Computer Training - July 1996 Newsletter

John Bryant
Arizona Computer Consultant
(602) 861-1738

Lightning
Arch Enemy of Your Computer

(August, 1996)

Sudden electical surges and drops can severely harm your computer Monsoon season is upon us, and for your computer this is a dangerous time. Your computer needs electricity the way that the human body needs blood. It courses through every single piece of hardware in your computer. Without it, your computer can do nothing. However, just like an individuals blood pressure, sudden drops and surges in electricity can cause severe and harmful damage to your computers “heart” (hard drive), vital organs (internal hardware) or even it’s “brain” (central processor or “chip”). The following precautions will help you keep your computer “healthy”:

BACKUPS: The most important precaution against any risk of data loss is a full, up-to-date backup. Tape backup drives are the wisest form of insurance for your computer, and good tape drives are very inexpensive ($150.00 or less). This will protect you against lightning, fire, theft, accidental data loss, virus damage, hardware “crashes”,etc. The two most important things to remember about backups are 1) Backup regularly - full backups weekly and partial backups daily is best and 2) Keep a full backup in another location, such as at home or in a safety deposit box. This way you will not lose your data in a fire or if the computer is stolen.

BATTERY BACKUPS: A single power outage is not as damaging to your computer as the extreme surges and drops in power that occur during a blackout, brownout, or just your ordinary lightning storm. Your computer is very sensitive to power fluctuations - protect yourself against this. Uninterrrupted Power Supplies (UPS) are available at most any computer store or Office supply store. They usually cost about $100.00 and will provide additional power to your computer during a blackout or brownout. More importantly, these battery backups will even the flow of electricity to your computer - keeping a safe, steady flow to your system. A surge protection strip is not a substitute for a battery backup!

TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER: Many of our clients are on networks and have been advised to keep the computers on all the time. Monsoon season is the exception to the rule. Whenever a storm or brownout is expected, your safest strategy is to turn off all computers and monitors. These precautions can save you a great deal of frustration and loss. Follow them, and have a great summer! .

Cyber Tips:

Windows: If you have upgraded but are still using your old backup software - you must upgrade! Backups done on Windows 95 must be done with Win 95 compatible software. Contact Bryant Enterprises for help in upgrading to new software.

A Special Note to Our Clients:

Rate Changes Effective Sept 1, 1996
As of September 1st, 1996, new client rates will be raised to $65/hr.

Existing, active clients will be kept at our present fee of $55/hr. Clients beginning service before Sept 1st will also be kept at our present fee.

(August 1, 1996)
Printable copy of this newsletter

Questions or comments?
Feel free to email me at john@helpmedoc.com
or you can call me at (602) 861-1738.