9.06.2016

5 Bad Computer Habits To Break

We’ve all come to recognize our computers as being valuable tools for business and pleasure.  Keeping your computer working well for you requires some awareness and responsibility.  Here are 5 bad habits that many computer users should be aware of and break.



Not Backing Up Your Data Regularly

This is just tempting fate.  Eventually, all computers will fail for some reason or another.  Whether it is a maintenance issue, longevity or your computer burns up in a fire, computers will not last forever.  However, anything you create on your computer can and should be saved.

Your data includes: pictures, videos, emails, documents, lists, spreadsheets, bookmarks, favorites, etc.

Though programs cannot be saved, they can be easily reinstalled if you have:

    The name of the program to re-download or the disk to re-install
    The software installation key

Use Belarc Advisor to help you automatically backup your software installation keys.

Common programs include:

    Operating Systems
    Antivirus and other Malware Protection software
    Microsoft Word, MS Office or other word processing program
    Individual programs you may use such as Accounting Programs, Graphic/Picture Editing software, etc.
    Games
    Upgrades and patches to software

If your data is valuable to you- family pictures, business reports, etc. – keep them close to you and backed up in 2 locations: locally on an external device or disk, and off-site (such as in cloud storage such as Dropbox or with an online service such as Carbonite).

Unorganized Files

Keeping your data organized will help prevent you from being frustrated and inefficient with your time.  The importance of knowing where your data is comes in handy when you need to find it as a reference or to share with someone else.  By default, pictures will be saved in your computer’s “Picture” folder and documents will be saved in your computer’s “Documents” folder.

If you would like to have more specialized places to keep your data, be sure to create new folders and sub-folders and name each of them appropriately.  A good idea to start is to keep one or a couple of Main Folders on your desktop for easy access.  Within the main folders, you can then create sub-folders to further organize your data.

Here are some examples of creating a hierarchy of Folders and Sub-folders for you to more easily navigate your data:

On your desktop:

    HOUSEHOLD
    BUSINESS
    PERSONAL

Within each of these main folders, you may want to create sub-folders such as:

    Household –> pictures, videos, music, recipes, gardening tips, etc.
    Business –> records, invoices, emails, to-do lists, spreadsheets, etc.
    Personal –> pictures, bank and account information, journal/blog, etc.

To further organize your information, you can continue to create sub-folders within folders ad infinitum.  This is especially handy for organizing pictures, archiving records and categorizing music.

Organizing your data also helps you know where your important information is for when you regularly back it up.
Un-Managed and Under-Rated Passwords

Passwords are the keys to your private information on the computer.  If you leave your keys laying around or make simply-crafted keys that are easy to replicate, you are baiting fate.   Compromising your password security will cost you undue frustration, time and sometimes even money.
Tips for managing passwords:

    Have different passwords for different sites you use
    Keep a hand-written book of your passwords  and websites associated with them in your home
    Choose difficult combinations of letters, numbers, symbols and cases
    Change your passwords every 3-6 months and write down the new passwords in your book
    For more computer password tips, read our article, “Most Popular Passwords for 2012: Don’t Use These!”

Ignoring Error Messages, Dialogue Boxes And Postponing Updates

It is important to read the information in dialogue boxes before clicking OK, Cancel, Run, Save, Continue or any other options.  Sometimes this results in installing or enabling unwanted programs and add-ons such as malware, ad-ware, toolbars and other junk.

If your computer is giving you an error message that you do not understand, either copy and paste it and put the phrase into a Google Search, or write it down and call Christopher’s Computers at 828-670-9800.  We will help you figure out what is going on with your computer.

When your computer asks you to update a program, be sure that you know these things before agreeing:

    Do I recognize and use this program?
    Are there any other programs or applications that are attaching itself to this update that I do not want?

Wonder what to update?  Read our article on “Where Did That Program Come From” for more information on the top 3 programs that you should keep updated regularly.
Misuse of Computer’s Purpose

Your computer is a very delicate, complex and incredible tool.  We often take for granted the value that our computers give us until something goes wrong.  Here are some reminders that sometimes we forget:

    Do not use your laptop as a food tray.
    Keep your pets and sticky fingers away from bumping and touching your computer.
    Do not have liquids near your computer.

Respect your computer’s fragility.  Do not stack things on top of your laptop.  Make sure to free paper clips, pens and other things before you close the lid to your laptop.  Ensure your computer has enough ventilation.  Keep desktops from being sandwiched too close to walls, furniture and tightly enclosed areas; laptops to be used on a hard surface away from bunched up clothes and blankets.  Keep your computer’s area free of dust and pet hair.
Noticing bad habits are the first step in breaking them.

If you catch yourself in one of these bad habits, use the opportunity as a tool to help you break it.  By being aware and being pro-active, you can protect your computer and save yourself much frustration, time and energy in the future.
Source:http://www.christopherscomputers.com/tips.html

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