Computer Help for Dummies

Here are some basic rules to keep you out of trouble with your PC. Being in IT I get many requests everyday for help after someone screwed up their computer. I’m making this computer help for dummies article to help all of you have a better experience with your computer.

1. ALT+F4 – This command is your friend. There are many clever pop-up ads or advertising ploys that get you to accidentally click on a link. Sometimes these ads install viruses or ad ware. When in doubt, hold down the alt key and press F4. This will close whatever window is in the foreground instantly.
2. Stay out of bad Internet neighborhoods – Once you purchase anything that will make anything grow, cheap product from another country or anything you wouldn’t view in front of your mother, you’re put into a very profitable category. Some of these sites don’t even really care about whichever product you’re purchasing. They are far more concerned with the fact that they found someone that is capable of giving up their credit card information for a pipe dream.
3. Virus software – Know which type of virus software you have and understand how it works. The latest scam is a rather official looking pop-up will appear on your screen and tell you that you have a virus. As soon as you click the “clean” button, the virus downloads into your system. Then sure enough, a few days later you will get another pop-up with instructions on how to purchase the software that will solve all of your problems. It’s a scam, don’t fall for it.
4. Email – Just because the email came from your mom doesn’t mean it is safe. There is nothing people love more than forwarding jokes, video and meaning of life type non-sense. I don’t open any of this and I know for sure I never missed out on anything nor do I have bad luck. Just ignore these types of emails and refer the sender to the Computer Help for Dummies post.
5. The #1 rule? Easy. Hire a company to provide you with technical support. There are many companies out there that charge under $20 per month and you can call them 24X7 with any questions you may have. When you call, they fix your problem. For many of you that spend multiple hours per week on your PC, this investment will pay you back many times over. Click here for the company I recommend. While I obviously don’t use them, I have referred many happy friends and family to them over the years.