Computer Problems/Advice Thread

[alex_m]

I thought it would be quite handy to have a thread to ask advice about buying/fixing/improving computers.

 

Feel free to add tips or answer questions.

Also, this isn't a place for gloating Mac users to say "Get a mac"

 

 

I'll start it off with a few tips for the technophobes out there.

 

Buying...

Don't just go to PC World and let a spotty oik pressure you into buying a piece of crap that's overpriced.

Cheap Laptops, Tablet PC, and Cheap LED TVs | Ebuyer.com is the best mainstream website.

Also, dell have a good selection on there refurbished outlet at cheaper prices. Dell Outlet - Refurbished Laptops, Desktops & Servers | Dell UK

Good deals can be had on amazon aswell. Amazon.co.uk PCs & Laptops: Tablets, Desktops, Notebooks, Accessories and more

 

If you are confused by the jargon, to get you on the right track...

The processor; should be at least an intel i3 (i5 and i7 if possible but they a more expensive) to run modern bit of software.

RAM (memory); Minimum 4gb to handle demands of modern software.

Hard drive; Up to you really but even most budget laptops come with 320gb which is more than enough for thousands of pictures, songs and software.

 

 

T'internet...

Firstly, if you are using Internet Explorer as it came with your computer, change it. The two best internet browsers are Firefox & Chrome in my opinion. They are faster, more secure and with better add-ons.

 

Add-ons (programs that bolt onto the internet browser)

These are for firefox, other browsers have similar products.

 

Ad-block plus - This get's rid of annoying adverts and pop ups, for instance at the start of videos on youtube and 4od, or on facebook.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/adblock-plus/

 

Do Not Track Me - Alot of websites (inc facebook) track you across all the websites you visit. To block any attempts to track you, download this add on.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/donottrackplus/

 

Spellchecker - This add on comes built in with new versions of Firefox. Some other browsers might need a separate download. It puts a squiggly red line under words that are spelled incorrectly and with a right click shows the correct spelling. Much like a word document (just look out for american spellcheckers that like to put a Z in everything )

 

You can create one-click bookmark/favourite buttons at the top of your browser for sites that you use alot. Here is a guide to get you started.

Bookmarks Toolbar - Display your favorite websites at the top of the Firefox window | Firefox Help

 

 

Anti Virus

Many PC's and Laptops come with a free McAfee or Norton anti virus - They are ok, but not even close to the best.

Ones to consider are Eset NOD32, AVG, Kapersky and Bulldog.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

Good idea Alex. I won't have much to offer except 'get a Mac' but this could be a useful thread for me as although I love tech and gadgets, I'm a tech numpty.

 

Just ask Butch on Treehouse and Bullman how many times i've requested my password!

[Chippy]

As well as anti virus software get anti spyware and run it regularly, lots of sites log your details, also data loggers are on your pc running without you knowing.

a good place to get lots of free software is Cnet. com go to downloads and look for anti spy.

[Gnome]

Good idea Alex and some good pointers for the non techies. I would add ensure you allow windows updates automatically. And try if possible to remove all the free applications that seem to be preinstalled on PC these days. Was shocked at the amount when I got my new lappy before christmas.

 

One of the main problems I have had with fixing peoples computers is the amount of silly little programs they have running like RAM boosters, speed checkers, etc.(i'm not talking about browser add ons) And keep your desktops clear.

 

IMO keep to the bare bones approach as much as possible. The more programs you are running the more chance something's going to go wrong.

[alex_m]

I agree Gnome. I'm a pretty untidy person in the real world, but my computer is spotless Maybe some kind of ocd....

The Acer laptop i bought recently was littered with Acer software/apps - deleted them all straight away.

 

Also to note from my original post - arbtalk is tracking me! The do-not-track add-on blocked Google Adsense, Google Analytics and Viglink (whoever they are?) from this site.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

Just one question. Is this thread going to be looking at PC alone or Macs as well?

I only ask so that I don't get confused as I only have a Mac now.

Thanks.

[Woodworks]

Thanks Alex good idea for a thread

 

You have helped this numpty already

[Taupotreeman]

All ready re reading your first post and making mental notes Alex. Excellent idea for a thread.

[alex_m]

Just one question. Is this thread going to be looking at PC alone or Macs as well?

I only ask so that I don't get confused as I only have a Mac now.

Thanks.

 

This for everyone - even Linux users

 

Oh and if Steve or any other mods see this - can you edit my OP please? It should be 'their' not 'there' at the bit about dell (Also a good note from this - spellchecker doesn't know when you have used a correctly spelled word in the wrong place!)

Edited January 13, 2013 by alex_m

[Peter]

Get a Mac.

 

Sorry, what was the question?