Smothers Computer Services, LLC
|
"Turning client frustration into client elation since 2001"
480-753-7667
Serving the East Valley with integrity and trust since 2001
1. The "Right Mouse Button" The "right mouse button" is used to provide more options for opening, moving, copying and using a file or application. My motto is "Right click Everything". When you "right click" on an object or file, a menu will appear with numerous options listed. These can be used for a variety of tasks to make your computer more efficient and easy to use.
2. Keep your files organized! To keep your files organized and easily found by you and your computer is to use folders to store them.
3. Always use proper shut down procedure to turn off your computer. Whenever possible, use the "Start", "Shut Down" procedure for turning off your computer. To do this, click on "Start" then "Shut Down" and then click on the option you want (shut-down, restart, stand-by, etc.) Your files will not become as fragmented and corrupted when you use this method and start up will be a lot faster and less damaging to your system. I recommend that you only shut down your computer once or twice a week because most of the wear your computer components experience is during the startup and shut down process.
4. Keep virus definitions updated. One of the recurring questions I hear is "How did I get a virus when I have my Virus program running?" The key to having an effective virus protection program is to keep the definitions updated. All virus protection programs contain a way to update the definitions by way of an online web site that will provide free add-ons to your program that will enable it to provide a higher mesa of protection. As a rule, you should check for updates every month.
5. Keep your computer in an open space. Heat is one of the most common causes of component failure to your system. To prevent possible heat related damage, put the main part of your computer (the tower) in an open space with ventilation. An enclosed cabinet may look great to you, but to your computer it is an oven and may cause premature component failure.
6. Use the "Add/Remove Programs" program in the "control panel" to remove unwanted programs. This program is designed to remove files of programs that are no longer wanted, without deleting important files that may be needed by other programs.
7. Check to see what is running in the background. It is a good practice to periodically check to see what programs are running in the background when Windows starts up. Many programs like to add a "start when windows starts" option when they are being installed. This creates a lot of wasted resources and decreases the performance of your computer. To remove these programs, Click Start-Run, type in MSCONFIG, click on Startup tab and then uncheck the uneeded programs and click OK and reboot.
8. Know where your files are being saved. When you save a file you have created, click on "save as" and specify where you want this file stored. If you click the "save icon", the file is saved in "My Documents" which makes it difficult to find and use. You should save your work in folders created to make it easier and more efficient for you and your computer to find and use.
9. Be Gentle with your computer. The "On/Off" switch is a fragile electronic device that can easily be damaged or broken by too much force. When you machine freezes or crashes and the urge to give your "On/Off" switch an "attitude adjustment" with the business end of a sledge hammer, please refrain.
10. Find an Honest, Knowledgeable and trustworthy computer technician to service your computer. A technician who knows your system can save you a lot of time and money by keeping it in top operating condition. He/she can suggest upgrades when needed and perform periodic "tune-ups" that will help your computer give you years of trouble-free operation. Of course we would like for you to make SCS your headquarters for all of your computer needs, but whatever technician you choose, make sure you are comfortable and confident in their ability and honesty.
Call us today 480-753-7667 or email mike@smotherscomputers.com
What our clients are saying about SCS:
Barbara T., Ahwatukee Resident and client of SCS
I have been calling Mike for the past 5 years everytime I needed some help with my computer. He always fixes my computer and has time to sit and tell me what he is doing and how I can help protect my computer from this stuff happening to me again.
Mike is always very friendly and his prices are affordable even for someone like me on a fixed income.
SCS is the only I trust with my computer.