16 Beginner Computer Tips that Are Often Neglected
August 19, 2009 at 10:08:04 AM, by Gilberto J. Perera
We are all aware of the different things we ought to do with and to our computers to ensure that we use them efficiently and that they run well. Follow 16 simple tips and avoid disaster.
Tip 1 – Defragment the hard drive
Probably one of the most ignored performance enhancers for any computer. Think of a bookshelf that is in alphabetical order, now imagine the same bookshelf with books in random order…which one do you think you’ll find a book faster on? The hard drive works similarly. The lack of action on following this tip is usually lack of understanding how it influences hard drive performance.
Tip 2 – Performing computer updates for installed software and the Operating System
Another important tip that a lot of computer users fail to follow is updating their computers. Most malware attacks to date could have been prevented with updated virus definitions and/or new system patches.
Tip 3 – Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Take away the mouse from most computer users and they will find themselves thinking that they have a useless computer. Most if not all operating systems and the applications that run on them have a set of keyboard shortcuts to make life easier.
Tip 4 – Backup your computer
As we rely more and more on our computers to store our family memories, our business files, our music collections, and every piece of digital media that is important to us, it has never more important than now to back up those precious files that can be wiped out by a simple surge or a computer virus.
Tip 5 – Encrypt Your Memory Key
If you're anything like me and you use your memory key to store valuable information, then you need to make sure that the stored information is safe should you lose that memory key. Whenever carrying a memory key with valuable information you have to imagine that if it were lost someone could easily access that information and well the rest is history.
Tip 6 – Use another browser other than Internet Explorer
Most Windows users stick to the little E on their desktop without knowing all of the possibilities that browsers like Firefox, Opera, and others offer. Internet Explorer 8 is an improvement, but it is still playing catch-up.Tip 7 – Read the Fine Print
When installing certain freeware applications you may rush through the install process and miss the part about installing a co-branded toolbar or some other application you did not intend to install. I don’t know how many times I’ve been to relatives and friends computers to find that their browser is cluttered with 3-5 different toolbars that all do that same thing. On top of that they use 800X600 resolution which makes it nearly impossible to browse the internet.
Tip 8 – Deleting a Shortcut Does Not Uninstall a Program
I can't begin to count the number of times I've had friends tell me how they deleted a program and how it keeps reappearing. Upon further questioning they only deleted the icon on the desktop.
Tip 9 – Use pinup and shortcuts to Access files quickly
If you like shortcuts you'll love pinups. Starting with XP, the Start Menu allows users to pinup their favorite files and applications to the Start Menu. They extended this feature in windows 7 with the capability of pinning up to the taskbar. Users don't realize how many times and how many clicks are involved in getting to their favorite applications. Shortcuts and pinups save valuable time.
Tip 10 – Secure Your Computer
Most users will bypass adding a password to their computers, leaving their files exposed to anyone with access to their computers. Even worse if you use a laptop without a password your information is instantly available to anyone who accesses that laptop. You have to at least make it a little more difficult for the individual that finds your lost computer.
Tip 11 – Buy Sufficient Ram
With the increasing demand for Random Access Memory by operating systems and applications it is the single most simple and cheap alternative to replacing a computer. If supported by your motherboard, upgrading your RAM by twice the installed memory size can significantly improve your computer’s performance.
Tip 12 – Print on Both Sides and Save a Tree
If you’re somewhat green conscious or cheap, setting your printer to print double-sided can save you half the number of total pages printed on multi-page documents. If your printer has an automatic document feeder it most likely supports this feature, alternately you can print all the odd pages, then insert the printed pages upside down and print the even pages. You just saved a tree.
Tip 13 – Print in Draft Mode and Save Ink
If you’re frugal or don’t like dealing with ink refills I urge you to print on Draft mode, unless of course it will be submitted as a project or paper. Draft mode uses a fraction of the ink and places your printer on turbo mode. With some printers you’ll think that the printer will fly off the table.
Tip 14 – Use Strong Passwords
No, Sparky is not a strong password, nor is your middle name. If you want to use a strong password then try the following.
Using a combination of lower case, upper case, numbers, and symbols will ensure that your password will at least stand a chance against super computers that can crack passwords like Sparky or your last name instantly.
Tip 15 – Installing a Desktop Search for XP
If you were fortunate enough to stick to XP, then you might want to consider adding an embedded desktop search like Google Desktop or Windows Desktop Search. Both products allow users to index the contents of their hard drives, emails, text within files, pictures, browsing history, everything so that users can access these files instantly. Unfortunately XP’s built-in search is not that great.
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Comments
Chris at 11:38, August 20, 2009
Haha, using another browser should be number 1. Also, with deleting the shortcut, deleting the folder from 'Program Files' does not uninstall the program either. Still know of folks who do that.