I believe that the internet should be about sharing information. I am a self-taught former computer illiterate in her mid fifties. I got my first computer in 1995, my second computer( a laptop) in 2000, after two wonderful Medion computers, and I now have two computers both running with Windows Vista. I now do video editing and CD/DVD Publishing. I have upgraded the memory on my computers, added additional hard drives, and learned the ease and beauty of using the small USB drives to share information.

COSTCO...

Since buying my laptop through Costco in 2000, I have bought all my computers and electronics from Costco. At this time, Costco has a 90 day "no questions asked" return policy and on most items they carry an extended warranty. For example, if you buy a Dell from them, you get the additional 3 year warranty at no additional cost. With most times the shipping and handling is included. The last computer I ordered online on Saturday and it was delivered on Tuesday.

Costco also has their own Concierge program, so you get a special tech number. A little less than a year ago, I bought an iPod from Costco. When I went to Apple to get tech support, and found I would have to jump through hoops. I then called the Concierge number, where I was told it was too late to return the item, however, they gave me the tech information that I needed to know get the the iPod working again. I was sooo glad that I had bought my iPod through Costco, otherwise I would have just tossed the iPod.

I don't have stock in Costco, I just believe they offer unique exceptional value and service, and I think everyone should know about it.

WINDOWS VISTA and ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE...

I know talking about Windows Vista has little meaning with Windows 7 on the horizon. However, I learned a few new things with Windows Vista, that I would like to share with you.

When I was forced by circumstances to get Windows Vista, I had heard about all the problems. As I had stated on this website, I had to buy all new software, which luckily was available. Because I was pre-disposed to believe I would have problems, I did! UNTIL...I removed the MacAfee antivrus that came installed on the computer. I replaced it with Avira FREE! Anti-virus and the FREE! Super Anti-Spyware. All the issues with Vista disappeared with the removal of Mac Afee. For more than a year now I have used this free software and had less issues than I had with Norton's and Mac Afee. I recommend it to anyone.

SOFTWARE IN GENERAL...

With Vista, I had to replace my expensive Microsoft and Adobe software. (It is interesting that the software programs that I had bought online, from lesser known companies, were made compatible with Vista, without me having to buy them again. But that is another story!) Assuming that many of you, may be in my situation, I have a tip for buying expensive software. If you take a class at your local Community College, you not only get to learn something new, you also become eligible to buy software at a greatly reduced price at Journey Ed.

OVER THE YEARS...

Not wanting to display my ignorance- I spent many non-productive and frustrating hours wading through many programs. In the beginning- I did everything the long hard way. I would like to save others these aggravations. So- if you have any questions about anything just Email - and if I can help I will. 

I believe the computer is a wonderful tool. And is less mysterious than most of us realize. The hard part is finding someone who speaks English when it comes to computers. For most of my friends and family- I have become that person. Now that you have found my site, I would like to offer you my help. I am comfortable working with Windows 98, XP and Vista. I am familiar with many programs including PhotoShop, In Design, Fireworks, Flash, Dreamweaver and FrontPage2003. At this time I have close to 30 programs that I use regularly

I have installed my own hard drive, CD-RW, and additional memory. If you are adventuresome maybe I can give you the courage to do your own installing. (If you are afraid to open your computer it would be best to let someone else do this!) 

Computers are not always right, one needs to know which messages to ignore and which ones need attention. Computers are not easy to break, but do require maintenance. If you have a lot of fonts loaded on the computer it will run slow. Another thing that slows down many computers- is junk files. Like the fonts they do not fill up the hard drive- but they do slow it down. Another good maintenance practice is to "defrag " your hard drive periodically. How often to "defrag" depends on how you use your computer and what you do on your computer. To "defrag" without getting rid of all the junk-e.g. temp files, recycle bin, cookies- is an exercise in futility. In the 6 years this site has been up, I would say 9 times out of 10--"defragging" has made a drastic improvement in speed. Now that hard drives are getting bigger and bigger, it is important to defrag when the computer is less than 10% fragmented.

If you are shaking your head right now saying - "What is a font and how do I know if I have too many? And if I do, then what do I do? Or what's cyber junk? Or cookies? So, I have never "defragged" is my computer going to blow up?" Relax- Go to my Computer Tips Page  and you can link from there to detailed instructions on a Printer friendly Page

It is important to know that it takes 125 MB of RAM to run Windows XP, so if your computer only has 128 RAM that doesn't leave you with any room to run your programs---everything will run slow. If you want to do heavy graphics or video editing, you will need a minimum of 1GB of RAM, with 2 GB RAM recommended.

I was a beginner quite a while ago, but  I can remember some of the questions I was afraid to ask. No question is stupid if it is an honest question. Many people helped me along the way. And now I would like to help others like myself.

The question I asked most often along the way was-" Is this the easiest way to do this? I have since learned that any way I can get something done--is the best and easiest way--in the beginning. With time and experience one learns some faster easier ways, but by finding them for myself, I remember them!

If you are really new to the computer- I do have
3 beginner tips...

If you want to get comfortable using the mouse- play solitaire. You will get caught up in the game and before you know it, you will have mastered the mouse. Then you can move onto bigger better things. 

The second tip is fun like the first, play Free Cell it comes with Windows 95, 98, and XP. In this game it is possible to win every hand. Keep playing each hand until you win. This teaches one how to work with a computer- if you can't get something one way- it is necessary to approach it differently. Most problems on the computer are solvable. If you can't solve the problem maybe there is a way to work around it.

My third and last tip-after you have struggled learning something new- like Microsoft Word or how to copy and paste. Or if you feel frustrated because you are not learning what you want fast enough. Treat yourself to a game of solitaire or whatever before you get off the computer. This will help you to relax with the computer- and your last memory  will not be of frustration. 

Mainly, RELAX, six months from now- you will wonder what all the fuss was about!!!

I have started a Computer Tips page,  
of computer tips I have found most helpful. 
As time permits I will be adding more!