| 1. Buy a surge
protector that also has a phone line
input. Don't be cheap and do your
homework. Read the package to see how
much it protects, and whether it protects
the phone line too. |
| 2. Write down
all the model numbers and serial numbers,
all the passwords and registration
numbers you come across as you install
software. Keepthem all in a folder
or file of some kind, that you can easily
access but that the kids aren't going to
use as scrap paper for writing down
theirfriend's e-mail addresses. |
| 3. Keep the
phone numbers for the store you bought
the computer from, the manufacturer and
the tech support for all of your
software, in one place. Also, keep
track of the warranties you have so you
don't get a surprise if you call someone
for tech support. |
| 4. The computer
itself should have plenty of ventilation,
and be at room temperature with no
exposure to extreme heat or cold, or
moisture of any kind. In other
words, bring that puppy in off the back
porch. |
| 5. Read the
books that came in the box. Some of
it will be very technical, some of it
will not. I also suggest you go to
the local bookstore or library and check
out some books on
computers. Knowledge is power, and
this cuts down on the time you spend
calling tech support. |
6. Abuse your
own family and friends. Do you know
someone who works with computers or is a
geek? Sit for their dog, bake them
cookies, or do whatever you have to in
exchange for picking their brain.
WARNING: Don't let
your friend "fix" your computer
if his/hers never works, or if you are
still under warranty with the
manufacturer. Uncle Fred tampering
with the hard drive tends to void the
warranty. |
| 7. Your CD-Rom
is NOT a cup holder, the computer will
NOT work when it isn't plugged in, and
the monitor will NOT work when it isn't
turned on. This is just an example
of some of the questions I have come
across in my career in tech
support. See, don't you feel
smarter already? |
| 8. Do not clean
the monitor, keyboard or any other part
of the computer with soapy water and a
sponge. This is an electronic
device, and if you don't manage to
electrocute yourself, you might just
destroy it. Instead, follow the
instructions in your owners manual.
Put everything on a sturdy desk, and
don't place the tower where you will kick
it every time you sit down. If you
have small children, keep the computer in
a locked room or out of reach. You
have no idea what a 2 year old can find
to put in a floppy drive. |
| 9. For goodness
sake, use a mouse pad and a wrist
wrest. They will prevent wrist
strain and injury, and they look
good. Invest in a good chair that
can be raised/lowered (even the arm
rests) so that each member of your family
or office can sit comfortably.
Don't sit too close to the monitor, and
keep the top of the screen level with the
top of your head. This reduces eye
strain. |
10. Don't be
afraid.
Read, learn and ask questions and you'll
be just fine. |
