March 1st, 2008 (copyright DoneWell Services Limited 2008)

Welcome to the wonderful and sometimes confusing world of PC use.

Whether you are a new user, or a seasoned veteren, there are so many aspects to computer use that there is always something new to learn.

From photo and video editing to document and spreadsheet creation, emailing, web browsing and much much more, the world of pc use in the home is expanding at an exponential rate.

If you go about the process of learning to use your pc in an organised and disciplined way, the outcomes of your experience will be far more satisfying that by diving in and learning by the "seat of your trousers" (a method many people are forced to use because they don't have the correct material or advice to help them get started the right way).

Over the next few weeks, I will be covering a number of aspects of computer set-up and use that will help you to become a seasoned veteren rather than a confused novice who feels like giving up through lack of guidance. Internet Security is the first item on the list and probably the most important one.

The first thing I wish to do however, is dispel is the myth that you can "break" your pc simply by being a beginner and unfamiliar with it. Many people comment to me that because they are not computer geeks that they probably hit a key that caused the system to fail in some way.

This is not true, unless...

Your computer, much like you car can break down due to poor maintenance, age, and careless treatment. A PC can also fail due to lack of power-supply protection. Failure to provide adequate internet security protection will frequently lead to poor functionality (a topic I will cover in detail later - Internet Security).

However, unless you go changing settings you do not understand, or delete or install files without knowing whether it is safe or advisable to do so , there is little or no chance of you damaging your computer simply by using it.

Anyway, these days with the advent of Windows ME, XP and Vista, there are inherent protection mechanisms built into these operating systems such as the System Restore function that can frequently rescue you from difficult situations should they arise.

Used judiciously, in conjunction with other built-in recovery tools that come on XP and Vista installation CD's/DVD's many apparently unrecoverable situations can be fixed.

A good computer technician will be able to help you ascertain the cause of, and treatment for most computer ailments. You should be prepared to utilise such services from time to time, however you can save yourself money and time if you understand and follow a regime of good and safe computer maintenance and use. Always protect yourself and endeavour to understand what you are doing before you do it - play it safe!

Happy computing

Bryn