Computer Q & A for 2009

For my Holiday post I decided to compile a list of the most frequent questions I get. This is in no way exhaustive or comprehensive, but I get these a lot so maybe they'll help you.

1. What type of wireless security should I use? I always turn on WPA2 security. It is the highest level and has yet to be cracked by any organization.

2. What wireless speed should I get? Wireless routers and access points come in a number of speeds. A/B/G/N. While B/G/N are completely compatible with each other, A is a different beast all together and cannot be used in conjunction with B/G/N. The current fastest standard is 802.11N. N is the fastest wireless connection possible and the signal carries the farthest. To get the maximum speed, both the router AND the computer must be the same. If the router is N and the computer is G, you will only get G speeds.

3. Are netbooks any good? I got two of these little buggers for my kids. For basic web surfing, email checking and single application use (Office, Windows Media player, etc), a netbook is fantastic. It's light weight and wireless connectivity makes them ideal for on the go travelers that just need basic access. I opt for bigger screens (10.1") and batteries (6-cell) when possible.

4. How long will my computer last? Modern computers are much more powerful than they need to be. That being said, you should easily get 4-5 years out of a desktop and 3-4 years out of a laptop....barring catastrophic hardware failure.

5. Do I really need antivirus on every computer? YES, YES, YES. Your antivirus also needs to update regularly. A good, free antivirus is AVG. A great, lightweight antivirus for low cost is Vipre.

6. What should I be looking for in a basic home system? Each person is different, but here's what I usually suggest to someone looking for a desktop. Core 2 Duo Intel processor, Windows 7 (32 bit or 64 bit), 3gb of ram (for 32 bit), 4gb or higher (for 64 bit), 500gb 7200rpm hard drive. The extras such as DVD burner, media card reader, dedicated video card, etc. are all preferential depending on what the system will be used for. The above specs are just basic specs for a good solid system.

7. Is DSL better than Cable? Generally no. But specifically it could be. Cable internet access is shared on neighborhood "nodes". So in a subdivision with lots of users, the internet could bog down at 2:30pm when all the neighborhood kids come home from school, or 7pm when everyone is online. DSL subscribers close to the substation will never see those lags at all, as they are connecting directly to the hub. In general, Cable is significantly faster, but results may vary. Of course if FiOS is available in your area, that beats everything else hands-down.

8. Is there any way to protect my kids when they surf? There are a lot of software programs that can be load on home machines, but they all require regular updates and can be circumvented by most any knowledgeable teen. The best way I've found to secure your home network is to use www.opendns.com. I've been using it for 3 years now and find it to be VERY reliable at keeping ALL computers away from objectionable material. Because this is a DNS setting on the router, there is no way for internal computers to get around it.

9. What browser should I be using? I use Firefox only. The speed, reliability, security and copious plug-ins makes this an awesome browser of choice.

10. What do these acronyms mean?
VPN = Virtual Private Network
HTTP = Hypertext Transfer Protocol
FTP = File Transfer Protocol
DNS = Domain Name System
DHCP = Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
ID-10-T error = ID10T = idiot
PEBCAK = Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair

As the last post for 2009, I hope everyone has an awesome Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Gregory S. Gartland, PMP

IBM Certified Administrator, Developer, Trainer

The PCA Group

Where passion for technology is our way of life

585-298-9284

ggartland@thepcagroup.com

LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorygartland

Comments

[refurbished computers]

I think it's light weight and wireless connectivity makes it ideal for the travelers that just need basic access.

[ds r4]

I think people agree why the Internet is successful. My personal view is that government has widely chosen to. keep a light touch and let innovators develop it.