I know this is going to be editorial in most places but most of my friends do come for my help on their computers even to set up their computer so here goes.

First thing is that shop around for a computer some places will rip you off something bad if you don’t know what you’re doing. And worse sell you an overpriced computer loaded with “features” that you do not need. For example if you want a computer just for doing your work on why would you need to spend out on a computer that plays movies with surround sound. You don’t need that do you. As with everything you should know what you want. Ask yourself what do you want from a computer if your answer is “uh I dunno just to surf the net I guess” don’t buy a computer your going to be ripped off. Know what you want do your research shop around find the best value but not the cheapest computer.

Ok so you brought your computer and got it out of the box. Plugged all the bits in, computers are idiot proof that way being all colour coded if you cant work that out take your computer back to the shop and take a learn direct course or something honestly if you cant work that bit out then you should not have a computer. Switch on your computer. And have a play around explore your computer see what’s on your computer though the start menu the hard drive contents get to know your computer, get used to your computer take at least 3 days doing that.

Well most people these days want a computer to use the internet. Well STOP!! Stop right there. Do you know what you’re doing? The internet is a very powerful tool with dangerous bits. Some people have a bad opinion of the internet but everyone knows it has changed our lives as we know it with convenience and resources, everyone wants a bit of that action, but unfortunately not everyone knows how to do it safely. I’ve asked a few people. “Do you know what an antivirus, firewall and spy ware is” and I am alarmed with the amount of people who don’t know what any of these and these are essential knowledge if surfing online. Learn about the internet first read up about it the dangers of the internet. Danger to your privacy etc. some people still forget to realise just because your on the internet the dangers are still real. You have heard the news reports about phishing and other scams. It can happen to the best of us if we are not careful. Learn the basics of computing before you go online

Ok now your asking which antivirus shall I get does it cost a lot of money? Well yes and no. Computer defence is not an expense but an investment. £40 on defence is a lot less then £40,000 lost in fraud. If you plan to go on broadband get a router which acts like an Hardware firewall which stops your computer acting like a server to “Trojan” virus and other nasties also if you have more then one computer you can share the internet connection. Now you need software antivirus and firewall. Remember the most expensive doesn’t mean the best. Norton is not the best in fact it’s the worst to be blunt it couldn’t find a cold on a man with a runny nose. The best FREE antivirus is AVG. the best security package is Panda Antivirus. It doesn’t cost much.

Ok you learned how to use your own computer and read how the internet works. You know what to do. Well hopefully you do don’t go on the internet if you don’t know what your doing. There is only a deep end with the internet, there is no shallow end most books on how to get started with the internet will recommend links to create an email account where to go shopping etc. even chat rooms to make new friends.. Visit my links page for news etc.

But remember the dangers of the internet at all times. Do not click on anything you don’t trust. Even from people you know I know it sounds daft but it can catch you by surprise. Remember banks will never ask for your details by email. Your friends will tell you if they are going to send you programs they will not spring it at random. If you have doubts ask or walk away. NEVER ever reply to spam emails click on the links just delete them. Keep your guard up all time. It’s a public place treat it like a public place. Would you let your kids loose in a middle of a public place with nasties, no? Well don’t do that with the internet. Supervise them teach them the dangers. Give them support never ever let your children on the internet alone. Even with innocent sites they can lead to things inappropriate. Children are always curious don’t let their curiosity damage your computer or lead them onto nasty sites.

One advice is that don’t get out of your depth when it comes to computers I know it contradicts my internet advice but throughout this page I have told you the depths. You might get more confident with experience and even create your own website. These days that is easier with web blogging there are many books and resources to help you create a website. In time you will see how computers and the internet are the most powerful tools you can use if used with care and respect. Computers are not a geeky thing anymore. Don’t be lazy with your computer treat it well and it will treat you well back (unless you get the blue screen) make sure you defrag your computer scan your computer. Look after it well and most of all

Happy Computing