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Computers tend to perform flawlessly, doing exactly what they
are instructed to do in exactly the way the software tells them
to do it. A seemingly simple function like opening your browser
to a simple Internet web page causes your PC to perform millions
of tiny tasks.
The software on your computer, from the operating system to
your favorite application, is made up of hundreds of major
components, minor components, sub-components and auxiliary parts,
all written in fine detail as to how the various pieces of your
computer should behave. Every time you click your mouse or press
a key on the keyboard your PC responds according to the software
that is loaded into memory at that moment. How well that job is
performed depends totally on how well the software was written
including your operating system, and how they both relate to the
hardware.
A few software tips:
Local help. It's always a good idea to have a
friendly, reliable, knowledgeable source local to you available
for when things get out of control.
Windows XP. If you have Windows XP and install
software yourself, it is a good idea to learn how to use System
Restore. It can save you from a disasterous install. Here
is the procedure right from Microsft.
Improvements and Patches. No matter how well a
software is tested before release, there may be updates or fixes
available for download from the vender's website for free or on
CD for a small fee. The changes range from cosmetic to crucial.
Be aware that sometimes the update can be problematic. I always
input into a couple of search engines (like beaucoup.com)
the software name and version and another key word like
'problem' (for example, “Windows XP update problem.”)
If you have Windows XP and haven't installed the first Service
Pack, SP-1, you probably should. It includes a patch for a
serious flaw that could allow your PC to be taken over by your
visiting a “hostile” website. Windows 2000 and
Windows 98 also have important major fixes available.
Read a lot BEFORE you update. For the example
above, XP SP-1, you should back up your computer before
installing the update. A small percentage of PC's have some kind
of problem with this update. If you are considering upgrading to
Media Player 9, as another example, a little searching on the
web would lead you to discover that this little upgrade has
within its end user agreement [EULA] wording that you must agree
to before installing that basically signs over to Microsoft the
right to check out your computer whenever they want to and
install “improvements” as they wish AND you
may no longer be able to copy CDs. (See
http://www.winnetmag.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=26620.
Free Stuff! There is a ton of free software
available on the Internet. Some of it is outstanding. Most of it
isn't. And some of it is downright dangerous to your computer,
your spam stress level, and even possibly your credit cards.
There are many good websites offering free or inexpensive
software and including some kind of rating system. Tudogs
and ZDnet
are reliable sources for software.
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