by Dave Moore, 08/30/2020
One of the most common complaints that I hear from computer users goes something like this: “Dave, I can’t get my Internet.”
Upon arrival at their home or office, I usually discover that there’s more going on than not being able to “get the Internet.” In fact, I don’t even try to access the Internet until I know that certain computer basics are functioning properly, because, unless the basics are up and running, accessing the Internet can be suicide.
Is there a properly configured and running firewall program? How about antivirus? Has the computer ever been scanned for viruses and spyware? Has the operating system ever been updated? Has the computer ever been restarted? It’s amazing how many times I come across computers for which the answer to all of these questions is, “No.”
When discussing the intricacies of computer trouble-shooting, it’s sometimes hard not to appear like some sort of shady car mechanic. You know the mechanic, the guy who has his head under the hood and says (insert car mechanic accent here), “Yeah, I know that all you want is an oil change, but, you see your doomerflotchy, right there, next to the gizmotron? She’s about to go. I’d better fix that. And your kaneeble’s been rubbing against the framistode, so I’d better fix that, too.” Hopefully, he’s a good mechanic who simply has your best interests at heart.
The subject of reliable electrical power is one that often causes peoples’ eyes to glaze over. However, reliable electrical power (or, AC) is vital to your computer’s survival, and is one of the computer basics that should not be ignored. In times of stormy weather, accompanied by outbreaks of lightning, I usually get a rash of phone calls from panicked customers whose computers are exhibiting strange behavior “after the power went out.” I’ve seen everything from totally fried systems (complete with smoke coming out of the back and the sickening smell of melted plastic) to scrambled hard drives.
Lightning often strikes overhead power lines, sending surges of higher-than-normal electricity to every home and business to which they are connected. Computers and other sensitive electronic devices are not very well equipped to handle power surges. In addition, computer operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, often react poorly to simple power failures, which can result in corrupted system files and computers that will not start properly.
One very necessary but often overlooked piece of equipment is a high-quality surge protector. Forget those cheesy surge-protector strips for $10-20. Pony up the $30-50 to get a good one from APC, Tripp Lite or Belkin.
Another good choice is the uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Also known as a battery backup system, a UPS contains surge-protection circuitry to guard your computer against damaging power surges, and also has a battery capable of running your computer during a power failure.
This allows you to shut down your computer in an orderly fashion, rather than subjecting it to a jarring “pull the plug” power outage. I’ve even used a UPS to power small table lamps during power blackouts. Costing anywhere from $50-100, a UPS is cheap insurance.
Every piece of computer gear you own, including desktops, laptops, screens, printers, scanners, powered speakers, modems and routers should be plugged into a good-quality surge protector. Using a UPS is a bonus. Get protected, today.
Dave Moore has been fixing computers in Oklahoma since 1984. Founder of the non-profit Internet Safety Group Ltd., he also teaches Internet safety community training workshops. He can be reached at 405-919-9901 or www.internetsafetygroup.com