No matter where on this big wide world you live, computers have become a way of life!  And whether you are retired or working part-time or full-time they are here to stay!

I recently replaced my modem (the thing that lets you connect to the outside world) and my router (enables networking (more than one computer) in your home.) 

Believe it or not, computer components actually do wear out – they get old – and when that happens, they become less efficient and slower…and more aggravating.

Add the normal aging process to power surges, outages, and power drops and you may have a computer on the brink.  Each of those little surges can damage the sensitive parts of your computer, again shortening their lifespan and efficiency.   And those surge protectors wear out too, becoming almost useless so even those need to be replaced eventually.

The computer world has its own Capone’s.  I’ll never understand just what those people feel they accomplish, but they get great joy, apparently, by sending out viruses – deadly bombs – to your computer.  The outcome can be as minor as items appearing at inopportune times on your desktop, to having your entire hard drive destroyed.  It’s up to you to make sure you put the proper defenses on your computer to protect yourself from such intrusions.  A really good virus program is mandatory these days.

Then, there are the spies (spyware) that infiltrate your computer.  They come from companies and/or individuals – hackers who develop programs that enable them to receive all types of information they find on your computer.  The information they might receive from your computer ranges from your dog’s name to your birth date to your social security number – unless you have up-to-date protection!

A spam filter is just as mandatory as electricity is to your computer.  Spam is basically anything you don’t really want to come to your computer, but is sent out by companies and entities to advertise their products – unwanted promotions, information, and/or entertainment. Spam usually appears in the form of email – all those hundreds that you delete daily – what a pest.  The danger here lies in the fact that those email can hold viruses, worms, all sorts of major problems.  So, get a powerful spam filter installed on your machine.

Firewall protection is a major concern too.  One trouble I’ve found is that if you happen to activate two, they may not be compatible…so, while they are another important defensive wall, be careful not to double up on them – that could make your computer unstable.  Do make sure you do at least a weekly update on your computer and your firewall should be effective.

And now, you have the Barbie version of taking care of computers – oh, make sure you dust them – constantly – they are truly dust magnets…and dust doesn’t make anything work very well.