Regular readers know I often use this space to tell you about mistakes I've made. There is plenty of material to choose from, even when I limit my mistakes to only those involving computers.
Hey, fair is fair: Today we'll talk about some of the most common mistakes you make. I get a pretty good picture of what you're up to based on the e-mails I receive. I'll divide this up by categories and pick the worst offense in each category.
> Security: The most common misconception is that your anti-virus program will stop all threats. My recommendation is to get an anti-virus program from Norton; the free SpyBot Search & Destroy from this Web site (www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html); and to either install Norton's firewall or to use the free one that comes with Windows XP.
> The Web: Many of you are tempted to download free programs from the Web. If you stick to sites such as Tucows (www.tucows.com) or Download.com (www.download.com), it can be a rewarding experience. But downloading add-ons to your browser and other programs from sites you don't know is the easiest way I know to end up with a computer infected with adware, spyware and viruses.
> E-mail: I often get e-mail from readers as part of a forwarded mass mailing warning of a nonexistent virus, or explaining that Bill Gates is giving away his fortune. All I have to do is forward the e-mail along. Thanks anyway, but I'll remain in poverty and delete the e-mail. Start with the assumption --- it's a safe one --- that the virus doesn't exist and that Gates is not giving away his fortune. Please don't add to the problem by forwarding mass mailings. You're spreading bad information and looking a bit naive in the process.
> Preserving your investment: Folks who don't think twice about dropping $2,000 for a computer seem to shy away from spending a few extra bucks to protect it. If you don't have an uninterruptible power supply --- called a UPS --- buy one and start using it today. Even the ones selling for $40 or so can prevent your PC from becoming a useless beige paperweight. It's the best money you can spend when it comes to computer accessories.
> Protecting your data: Almost no one seems to back up personal data. Here's a promise I can make: If you own your PC long enough, your hard disk will crash. All your e-mail addresses, all your correspondence and all your financial records will be gone forever. You don't need to back up your programs. You have the CDs to install them again. But you simply must make backup copies of the data you create. Now that almost every new computer has a CD burner, it's easy and fast.
> Taking care of your money: Too many of you are penny-wise and pound-foolish. Upgrading a computer can make sense if you have a machine made in the last year or two. Adding memory or a new hard disk often makes sense. But if your PC is 4 or more years old, it's almost certain that the money you spend on it is wasted.
Old computers have the market value of a bent hubcap. Instead of spending money on the old machine, set that cash aside to save for a new one. Even a $350 new computer will outperform a once-expensive antique computer that has been hopped up.
> Don't be a sucker: On a daily basis I get official-looking e-mails that attempt to direct me to equally official-looking Web sites that pretend to be eBay, EarthLink or Citibank. You do, too. We're told to furnish personal information, including passwords, Social Security numbers and account numbers. Doing this is a lot like driving down the interstate throwing money out of the window. None of these e-mails is legitimate. Notice I'm not saying that most aren't legit. I'm saying that every one of them is from a crook who wants to rob you. Don't answer them.
> Clutter can be good: The neat amongst us (a sin I do not have) tend to throw away manuals and even discs. If you must be neat, find a filing cabinet or even a box to store all your manuals and every bit of material that comes with installation discs. It's common now for programs to require an activation code before they can be installed. If you lose that code --- often found in the manual or on the jacket for the disc --- the installation disc is useless. In every case I know, the maker of the program will not help you out if you lose the code.
> Password to Hades: If your password is still a name or a word, you're a prime target for hackers. Use a password that contains letters and numbers. There are ways to create a password like that and still be able to remember it. As an example, if you have a favorite song, use the first letters from some of the words to form a password. Then add in four digits from a telephone number you had 15 years ago. And please don't use the same password for everything. Look, it's a hassle. But having your bank account robbed or identity stolen is even worse.
Next week we'll get back to the stupid mistakes that I make. I don't think I'm in any danger of running out of examples.
tecbud@ajc.com
