Many who send files via e-mail complain that the recipient cannot open the file - usually because the recipient doesn’t have the same program that was used to create the file. For instance, if you send a Word document or an Excel spreadsheet to someone who doesn’t have Word or Excel they may be unable to view the contents. Read the rest of this entry »

Using the same password on many different web sites can increase the risk of someone accessing your account information without your consent. If someone hacks into a web site that you use and steals your credentials they may be able to log into your banking and other sensitive sites if they use the same password. But using a different password for each web site can be difficult to manage. Read the rest of this entry »

When explaining computer problems to your consultant have you ever been asked “what was the error message” but you didn’t write it down? I ask this a lot when I arrive on-site to troubleshoot problems. The error messages are sometimes very long and cryptic, and most of us just want them to go away. Writing them down is usually the last thing on our minds. And even if they are written down, sometimes they aren’t very accurate. There’s an easy way to save those error messages to be viewed later. Read the rest of this entry »

The newest version of Microsoft’s PC operating system, Windows Vista, has been bundled with new computers since early 2007. Many Windows Vista users love the new system while others have reported many problems. I am frequently asked whether or not an upgrade to Windows Vista is a good idea. Read the rest of this entry »

The loss of important data due to a computer crash can be very costly; therefore, backups should be performed regularly. But even with these backups a crash can still be costly due to avoidable downtime. The data may be safe and secure but a failed computer will prevent access to that data. Read the rest of this entry »

Backups are one of the most important areas of computing. Unfortunately it is also one of the most neglected. Other than fans, the hard drive in your computer is the only other component that has constantly moving parts. And since the hard drive is the component that holds your data - including your programs, documents, pictures and email - it is the most critical device in your computer. A hard drive failure could result in the loss of your data. Read the rest of this entry »