Obsolesence
The speed of computer innovation, and indeed all technological innovation
these days, forces us all to face the reality of obsolescence. Over time,
usually faster than we would ever wish, our computers inexorably move
from the cutting edge to the junk pile. While I am never one to recommend
suffering with an aged computer, the fact is that many computers still
have many useful years in them even after they are no longer the latest
and greatest.
What can it do?
In most cases even the oldest computer can perform useful tasks for various
members of the family. Almost all adults and children have a need to turn
out text documents for business, for class or just for fun. Newer machines
with a CD-ROM drive can still be used for older educational games even
if they are slower than the current drives. Home automation systems can
make use of an older computer as a dedicated light and environment controller.
If the computer is equipped with a FAX modem you can turn it into a dedicated
FAX station. Finally, if you no longer need an older computer you can
donate it to a worthy cause. As you can see there are many needs your
computer can fulfill.
What does it need?
Of course, any computer needs to be working properly and have a few critical
components in order to be truly useful. First and foremost, the computer
needs to be reliable. The system should startup properly every time without
producing error messages. You shouldn't have to fight with the computer.
Second, the computer should have a way to store and backup your data.
The internal hard disk and some type of floppy disk drive should be in
good working order. If the computer only has an older 5 1/4" floppy
the simple addition of a 3 1/2" floppy disk drive to a computer increases
its usefulness at a small cost. This will allow you to move any files
to a newer computer when you do decide to upgrade. You shouldn't invest
a lot of time or money in an older computer. It often isn't worth it to
upgrade memory or hard disk space. You are better off investing that money
into a new computer.
Third, you need a printer. The computer itself is somewhat useless without
a way to produce final output. You could move files to another computer
for printing but it is always more convenient to print from the original
computer.
Finally, you need a small collection of software to allow you to perform
your work. Often this will be the software that originally came with the
computer. It needn't be the most current version and, in fact, it is best
that it isn't. As software is updated its requirements in both memory
and disk space increase dramatically. You might be able to locate older
versions of software at your local computer swap meet or through a computer
user group. It is important to remember that you are going to be using
this computer for a limited number of tasks so your software needs are
also limited.
But is it enough?
It is important to understand the limitations of your older computer.
Don't try to make an old computer do new tricks. You will only waste time
and money and frustrate yourself. If you need a more capable computer
to get on the Internet, manipulate digital photos or other high-end tasks
there is no substitute for a new computer. Put the older computer out
to pasture performing simple tasks and bring in the new thoroughbred for
the tough work.
New books now available!
From yours truly...
This collection of my best columns from 1997-2002 is now available from CafePress.com.This book is a great gift idea for students who are thinking of a high-tech career, those graduating into the "real world" of high-tech work, or anyone who is thinking about moving into high-tech as their second career.
From Rosanne Welch and Dawn Comer Jefferson...
May 2004
In the news...
Nancy Blachman's Google Guide is by far the best guide to using Google, for beginners & more intermediate users, that I've seen so far. I see great potential here for plopping patrons down with this self-guided tutorial, instead of the 20 minute "This is Google, this is how you search" lecture. Thanks to beSpacific for the link.[LibrarianInBlack]
Not a virus but not quite an ad..... A new irritant is spreading around the AOL instant messenger network in the form of a web-based game, tricking even users who are normally cautious about what they install. Once installed, the game effectively turns your PC into an IM spamming irrit.. [Broadbandreports]
GNEWBIE GNOOK: How's Your XP Differ from My XP?
Ken Colburn of Data Doctors answers Pete, who wonders:
Q: If I get a new system for home, what is the difference between XP Home edition and XP Professional? I want to put home movies on DVD.
A: Microsoft did a pretty good job of naming the two versions of XP, but I probably would have opted for Windows XP Home and Windows XP Business, which may have made it a little easier to understand. Continued at [Lockergnome Windows Fanatics]
Apple has posted a very useful page listing all of their available RSS feeds including Knowledge Base articles & downloads. You can subscribe to any of these feeds in a news reader such as NetNewsWire to have the latest headlines delivered to your desktop. [MacMegasite]
Windows virus 'Bagle.B' spreading; Macintosh unaffected
"A variant of the mass-mailing Bagle virus started spreading Tuesday, as U.S. businesses returned from the long weekend," Robert Lemos reports for CNET News.com. "Like the original virus, Bagle.B spreads by sending an e-mail message with an attached copy of its code; a PC is infected when the recipient opens the attachment. The virus, which is programmed to stop spreading Feb. 25, installs software on a person's PC to allow Bagle.B's creator to take control of... [MacDailyNews]
Free Microsoft Critical Update CD
Updates Through October, 2003. Microsoft is taking orders for a free CD containing critical updates and patches through October, 2003 for Windows XP, Me, 2000, 98, and 98 Second Edition. The CD is aimed at users who have dialup connections or other difficulties in downloading file.. [Broadbandreports]
Steve Bass has made a chapter about e-mail freakishness from his book, PC Annoyances, available for free download. He explains the fixes for various problems in several different e-mail programs, such as Outlook, Eudora, & Netscape. This is good--very good. Thanks Steve! [LibrarianInBlack]
Latest Mydoom variant can delete files
Several antivirus and security companies today warned that another variant of the Mydoom worm is spreading. This one can delete files from a user's computer. [Computerworld News]
Computer Discussion Group at the Sherman Oaks Branch of the LA Public Library
My computer "classes" at the library continue through December and into 2004. If your friends or co-workers would like an example of how I teach and coach computer users through large and small issues, I recommend they stop by some evening. This is probably the best way to get to know me and my methods.
Each class starts with a a short presentation on some interesting technology, web site or software, but then quickly becomes an energetic question and answer session, where I answer the questions that are most pressing in the minds of the attendees.
The next meeting is Mar 11th at 6:30 pm.
Currently scheduled for 2004:
March 25
April 8
April 22 Special Apple Mac Night
May 13 & 27
The Sherman Oaks Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library is located at 14245 Moorpark Street Sherman Oaks, CA -- Telephone 818-205-9716.
Remember
to update operating systems and anti-virus programs
Anti-Virus
The beginning of each month is the perfect time to ensure that your operating system (Windows/Macintosh OS) and anti-virus software are up-to-date. Your anti-virus software cannot protect your computer from the latest viruses without these updates. Updates are released at least once a month, unless a new virus is dangerous enough to justify an immediate update.
Operating System Updates
For Windows (98, 2000, XP), there should be an icon labeled Windows Update in your Start Menu
For Macintosh OS 9 systems, check Apple Menu, Control Panels, Software Update
For Macintosh OS X systems, check System Preferences, Software Update
Most systems can be set to automatically check for updates directly from the Internet, as well. If you want to learn how to set up automatic updates for these programs, drop me an email or give me a call.
Small office/home office staffing
Did you know that Douglas can act as your own personal, in-house Information Technology staff?
If you or your employees need regular assistance with office tasks, software upgrades, network servers, backups or a host of other services, why not set up a regularly scheduled appointment?
Email or Phone today to set up your standing appointment!
Standard hourly rates apply.
Free?
FreeAfterRebate.info watches and publishes info on the large number of "free after rebate" sales available today. It also provides and RSS Feed so you don't have to visit the web site to see new listings.
Software Updates
Macintosh
SafariSorter 1.2 - sorts Safari bookmarks alphabetically
To The Moon - 7-NASA capsule icons...and desktop picture. [MacUpdate - Mac OS X]
Apple releases Security Update 2004-02-23
Apple has released Security Update 2004-02-23 which delivers a number of security enhancements and is recommended for all Macintosh users. This update includes the following components: DiskArbitration IPSec Point-to-Point-Protocol tcpdump Security Update 2004-02-23 is available via Software Update. [MacDailyNews]
Palm
Manage your books in your book collection [VersionTracker: Mac OS X]
Frame a photo and add the finishing touch [VersionTracker: Mac OS X]
Personal information manager [VersionTracker: PalmOS]
Windows
Desktop Dozen - 2.81 12 stylish business productivity tools [VersionTracker: Windows]
Software Updates of all sorts
Looking for new anti-virus software, a Palm PDA or books? Check out Douglas Recommends...
It contains direct Amazon links to some of my favorite Books, Hardware and Software. These are the items I find myself constantly recommending and I wanted to share them with you. I will be adding new items regularly, so check back often.
If you are looking for a recommendation on anything particular, let me know and I will add it to this page.
WelchWrite Merchandise
New products available from Cafepress
I have added a new store to my Cafepress collection. It contains products with this picture, from my recent trip to Sicily.
Check out the wide selection at:
http://cafeshops.com/mossyrock/
Additional stores are also open at:
http://cafeshops.com/welchphotohttp://cafeshops.com/welchsun/
If you are shopping for holiday presents through Amazon.com, you can use the WelchWrite Bookstore. Simply click on the link below to start your shopping and WelchWrite receives a small portion (around 5%) of each sale.
Career-Op, now in its 6th year, is my weekly column on high-tech careers. In Career-Op, I address some of the particular issues of working in high-tech and also general issues that we all face in our careers. You can find the latest column, and a complete archive of past columns complete archive of past columns.
Latest Column
Career-Op: Bars on your Windows
by Douglas E. Welch, ComputorEdge MagazineIt is almost impossible to work in a high-tech career today without being deeply involved with Microsoft Windows. Whether you are a developer, a user or a consultant to other users, there a several things you need to do to keep everything working smoothly. Doing so, and maintaining it regularly, is a sure way to improve you own high-tech life, that of your clients and your own high-tech career. For those of you just starting out, here are a few hints to insure that you and your clients are getting the most from your computer everyday.
My weblog, My Word with Douglas E. Welch, is a daily gathering spot for all the information I come across in my travels. There I announce new software updates, post photos, highlight interesting news stories, book recommendations and LA Events. You can check it out at: http://www.welchwrite.com /blog/
A Recent Entry:
Broadband Reports points out that Microsoft is offering up a free CD full of Critical Updates for most versions of Windows.From their web site...
Free Microsoft Critical Update CD
Updates Through October, 2003. Microsoft is taking orders for a free CD containing critical updates and patches through October, 2003 for Windows XP, Me, 2000, 98, and 98 Second Edition. The CD is aimed at users who have dialup connections or other difficulties in downloading file.. [Broadbandreports]
A Gardener's
Notebook is a daily
weblog of the trials and tribulations of a part-time gardener. It includes
notes on what is blooming, what I am planting and what is struggling.
It also contains links to new (or newly found) gardening books and more.
Spend some time in my garden! http://welchwrite.com/agn/blog/
A Recent Entry:
Spring has Arrived in LA!
I think the picture says it all.
Click thumbnail for larger image.
Interesting
Web Sites
Mars Rovers - Spirit & Opportunity
Amazon Early Adopters Page - Neat New Technology for the Geek in all of us
Tell a friend
If you know of someone who would be interested in receiving this newsletter, please feel free to forward this message. They can also subscribe by sending a blank message to subscribe@welchwrite.com.
If you wish to be removed from this mailing, send a blank message to unsubscribe@welchwrite.com.
This newsletter is also available directly via the web at:
Contact
Information
I am available for assistance via telephone,
cell phone, e-mail and instant messaging.
The fee for assistance via these methods is my basic hourly rate, pro-rated
by the minute.
Contact Numbers:
Office 818-781-6955
Cell 818-601-0051
Email douglas@welchwrite.com
AOL Instant Messenger WelchWrite