What do I need to know about backing up my computer?
    As important as a computer user's digital life is today, it only makes sense to protect those files that comprise it from accidental loss. The first thing to decide is what needs to be backed up. We always tell folks to "back up the things you'd 'die' if you lost." For most folks, that generally includes digital pictures and videos, important personal documents, recorded music and e-mail. Generally, it is not necessary to back up software or a computer's operating system (as both can be replaced from external sources).
    After deciding what needs to be backed up, then comes the question where should it be backed up? The cheapest and easiest backup solution is an external harddrive (which can be purchased for around $100 or less at a local department store). Both the Macintosh operating system (since version 10.5.x) and Windows (since Vista) have easily configurable backup software built-in. The only downside to this 'local' backup solution is a catastrophic situation (fire? tornado??) in which both the computer and the backup are both destroyed. Off-site backup is feasible with today's high-speed internet connections but at a cost (both the ongoing expense and time needed to execute the backups regularly). Still, in this scenario even if the computer's home is demolished, the backup lives on and files can be recovered. We can help you explore the best backup solution for you and help you get it established.

How do I decide when to upgrade my computer?
    That question actually has two parts: Is the computer doing what you need it to do now? If not, what will it take to get it to meet your needs now? If your computer is basically working satisfactorily now, it may well be possible to optimize its performance for much less cost than that of purchasing a new one. Most new computers can reasonably be expected to be serviceable for at least three to five years. Past that lifespan, component failure and dated operating system issues start do become significant factors to consider. Sometimes a new computer makes good sense. But sometimes keeping a demonstrably reliable computer in service (maybe with some minor tweaks or upgrades) makes sense, too. We can help you evaluate your current computing situation and help you decide what is the best course of action.    

What do I need to know about offers to fix my computer over the Internet?
    While there are a handful of legitimate vendors of remote computer repair, there are far more that are either ineffective, ridiculously expensive or, in some cases, downright dangerous to consider. Even the legitimate vendors of remote repair are highly limited in what they can do from an off-site location. There are many situations that simply cannot be resolved remotely. More ominously, when allowing a remote technician to access your computer over the Internet, you effectively grant that person total access to all of your personal information. If you have solicited the repair activity directly (perhaps with your Internet provider to help with, say, an e-mail problem), you have a a very good chance that the technician is both legitimate and honest.
    However if, as we have seen on several occasions locally, a remote technician has contacted you directly without invitation (often under the pretense of representing Apple, Microsoft or your Internet provider and having supposedly detected some kind of 'problem' with your computer requiring immediate attention), be very skeptical of the claim! If you are considering employment of a remote repair service, weigh the considerations of cost, convenience and security. But far more importantly, if you are ever solicited to permit such activity that you did not initiate, please give us a call before proceeding (or suggest that the solicitor call us!).

What should I do when my computer freezes?
    First, don't panic! Many things can cause a computer to freeze up, most not terribly significant and should not be a cause for concern. On a Mac, the first thing to do is to try to 'force quit' any program that is misbehaving. Do this by using the three-finger key combination of command-option-esc, selecting any program shown as 'not responding' and clicking "Force quit." Similarly, on a Windows PC press the the keys control-alt-delete, bringing up several options including 'Task Manager.' Click 'Task Manager,' select the offending non-responsive program and click "End process."
    Forcing a misbehaving program to quit doesn't hurt the computer and often resolves a computer freeze, allowing you to get back to work. If for some reason you can't resolve the freeze by one of these methods (or the computer doesn't respond to your efforts), you can force the entire computer to shut down by pressing and holding the power button for at least five seconds (until the screen goes black). Release the power button, start the computer normally and continue about your business. This method is preferred over simply pulling out the power cord! If you are getting frequent freezes, then you may need to call us to set up an appointment for a computer checkup to determine their source and eliminate it.

Does my computer really need anti-virus software?
    The short answer, for both Mac and Windows PC owners is "yes". While Macs have yet to come under a significant virus threat, they are not inherently immune to attack. And while Windows has come a long way in combatting virus threats, it is still a very tempting target for the bad guys out on the Internet.
    While there are quite a few very good anti-virus software packages available for both Macs and PCs from a number of vendors, please realize that none of them is 100 percent effective in preventing a virus attack. And some commercial anti-virus packages are relatively expensive to purchase and update. As such, we generally recommend freeware anti-virus software. Microsoft Security Essentials is an excellent product for Windows, as is ClamXav for Macintosh. They are very easy to download and install from the links provided here, and require essentially no configuration. Both will constantly monitor your computer for attempted virus intrusions and have as good a track record in effectiveness as their commercial cousins. They also can be commanded to perform regular scans of the computer harddrive. While anti-virus software is easy to install, we stand ready to assist you in doing so. We also can show you how to further refine the settings on the software.

What do you want to know more about?
    There are still many other topics we could talk about here or in a personal consultation. We welcome your comments and questions for future issues of the OCW Insider. Or give one of us a call or drop an e-mail and we'll set up an appointment to meet with you!