`If it ain't broke...´ philosophy applies to upgrades   (9/29/00)

Last week I warned you about the dangers of upgrading to Windows ME. This week I would like to discuss my philosophy on upgrading in general.

We have all heard it said "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Perhaps it's a bit overused, but as it pertains to computer software it is almost an axiom.

If you purchase a state-of-the-art system, one in which the processor is the latest and greatest, e.g., Pentium 3, 800 MHz or it has a new operating system, e.g., Windows ME, know that at that moment most of the current software on the market cannot access the power of the new processor or operating system.

Many times the new version only offers the old program with 60 "new" CDs containing a "gazillion" graphics, fonts or ancestors.

Please consider this - very often the new program has very little to offer. And beware. It might have been introduced in haste. Then when it's installed it causes more problems than it's worth.

Remember also, that when some software companies release a "for only" program they do not necessarily indicate that it has been written for a more powerful processor. Or that it will place an additional gaggle of gigabytes on your hard drive.

So, for those of you who do not have a new, state-of-the-art system, these "for only" programs may offer absolutely no benefit. And, in fact, have the potential of causing significant problems.

Microsoft has been extraordinarily diligent to ensure that each new version of Windows supports your legacy programs. That is why Windows 98 and ME continue to sit on DOS. So in most cases, your old software will run well on your new operating system.

My advice: If it is a new operation system like ME, wait for the guy next door to discover all the bugs before you upgrade. If it is a new software program, read what the upgrade offers. Do you really need it?

Remember. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Here's wishing. you a good boot.   [index]

Headaches prevented by learning basic Windows  (10/6/00)

Recently, I wrote an article on the advantages of starting your computing adventure with one of our Windows 95/98 workbooks. The response was overwhelming. But as I receive your requests for information I realize that many of you were not convinced.

I am not implying you must dedicate the rest of your life to mastering Windows, or that you must obtain one of our workbooks. What I am implying is that you invest enough time to "get the hang" of Windows.

Here's why. Most of my beleaguered novices purchase their computer for a particular reason - say, e-mail or the Internet. They assume that the menu features of their email program or Internet browser are unique to those programs. This assumption continues as they add additional software programs. It's not true.

Every program you install can only access the features offered by the Windows 95, 98 or ME operating system. They do not add features. A software program may assign a unique menu name to a technique, or delve deeper into the Windows operating system to access a more powerful feature not offered by default. But they do not add a new Windows feature.

Let's say you have learned how to "copy and paste" text from one email into another e-mail. Know that you are performing a Windows technique that can he used to copy and paste text or graphics in any other software program you have. Why? Because copy and paste is a universal Windows feature accessible to all Windows programs.

So I suggest you get a simple, easy to understand workbook that teaches Windows 95/98. Windows ME users can use any Windows 98 workbook. And spend a bit of time learning the universal features of your operating system

Here's wishing you a good boot.   [index]

Tuck away hardware information in safe place   (10/20/00)

I hope you have enough confidence in me to perform a "do as I say without question" task This simple exercise just might be educational. But most important, if you ever need a technician it could save your tech time and you money.

Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel.  And then click on the System Icon.

The first thing I want you to do is write neatly on a pad of paper: The version of your Windows 95/98/ME and the number directly below it. Make sure if there is a letter at the end of that number, you include it.

Next, write down your Windows Registration Number. This is the number that was pasted on your Windows CD caddy. I am sure (ho-ho) you all have that CD caddy available. But just in case, and knowing that without it you cannot reinstall Windows, write it down. And, you might include your RAM (memory).

That's all the writing you must do.

Now, click on the Device Manager Tab.  Wow, isn't that an intriguing site?

I do not want you to go mucking-around in this panel. But before you print it, you might like to take a peek at the hardware included in your system.

Click on a few of those "+" signs to the left of each device type heading.

Listed under each heading will be your devices. If you would like to go one step further and experience "Computer User Ecstasy" highlight one of your devices and click on Properties. Hopefully, included in the information presented will be: This device is working properly.

With, the Device Manager panel open, click on Print (lower right).  A new panel will appear. For most there will be three possible selections, so, please read this carefully.

Select Print Systems Summary by clicking on and placing a dot in the little white circle to the left. The reason I say read carefully is because if you select All Drivers and Systems Summary. Your printer will print merrily for many moons. And you really only need the Systems Summary information. Now that's not to say if you are a "Curious George" that you cannot invest a ream of paper to discover everything about your system's hardware.

When the printing is complete, place the summary along with the information you wrote down in a file folder. Put it away somewhere safe. This exercise will accomplish two things: First, it will make you aware of the location of your hardware information, i.e., make and model, drivers, date of drivers, how to update drivers.  Second, you will have that information available in your file folder - should your system crash.

Remember, if you need help on any computer problem go to www.swfpcug.org and click on "Need Help?".  Send me your question in the pre addressed e-mail.

Here's wishing you a good boot.  [index]

I Need some backup.? Try Express Assist 2000   (10/27/00)
Every so often, I am introduced to extraordinarily useful and inexpensive "Must Have Programs."

Dwayne Alton, one of our technical consultants, introduced me to Express Assist 2000 for Microsoft Outlook Express and OutBack Plus for Microsoft Outlook Express and Microsoft Outlook.

Express Assist 2000 backs up, restores and synchronizes Outlook Express.

Whether you know it or not, your Outlook Express files grow like topsie.

Mine is 60 megabytes, and I know you know that the information you have accumulated in your address book and folders would be difficult, if not impossible, to reconstruct if Outlook Express went south.

It will back up all or. a selected list of your mail folders (including all attachments) as a compressed, backup file; restore one, all or any selection of the mail folders saved in your backup file; back up and restore your Windows address book along with the mail folders; save and restore your Internet Explorer favorites; and synchronize the current Outlook Express message folders with message folders saved in the backup.

You can use the Express Assist backup file to synchronize the OE message folders on two (or more) machines; and back up and restore OE Message Rules, Accounts and Preferences.

Express Assist provides full support for OE4 and OE5 and operates on Windows 95, 98 and Windows 2000. It will ensure a successful transition from OE4 to OE5.

Outback Plus, although appropriate for Outlook Express, is designed with Outlook 97, 98 and 2000.

It will back up Outlook files into an easily managed zip compressed file that can be placed conveniently on just about any backup media.  Critical Outlook control files are included in the backup to include your Signatures,
Stationery and Wizard Rules. It is simple to restore your Outlook data when you upgrade or after a system crash.

It can restore backup data to the same or another machine; back up and restore your Internet e-mail accounts; back up and restore any additional file(s) along with the Outlook data; back up and restore your offline storage and offline address book; and back up your IE favorites and cookies. Your IE data is included with no extra effort.

As a bonus, it has an automatic backup reminder.

Its Quick Backup is a one-step backup using the parameters from the prior backup.

The program remembers how you like to do things. A log is maintained for each og up or restore. You can easily print the log.

For those of you who use either Outlook Express or Outlook for your e-mail handler, I recommend without reservation that you consider purchasing one or the other.

The price of less than $30 could mean the difference between disaster and salvation.

For a free trial download, go to www.ajsystems.com/outback.html.

Remember, if you need help on any computer problem, go to www.swfpcug.org. Click on "Need Help!"   Send me your question in the preaddressed e-mail.

Here's wishing you a good boot.   [index]

Don't let snowbirds beat you out of PC clubs  (11/3/00)

The season is a-comin'
And the rosters are gettin' fat
You haven't joined a'puter club?
Well how 'bout that.

When Santa brings a 'puter
Or a scanner, printer, writer.
You'll be lookin' for assistance
And the clubs will be too tighter.

 Yes, it's time for all my beleaguered novices to pay attention to all those Northern license plates and realize that the Snowbird Blizzard is beginning.
And for those of you who have turned a deaf ear to my pleas and have procrastinated joining a computer club, you will discover that very soon, there will be no room in the inns.
Over the summer, the SWFPCUG added five regional chapters to handle the ever increasing numbers of beleaguered novices throughout Lee, Hendry and Collier counties, who have recognized that they need help - and, once in a while, a sympathetic shoulder to cry on.
The problem is that the number of beleaguered novices who have already joined these regional chapters has far exceeded our most optimistic expectations. Many have almost reached the capacity of their meeting facilities. So to all of you procrastinators, if you do not want to be frozen out by the Snowbird Blizzard, join now!

§         The LaBelle chapter meets on the second Monday, monthly at 9 a.m., at Tri-County Senior Services Center, Cowboy Way, LaBelle. Contact Sue Gulley, 675-1446, melindasgulley@cs.com

 §         Alva-Lehigh Chapter meets on the Second Wednesday, monthly at 1 pm., at the First Community Congregational/United Church of Christ Church, 200 Leeland Heights Blvd., Lehigh Acres. Contact Dorothy Pipping, 728-3129, c.pipping@ worldnet.att.net.

§         Cypress Cove Chapter meets on the Third Friday, monthly at 7:30 p.m., at Cypress Cove at HealthPark, 10200 Cypress Cove Drive, Fort Myers. Contact Edythe Sheinbaum, 415-5100, ITTY256@aol.com

 §         South County Regional Library meets on the fourth Friday, monthly at 2 p.m., at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero. Contact Cas Obie, 948-9423, casobie@olsusa.com.

 §         SHARE Club Chapter meets on the second Saturday, monthly at 10 am., at Lee Memorial Hospital auditorium on Cleveland Avenue. Contact Al Winchell, 433-0549, fmbigal@embarqmail.com.

 §         Bonita Springs chapter meets on the fourth Tuesday, monthly at 6 p.m., at St Leo's Catholic Church Education Room, Bonita Springs. Contact Dick Pollina, 947-3119, conmar@juno.com.

 §         And, of course, the Southwest Florida PC User Group meets the Second Thursday, monthly at 5 p.m, at Lee Memorial Hospital Auditorium,2776 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers; Contact Al Winchell, 433-0549 fmbigal@embarqmail.com.

 For information on community chapters in Fort Myers (Fiddlesticks Country Club, Forest Country Club, Orange Harbor; Shell Point and the Landings); in North Fort Myers (Old Bridge and Pine Lakes/Lake Fairways) and on Sanibel (The Dunes), go to www.swfpcug.org and click on chapters for information. For more information on Lee County Library Internet seminars, contact your local library.

 Here's wishing you a good boot...  [index]

Don't be first user to install upgrades   (11/10/00)

Don't drink the wine until it's time.

At a recent chapter meeting, I was reminded how confusing "Upgrade choices" can be to beleaguered novices. They have been hounded:  By AOL, to upgrade to AOL 6; by Microsoft, to upgrade to ME; and by every other software company to upgrade to their latest millennium or "whatever" version. These beleaguered novices were in a serious state of anxiety as to whether or not they should heed the "siren's song to update."

Unfortunately, like the sailors lured to their doom by the beguiling mythological sea nymph, many of those who could not resist the siren's song of software marketers experienced the Windows "Blue Screen of Death".

David Keller, aka Compu-Doctor, my personal technician, has counseled me to wait for his permission before I upgrade any program, particularly when that program may have serious consequences to the well-being of my computer system.  His plea is that if and when I get that uncontrollable urge to install a significant upgrade, I reconsider and wait at least four to six months.

For most of you (as it is with me) the definition of a split second is the time between, when you hear about a new software version, obtain it and install it.  To wait four months would be like having an open box of your favorite candy sitting before you on the table and waiting four months to indulge.

But please wait!

Let your friends and neighbors experience the consequences of being first on the block to install a software upgrade.  Let the manufacturer use them as guinea pigs to discover all the incompatibility and glitches.

Please know that I am not condemning software companies.  It is just the nature of the industry that in the rush to produce new versions of their programs, many have not gone the "whole nine yards" in testing the software.

But even more important is they overestimate the ability of beleaguered novices to get out of trouble when they get into trouble.

So, please don't drink the wine until it's time.

Here's wishing you a good boot.    [index]

09/11/2007