Using the Computer
From the conversations I have been having with people, the PC they bought to do all manner of things is causing all kinds of grief, in this section of the web site I'll try and pass on some of the knowledge I've gained in 20 years of using and working with computers (and swearing).
I'll add bits to this over the coming months there is quite a bit of this on the internet, I'll stick some links in here too for getting knowledge.
Future Sections will include, Basics of MS Windows 95 and 98, what the computer can do, Video Editing, Virus's, The Internet, MS Publisher, MS Front Page
Links to handy sites for education on computer related issues
WWW.digitalduck.com Examples of problems with solutions
www.itreviews.co.uk Reviews of everything
www.pcmech.com Good reference for DIY computer surgery
www.qwikfyx.com Good for beginners
The first thing to appreciate is that technology like time waits for no one, that nice shinny 2 Grand computer you bought last year was probably going to be out of date before the box was opened, it is a pointless exercise trying to keep up, treat the computer as a tool with an effective lifespan of 2 - 3 years. When you have a need to do something specific then think about buying whatever computer or widget you need, don't waste money by buying things with the intention of getting time to use them later, as it will probably be cheaper tomorrow.
A footnote to this is to use the techno-race to your advantage, there is a plethora of good software that can be had for the price of a computer mag, (demo or evaluation won't do), the software is just a tool like the computer and you will often find the older versions need less memory, disk space etc.
The manufacturers and retailers of all these Computers and associated toys are very clever at where and when they release technology, for example in the run up to Christmas, they bump the price up of just about everything and surprise surprise a month or so later a whole new set of things come out making what you just blew your hard earned cash on obsolete and half the price, you'll also get promised the earth until they get your cash then you'll just be a bad smell (if you can get through).
Enough ranting, here are some tips for buying computer things.
 | Like most things in life don't trust the advice of someone trying to sell you something, your money is much better off in his pocket. |
| Think about what your requirements really are and how they relate to what you have, for example if you want to edit video on your PC get some idea of the results that can be obtained with the computer and video you have, it may be a non starter. |
| When buying hardware (things that feel hard) insist on some assurance of a refund if what ever widget doesn't work, a replacement or alternative may also be useless to you, why things don't work is not always obvious or quantifiable, (it may just be naff, make up some story and try and get your money back) |
| It is very difficult to get refunds or replacements of software (the program thingies) because of licensing of software, always try and use the program on someone else's computer first or get a copy from somewhere to evaluate (then remove it and buy it of course). The description of software written on the box does appear to be covered by a different trades description act than other goods, i.e. B*ll*ks. |
| If ordering a PC understand that it will usually be a minimum of 2 - 3 weeks before you get it, sometimes longer, if you order a PC in November don't be surprised if arrives after Christmas, of course this wont be what you will be told when you place the order, you will be surprised at the multitude of excuses you get for the promised date being missed, (a member of the Shidoshi Kai ordered a PC in the middle of last October from a well known Jap manufacturer and got it a few days before Christmas after being promised 10 days) |
| If Buying Something Big like a PC then do all correspondence by Mail or Fax, only make initial inquiries by phone, often the Budget PC end of the market says one thing in an advert and you get something else, by the time you notice this which could be months or even years ! the company will have probably been folded. Especially avoid those manufacturers who put seals on the PC which they say invalidates the warranty if opened. The first thing you should do when you get the PC delivered is check every item is there and it is what you ordered, even if the courier gets the hump at waiting, if everything isn't in order then refuse to take it. |
| On the subject of warranties, avoid those specifying RTB (Return to Base), this means that if anything goes wrong with it, it is up to you to send it back to them, some of the big players even do this, it may be a long time before you see your PC again, there's recently been a spate of smaller outfits going bust and punters PC disappearing with them. What you are looking for is an onsite warranty, this means they will send someone out to come to you and fix the PC, generally reputable desk tops are quite reliable, laptops always have problems eventually. |
| Don't be conned by software bundles, most of the stuff is either useless to you or free on the net or magazines anyway. |
| Get a branded soundcard otherwise you will have problems with games if that is your forte, in fact if you are going to have a soundcard get a genuine SoundBlaster not a compatible(not), if you are going to use the PC for serious music work then look at either Turtle Beach or high end Yamaha stuff, but here you are talking serious money (and grief in getting them to work). |
| Most of the manufacturers now have some sort of internet connection software loaded on the PC, you are doing them a favour by using it, ask or read magazines to get the best deal you can on internet connections, its very easy to set up other connections, most of us use more than one. |
| Try and avoid buying things online, if there is an alternative buy things over the phone confirming by fax or in a shop and get assurances on stock and price etc, if you are buying from most of the direct sellers in the magazines they will use couriers that won't specify a time or sometimes even a day, they normally deliver only when you are at work, will only deliver to the address on the credit or debit card and if you are not in, they will require that you travel to their warehouse somewhere far away from where you live to pick up your goods. What I tend to do is phone around get the best price and collect at my convenience from those outfits that have a retail depot, i.e. SMC, Dabs Direct etc (not that I recommend any of them especially). |
| Beware of fraud using Credit Cards online, my area of expertise in computers is Banking, I am no genius, but if someone not as honest as myself can get access to your credit card details through the various channels I could, you are financially f*ck*d. The credit card companies normally insist that it is the responsibility of the card holder to protect their details and it is a major mission to take them on, do you want to if £50 is suddenly charged to spankme.bigboy.com |
| If you have a choice and you are thinking of doing anything that involves taking the box off the PC, get someone who knows what they are doing or has done it before to do it, some of the bits inside the PC are very easily damaged, even static electricity which you may not even notice can damage the chips (PC goes dead). |
| Buying and configuring computers is a minefield, learn as much as possible about what is current and buy just what you need, there is no such thing as future proofing, other than in the minds of marketing people. |
If a supplier stiffens you tell your friends.