Ways to simplify computer usage

By Rick Castellini Special to PRIME This article will help you avoid these common pitfalls and allow you to get more enjoyment from your computing life while also saving money. I don't have enough room to detail these steps, but you can research them at my website, listed at the end of this article. Back up data Back up any data that is important to you. This includes address books, Internet bookmarks (favorites), financial data like Quicken, important word processing documents, email, and of course your photos. The definition of backup is having at least two copies of your data in different places. Password management Any website that allows us to shop, communicate, or work with our finances requires a login and password. I cannot emphasize enough how critical it is that every site you access has a unique login id and password. Using the same password for every web site is nothing short of lazy and irresponsible. The easiest way to keep track of your passwords is to buy a small notebook or address book and write them down. Simple and it works. For higher tech options, search for passwords on my website. Keep system current When you get notifications for updates for your computer, Do them. These updates are usually for security purposes. The updates to make sure you keep up with include Microsoft Windows updates, security software updates, Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, and Java. Learn about security software If you use any version of Windows, you need to learn about what security software you have installed, how it is used, when it scans, how is it updated, and when the license expires (yes, they all expire). This tip alone will save you hundreds of dollars and lots of time. Move email to the web Using a program like Microsoft Outlook, Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express or similar is highly outdated. Many computer users either have or will acquire a second or third device where they want to be able to send and receive email (iPads, laptops, smartphones). Using a desktop program to manage email makes this extremely difficult. Learn to use Gmail (my current favorite) or Yahoo email, and you will be amazed at the freedom it gives you. Use a service to print photos Printing photos from home is expensive, time consuming and the results are sub-par. With high speed Internet, mail-to-your-door or pickup in an hour at your grocery or drug store, there is no reason to print photos from home. Leave computer on overnight Many computer programs like to do scans and maintenance during off hours. I instruct my clients to leave their computers on overnight at least once per week. From 15-plus years in the business, I can tell you without hesitation that those who follow this advice have faster and safer computers than those who don't. Cleanup your computer My favorite computer cleanup utility is called CCleaner (search for it at my site to learn how to use it). Let your computer breathe Computer desks with those special little cubbies for your tower lead to an early death for your computer because they don't allow enough air flow. Heat is the number one enemy of computer hardware. Make sure your computer gets plenty of circulation, and at least once per year, unplug it, take it outside, open up the side and use a can of compressed air to blow the dust out of the inside of the computer. Learn to use Google Utilize all Google has to offer, and you will save a ton of time driving, looking up phone numbers, converting measurements, reading the news, looking for trivia, finding photos, and oh yeah, searching the web. Consider a smartphone I've been using what is now known as a smartphone (device that combines cell phone with Internet access) for nearly 10 years. Smartphones give you an extreme amount of flexibility and mobility with your information and information gathering. Prices have dropped, utility has increased, and they really will help you save time and money in the big scheme of things. Pick one guru Computer advice can be dispersed by sales people, big box techies, newspaper columnists, your kids, neighbors and even your mechanic. I'm all for gathering and listening to as many points of view as I can, but in the end, trust one source who has never led you astray. I hope you pick me, but no matter who you pick, this last piece of advice might be the best one on the page. Rick Castellini is an author, computer consultant, and hosts a 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. You can also follow Rick on Twitter at twitter.com/helpmerick.