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So You Just Got A Computer: What Now?

Congratulations, welcome to the Electronic Age.

"The only way to learn to use a computer is to use one."

What a Computer Does

One of the first things you probably did with your computer was to play some of the Games that came bundled with it. Several types of games are available--arcade-style action, fantasy role-playing adventures, simulations, and "Edutainment" where you learn academic skills as you play. There are also fun things like drawing, painting, and other forms of family entertainment available.

When it comes to handling reams of Information, the computer can't be beat. It functions as an endless supply of blank paper, file cabinets, and spreadsheet analysis pads with a calculator all rolled into one.

With a Spreadsheet you can change one figure and all the rest will automatically change to reflect their relationship to the first. You can ask "What If?" questions and see the results immediately.

If you set up a Database you can cross-reference data in any number of ways, and you can recall that data in several "views", such as a chart, graph, or table with all the totals calculated for you and neatly printed out.

With a Word Processor you can speed up and simplify the writing process, allowing you to spell check, grammar check, and consult a thesaurus or quotations. Changes to the document are instantaneously made and all without retyping.

On-line access to Information, by using an Information Service, BBS, or the Internet allows you access to worldwide information resources. You can retrieve financial information, airline schedules, weather forecasts, newspapers and "E-Zines" (on-line electronic magazines). Support groups, "E-Mail" (sending and receiving electronic messages), Conferencing, playing Multiplayer Games, and "Chat" on-line let you communicate with other on-line participants. Whatever your interest or hobby you can find other people on-line who share it and areas that have all the information and statistics available for that interest.

Care and Feeding of the Computer

When opening the box, check the packing list to make sure you have all the pieces, and save the packing material in case you have to return one of the items. Call the store immediately if something is missing or damaged.

Place the computer in an area with normal temperature and humidity. Keep the area around the computer clean and don't smoke or let your long-haired friends roam the area. The floppy drive and fan need to be kept free of dust and hair to work properly. Don't eat or drink near the computer, as peanut butter or soda won't go well with your keyboard and mouse.

Position the monitor to reduce glare, which can cause eyestrain. Consider investing in a "Glare Screen" to protect your eyes and prevent headaches from harmful radiation. If you're going to be at the computer for long stretches at a time, invest in a "Wrist Rest" both for your keyboard and your mouse to reduce the risk of Carpal-Tunnel Syndrome. Get a chair that gives full support for your back too. Put the printer close by but not close enough to cause vibration or noise problems. Laser printers may emit ozone so keep the area well ventilated.

Beware of Static Electricity if you have a rug under the computer desk. Static is one of the three major enemies of electronic devices the other's are dust and heat. You can lose data or even damage a computer with large static discharges. Use a mild fabric-softener solution, or "Static-Spray" on the rug especially during the winter when it's hot and dry. If static is a problem, invest in a "Static-Mat" or humidifier.

In rural areas affected by lightning and power outages the best protection against lost data is to use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) which has a battery backup sufficient to operate the computer and monitor long enough for you to save your work and shutdown. Don't plug the printer into the UPS as printers draw too much power and may damage the UPS. If you can't afford a UPS, at least invest in lightning protection by using a Power Surge Protector on both your power and telephone lines. When lightning hits a power or telephone line, it can send thousands of volts of electricity through your wiring into your wall outlet, or telephone lines, and ultimately into your computer. To protect your computer from lightning follow these rules:

  1. Use a power surge protector between the computer and the wall outlet
  2. Always purchase a quality surge protector. It should cost at least $25 or more.
  3. Don't forget to use a power surge protector for your modem, if you have one.
  4. Unplug the computer if a lightning storm is close.
It is important to select a backup strategy now before you need it, rather than after you've lost all your work. If you will have business-critical data on the computer, get a Tape Cartridge Backup for it and use it religiously, and don't forget to check the backups to make sure they work. Buy a box of cartridges to save your work on and add a backup procedure to your menu or "Desktop" shutdown procedure to make sure you use it. All mechanical devices, such as the "Hard-Drive" you store your data on, will eventually fail so be prepared now.

Use a hard disk testing software package on the hard disk, on a regular basis. I suggest using something like Nuts & Bolts from Helix Software, First Aid 97 by CyberMedia, or Norton Utilities by Symantec Corporation. You can get them from most any mail-order company or local dealer.

Local Resources

There are resources other than the Computer Store, or Department Store for information and software for computers. You could try your local Library for books about computing. If the library shelves are sparse, inquire about the "Interlibrary Loan" program where you can get books from other libraries to borrow. Most Bookstores carry computer books, and some of the larger chains also sell software. You can get a book or "Quick Reference Guide" for your software, if the manuals that came with your computer seem like they are in a foreign language, or if they are only available in "On-line Help" form in the computer instead of printed manuals.

If you need computer supplies such as disks and paper, check your local Office Supply store. Also check the local TV channel or Newspaper for ads for Computer Shows. You can find great bargains there for hardware and software, although you need to shop carefully for what you want. If you have an on-line connection to an Information Service or the Internet, shopping an on-line "Mall" is another possibility.

Think about joining a local Computer User Group. You can get assistance with your new computer that way. They are made up of people just such as you, and are always willing to help a newcomer. Check your local Newspaper for time and location. If you need some heavy-duty help setting up your business on computer, consider hiring a consultant--you'll get up and running a lot faster with professional help.

Prepared by Peter Conrad Cumminsky, consultant, ASEE, CET, Team OS/2 (707) 987- 9484

Visit my Computer Taming web site at http://webtaming.netfirms.com.shopm1/biz/taming/

(C) Copyright 1993-1997 peterconrad@hotmail.com.