In this section I will share useful tips and other information to help you get the most out of your computer, things that I have come across and have helped me and hopefully can help you too!

Time For A New Computer?

1. Do you want a desktop or laptop?
2. What will you be using it for?
(i.e. school, work, internet/email access, gaming)
3. Is it just for your use or will you be sharing it with other family members?
4. Will you need special applications/software installed?
5. Will you need a wireless connection?
6. How much do you want to spend?


Depending on your answers, you have to decide first on the hardware, considering the speed of the cpu, size of the hard drive and memory, and other accessories you may want and/or need.

You can ask others for their opinion, but their needs may be different than yours so you have to look at your own situation. If you're still not sure, you can ask someone you know who is very familiar with computers and they can help you select one that will be right for you.

If you go to the store, unaware of what you want, don't make this known to the salesperson. They will try to sell you the most expensive computer in the store - not in your best interest, but theirs.

Also, make sure that the computer is brand spanking new; not refurbished or remanufactured, that is a computer that has had parts recently replaced and a limited warranty may be offered for that particular computer (30 days) - my suggestion is to stay away from these.

You want a computer to last you at least 3 years before something needs to be upgraded and/replaced.


Reliable reviews for making your next computer purchase!

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Your Data - The What

Any time you deal with computers, the information stored on the computer is very important because it's YOUR information.

In my last 3 IT positions, part of my job was to backup and restore client's information or data that was installed on their computers and in most cases, they didn't have a clue themselves on how to do it-:(

While you may expect and rely on a IT professional to do what they can to help you, it's really in YOUR best interest to make sure you can do it YOURSELF and guess what? It's not hard!

First, you need to be familiar with how your data is stored on your computer. This is called the file structure.

This a screenshot of my computer and what is installed on it:



This is data that is stored on my hard drive which is always called the C drive

I don't have too much data, however if you notice the folder called Documents & Settings this is the section that is going to be important right now.

Everytime you log on to a Windows computer, the file structure is set up in a way that while more than one person can log on to the computer, a separate profile is created for that person. Notice the next screenshot:



If you were to log on to my computer for the first time, a profile would be created for you and then you would see a folder with your name on it.

This also is good in regards to security. If I log on to my computer, I would not be able to see what is in your profile and you would not be able to see what is in my profile.

In other words: one profile per person!

Makes sense?

So now you understand the file structure so far and you want to see if you can backup your data. You have choices to make now.

In my previous jobs, sometimes I would back up the client's entire profile, that is, the folder that has their name and other times I would backup folders within that profile. It all depends on the person and their situation.

Here's another screenshot of what is in my profile:



For me, I don't need to back up my entire profile, I would back up only the important folders and these are the folders that should be important to you as well - at least the first three folders.

My Documents, Desktop, Favorites, My Downloads, Music Downloads

If you notice there are some hidden folders, Application Data, Local Settings, etc. Application Data may store folders that is associated with a program. Depending on what kind of software program it is you may need to back up this folder.

Local Settings is associated with your profile. Although you may not need to back up this entire folder, there are folders that are associated with Microsoft Outlook that may need to be backed up. Outlook is a folder under Local Settings that is set up to be the default location for your email information.

I can share many horror stories of clients who did not back up this folder and they lost all of their email information. If you're still not sure, be on the safe side and go ahead and back up these two folders as well or you can still back up your entire profile.

Software programs and applications should not be backed up, they need to be reinstalled again.
Backing up a program such ITunes is not really saving that program. You can save the music that you downloaded, BUT you still to reinstall ITunes again.

Here is a screenshot of all my software programs and applications:



If you notice, the folder, Program Files is not located in my profile, it's located directly where? Yes, my C drive or hard drive.

Every single program and/or application you have installed on your computer is located in this folder.

Now that you have idea of the file structure of what's ON your computer, how can you back it up?

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Your Data - The How

There are many companies that offer data back-up solutions and ususally they would keep your data stored on their server, which basically is a larger computer that stores their companies' programs and applications, including your data.

Doesn't sound like something that would be free, would it? Think also too, would you really want to store YOUR data on someone else's computer? Of course, the decision is yours.

Would you want to pay $$$ to a company per month to back up your data when you can do it yourself for much less, even free?

You have many choices. There is the common 'cut & paste', 'Ctrl C & Ctrl V' to a blank CD or DVD.

You can also back up your data to a USB flash drive or an external hard drive

Microsoft Windows has a back-up utility called System Restore & Backup which you can use to back-up your data. Notice the screenshot below:


If you click on Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Backup (right at the Top) and follow the directions, you're all set!

Your Data - When?

That all depends on YOU. How much time do you spend on your computer, creating and saving new files? If you do this every day, it would be good to back up your data once a week.

During slower times that you're using your computer, backing up your data every two weeks or even once a month is sufficient.

When it comes to YOUR data, it's not just about the what, how and when - it's about being aware, being safe, and being mindful and making sure that......YOU BACK UP YOUR DATA!



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Does this screen look familiar to you? Yes, the infamous BSOD -Blue Screen of Death.




This will certaintly not be the death of you just like it won't be the death of your computer. Is it fixable? It all depends on what causes the blue screen.

The BSOD can be caused by your corruption in the operating system, recently installed software driver that might not be compatible with your computer, also hardware could be involved. A recent hardware upgrade which may cause conflict with another hardware component in your computer could also cause this blue screen.

Sometimes the blue screen message may flash on the screen so quickly you'll miss it. If you are able to see the message, get a pencil or pen and jot it down.

There is a website that I have been using for a few years now that has helped me figure out what my blue screen message was directed from - software or hardware issue.

The website is called AltaVista

Type in the error message that you were able to jot down and Altavista will show results and possible solutions to that particular blue screen message.

I have this website bookmarked as one of my Internet Explorer favorites, I recommend you bookmark this website as well.

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"Cannot find .DLL"

Once in a while you may see this type of message after you turn on your computer and that is as far as you can go. What does it mean?

DLL (Dynamic Link Library)are files that are used by a Windows operating system. (Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista)

A recent software install, virus, spyware, etc. can cause a dll file to get corrupted. Before you decide on your possible solutions, find out what type of dll file is in question.

There is a website, specifically designed to identify the particular dll file and offer solutions as well as the ability to download the file to your computer.


Look Up DLL Error Message
Scroll down and you will see where you can either choose the first letter of the name of the dll file or you can type the entire file name in the white box.






Depending on the type of dll file it is, you have choice of restoring your XP operating system to a previous day, week or month before you started experience problems.

You also have the choice of reinstalling your Windows operating system - provided you have your important data already backed up.

There may be other steps that need to be taken to restore and/or fix your dll problem - either way it turns out, knowing exactly what file is in question is better than not knowing.

Check back for more Tech Tips!

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