Computer advice to save you money and time

By Rick Castellini Special to PRIME In January, my web site (HelpMeRick.com) and my business will turn 13 years old. In that time, I have worked on thousands of computers ranging from the oldest DOS machines to the newest gaming and Macintosh monsters. My youngest client in that time has been 5 years old and my oldest was a 94-year- old author writing her fifth book using a computer for the first time. When your work in any field for a certain period of time, you start to spot patterns and consistencies. Ricks tips for worry-free computing After incubating the idea in my head for about six months, I want to share with you (and anyone you clip-and-send, or forward, this article to) my opinion of how to best buy and use computer technology with the bare minimum cash outlay and the least number of application issues. What follows would be my advice to a computer user who truly wanted to achieve worry-free computing, no questions asked, based on my knowledge and experience. 1. Buy a mid-range laptop costing no more than $500. 2. Immediately install Ubuntu Linux on the laptop and allow Ubuntu to completely erase the drive's contents (Windows and a ton of trial ware) as it installs. Ubuntu will provide you with a top- notch Office productivity package (word processor, spreadsheet, presentation manager, etc), tons of games (including Solitaire, Mahjong, Sudoku, and Freecell), CD/DVD burning, secure, fast Internet browsing with Firefox, photo management and editing software, and much more for no additional cost. Ubuntu also does not require the extra security software currently in use to try and keep Windows running at a decent clip. 3. Sign up for a Gmail email address and use the Gmail web based interface exclusively for e-mail. You won't experience spam, you won't lose your address book, and you will be able to check your e-mail from anywhere in the world via any computer and be completely at home with the process. Also, Gmail works with any Internet provider. 4. Purchase a low cost black and white HP Laser Printer. The costs of the consumables will be a fraction of an ink jet, and it will last for years and years. If you really want color, get a low- cost color laser printer from HP. Ink jet printers are simply too expensive to maintain and don't have the longevity of a laser printer. It's great- but not for everyone As sound as this computing approach is, it's not foolproof. I see some users encountering difficulties using this setup, such as those who absolutely have to use the Windows-only software applications QuickBooks, certain genealogy software applications or other Windows-only software solutions. Still it could save you thousands Any other small business or home user could save thousands of dollars, upgrade less often, accrue less computer down time and repair bill costs by using this type of a simple approach to computers. The problem is, when I do give this computing advice, most people get a little apprehensive about giving up access to Windows and other Microsoft products. From my 13 years of experience, it can be a huge advantage from a mental, physical, temporal and financial stand point to work with the technology proposal I just outlined. Clients who took this advice over the past few years tell me they would not switch back to Windows and find themselves far less stresses about their computers than friends and families using Windows. Rick Castellini is an author, computer consultant, and hosts a nationally syndicated computer radio show from Colorado. Visit his web site at www.HelpMeRick.com for new tips every week and sign up for his free weekly email newsletter.