly with good
contact.

And if the network, modem, keyboard, or mouse is on the fritz.....see where this is heading? 
Until proven otherwise, it is always a cable/cord problem. Turn everything off and unplug
and replug all the  cords and cables. Amazingly, many problems will work  themselves out
this way.

If  it  still  does  not  power  up  try  plugging  in  a   light  or radio   or  something  you  know  is
working into that socket to make sure the socket has not blown a fuse at the fusebox or has
stopped providing power – in which case I highly recommend calling an electrician.

If you are having troubles with a peripheral (add on device that is physically separate from
the   computer   box)   then   after   checking   cables   check   if  the   power   switch   on   the
computer/monitor/peripheral device turned off?

Computer towers/desktops, monitors, scanners, printers.... all can come with on/off buttons
or switches. Make sure it has not been inadvertently turned off.
Also included is that the power strip/surge protector has somehow been switched off,
sometimes they have individual switches for each socket, check this as well..

I know this sounds simple but you would be surprised the number of call outs I have been to
or heard about where this was the only problem.

Dogs, cleaners and pets are the main culprits, have a look first it may save you a service
call.

Common Printer Problems

Is there ink/toner in the printer? Occasionally, cartridges must be checked to be sure there is
still ink/toner inside.

Also some cartridges go “out of date” and can no longer be printed from even if they are full
– Yes it is a scam on behalf of the printer manufacturers so do not buy that brand next time
you buy a printer.

Another scam by another of the large printer manufacturers is for the printer to report that it
is out of ink when the cartridge clearly has ink about 1/5 of the  total ink still in it – if this
happens to you do not buy that brand again either.

Better yet contact  Computer Helpers  when  you purchase  and get our  recommendation to
make sure you never buy one of these brands (and they are two of the  biggest well known 
brands !)
Check for any flashing or warning lights on the outside of your printer, this will most often 
be   empty   ink   or   a   paper   jam.   Follow   the   instructions   for  your   printer   in   fixing   these
problems.

Are any lights on? Check power switched on and cables secure.

When you print make sure you choose to print it to the correct printer. Sometimes installing
new software (ie Fax software) might register the fax software as the new default printer, in
which case when yo print it will try to fax rather than print it to paper.

If you are printing a  lot of black  and white  text consider purchasing a  Laser Printer, you
would be surprised how much quieter, cheaper to run and better quality the text is. Way too
many small businesses buy a inkjet printer so they can print photos of the kids or holidays –
this is not the first time  I have  said this nor will it be the last – separate your business and 
family computers. Make a business decision and purchase the correct printer for the job, if
needed buy a photo printer separately.

If printing in house  or test runs of  documents choose  to use the  ink  saver or toner saver
option that is available on most new printers, this will use  less ink and save  you money on
non-production printing, also a good idea if you have kids.





Boot Troubles?

Where are you booting from?

If there is a floppy diskette in the drive or a CD is trying to boot your computer, you can get 
really odd errors. You can generally hear the  disk trying to spin up to boot as it starts, just
before the error message comes up.

Take  out all disks and  CD's from  your computer drives and  make  sure  all  the  drives are 
empty. Then try starting the computer again.

If you get the same error message again then it is a different problem, if it boots (starts up)
then that was your problem.

This happens  a lot when  you start  your  computer  with  a  floppy  disk  inserted, thankfully
most new computers come without floppy disks these days.
The other trouble at start up if the lights are  on is that Microsoft's “hibernate”  utility often
causes the computer to go to “sleep” and freeze.

The  hibernation or  sleep is supposed to put  the  computer into a  low power  state to save
energy and have the computer come back to readiness faster than if you shut it down. Often
what will happen is that the hibernation will freeze so next time you come to the computer
and turn it on you will have lights on, maybe a slowly flashing light, and no action.

To get  around  this you  need to turn the  power off from the wall, leave it for at  least 30
seconds then turn it back on.

This hibernation problem occurs more often in laptops. The way to fix a laptop is to pull the 
power  cord  out, turn  the  laptop  upside  down, find  the  battery  compartment, remove  the
battery and let it sit for 48 hours. If it still does not start after this you are going  to need
professional help.

If when you start up you here rhythmic clicking or a grinding sound and the computer does
not  boot,  pull  the  power  immediately.   Your  Hard  Drive,  where  all  your  information  is
stored, has died. Call in a professional to try and save what information they can.





Reboot Your Com     puter  

When in doubt, save your work and reboot.

Actually  you   should  choose   the  “shut  down”  option.  Let   the   computer  close   down   and
power off completely.

Then go make a cup of tea or coffee, or go for a walk. Then after at least a 5 minute break 
turn it back on and see if it still has the same problem.

This  5   minute   break  allows   the   power  to   drain   from  the  RAM   memory.  This  lets   the
computer  start  up  completely fresh.  A quick  restart can leave corrupt  information, that  is
causing a problem, to remain in memory and continue causing problems when you start up
again quickly.

The  other  thing to  be  aware  of  is  the  computer  freezing.  You'd  be  amazed  at how  many
people stare  at a frozen computer waiting for it to come back to life. If after 5 minutes of
waiting,  the   computer   isn't   responding,   hit  the   'Ctrl'-'Alt'-'Del'  key   combination.*  Go  to
'Task Manager' and then 'Applications' here you will likely see a program “Not Responding”
click on that program and then click on 'End Task'. Different versions of windows call these 
buttons slightly different names just choose the name that sounds closest.

If this does not work then you will have to consider a complete power off, from the wall.

If  you were in the  middle of some important work you can leave it and go do something
else for 30 minutes and it might right itself enough to save  your work then restart, but it is
highly unlikely. However if the work was important then it is worth the chance.

If you  have  to  turn  the  power off then  wait your 5  minutes before  starting the  computer
again.  Sometimes   it   will   take   a   longer  15   minute   break  for   the   computer's  short  term
memory to clear and the problem self rectify.

If your computer keeps freezing regularly call in a  professional to have a look and fix your
computer, it is a symptom of a very ill computer.





Anti-Virus Information

Things like your computer acting erratically, locking up, blue screening, or just not running
at its “usual” performance  pace often signify  that  the strange  behavior of the  computer is
indeed the work of a “virus”.

What exactly is a virus? A virus is a computer program written to reproduce itself, spread
and quite often, cause damage by impacting computer performance or deleting data. While
dangerous, a virus cannot spread on its own; it must be executed or run to do any damage.

What  kind  of damage  can  a  virus  do?  The  majority  of viruses  are  not  much  more   than
harmless e-graffiti  (commonly  known as "hoax  viruses"),  ways for hackers to prove  that
they could have disabled your computer system had they so desired. The  viruses with both
bark and bite, capable  of crippling your operating system or wiping crucial files from your
hard disk, are the REAL dangers!
So.. how can you prevent this from happening to you? Well, there are several things that can
and should be done. First and foremost, purchase a good anti-virus program and keep it up-
to-date. Most people  think that  if they purchase the anti-virus software and install  it, that
they’re finished. No, no, no, no, no!

Virus protection is like taking  cold medicine. You  wouldn’t  take  one  dose  and  expect to
never get a cold again. Well, it’s the same with updating your anti-virus software. Because 
there are as many as 6 new viruses created every day, updating should be  done as often as
once a day.

The  more often  your anti-virus checks for updates, the  less likely one  will slip through its
defenses.

We use and recommend Trend-Micro's PC-Cillin, it has an inbuilt firewall, inbuilt spyware
remover, updates more often than some  of the other big names in the field and they have a
lot more features that the others charge seperately for.

If you have not heard of Trend-Micro, maybe you have heard of Hotmail? Trend do all the 
virus scanning for all hotmail users. We have faith that they can look after our computer as
well.
Visit  www.computerhelpers.com.au/antivirus  for   the   latest   information   on   antivirus
recommendations.

If you do get a virus and cannot remove it with a change of anti-virus software then you will
need to call a professional in to help you out.





Lack Of Training 

Many of us have  never thought of taking a computer lessons. Yet, we are frustrated  when we don't know the answer.Just like learning to drive a car, the more lessons you have, the more confident you become. A some point you gain enough skill and confidence to drive by yourself, then after a short  time you no longer have to even think about it – you just do it.

Computers   are   the   same,   once   you   gain   a   basic   understanding   you   will   find   that   all programs run under generally  the  same rules and  are  all  laid  out similarly. So  once  you
learn how to use one program you have a fair idea on all the others.

Remember how daunting your first time in the drivers seat was?

I am a true believer in continuing education and in the  field of computerisation it is a must.
There  is an old belief that  if we devote one hour each day to the subject of our choice we
will become an expert in three years.

Even just 15 minutes a day for 6 months and you will get a reasonable understanding – or
better yet book a 1 hour lesson every week with a professional to make rapid advancement.
Soon your friends will be calling you “the computer whiz”!

Start with a typing tutor program, this will teach you the keyboard layout. Once you know
the  layout  of  the letters on  the  keyboard everything else  becomes easier and  faster. Do  a
search on Google for freeware or shareware typing tutor, to get a free program.

Next it is often useful to play simple games such as blackjack or hearts that comes with your 
computer, this will give you familiarity with using a mouse and with the file menus.

After you gain  these  basics it  is possible  to  join  a part-time  or  night coarse at your local
college or tafe to gain more skills.

The  quickest, easiest way though is to call in  a professional and get  a lesson every week,
this should realistically only take 4 weeks to get you up and running to the point where you
will be able to do most things by yourself from then on – even teach your friends!

Internet Connection Problems

If you have troubles with your internet it will be one of two things, either something at your
end or something at their end, and often it is something at their end that they do not know
about.... yet.

First things to check when you have Internet problems depends upon whether you are using
a dial-up connection that makes phone calls (with the electronic squealing sound) or one of
the new fast broadband connections.

Dial-up:
Is the computer making the 'sqealing' sound? If not check that the modem is plugged into
the telephone line at both end, make sure any extension cables are not damaged (pets love to 
chew these).
Can you plug a normal telephone into that line and see if it is a clear line and you can make 
phone calls normally without static?
Check the phone number you are dialling is the correct one, also re-enter your username and
password – making sure your 'Caps Lock' key is turned off and you enter the name exactly
as it is – near enough is not close enough with computers.

Broadband:
Check your modem lights, is the service light on solid? If the service light is flashing? If so
it means that you are not getting a connection from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
If you are using software to connect  make sure that the username  and password are  typed
correctly and the 'Caps Lock' is turned off.

After this:
Try calling your ISP. Generally large ISP's often have incompetant and unhelpful people on
their  help  lines  (they  are  cheaper). Here  is how  you  combat  this.  When  you  call  up  the
person  will  give  you  their  name, repeat  it (say Hi Mr. x) and write  it down,  explain  the 
problem and give the exact error message you are getting, be polite and nice to the person
on   the  other  end,  it   is  not  their  fault   if  something  is  not  working.  If  at  the   end  of  the 
troubleshooting process they have  not been  able to fix  the problem ask  for the  call to be
escalated and if they can transfer you to a senior technician, or if they are in a bad mood and
rude ask them (by name) to speak to the team leader
After this if you still don't have any luck then you need to call in a professional to get you
uip and running and get a  real  hardware  modem if on broadband not the  cheapo software
ones, and/or change to an ISP that actually values its customers and gives good service.

For our current recommendation of a good service ISP check:
www.ComputerHelpers.com.au/ISP

Taking Back your start page (home page)

In Internet Explorer (the blue E  symbol you use to start your Internet browsing) sometimes
your start page can be “hijacked” and an unwanted website  can pop up everytime you start
using the internet.

Also many times your ISP may set the start page to their website, or you may be visiting the
MSN site everyday and not wanting to.

To change this “start page” to a more useful website such as your favourite search engine
just follow these simple instructions:
• Open Internet Explorer
• Across the top of the window, click on the 'Tools' menu
• Choose 'Internet Options'
• This brings up a new window
• Click on the first tab across the top 'General'
• Near the top it has homepage, type in the page you want to use here
• Then click 'OK' at the bottom of that window
This will now bring up the webpage you typed in everytime you start Internet Explorer.

If you find that you are  still getting another page  after doing  this then it means you have
some “spyware” on your computer that is monitoring and changing the page back, as well as
other unsavoury things. In this case give a professional technician a call to help remove this
unwanted pest from your machine.





Banking and Funds Scams

Nigerian 419:
In many cases, this is really a scam-within-a-scam: The Nigerians are making you think that
you are going to scam the Nigerian Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria, etc., when in
fact they are going to scam you out of what they are going to charge you to get in the scam,
or what portion of the scam you are going to pay to make it work.
If you pay the money up-front by wire-transfer or by mail, one of two things will happen: 
(1) you have  simply lost  your money and  will never see  it  again;  or  (2)  and much more 
likely, within a couple of days you will get  a  phone call or letter from your contact  telling
you that something has gone wrong, and that to clear it up and release  the funds you will
have to  send just a little  more  money. This latter scamming will go on literally for weeks
and months, until you either run out of money or figure it out.

Phishing:
Phishing   is   a   high-tech   scam   that   uses   spam  or   pop-up   messages  to   deceive   you   into
disclosing  your  credit   card  numbers,  bank  account  information,  Social  Security  number,
passwords, or other sensitive information.
According   to   the   Federal  Trade   Commission   (FTC),   phishers  send  an   email   or   pop-up
message that claims to be from a business or organization that you deal with – for example,
your Internet  service provider (ISP), bank, online  payment service, or even a government
agency. The  message  usually  says  that  you need  to  “update”  or “validate”  your  account 
information. It might threaten some  dire  consequence  if you don’t  respond. The message
directs you to a Web site that looks just like a legitimate organization’s site, but it isn’t. The
purpose  of the   bogus site?  To  trick  you  into  divulging  your personal  information so  the 
operators can steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in your name.

The   FTC, America's consumer  protection  agency,  suggests these   tips to  help  you  avoid
getting hooked by a phishing scam:
• If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information,
do not reply or click on the link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for
this  information  via   email.  If  you   are   concerned   about   your  account,  contact  the 
organization in the email using a telephone number you know to be genuine, or open
a  new Internet browser session and type in the  company’s correct Web  address. In
any case, don’t cut and paste the link in the message.
• Don’t   email   personal   or   financial   information.   Email  is   not   a   secure  method   of
transmitting  personal  information. If you initiate a  transaction  and want  to  provide
your personal or financial information through an organization’s Web site, look for
indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browser’s status bar or a URL
for  a  website  that  begins  “https:”   (the  “s”  stands for  “secure”).  Unfortunately, no
indicator is foolproof; some phishers have forged security icons.
There are many more scams, most a variation of the above two, please
be very careful with your banking and credit details.

Upgrade or Buy a New Computer?

There comes a time when your computer is not quite what it used to be. It becomes sluggish, cranky and you see "Illegal Operation" more than you see your e-mail program. It's time for a change. But, should you buy a new machine or should you upgrade?New computers have become so inexpensive that we often don't even think of keeping our old machines and proceed directly for a new computer. Sometimes though, the best low-cost PC could turn out to be the one you already own.

There are three main questions to ask you if upgrading is better than new:1. What is the total cost of the upgrade parts?2. How difficult is the upgrade; will I need to reinstall all my data anyway?3. How does the cost compare to the cost of a new system?Most viable  upgrades are for memory, additional  storage  space  or adding  a DVD burner. These are all very easy tasks that will not interefere  with your total computing experience. When you start trying to upgrade the speed (Mhz or Ghz) that is when you start upgrading  many components and it is easier, often cheaper, and warranty is better on a new system. If you already own a computer, you can also get away with just 'upgrading' your computer box only, you keep your monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer, etc. and just  change  the box that everything plugs into.

If you have not bought a computer in a few years you  will be pleasantly surprised at how much cheaper they have become, especially without all the add-ons.Basically at this stage any Pentium 2 or earlier computer should be looking at purchasing a  new system with the age of the computer you will likely look at parts failing due to age.Petium 3 or equivalent computers should be consider if the current system does everything they need, maybe a full recondition (upgrade memory + completley wipe and reinstall your Operating System) this will bring it back to the speed it was when new (or faster)..For cost conscious beginners and even intermediates, don't buy the fastest and the shiniest. It may sound impressive, but the truth is for those of us performing functions such as word processing, e-mail and spreadsheets a slightly slower system is ample.

If on the other hand, you love the state of the art video games or work heavily in Photoshop or video editing then you'll want fastest you can find.Get some advice from an independant professional before you part with thousands for a new system, you will find  that they can save you hundreds of dollars and possibly recommend some options you had never thought (or heard) about.

Non Professional Help

Getting a friend or relative over to fix your problematic computer may sound like  the ideal
cheap solution but is it really?

Many times we have  seen computers in for repair that have been “fixed” by someone else,
sometimes even another “professional”. You  have  to ask yourself, if this person is such a
computer whiz then why are they not making their living from fixing them full time?

Often a well meaning friend knows enough to help out until a real problem is reached, then
they can realise that there  is a lot  more  time  involved  here  and they will  resent having to
spend the  entire weekend trying to fix your computer because they don't really know what 
they are doing and rather than admit it they can often cover up anything they have done to
make  it   worse   and   become   uncontactable   for   weeks   afterwards   –   great   way  to   ruin  a 
friendship.
I personally never fix friends computers for this very reason, I might have a look and give
advice but never ever start  working on something you are not willing to spend the time  to
fix it properly.

Conversely do not ask your friends if they mind having a “quick look at  my computer”  if
they stop over socially – how would you like it if I invited you over for dinner then pulled
out  some  of  your  work  and  said  by the  way  your  boss  asked  you  to  finish  this  while  I
prepare dinner? It is the same deal, without overtime, it is not fair and a great way to ruin a
friendship.

For many other reasons you should get professional help, never install a wireless network
without someone who know network security or you will end up providing free Internet to
everyone in a  one block  radius – free to them that is – You'll  receive  huge  bills for your
generosity and community spirit.

If  you  have  any  valuable  information  on  your  computer  get  a   professional  in  before  an
amateur accidentally  deletes or destroys the information, it  costs $5000 for the  attempt to
recover data from a damaged or deleted Hard Disk, this is much more expensive  than the 
couple of hundred to do a full back up and reinstall if it was done correctly the first time.
Lastly a professional can spot a problem quickly and rectify the issue or take steps to ensure
the   fastest,   cheapest,  most   appropriate   solution   for   your   needs.  The   same   goes  in   any
profession, someone with years and years of experience is going to do a better, faster more 
thorough job than a newly admitted amateur.

In  short  it  is  often  cheaper  (in time,  money  and  intangibles)  to  use  a  professional  in  all
aspects of life, computing is no different.






Back Up Your Data

Backups of some shape/form are essential if you do anything serious on a computer. Could
you afford to lose: Financial records?  Accounting data?  Customer data?  Contacts?  Letters
and documents?  Photos?  Email?  Projects?  Books in progress?  Databases?  Notes and To
Do lists?  Appointments?  Spreadsheets?  Tax info?

You can’t afford NOT to backup!

As a matter of routine you have to protect yourself against accidental data loss. You should
back  up   your  files  according  to  a  regular  schedule   (e.g.,  every  Friday  afternoon).   You
should   think   to   yourself,   if   my   computer   disappeared   how   much   would   the   data   and
information loss hurt me – let this guide you as to how often you should back up.

Here are the top three data backup tips:
1. Schedule backups - Schedule a  regular time  for backing up data and stick  to  it. A
handy trick might be to use your Outlook  Calendar to "schedule" the backups until 
you   get   into   a   routine.   Some   internet   based   emails  also   have   it   built   into   their
software   so   that   you   can   email   yourself   reminders.   The   bottom   line   is   DO
WHATEVER IT TAKES to get yourself in a regular schedule.
2. Back up data to reliable form - Floppy disks are not fine for backing up they are so
unreliable you would  not believe, they have  a  relatively short shelf life and  can be
easily  damaged. Zip  disks  are better, but  still  not  100%  safe. Recordable  CD's are 
better  but the cheap ones do not last the years they are supposed to, look more at 6 to
12  months, if  kept  in  a cool dark place, inside  individual covers. The Best backup
strategy is on CD rewritable (CDRW) these have  a  metallic  composite medium that 
stores  data  reliably   for   years.  The   same  goes  for  DVD's,  use   DVDRW's  as your
serious backup medium.
3. Back up offsite if your  business relies on that  data. If you have  a fire, break-in  or
other disaster do not put your entire business at risk by having all your data in the one
spot. - just do it – it takes 15 minutes a month and can save you more heartaches than
you can possibly imagine, try getting a tax audit and all your files went with the last 
virus infection.

Recommended Backup Media
1. External hard rives – many of these come with easy to use backup software
2. DVD burners allow you to backup multiple times conveniently
3. CD burners for smaller amounts of information.
4. Online  – backup solutions are available that store  your information in  a  server in a
different location, often in a different country.

Set   a   strict   backup   regime   and   stick   to   it,   if   you   run   a   business   or   store   important
information on  your  computer always  assume  that  the  computer  will  be  gone  tomorrow,
how much can you afford to loose?
 


 

Mistake Number 13

Ah ha, the big Mistake that everyone makes, we finally come to it. This insiders secret could
save you thousands over your computing lifetime.

The big corporations don't want you to know about it, the few who know it are too deep in
the industry to realise that the  normal person on the street  does not know this. The  “Uber
Geek”  in  fact treats the  average  computer  users with  some  disdain  for  not knowing  this
secret.

Enough already I hear you say – What is this secret?

For this secret I ask you to help me out just this once. You see I am curious as to how many
people will download and read this eBook so as a way to keep track of the number of people
who have  read it I have put this secret on a webpage  so I can count  the  number of people
visiting to read the 13th Mistake.

In order to view the 13th Mistake all you have to do is go to the web address:
www.ComputerHelpers.com.au/13

There it is the 13th Mistake – I bet that really opened your eyes didn't it. You won't look at
computers the same ever again will you?

Since the computerhelpers website is gone here is Mistake 13

Buying Computers from the Major Retailers

 

If you like paying for all the flashy TV ads.
If you like paying for all the glossy brochures
If you like paying for all that floorspace
If you like unprofessional advice from non-technical salesmen
If you like buying  overpriced computer equipment....

Then go to one of the big name stores....

And pay more than Recommended Retail Price !!!!

I am not joking, this is outrageous, with the massive purchasing power these giants have they actually sell some well known computer brands at prices higher than you would pay if you purchased from the manufacturers own stores or website. $200 or $300 dollars more in most instances.

Instead call your local INDEPENDANT technician and get some unbiased opinions on what you really need in a computer and get advise from an insider who will know the real ins and outs of the industry, don't take some minimum wage spotty teenagers advise that is based purely on how much commission he will earn.

Please read on to our bonus chapter on saving an average of 50% on your phone bills.
 

Cut Your Telephone Bill in Half !!!

Voice  over Internet Protocol (VoIP)  is the new and  innovative  way to  make  and  receive 
phone  calls.  It  involves the  transmission  of  ordinary  telephone  calls over the Internet. In
other   words,   VoIP   can   send   voice   over   the   Internet,   rather   than   through   the   regular
telephone network.

Traditionally, VoIP technology has only been used by large corporations that can afford to
invest in this cost saving technology. This same technology is now affordable directly to the
consumer household.

As an VOIP user, you can make calls with any touch-tone telephone and receive calls from
any type  of phone  on any service. If the person you are calling also has an VOIP number,
those calls can be completely free from any telephony charges.

All  you need  is  a  broadband  Internet  connection,  a VOIP box  which you  plug into  your
router and then plug your normal telephone into the VOIP box. Then start to save!

As VOIP technology has improved the  quality of the calls is now the  same standard as a
standard copper line, but with much greater functionality, and cheaper cost.

A standard VOIP box will support up to two seperate telephone lines (and numbers) over a 
standard  offering  256Mb  Broadband Connection,  this can give  considerable  savings to  a
small business. Faxes are also available over this service.

Best of all you can travel around with your VOIP box and make and receive calls as if you
were  in your local area! Travel  to Melbourne  for business often? Take  you phone number
with   you!  There   is  no   limit   how   far  you   can   travel,   as   long   as  you   have   access  to   a
broadband internet connection at the other end.

Very exciting for businesses.

Check these call rates from one  provider:
• Calls between major cities  10c untimed
 10c untimed
• Local calls
 5c per minute
• National Calls
 29c per minute
• Calls to Mobiles
• Calls within the network Free
• International (26 countries) 4c per minute or less

For more up-to-date information visit:

www.ComputerHelpers.com.au/VOIP



So Long And Thanks For All The Fish!

And so we come to the end of this short guide, I hope you find some interesting information 
here and I hope it helps you save yourself some time and money.
To keep up to date with new ebooks you can subscribe to the monthly newsletter at :

www.ComputerHelpers.com.au

Just look for the 'Subscribe' button in the right hand panel.

If you live in Sydney you may find it useful to subscribe to this newsletter to also keep up-
to-date with the latest specials on computers  and servicing supplied by Computer Helpers,
you will also receive timely virus alerts and our scam watch.

In the meantime happy computing to all and to all a good night.

(If you were  wonder ing the  title of this chapter is a  referrence  to a Douglas Adams book,
but don't worry about it too much – the Dolphins will still be here tomorrow).