Windows Guidance - in other words, coach me toward my goals to see if I can do it myself.
Right, this is not a financial part of our business, but we feel it the 'right thing' to help you if we can without you having to necessarily pay someone. Thusly, some things in life are free...
Should I purchase a Mac?
Why is this information in the Windows section? It's here since it is a common question when our clients have issues with their Windows computer. At RMC, we have both and actually enjoy using both. Transition to a new system after so many years of using our familiar Windows computers was a bit stressful but now it's easy. Primarily because one must be willing to learn something new -- entirely new. Finder versus Explorer. Safari versus Internet Explorer.
It really is possible to transition and, unless you use applications that were truly designed to be used on a Windows computer, you will like the way it works. The clarity of the screen information is amazing. Not to mention that with products like VMWare you can actually run Windows too.
If you are attached to using Microsoft Outlook for your email, there is an equivalent on Mac OS called Microsoft Entourage. It's reasonable, but just is not as stable as Outlook on your Windows computer. We do not, however, have Office 2011 for the Mac yet. Maybe it has improved things. We'll do some research and report back later.
Last, the price for a Mac is generally quite higher than a Windows computer. That alone may change your mind.
Windows 7
We like it! More coming soon here...
Virus Protection
For Comcast users, you are provided with virus protection as part of your subscription. In 2011 they are providing Norton 360. Norton 360 is a comprehensive package that has virus, spyware, malware protection. Also, it's great because it has a 'tuning' package that keeps your computer running more smoothly.
Many have the tendency to use 'free' virus protection on, not only their home computer, but also on their business computers. This may seem financially sensible, but what happens when the 'free' software allows a virus to install on your computer. One problem in this area could cost you $100. It's cheaper and much more sensible to purchase virus protection for your system. Most virus protection that you pay for costs less than $100 and can be installed on 3 computers (at $100 that breaks down to $33 per computer). Of importance is that you be careful when using Facebook and other social networking systems. Many virus infections are occurring while people are looking at their account, find a curious link, click on it and VOILA! You're infected. For Windows users, ALT-F4 closes any windows that you are using (the active window). If you see a pop-up that does not look sensible to you, press ALT-F4 to close that window or simply shutdown your computer and, by all mean, stay away from the area you just visited.
Backup your computer data (photos, files, etc)
You'll see this area referenced over and over again by us. We have seen many cases where people report that a local agency charged them $500 or more for a data 'recovery' operation. Of the cases we've seen (over 100) where someone has lost data, it's not that they have lost data at all. Their computer is no longer working (the system ceases to work due to power or a component failure) but the data is still there. How to get around this completely? Implement a system where you backup your computer and do so immediately. This is one of the critical points of protecting yourself and preventing a large expense and frustration.
Purchasing a computer
There are so many options here that it easily becomes confusing. We have helped people in the process and have also lost opportunities to help people (they get anxious or disgusted with the process and take another route -- who knows what that route might be). If you are considering a purchase for a computer that will remain in Vail (i.e., your not transporting it back and forth between your homes), it's a reasonable idea to purchase a Dell computer. In Vail, Dell has technicians that are on-hand and relatively close by that work on the computers at Vail Resorts (aka, all ski mountain services). With Dell, providing that you have a warranty, a repair technician will visit YOU for the repair. With HP and others, you generally have to mail your system to a service depot. Not fun to be without your computer for 5-10 days.
Your network (connection to the internet)
For your home or business internet connection, the first thing to do is to ensure you have a password on your wireless router or access point. That way, only you, your family and your friends are using the internet connection that you pay for. There was once discussion of our legal system making the process of 'borrowing an internet connection' from your neighbor illegal.