RIVER BENDER - JUNE  2004

Today I'm not so sure I'd recommend that everybody buy a computer.

Back in '98 PC prices started around $1000 and went upward and I honestly believed that everybody that didn't own a computer would be left hopelessly behind in the information age. Running a computer back then was easy and there was nothing to worry about except keeping Window 95 working since it constantly shut down and one had to restart it, sort of like your car stalling out.

But life was simple because there were few viruses to worry about and many folks didn't even use an anti-virus program. We didn't have spam, constant security updates, spyware, adware, hijacking, phishing and scams like we have today. The few viruses that existed were always in somebody else's computer.

So here we are today with really super computers selling for as low as $400 that are over 10 times faster and with 8 times more memory than in '98. Shouldn't everybody without a computer run out and buy one? I say no and here's why:

I've discovered that many folks' computers are now so screwed up they either need to delete everything in them (reformat hard drive) and start over or buy a new one. It's like owning a car and never doing any maintenance until finally it doesn't run. Some folks either ignore or are unaware of the many things one must do today to protect their computer from an external attack. If you're going to buy your first computer here's some stuff you're going to have to put up with. Are you ready?

Windows update: Microsoft is struggling to keep up with the bad guys trying to access your PC and issues periodic critical security updates. They're like auto safety recalls that you don't want to ignore. Type "Windows Update" in Google and you'll find Microsoft's update website.

Anti-Virus software: All Internet service providers are probably scanning mail for viruses now but everyone needs an AV program to catch any that slip by and it does occur. But what happens is that many folks have an AV program that came with their PC and they never update it so it's worthless.

Spyware: A threat currently worse than viruses is spyware that bad guys manage to sneak into your PC. They go so far as to take over control and get vital information such as credit card and bank account numbers. What can you do? Besides Windows security updates one must install anti-spyware programs such as free Ad-Aware and SpyBot. But like AV programs they need constant updating to be effective. Many folks never hear much about all this because they're not on any e-mail list or attend a computer meeting where it's discussed.

General Maintenance: There are numerous other items that one must do periodically such as defragging and cleaning out junk on your computer's hard drive. These tools are listed at Programs/Accessories/System Tools in Windows but some folks never use them so junk piles up until their computer slows down.

Conclusion: Don't buy your first computer unless you're willing to feed and take care of it and learn all you can about security risks that exist. There are too many bad guys on the Internet today to ignore them.

All past computer articles are posted at http://always-online.com/nbcug/dwindex.htm