|
|
|
|
|
Update your Antivirus software
Back up your data! If your hard drive dies and you lose all your data, would it matter? If you were to lose documents, financial records, pictures, etc., that are on your computer, would it cause a huge problem? If the answer is yes, you need to back up your data regularly. You don't need to back up your whole drive; in fact, backing up everything is time consuming and more expensive. Why just back up the data? You have the installation CD's for Windows and your other software, right? In case of disaster, you could re-install those things, put the data back and you're done.
Most people don't have a lot of data. It probably won't fit on a floppy disk, but a zip drive would be great for most people. The cost of an internal zip drive, including installation, is a little less than the cost of an external drive and doesn't take up more desk space, but an external drive could be used on more than one computer. Externals can be connected to a parallel or USB port. Make a list of the things you need, find out where they are stored on your computer, and back up those folders. Rotate diskettes or zip disks or tapes, whatever you use, so that you have 3 or 4 backups. If the data is very important, keep one set off-site. Back up the stuff you can't do without.
Almost everyone uses either Netscape or Internet Explorer for an Internet browser. Whichever one you use, it's best to keep it up-to-date. Microsoft and Netscape are constantly coming out with new features and enhancements. Increased security and ease of navigation are usually included in newer versions. They're all free, too.
No matter which version of Windows you use (or other Microsoft products, for that matter), Microsoft is continuously posting updates and fixes for their products. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows and follow the links to get the latest free updates. These might include security or Y2K patches.
There are several good antivirus programs out there. The most well known are made by Norton and McAfee. They are constantly updating the antivirus definitions, and it's available for free downloads if you have purchased the software. Go to the homepage of your software's manufacturer and follow the links to the latest definitions. For McAfee, it's http://www.mcafee.com and for Norton go to http://www.symantec.com . It's important to do it at least once a month.
While you're getting updated, each of those antivirus manufacturers has a page dedicated to virus hoaxes. There are a lot of them. If you get an e-mail message about such-and-such virus that will wipe out your hard drive, please check it out before forwarding the message to everyone you know. Those hoax messages cause more problems than an actual virus.
For some good reading material about the Internet, go to http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/security/misc/reliability.html . Check out the links on the left column regarding security, data protection, etc.
In the PC's I've checked for Y2K compliance, very few have not been capable of operating normally past January 1. Quite a few will have to be manually set to the correct date when they are turned on the first time in 2000, but that's not hard. If you've checked your computer, you know what to expect. Even if your computer is not Y2K compliant, there is very little chance all your data will be lost or that your computer will be inoperable. If I didn't have date-sensitive software, I wouldn't sweat it at all. We have free Y2K-checking diskettes at the store for anyone to use. My personal feelings are that January 1, 2000, will go down in history, but not for the computer crashes (in the US anyway). I think there may be some instances of disruption caused by idiots who want to make the disaster predictions come true. Mostly it will be looked back on by our grandchildren as a time when we were extremely paranoid over nothing. But I've been wrong before.
Remember that even though your computer hardware is OK, your operating system and software may not be. Check with your software manufacturer to be sure the date-sensitive software you are running is compliant. Microsoft is not supporting Windows 3.1 or 3.11 to be Y2K-OK. Windows 95 and 98 have some minor Y2K bugs, fixes for which can be found at Microsoft's website.
|
|
 |
OUR INTERNET CLASS IS A GREAT SUCCESS!!
We will be offering the next class on Tuesday January 11th at
7:00 pm Please call ahead and reserve your slot to attend. We
offer small class sizes so we can give you more hands on attention.
Bring along any questions so that we may answer them in the
second half of the class.We are glad to help with any problems
you may be experiencing. The cost of the class is $20.00 and it
will last from 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
This is the time of year when people
are very busy. The last
thing on our minds is tax season. But as we all know that time
arrives quicker than we would like it to. Now is the time to get
your computer software updated to a program that can make
taxes easier. We offer many versions of QuickBooks that can suit
your business and home accounting needs. Now is also the time
to
check on your computer software’s Y2K compatability. Most
of us
have checked out our computer itself but the software is also
important. If you use date sensitive software is would be a good
idea to call the manufacturer and verify that it will make it
over
New Years Eve and into the year 2000. Most of the new software
is Y2K compliant and is easier than ever to use.
We offer instruction on QuickBooks for anyone who needs help
setting up accounts and doing accounting. The class for that is
a
one on one tutorial from video that takes approximately 2 to 2
1/2
hours to complete. You will be able to go at your own speed and
review anything that you might not understand. The class for
QuickBooks is scheduled at a time that is convenient for you.
We
would like you to schedule them during the day if possible.
Between the hours of 10:00am & 3:30 pm. Other arrangements
could possibly be made,with enough notification, if these hours
do
not work for your schedule.
We have room for one person at our beginner's Internet class on January 11 at 7 p.m. If you are interested please call and reserve the spot. Each person will have his/her own computer terminal in the class. It will last approximately 2 1/2 hours and will cost $20.
See you soon,
Cathy
Thank You from Don, Cathy, and Lee
at
Cyclone Computers
1013 Broadway
Emmetsburg IA 50536
(712) 852-2245
email: cyclone@ncn.net
|
Call Cathy at 852-2245 to schedule a time for training in Windows 98, the Internet, or Quickbooks. 1 seat available for Internet class January 11 @ 7 p.m. Call now. |
 |
Refurbished or used laptops are available. If you need to be mobile at a lower cost, this may be for you. We have used laptop carrying cases for only $20. |
Cyclone Computers is a dealer of high quality Jetta laptops. See them at www.jetta.com Stop in for a price quote. |
Cyclone Computers Website | Contact Cyclone Computers | Emmetsburg Website