This week’s first question comes from Seamus who says, “I just purchased a new computer and am wondering what I should have for electrical protection.” There are two variables you need to worry about: spikes and power loss. Most people immediately think of surge suppressors when they hear electrical protection; however, that’s only half of a solution.
Sales people always point towards surge suppressors as the end-all-be-all in protection. I think it’s a simple add-on they can simply tack on the sale. Let’s face it, when you’re spending upwards of a thousand or more dollars who wants to foot an additional $200.00? I know I hate spending more than I have to. UPS battery backups provide more protection than suppressors alone but cost substantially more.
UPS systems provide both surge suppression as well as a battery backup system to protect the computer from voltage spikes as well as drops. Stores and retail outlets provide many different choices of UPS systems. Most are designed with the ability to handle four to eight items including the computer and monitor. When sized properly, UPS systems provide enough regulated power output to keep your computer and monitor running long enough to save files and safely power off the computer.
I understand it’s an added expense when purchasing a new computer; but, you should think of it as cheap insurance to protect your investment in the computer. You would be surprised at the number of machines we see at the shop with failed power supplies, blown capacitors and other electrical damage. You will make up for the $200.00 investment in no time if we have a brown out. As a frame of reference, a motherboard replacement typically costs around $150.00 and a typical power supply is roughly $80.00.
Wendy asks, “Is there a simple way to create a website that looks good?” Wendy, there are hundreds of ways to design sites that look good and convey your message. I think anyone conceiving a website needs to plan and make sure the end product reaches your intended audience. I’ll provide a few options which don’t require you to know HTML, the backbone to websites.
Though it’s no longer available, Microsoft FrontPage is very easy to use. My company website (LocalComputerWiz.com) was designed with FrontPage. You can find FrontPage online from sites like eBay. FrontPage was replaced with Expression Web. Either title is as easy to use as Office.
There’s a couple other options which may be easier for you depending on your experience. Many web hosts offer online editors which can be good for beginners. They are usually template based and provide many options which cover most websites. Another program which is inexpensive and easy to use is WYSIWYG Web Builder. Web Builder costs considerably less than FrontPage and has many similar options including templates.
My recommendation is to try many different titles and see what is comfortable for you. Complex software is available, but the features may be lost on someone just starting out. No matter your choice, I suggest buying a book on HTML so you can learn as you go. Let me know your URL when you’re finished!
Tech-Tip of the week: Do not click on agreements without reading the content first. Many websites and software installations include unwanted third party applications which could corrupt your computer.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can e-mail him at Jeromy@LocalComputerWiz.com or call him directly at (978) 919-8059.)