You might be feeling a little bit overwhelmed. Not only do you have to decipher all the technical jargon, but you also have to shop around to get a good price and deal with salespeople who often complicate things further.

Here are a few tips to make your job easier.

Tip #1: Know the Accessories

When you buy a new computer you will need extra stuff. This will include Antivirus software and an office suite to do word processing and spreadsheets.

Get an extended warranty too if you can get a discount off the normal price. Otherwise you only have a 12 month warranty on most brands. Surge protection is also a very good idea to prevent your new computer from being fried by a power spike.

Tip #2: Windows or Mac?

I am commonly asked whether people should buy a Mac or a PC.

I am a huge fan of the Mac computer. They are beautifully designed. They are less prone to common virus problems that plague the PC. If you are willing to invest some time learning how to use a Mac then it is a good option.

On the other hand PCs have their advantages too. All of the latest games will run primarily on a PC. You will have a wider choice of software programs. And so far, Windows7 has shown some very positive signs and seems to be a very nice well rounded Operating System to use.

Tip #3: Laptop or Desktop?

Both laptops and desktops have their advantages.

Laptops are portable so work well if you travel frequently. They are also very compact and don’t take up much room. You will typically pay more due to the compactness feature.

Desktops are generally a good option if you intend to have it sitting in one place most of the time. You will normally get a larger screen size. There is also more room inside the box for future upgrades. Having said that – many desktop boxes are getting smaller now.

Tip #4: How to Survive all the Jargon

Today’s computers are immensely powerful. Many of us will never use the full capabilities of them. If you want a computer to do email, surf the internet, talk to friends and family on Skype or view a few photos from your digital camera – then the technical specifications are mostly uninmportant. Even the most basic entry level computer will perform these tasks with relative ease.

Just bear in mind that the more powerful a computer is – the better it will be able to handle whatever is created for it in the future.

Tip #5: Get Broadband

If you buy a new computer – do yourself a huge favour and invest in broadband too. Not only are the prices coming down – but broadband just allows you to do so much more with your new computer.

It is true that most of us don’t use anywhere near the full capabilities of our computer systems. This is partly due to not actually knowing what is possible. However there is also some fear and apprehension about making a mistake.

Simple Tip #1: Choose a Good Security Program

Computer viruses and security threats are constantly changing. A new threat will emerge that some security can take care of well, while another one struggles. So my recommendations change over time.

In regards to free security programs my opinion is that in most cases you are still leaving yourself vulnerable to risk. If you read the disclaimer before you download – there is a lot that they exclude and those extra features are only available if you upgrade to the premium paid versions.

Be wary also of some Appliance store recommendations. Sometimes there will be a cash incentive for the sales people to offer a particular brand – regardless of whether it is actually any good for you or not.

When all is said and done – you do need a good security program on your computer. As of April 2010 I currently recommend the Norton range of security products. They currently offer a good balance between high protection, ease of use and not slowing down your computer (which had been a problem in the past).

Simple Tip #2: Keep Important Software Up to Date

As mentioned above, computers and technology are constantly changing. Because of this it is very important to keep your computer systems up to date. An update tells your computer that it needs to change the way it operates so to avoid known bugs and security threats.

You must update your security. Your Windows Updates are also of high importance and any third party software that you might have such as Flash Player, Adobe Reader, Java as well.

Make a habit of at least once a week going through and running all available updates. Some computer experts might point out that running updates can often cause unexpected complications. There is some truth in this argument however you still have better odds by updating.

Simple Tip #3: Excercise caution and common sense.

Unfortunately there is no clear line between what is safe and what isn’t. Even the most innocent looking game or email attachment can potentially harbour a virus that will wreak havoc on your computer.

So do exercise some caution and if in doubt, don’t do it.

A few common causes of security problems include downloading copyrighted movies and music off file sharing websites, people visiting adults-only websites, and downloading free games for their kids. Be wary of any email attachments also and only open them if you know the sender.

I am often asked what the best anti-virus is. I always start my answer by pointing out that no anti-virus is completely fool-proof. Unfortunately viruses are being created every hour of every day. The problem is huge and it is a moving target.

It is the responsibility of the anti-virus companies to constantly research and keep up with the latest threats. That is why you pay a yearly subscription for anti-virus. Your computer will be told about the latest threats so that it is better prepared if your computer does come in contact with a virus.

But here is something that most people don’t realise: Having anti-virus is only one part of the equation for safe computing. There are two other important points to bear in mind. The first is being proactive with running various updates that request action. The second is being aware of the common ways in which viruses can sneak in.

Updates are one of the most basic but neglected methods to making a computer more secure. In particular I am referring to Windows updates. Regardless of whether you have Windows XP, Vista or 7 you should ensure that your updates are current. What updates do (among other things) is fix known security breaches in your system. Once again it is a constant and never ending task but it will make you more secure. Be sure to action your Windows updates whenever they request permission. Also Adobe and Java updates are good to do and don’t forget your anti-virus updates too of course.

Finally you should know about how viruses most commonly breach your computer security. The first common cause is receiving those forwarded emails from your friends. The email itself isn’t the problem though. It is the attachments that sometimes come with them. You need to be aware that sometimes these attachments contain viruses as well, so be sure to scan with your anti-virus before opening them. Another common cause of infection is when the kids download free music and movies from file sharing sites. Viruses can disguise themselves as music. Once you have opened the infected file things can go downhill very fast. And finally for all you boyfriends and husbands out there, I hate to say it but visiting those adult entertainment sites can be a very common cause of viruses so be sure to ‘look but not download’ ANYTHING off these sites.

I realise this all may sound rather terrifying and may put you off computing altogether. That isn’t my intention. If you follow the guidelines above you will be ninety five percent safer than the rest of the population. So enjoy your computer. The technology we have in our hands today is incredible and should be enjoyed by everybody.

In this article I will explain some of the key differences between the various types of computers. It is my hope that after you have read this you will feel more confident in your decision – whichever way you decide to go.

So should you buy a laptop, notebook, netbook or tablet? To help choose between your options take a moment to consider how the computer will be used. All except for the desktop option are designed for portability. So if you think you will be travelling with your computer or even just moving it around the house a lot, avoid a desktop.

If however you think the computer will stay in one place most of the time then a desktop system can be a good option. Generally you will get a better price for a desktop because you are not paying for the portability feature.

A desktop computer is also a popular option if you are into gaming or multimedia production such as photo or video editing. A desktop computer allows for large screen sizes and even multiple screens if that is what is required.

A notebook (which used to be known as a laptop) has an almost full sized keyboard and a large screen which averages 15 to 17 inches. Many business people and students still prefer a notebook because they can type out emails and documents easily and on the go.

A netbook is the smaller version of the notebook. I have found that netbooks are very popular with people when they travel overseas and just want something very compact and portable to read their emails on or download photos to. A limitation of the netbook is that the keyboard is much smaller which will frustrate you if you are a touch typer. If you are a slower typist using the ‘one key every few seconds’ approach like my Dad (bless him!) then this may not bother you so much.

A tablet is a device which is becoming increasingly popular particularly in the home. A tablet has no keyboard and is touch-based meaning there is an onscreen keyboard. The Apple iPad is a good example of a tablet computer. Tablets are great for people who want to just pick up a computer and quickly check an email or look up a website. They are a great coffee table computer because of their ease of use and fast access. However tablet computers are not practical to type long documents or emails on due to the onscreen keyboard.

Those are the main differences between the common computer types. I hope this has provided you with some confidence if you are in the market for a new machine.

Constant movement of a computer system can decrease the lifespan. Many computers still have small moving parts inside them. If a computer gets knocked or bumped while it is switched on it can cause serious damage to these small parts and the machine. Even ocassional bumps can cause a residual effect that will become apparent in the future. So try to keep your computer safe from any movement. This is why laptops often don’t last as long as desktops. They get moved around more frequently and are more prone to bumps. If you do have to move your computer, move it carefully especially if it is switched on.

Another common reason why a computer can have a premature death is excess heat. Computer systems can get very hot. This heat is generated by various internal circuitry and components. And it is for this reason that there are numerous fans running constantly which are trying to keep the temperature as low as possible. If there is excessive heat over an extended period of time it can wear the components down which will eventually cause a hardware failure.

You can help minimise the heat by ensuring that your computer has plenty of airflow around the case. If you want to sit a notebook on your lap don’t do it for too long. Many manufacturers don’t use the term ‘laptop’ anymore because they don’t want to encourage placing it on your lap. People have been burnt due to excess heat and the computer can be damaged too, hence why they now call laptops ‘notebooks’.

Also ensure that there isn’t too much dust built up inside and around the case. If there is it can trap the heat and stop it from escaping out through the vents. Refrain from opening up the case and vacuuming the inside though as this can cause irreversible damage. If the dust does seem bad call a computer technician such as myself and we can remove it safely for you.

Manufacturing quality is crucial to a long lasting computer. The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ still stands true with technology as with many other products. In our western society we tend to demand cheaper and faster and that is exactly what manufacturers provide. They don’t necessarily guarantee that a computer is going to last ten years though. So when you are shopping for a macine don’t use the price as your main deciding factor.

A computer system that is well looked after should last five to seven years. That is assuming that the above points are taken into account and there are no inherent manufacturing flaws.

As the best place in Hamilton to get your computer repaired, I feel honored that so many people have chosen Backspace over all the other options.

I feel like the snowball is rolling down the hill faster and faster, gaining momentum and increasing in size. It is for this reason that I am currently interviewing for my first team member to go out on the road and help people with their computers.

You can be assured that whoever I ultimately choose will share my desire for giving great customer service. I simply won’t hire if I don’t find the right person, but judging by some of the applicants that have come in I think I will find somebody great to compliment Backspace and help it grow.

So to you my customers and friends – thanks for all the support so far.. here’s to the next 18 months and beyond! Thanks for using local business, and Backspace Computer Support!

Hi my name is Sean and I am the director a mobile computer repair outfit based in Hamilton called Backspace.

My service is completely mobile so I can come to you at your home or office and fix any annoying or frustrating computer problems you might be having.

If you would like somebody friendly, approachable and that speaks in plain english then I am your best option!

If you are at your wits end with a computer problem and don’t want to spend hours on a help line getting nowhere with someone that you can barely understand, then save yourself an incredible amount of time and frustration by giving one of my team a call right now on 0800 420 008.

My friendly helpful team will organise a suitable time with you, and that I will be able to come and see you at your place.

So if you are needing Hamilton Computer Repairs call us right now on 0800 420 008 or email me sean@backspaceonline.co.nz

Hi my name is Sean and I am the head technician at Backspace Mobile Computer Support.

I live locally (in Chartwell) and serve all of Hamilton City. If you are seeking a personal, friendly and plain English approach to computer repairs then call my team at 0800 420 008 and they will organise a suitable time for me to come and pay you a visit.

Computers can be frustrating at the best of times and you can spend hours on a help line trying to fix a problem and not get any resolution at all. Or you can get a friend who thinks that they know what they are doing and only make the problem worse.

So give my team a call today on 0800 420 008 or email me sean@backspaceonline.co.nz

I can come to you at your home or office and very quickly solve whatever frustrating problems you might be having. I will save you time, money and frustration!

In light of this – today I donated $350 to Starship Children’s Hospital. I make a point of donating a portion of my profit each month.

There are literally thousands of charities that we can give our money to. The reason I chose Starship was for two main reasons: One it was close to home (New Zealand based). Second I have a bit of a soft spot for kids who get sick at an early age. There is a certain carefree aspect of childhood that we can never quite seem to get back again despite our best intentions. Some kids miss out on it entirely though and I feel for them. I think Starship does a great job of lighting up their lives.

Thanks once again for all your support! Please tell your friends and family about me.

The job was with a lovely retired couple. They had recently purchased a brand new computer from one of the big appliance stores in Hamilton. Along with the computer they had purchased an ‘installation package’ that meant that a staff member from the appliance store would come out and install everything for them.

Sadly the person who came out to set it up for them did a pathetic job (and that is being nice). Emails weren’t configured properly. Nothing had been explained and they just left them with a pile of discs and manuals with no suggestions as to what to do with them.

So after finding one of my advertisments they called me out to help. After quickly putting them at ease and assuring them I would get everything sorted, I set about configuring their emails properly, installing their security package properly, explaining the ins and outs of other details including what all the extra discs were.

But then my favourite part of all: I installed Skype for them and configured it all. Then we looked up their brother that was in the UK. They hadn’t seen him for several years.

We didn’t expect what happened next.

He happened to still be awake at approximately 3am UK time. The Skype phone starting ringing, and within seconds the retired couple were speaking to their Brother who they hadn’t seen in a long time. And not only were they speaking to him – they could see him. It was like they were sitting right next to each other.

The expressions of happiness and a mild sense of disbelief appeared on their faces. They were almost in tears.

I was just happy that I helped them get their computer set up properly. Installing Skype was just an afterthought, but a huge amount of value to them. Priceless in fact.

THAT is the sort of job that I love doing. Helping people make better use of their computers and providing exceptional service in the process.

If you need any sort of help with your computer, be sure to give me a
call today 0800 420 008