How to Take Control of Your Computer Without Becoming a Geek

Computers are amazing. Advancements in technology are happening so fast that a brand new computer or operating system often becomes obsolete just as the poor owner finally figures out how to use it. The good news is, you don't have to be a slave to computer manufacturer's marketing schemes, or Microsoft's idea of PC utopia. More and more PC users are discovering they are perfectly capable of shaping their own computing experience.

Are you computer illiterate? Don't feel bad, so are millions of other PC users. Why so many uninformed people? The PC powers that be want to keep you that way. Think about it. If you don't know what you are buying you will spend more, more often. When Microsoft says jump, we jump. When a cool new commercial airs for the latest and greatest gadget, our brains immediately jump into hyperdrive trying to figure out how we can get one.

Are You a Geek?

If you think it takes a geek to understand computers, think again. If you spend any time at all on the Internet, you know that anyone can learn anything by doing a simple search. To get you started, here are a few basic areas of computer technology that every PC user should familiarize themselves with.

Learn About PC Hardware

Before you buy a new or used desktop or laptop, or upgrade your current computer, learn all you can about PC hardware. For example, you should know the difference between an AGP and PCI video card, RAM (memory) and CPU (processor) motherboard options, and types of network cards available.

Remember, computer dealers will try to sell you more power and gadgets than you need. If you know a bit about PC hardware, and the type of programs, games and applications you use, you will save yourself a lot of money.

Learn Basic Repair and Upgrade Procedures

Computer technicians love charging a whole lot of money for easy computer upgrades that any 12 year old could perform. Need more RAM? A typical desktop or laptop memory upgrade usually takes less than 10 minutes, but will cost as much as $50 to $75 (plus the cost of the memory) if you have a professional do it.

You'll find the more you learn about PC hardware, the more you understand what repairs and upgrades you can do yourself. A few that can be accomplished by an informed non-geek include memory, optical drive (CD/DVD) and sound/video card upgrades.

Learn About Operating Systems

Did you know that you don't have to use Microsoft Windows as your primary operating system? For example, if you buy a PC with Windows Vista on it you have every right to switch to something else. Switching to another Windows version or even Linux is really not that difficult. The most important thing is to make sure important data and files stored on your computer are backed up before you make the switch.

Familiarize yourself with alternatives to Windows, other systems like Apple's beloved Mac computers, but most of all don't be afraid to experiment.

Sources:
Reader's Digest: Take Control of Your Computer, http://www.readersdigest.ca/money/cms/xcms/take-control-of-your-computer_967_a.html

For more information on operating systems click here.