This guide offers several ways to care for your computer so it can take care of all your computing needs.

Here are some very important things to know, even before you connect your computer to the Internet:

►You need a SURGE SUPPRESSOR. The power coming through your electric outlet periodically suffers “spikes” and “peaks”- inconsistent power surges which can wreck your computer.  Lightning storms make this situation much worse.  You can purchase a decent surge suppressor in all computer, hardware, or office supply stores for around $25..  If you plug your phone line in the back of your computer, make sure there is a phone jack in the surge suppressor too.  Purchase a NEW surge suppressor every three years- they degrade over time.

►POSITION YOUR COMPUTER where it will not get bumped or kicked; off the dusty floor, and far enough away from the wall so it can get and circulate cool air.  Computers overheat easily, and repeated or prolonged overheating can cause a complete computer breakdown.  Keep it from an open window where rain might enter and short it out electrically.

►You MUST have adequate MALWARE PROTECTION software and a FIREWALL.     “Malware” means “malicious software- viruses, Spyware, Adware, and many other destructive or illegal programs.  A “firewall” keeps other people from controlling your computer when you are on the Internet.  Your computer is vulnerable to outside attempts to control/damage it and steal/corrupt any personal information you put on it.

►Read the OWNER’s MANUAL and START-UP GUIDE before turning on your computer.  Many future repairs and much grief can be avoided IF computer users have some understanding what they need ahead of time.

Do these things as soon as you start your computer the first time: (Note: you will likely need to have a working Internet connection first to do these things).

►INSTALL, CONFIGURE, and UPDATE your Malware protection software and Firewall.  KandiComp strongly recommends “Trend Micro Internet Security”,”Kaspersky Internet Security”, or “Norton Internet Security”.

►Whatever protection you install, purchase it from your computer’s company or from a reputable store-

►NEVER DOWNLOAD this kind of software over the Internet- it may be a substandard program, a limited-features “try-before-you-buy” version; it may even be infected with Malware!

►Also, it is NOT ENOUGH to install it on your computer- it needs to be “configured”, or set up to protect you effectively; it is NOT configured out of the box.  Read your manual, and study any tutorials provided with the software first!

►Finally, download any “updates” for your software once it is installed and configured (the manual or tutorial will tell you how to do this).  Many new Malware infections have been created since the software CD was first published; and updates make your software work against all CURRENT threats- they bring your software up-to-date.

►For Windows computers- Download ALL AVAILABLE Microsoft Updates.  Criminals and Cyberterrorists know how to gain access to your computer from a remote location, and how to cripple your ability to use it.  They can steal your personal information.  They can damage it so it is inoperable.

►Microsoft and Linux both provide Updates over the Internet. All you have to do is click on the “Windows Update” icon (found in your computer’s “START” menu) to go to the Windows site and get the updates you need.  GET THEM ALL.  They are designed to make your computer more stable and more secure.  Keep re-starting your computer after each set you download, and GO BACK TO GET MORE until there are no more to get.  You’ll be glad you did over time.

Keep your computer healthy with these “Scheduled Maintenance” steps:

►Perform a weekly Hard Disk Scan, and Disk Defragmentation.  If you “right-click” on your Hard drive (usually drive C:\ found in “My Computer”), and then click on “Properties”, you will find a box with “tabs” at the top.  Click on the “Tools” tab.  There you will find the programs to run to keep your computer’s Hard drive working well for years to come.  You CANNOT HURT your computer by running these programs, so run them ALL.  You can find help for anything you don’t understand by clicking on the “?” at the top right corner of the “Properties” box.

►For more information, or for computer help, call your helpful friends at KandiComp! We are backed by 28 years of computer expertise, all at your disposal.  Don't regret it tomorrow- Call us today.  We can help you “Experience Sweet Computing!”

Call: (320)235-2701
Fax: (320)235-0260
E-mail: support@kandicomp.com