It’s A Nightmare……

Let us discuss nightmares. I am not talking about the kind of nightmare that occurs in our sleep. I am talking about the kind, which after it occurs the thought runs through our head, I should have (fill in the blank). For example, several years ago I had a flat tire. I knew the tire was worn, and I knew it should be replaced, and even better, I had actually started pricing tires. I just hadn’t replaced it yet. So there I was, forced to buy a tire immediately, a tow charge and great inconvenience. I should have …

But I realize that all of you are well prepared for any catastrophe. You went out and bought extra flashlights and batteries, a couple of gallons of bottled water, some candles, blankets, a battery powered radio and even a generator. Stocked the pantry with a few weeks worth of non-perishable food and prepared a plan to evacuate if necessary. Of course, I did all this AFTER the hurricane. I should have …

With all this planning, let me ask a question. What would happen if your computer, or a program on it quit? What would you do? Call your eight-year-old child? Ask your neighbor for help? Do you know all your passwords? Do you know where all the disks are that came with the programs? Better yet, where are the product keys for all the software? (the little orange tags with numbers that fell off the plastic CD ROM jewel case) Are your files backed up? Do you have the number of a good computer tech. (strong hint, if you live in Port Charlotte or Punta Gorda, Florida e-mail me at adakeep@hotmail.www, just change the www to com) (Martha, did he change the e-mail address so e-mail harvesting robots couldn’t get it?)

In addition to the programs on the computer, there are also specific drivers (little programs that instruct a device how to react to commands) for the video, audio, printers, keyboard, network card, modem etc. Do you know which drivers will work with your computer? Sure, you can download new drivers from the Internet, but not if you don’t know which one is needed. How about the motherboard? Who manufactured it and which model. Do you know which version of the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is required for that motherboard?

Bad things do happen to good computers. Rest assured though, that they will only happen at the most inopportune time. When a bad thing does happen, do you really want to say, “I should have…? A little bit of planning can save the day.

Passwords should be written down and stored in a safe place. Sure, we told Windows to remember all the passwords and it does a great job of it, until windows isn’t working anymore. Additionally, in Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 we might consider activating the Guest account and giving our account a password. That way when your grandchild visits and tries to download and install all types of malicious software without telling anyone what it is, you can rest assured that the guest account will not allow them to install anything. I have one client that calls me every year after the grandchild leaves because they cannot logon to the computer. (Love those grandkids)

Program disks should be stored in the cases or wrappers. Do not use them as coasters or Frisbees. Make sure that the little stickers with the product keys are with them. Consider using a Sharpie marker to print the key on the disk itself. I am convinced that the software makers have a secret glue formula for those stickers so that they fall off after a certain period of time. Without the product key, the software cannot be reinstalled and you need to buy a new copy of it. Be sure to make the recovery disks for the computer, label one, two and so on. Put them in a zip lock bag or CD jewel case stored in a place that won’t be forgotten.

Now go to http://www.belarc.com and download Belarc Advisor. This is a free program that runs a complete inventory list of the entire computer’s hardware, along with the manufactures name and model number. This is important when it comes to loading the correct drivers for each item. Belarc also displays the make and model of the computer along with the motherboard and the version of the BIOS. As they say on TV, and that’s not all! Belarc will list all the programs on your computer, where they are installed and the license and product keys. As a bonus, it will show not only the operating system and service pack level, but also all the Windows Hotfixes and whether or not they need to be reinstalled.

This and many other useful tips and tricks are packed in my book, Grumbles From The Keyboard. Click on the buy now button to the right of the page and order yours from amazon.com or go to www.grumblesfromthekeyboard.com and order your very own autographed copy today.

Print out this information and put it in a safe place along with the program and computer installation disks. Do it now, while the computer is working well. Never utter the words, I should have ….

Grumbles From The Keyboard: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love My Computer