Compunerd 007's blog

Setting Up Your PC with Your Wishes: Letting Your PC Work with You, Not Against You

Although you did not design or build your personal computer, you may make it into a device that works according to your preferences of utilizing it just like you were its original engineer or developer. That's because the PC is a mere platform - a "tabla rossa", so to speak - waiting for you to direct its workings or create the ideal machine. All this can be done through making simply a few changes in your computer's present settings. You may receive assistance to do this through online PC support.

Your personal computer's general settings are kept in the Windows Control Panel. Inside this little section of Windows OS, you may perform lots of major modifications, starting with how your PC desktop looks to the way that your computer reacts to those who utilize it.

But your settings don't merely affect the Windows OS, they also affect the many software applications that are installed on the computer (not to mention that many software applications may be modified further through their own settings). We are not going to cover them all, but we will describe several of the most popular ones in order that you might have an idea of how much control over your computer that these configurations provide you.

Users. Before we get into the individual settings, it's important that you understand that each set of configurations you make is specific to the users that sit down in front of a personal computer. Changes made to a system by one person will differ from the changes made by another. Enabled by a username and password, individual desktop settings (icons, background picture, and other settings) are available after logging onto Windows.

Display Properties. Through Display Properties, a user can change the background of the Windows Desktop, add a screensaver, change the overall color scheme and fonts of Windows, and adjust a PC's color depth and/or resolution (screen area). Not just a bunch of preference settings, display properties help individuals who have to deal with visual problems.

Accessibility Options. Speaking of visual problems, another setting that's useful is accessibility options. This setting allows people with disabilities to use a PC that accommodates vision and hearing problems.

Keyboard and Mouse Options. The keyboard and mouse controls give users the option of speeding up or slowing down the movements of both of these peripherals. For those entering the United States from a foreign country, users will appreciate how Windows grants use of keyboard layouts native to their original language. Other uses will appreciate the different selection of cursors and the ability to add additional ones.

Passwords. Since the computer in use may be shared with others, passwords give the almighty administrator the means to determine whether all users will share the same preferences and desktop settings or if users can customize preferences and desktop settings. 

Regional Settings. Things get really personal in Regional Settings - as this configuration makes changes according to a user's location and language. Options available can accommodate a person's preference for the display of numbers, currency, time, and date format.

Sounds Properties. Multimedia fans can create a rich PC environment filled with sound through this setting. Sounds can be assigned to numerous events and they don't even need to be the default sounds installed by Windows. Users can download sounds from the Internet or create their own sounds with a microphone.

From just these basic configuration options, you can create your own experience with a PC each time you sit down in front of one. Customizing your PC is what makes using a PC truly unique and enjoyable, so have fun and build a situation at home or a work in which you'll love to work with everyday. Should you feel a little nervous about it at first, remember that can get assistance doing this via online PC support, and your PC's original configuration can be saved to a backup file should you ever want to restore it to the same state that it was in when you first bought it.

Sincerely,

Robert Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

The author, Dr. Robert Hosken, has more than 30 years of career experience in IT with personal computers. Ever since his teens he has set up and operated a number of profitable firms and charitable organizations. You can get his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and learn the most effective techniques to utilize your personal computer at Online PC Support, or see his Offsite Backups page, or email him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - see you there!

Some Common PC Error Messages, Their Meaning, and Where to Get Online PC Support

PC errors may pop up when least expected, they may cause the entire PC to abruptly shut down, and they might inadvertently mess up your data to the point where it cannot be deciphered - one reason you should have offsite backups. Even though glitches can't always be avoided, it is vital to keep in mind that computer error messages may often be remedied. The key is to learn what PC errors are, learn what they mean when they show up, and understand how to minimize their happening at all. Advice is available by means of online PC support.

Basically, personal computer error messages may be caused by several items that may or may not be related to the way the PC is utilized. They are generated when there is a conflict between instructions. Remember that personal computers essentially operate from a string of commands, and this is normally a smooth routine. But in case one command clashes with a different instruction - or in case one instruction asks for a process or data that isn't accessible, the PC produces responses that are not usable: that's an error. The most feared error is the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) which pops up on your screen whenever something has gone terribly wrong.

A good example of this sort of error is if novices attempt to use a program that is not applicable for their computer. Almost all software packages include a description of system requirements that dictates what a PC should possess in order for the software package to work correctly. To cut down on errors of this sort, always verify that your PC possesses the required parts. A project management program that you're considering could require a specific operating system, like Windows 7 for instance. And even though this software package might install just fine on a Windows XP PC, it might produce a multitude of errors once it's launched.

Insufficient memory may generate errors as well. That's why programs usually include minimum RAM needs. A program which requires 14 megabytes of RAM will cause errors on a computer which only has 4 megabytes of memory free - assuming it runs at all. The same goes for hard disk space, display color range and resolution. In such situations, issues appear the moment that a software application attempts to access the items (devices, RAM, hard disk space, monitor resolution, etc.) that it cannot find.

Since many software packages share the same dynamic link library files, glitches can also appear when these shared DLLs are not updated. For example, let's say that Program A is already installed on a personal computer and it is running just fine. Next consider that the computer user downloads and sets up Program B. Program B needs a dynamic link library file which Program A installed much earlier, however, when Program B starts up, glitches appear. Those glitches are the result of Program B attempting to use an outdated common DLL which was included with Program A. In order to remedy that problem, the user must find on the Internet a newer version of the shared DLL (which speaking mildly - isn't the easiest thing to find or set up).

At times, glitches pop up when a PC doesn't possess the right drivers or when the drivers which are on the computer are the incorrect version. Both glitches in these instances can be resolved by updating the system on a frequent schedule. Microsoft has a section on its servers that can automatically update a PC online, and it does this at no cost in an effort to reduce errors like this. Always try to keep your computer up to date so that in case a program shares a DLL, it will share the same dynamic link library file which has been brought up to date on hundreds of thousands of personal computers like yours.

This article doesn't even begin to address the whole gamut of computer error messages - but more information regarding ways to get help with a personal computer problem (including personal computer errors) can be read in my article about "Computer Help" no matter what the issue is. You may also find online PC support to help resolve these error messages.

Best regards,

Bob Hosken

"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has more than 30 years of career work in IT with PCs. Starting in his teenage years he has built and operated a number of profitable firms and non-profit entities. Download his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and learn the most effective techniques to utilize your PC at Online PC Support, or see his Offsite Backups page, or write him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thank you!

Computer Usage by Elderly and Online PC Support Relieves the Feeling of Isolation

An increasing number of elderly are catching the personal computer bug and diving into the online world. The active baby boomers have matured and become active seniors looking to move out and explore the world surrounding them. The WWW and computers together have burst open the doors to various avenues of entertainment and excitement for these seniors.

No longer are these people resigned to only playing shuffleboard or cards with their local friends for their entertainment. Now with the aid of PCs and the Internet they can play such games and find online PC support over the Internet with folks from all over the world. While learning how to use a PC is still one of the biggest challenges to many in the older generation, when most of them figure out how to use a computer, they cannot believe that they were ever worried about it at all.

Many elderly people have voiced apprehension when they start learning how to use a personal computer and make contact with friends over the Internet. They are quite proud when they not only find out how to use a personal computer, but are able to even send emails and use other personal computer applications with no outside help at all.

Although some in the older generation might have had a little experience with PCs in their previous employment, most are finding out the basics of personal computer use for the first time. It is really an ordeal at first for many of these folks who find it all a bit overwhelming. This feeling quickly passes, though, as they learn the fundamentals very easily and begin to see some results after only a few class sessions.

Computer use among {seniors|elderly people|those in the older generation} has shown to be very beneficial to them in several aspects. It helps them to be involved in life once more. Although using a personal computer isn't equivalent to a workout for the body, using a PC is a very stimulating method for them to exercise their most important muscle - their brain. By staying intelectually active, many seniors discover that they are not lonely any longer and there's much more they can accomplish with the aid of a personal computer.

Not only are they able to use personal computer programs to assist them to work with some hobbies they might have, but in addition the WWW can assist them to stay in contact with others who share in the same interest. Keeping in contact with relatives and acquaintances by way of email is an additional great way to help elderly people to be connected to the lives of others and the world around them. By staying in close contact, they find more purpose in their old age.

Some in the older generation even become competent enough with their PC use that they are able to take on part time jobs doing basic data entry for companies. They can also assist in instructing others in the older generation about the benefits of learning to use a personal computer and the wonderful world of the WWW. Quite a few in the older generation may have only heard about the seemingly endless websites out there that have so much info which they are able to easily access.

For many seniors it's like switching on a light that shows them what they have been missing all their lives. They become passionate about their search for knowledge with personal computers and the Internet. The feeling of loneliness is lifted immediately as soon as they send and receive their initial email messages with someone they know. Whether the person is across the world or just across the street, the thrill is the same. Soon they learn how to feel part of the world once more and can take part in more conversations as their grasp of PCs and the Internet grows.

Having the ability to get in touch again with old friends who they haven't talked to for ages is quite a huge accomplishment for these seniors. They also are able to encourage each other to learn more while they experience together some of the same things while learning more about computers and the Internet. This is when online PC support is of great benefit. Also, many seniors with hearing problems find it a lot simpler to email somebody, or use Skype, Facebook or MySpace to connect, rather than attempting to talk to the friend on the phone.

Seniors who are grandparents find that the Internet is a tremendous way to stay a part of their grandkids' lives. By exchanging emails and talking about everyday events, the family becomes closer and stays closer as well. By using the WWW, many in the older generation have discovered friends with shared interests. Whether these interests are past-times or health concerns they share, the fun of being able to message someone and let them chat back to you nearly instantly is really fun for those seniors.

Yours truly,

Bob Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has accumulated more than 30 years of professional experience in software development. Starting in his teenage years he has built and run several companies and non-profit entities. Download his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and see the most effective techniques to work with your PC at Online PC Support, or see his Offsite Backups page, or email him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thank you!

Computer Usage by Elderly and Online PC Support Relieves the Feeling of Isolation

An increasing number of elderly are catching the personal computer bug and diving into the online world. The active baby boomers have matured and become active seniors looking to move out and explore the world surrounding them. The WWW and computers together have burst open the doors to various avenues of entertainment and excitement for these seniors.

No longer are these people resigned to only playing shuffleboard or cards with their local friends for their entertainment. Now with the aid of PCs and the Internet they can play such games and find online PC support over the Internet with folks from all over the world. While learning how to use a PC is still one of the biggest challenges to many in the older generation, when most of them figure out how to use a computer, they cannot believe that they were ever worried about it at all.

Many elderly people have voiced apprehension when they start learning how to use a personal computer and make contact with friends over the Internet. They are quite proud when they not only find out how to use a personal computer, but are able to even send emails and use other personal computer applications with no outside help at all.

Although some in the older generation might have had a little experience with PCs in their previous employment, most are finding out the basics of personal computer use for the first time. It is really an ordeal at first for many of these folks who find it all a bit overwhelming. This feeling quickly passes, though, as they learn the fundamentals very easily and begin to see some results after only a few class sessions.

Computer use among {seniors|elderly people|those in the older generation} has shown to be very beneficial to them in several aspects. It helps them to be involved in life once more. Although using a personal computer isn't equivalent to a workout for the body, using a PC is a very stimulating method for them to exercise their most important muscle - their brain. By staying intelectually active, many seniors discover that they are not lonely any longer and there's much more they can accomplish with the aid of a personal computer.

Not only are they able to use personal computer programs to assist them to work with some hobbies they might have, but in addition the WWW can assist them to stay in contact with others who share in the same interest. Keeping in contact with relatives and acquaintances by way of email is an additional great way to help elderly people to be connected to the lives of others and the world around them. By staying in close contact, they find more purpose in their old age.

Some in the older generation even become competent enough with their PC use that they are able to take on part time jobs doing basic data entry for companies. They can also assist in instructing others in the older generation about the benefits of learning to use a personal computer and the wonderful world of the WWW. Quite a few in the older generation may have only heard about the seemingly endless websites out there that have so much info which they are able to easily access.

For many seniors it's like switching on a light that shows them what they have been missing all their lives. They become passionate about their search for knowledge with personal computers and the Internet. The feeling of loneliness is lifted immediately as soon as they send and receive their initial email messages with someone they know. Whether the person is across the world or just across the street, the thrill is the same. Soon they learn how to feel part of the world once more and can take part in more conversations as their grasp of PCs and the Internet grows.

Having the ability to get in touch again with old friends who they haven't talked to for ages is quite a huge accomplishment for these seniors. They also are able to encourage each other to learn more while they experience together some of the same things while learning more about computers and the Internet. This is when online PC support is of great benefit. Also, many seniors with hearing problems find it a lot simpler to email somebody, or use Skype, Facebook or MySpace to connect, rather than attempting to talk to the friend on the phone.

Seniors who are grandparents find that the Internet is a tremendous way to stay a part of their grandkids' lives. By exchanging emails and talking about everyday events, the family becomes closer and stays closer as well. By using the WWW, many in the older generation have discovered friends with shared interests. Whether these interests are past-times or health concerns they share, the fun of being able to message someone and let them chat back to you nearly instantly is really fun for those seniors.

Yours truly,

Bob Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has accumulated more than 30 years of professional experience in software development. Starting in his teenage years he has built and run several companies and non-profit entities. Download his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and see the most effective techniques to work with your PC at Online PC Support, or see his Offsite Backups page, or email him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thank you!

Where and How to Find Some PC Assistance - Online PC Support

Well, there's no denying it - no matter how new or how well-maintained our PCs are, we all meet up with PC issues sometime or other. The bright side is that we don't have to tackle them alone. There are all sorts of helps available to walk us through computer issues, but it might require a little ingenuity in knowing how to locate them. This article will show you how to locate online PC support.

1. Vendor websites. When you're experiencing an issue with a software application or with a hardware part, look up the website of the software's or hardware's company. Most (if not all) vendors reserve a section of cyberspace and use it to support the products that they provide. Microsoft's help desk is a good example.

2. Remember help files. It's funny, but people often don't remember that every personal computer itself and every program installed on a personal computer comes with its own help file. Even the operating system of a personal computer has a help file, and it really ought to be the first place to look for solutions. Help files are designed not only to guide in how to use a PC, they're also written to fix difficulties. Inside a help file, look for a section called, "Troubleshooting" (or something similar) when you need to resolve an issue. This section is reserved for solving problems specific to the software or hardware that you're using.

3. Fan sites. Fan sites perhaps is not a good term for this resource, but one can find websites that are set up for supporting the users of a particular software program or piece of hardware. We call them "fan sites" since the maintainers of such websites have no affiliation with the manufacturers which they support! Call them however you want, but their free help is invaluable and without it, we would not have some of the wonderful workarounds and top-notch problem resolution resources which we possess today.

4. Usenet newsgroups. An often underutilized resource on the Internet, Usenet newsgroups include scores and scores of discussion groups focused on some of the most popular PC systems, operating systems, device suppliers, and various software programs. At times, the employees of these vendors take part, but usually, the help in these groups is user-to-user, and this is just as valuable since you are working with a bunch of experienced folks.

5. Help Lines. Another resource for help which we mustn't forget are the help systems of different manufacturers. You can access these systems by dialing the phone number associated with the product that you are experiencing difficulties with. Calling might be free (1-800 or 1-877 numbers), or they may cost a small fee (1-900).

6. Computer support groups or computer clubs are another option for help. These are groups that meet in libraries, computer stores, or similar local areas, and they talk about all kinds of issues dealing with a particular product. Even if you may not be experiencing a related PC or software problem, support groups are exciting to take part in, because they may help you make contacts for other interests such as work or teaching possibilities.

7. Also, you might even find a helping hand from the salespeople at a nearby personal computer store. We don't suggest that you make this your first pit stop if you experience a problem, but we don't think that you ought to ignore this alternative altogether either. PC salespersons are employed for a reason - and that is their knowledge. Often these kind people are able to help you to solve an issue over thetelephone and keep you from having to buy an expensive solution.

From this you can tell that help is easy to find - you simply have to know where to hunt for it. Most of the people within these resources are extremely friendly and willing to spend time to step you through an issue at little to no expense. From online discussion groups, to the help files on your own PC, to online PC support, assistance is often just a phone call away.

Best regards,

Robert Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has over 30 years of career work in software development. Beginning in his teens he has set up and headed many businesses and non-profit organizations. Download his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and find out the most efficient methods to use your PC at Online PC Support, see his Offsite Backups page, or write him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thanks!

Diagnosing Personal Computers - Getting Online PC Support

The diagnostic programs that are associated with computers can assist you to pinpoint any problem or failure that PCs show when they are having problems. Diagnostics are utilized to test out the computer system, and this includes both the BIOS, RAM, programs, and even the hardware attached to the personal computer. Many times this can be accomplished over the Internet, using online PC support from an expert.

The most frequent sorts of problems can appear when your computer is down to very low resources, and this can either be a low amount of RAM, or low hard disk space. Such conditions are quite common, and usually result in your computer running quite slow. This can be fixed very simply, often all you need to do is delete some programs and data that you don't use or need any more, and next, defragment your hard disk.  Or it may be a virus, and that is when you should have offsite backups set up beforehand.

Nearly all kinds of personal computer diagnostic software can pinpoint and resolve just about any issue that you may be experiencing.  It normally begins with a BIOS checkup, and proceeds from there. Personal computer diagnostic programs can determine quite a bit from examining the BIOS, from the common settings to those that could cause a major impact on both the PC's start up time and its ongoing work.

No matter what, you almost never should modify or mess with the BIOS settings, because it can lead to serious problems. If you do intend to modify or tamper with your PC's BIOS, you must always create a copy of it first, just in case something goes wrong. The BIOS settings can be very tricky, and they are the source of a lot concerning your personal computer's smooth operation. If you've never been in the BIOS before, you really shouldn't be modifying or tampering with anything inside of it.

Depending on the diagnostics program which you are using, there will be several different options available. At present, two of the most popular are Norton Systemworks and PC Doctor. Both of these software packages provide full diagnostics, capable of repairing just about any software-related personal computer issue you can think of.  

When you run the software, you will be able to choose the diagnostic routine which you need to use. Some provide you a full system scan, to scan your entire computer and then show any problems that your PC is experiencing. After showing any problems, the software will normally give you a choice to continue and repair it. If the issue is nothing major, the diagnostic software can usually correct it.

The more difficult issues, for example hardware breakdowns or hard drive crashes, are a totally different thing. They will require a technician who is very qualified, and who can rebuild the devices. Diagnostic software packages can report a hardware problem to you, however, usually they are not able to resolve it.

There are several other computer diagnostic software packages that you run when starting the personal computer, that will test all sorts of things, from the BIOS to the operating system to the programs. Such diagnostic tools are great, and some are free, but software such as Norton and PC Doctor are generally superior. They provide far more options, including defragment, checking for bad sectors on your hard drive, cleaning cache, and the option to delete your temporary Internet files. These options are great to have, especially if you are not the technical type.

For more than one reason, diagnosing your PC via remote PC repair is the ideal way to locate and prevent issues with your PC: you don't need to load it up and take it anywhere, and you actually watch and learn while the expert checks out and fixes it remotely.

And several companies offer you offsite backup services, and this is the best way to back up your data. You can back up your data at a specified set time, or just go ahead and let the software back up your data automatically. These services are quite easy to use, especially if you are totally new to PCs.

For all they provide you, offsite backups and computer diagnostic programs are the best ways to prevent problems before they occur and resolve them when they do.

Sincerely,

Robert Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

The author, Dr. Robert Hosken, has more than 30 years of professional experience in IT. Ever since his teens he has built and headed many profitable firms and charitable entities. You can get his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and find out the most effective methods to work with your PC at Online PC Support, see his Offsite Backups page, or email him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thank you!

Dealing With the Loss of Files - Data Backup and Recovery

Loss of data is something which could well be very devastating.  Whether it is a company with vital files and information, or an individual with irreplaceable pictures and movies, loss of files can be an extremely traumatic and stressful situation.  If you've never experienced hard drive burn-out or losing data before, you'll find out that it will in fact be a disaster where you find yourself wondering what you must do. Your first choice beforehand is offsite backups, because in the event of an "act of God" or human causes any onsite backups could also be destroyed.

Regardless of what happens, you should not stress out or permit the situation to conquer you.  Even though PCs are wonderful devices to use, and hard drives usually function quite satisfactorily for storage, they are both mechanical, and are bound to crash after some period of time.  It doesn't matter how sophisticated hard drives get, they will never become able to totally avoid crashes or wearing out.

In many instances, your disk may be recovered, which is certainly tremendous news. When your hard disk first crashes or you notice that a portion of your data is missing, you should take it to a nearby specialist immediately.  The expert will be able to evaluate your hard disk, find out and then tell you what the issue is. The inspection procedure might take anywhere from a day to a few weeks, so you need to always be prepared for whatever might happen.

Once the hard disk has been inspected, the specialist will inform you of the alternatives that exist and go over pricing with you. At this time, you may determine whether you should buy a new hard disk and restore your information from a backup, or accept the specialist's proposal. Bear in mind that his proposal could be very costly, although at this point it might very probably be the only alternative available for recovering your data... if you don't perform backups.

The smartest way to avoid information restoration completely is to perform a backup of your information and continue backing up regularly.  Companies and individuals who do their work on personal computers should always backup things at least daily. In this way, if your hard drive decides to burn out or you accidentally delete some of your information, you'll have the backup files safe and sound. So when you take your hard disk to a expert to be restored, you'll have the files to continue working. Also, at this juncture you can decide whether or not you want to have the hard disk recovered, or just scrap it and buy a new drive - because you'll have all your information backed up and ready to use.

In the event of data loss or hard drive failure, you must always remain cool and know that there are options out there to assist you to recover your files. If you've been backing up your information, you won't have to worry near as much. From having the foresight to perform offsite backups of your information beforehand, to using information recovery specialists - you'll have the options you need to retain your peace of mind and recover your lost information.

Yours truly,

Bob Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

The author, Dr. Robert Hosken, has accumulated over 30 years of professional experience with computers. Ever since his teenage years he has started and operated many profitable firms and charitable organizations. Download his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and see the most up-to-date ways to backup your irreplaceable files at offsite backups, see his homepage, or contact him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thanks!

Information Backup and Recovery Methods

No matter what your position is, where you work, or what model of personal computer you work with - your PC's information is at risk all the time. With malware, power surges, lightning, floods, burglary, fire, human mistakes and malicious people around, the threats are always present.  To be secure, you'll have to back up your files and keep doing it on a regular schedule. The first alternative is offsite backups, since in case of disaster or man-made errors any local backups might also be destroyed. In the event of your hard drive failing and you don't have a backup, you will need information retrieval - which is the only option available.

Before you start down that long road of information retrieval, there are some items to remember.  If you're are using your personal computer and an application starts to act strangely, you should shut down the personal computer right away.  You may also hear a few strange sounds as well, which is an additional indication that your hard drive is working excessively.  If you shut down your PC immediately at this point, you could keep data loss from happening. If, however, you do not shut down your PC, but allow the failing hard drive to continue running, it is only a question of time before the hard disk totally destroys itself - which will ultimately bring about the loss of data.

If this happens and you have lost all of your information, you must never attempt to repair the hard drive yourself unless you know exactly what must be done.  At this stage, professional information retrieval services aren't just a luxury - they're a necessity. The process for data recovery consumes much time, and requires both special instruments and a clean work environment. Trying to repair a hard drive by yourself is quite challenging, and could end up making matters much worse if you don't know precisely what to do.

Even though there are programs available for information retrieval, you shouldn't utilize them unless you know exactly what to do.  Because most hard drive problems are very intricate, a program could do more harm than good.  Even though a recovery service may boast that their program will fix the problem and recover your data, you must always be careful to just avoid using do-it-yourself data retrieval software.

Just to be safe with your hard disk and recover the data that was lost, you usually ought to turn to a reputable local information retrieval service. That way, you can rest assured that your hard disk is in good hands and it'll be repaired correctly. Professional recovery services can repair almost any hard drive problem, and retrieve every kind of data.  In occurs, you must be ready to buy a new hard drive - and consider yourself lucky that you thought to make offsite backups of your information beforehand.

Best regards,

Robert Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has accumulated more than 30 years of career experience in software development. Ever since his teens he has started and operated a number of profitable firms and charitable entities. Download his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and learn the modern methods to save your irreplaceable data at offsite backups, see his homepage, or contact him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thank you!

Information Backup and Recovery Methods

No matter what your position is, where you work, or what model of personal computer you work with - your PC's information is at risk all the time. With malware, power surges, lightning, floods, burglary, fire, human mistakes and malicious people around, the threats are always present.  To be secure, you'll have to back up your files and keep doing it on a regular schedule. The first alternative is offsite backups, since in case of disaster or man-made errors any local backups might also be destroyed. In the event of your hard drive failing and you don't have a backup, you will need information retrieval - which is the only option available.

Before you start down that long road of information retrieval, there are some items to remember.  If you're are using your personal computer and an application starts to act strangely, you should shut down the personal computer right away.  You may also hear a few strange sounds as well, which is an additional indication that your hard drive is working excessively.  If you shut down your PC immediately at this point, you could keep data loss from happening. If, however, you do not shut down your PC, but allow the failing hard drive to continue running, it is only a question of time before the hard disk totally destroys itself - which will ultimately bring about the loss of data.

If this happens and you have lost all of your information, you must never attempt to repair the hard drive yourself unless you know exactly what must be done.  At this stage, professional information retrieval services aren't just a luxury - they're a necessity. The process for data recovery consumes much time, and requires both special instruments and a clean work environment. Trying to repair a hard drive by yourself is quite challenging, and could end up making matters much worse if you don't know precisely what to do.

Even though there are programs available for information retrieval, you shouldn't utilize them unless you know exactly what to do.  Because most hard drive problems are very intricate, a program could do more harm than good.  Even though a recovery service may boast that their program will fix the problem and recover your data, you must always be careful to just avoid using do-it-yourself data retrieval software.

Just to be safe with your hard disk and recover the data that was lost, you usually ought to turn to a reputable local information retrieval service. That way, you can rest assured that your hard disk is in good hands and it'll be repaired correctly. Professional recovery services can repair almost any hard drive problem, and retrieve every kind of data.  In occurs, you must be ready to buy a new hard drive - and consider yourself lucky that you thought to make offsite backups of your information beforehand.

Best regards,

Robert Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has accumulated more than 30 years of career experience in software development. Ever since his teens he has started and operated a number of profitable firms and charitable entities. Download his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and learn the modern methods to save your irreplaceable data at offsite backups, see his homepage, or contact him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thank you!

Low-Cost and Quick Programs - Introducing You to Shareware

Walk into any software dealer these days and you will find what appears to be row after row of programs for sale. Probably enticing purchases, however, you may encounter a few problems with purchasing programs off the shelf. Off-the shelf programs - otherwise known as "commercial programs" - may be more costly, incompatible and out of date when compared to what is available over the Internet. 

Happily, there's an alternative to commercial programs, and although it is not new, it's one of the most under-utilized opportunities in the software business. We're thinking of shareware - programs that you are able to try before buying.  And you can receive it over the Internet, similar to accessing online PC support.

Shareware has a long history and had been rather popular during the time where BBSes - bulletin board systems - ruled over the online computer industry. It has not gone anywhere, but the competition withcommercial software is tough - so tough that it appears to get moved to the sidelines among new computer users. This is sad, because shareware has quite a few plusses over commercial programs.

One of the plusses is its price. On average, shareware is generally much less expensive than commercial programs. But don't misunderstand the cost. With shareware, cheap does not mean poor-quality, and there are plenty of examples that show shareware often outshines the quality of commercial programs many times. How much economy are we looking at? You can purchase an excellent word processing, spreadsheet or database program, or a system maintenance program anywhere from only $20 to just under a hundred. This is almost unimaginable in stores like Best Buy, Circuit City or compUSA, but the programs available in this price range compete with even MS Office.

One other plus that shareware has in comparison with commercial programs is its compatibility. We are not implying that shareware is compatible with all OSes. What we are saying is that because we can try out shareware before you buy it, we are able to determine first whether the software is completely suitable for our computers. In other words, we can discover whether the program works like we want it to, and should anyone attempt to do the same with commercial programs, they will experience a huge disappointment. Commercial software policy doesn't even allow for returns, let alone using a friend's programs to experiment with them.

 

The final plus which shareware possesses in comparison with commercial programs (but certainly not the least) is its being up-to-date. Plain and simple, shareware comes out far ahead when you want to keep up-to-date with the most recent release of a certain program. Certainly, computer stores do their best to maintain their inventory up-to-date, but when you are able to download the latest edition 5.7062 of a shareware program as opposed to buying a commercial 3.0 version from a nearby computer shop, there's simply no comparison.

This us to our next topic. Just where does one get shareware? Shareware can be found just about everywhere on the Web and it is really difficult not to locate it. The most popular places to find shareware is at thousands of download libraries, however, the businesses (and even independent programmers) behind shareware are increasingly offering shareware from their proprietary websites. A simple search on Google or Bing for a given kind of software will give all sorts of answers that direct you to items that you can try out before you buy.

Keep in mind, however, that since shareware is not commercial software, you might not experience a full features of the program in the manner you could if you had bought the software in a store. Shareware may or may not be limited - meaning that some functions might not be accessible to you unless the program is purchased. These limits are often small and don't interfere with how its paid-for version operates. They're really incorporated simply as a way to prompt payment. Keep in mind that shareware is not free. You must not attempt to use shareware like a commercial software package without purchasing it.

About the only point that is comparable between shareware and commercial software is the manner in which they can be purchased. With a credit card, you can be the next licensee of a new program in just a few minutes. Even without a credit card, you may actually receive online PC support, yes, over the WWW!

Yours truly,

Bob Hosken

"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has accumulated over 30 years of career experience with computers. Beginning in his teens he has set up and headed many companies and charitable entities. You can get his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and learn the most effective methods to utilize your PC at online PC support, see his homepage, or write him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - see you there!