Tag Archives: using computers

What kind of computing device should I buy?

Windows 8 Start ScreenRecently,  I have  been  getting  questions  from  people considering buying a new computing device, but they are confused about what to get.  They are not sure if they should get a traditional desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, or a smart phone.  Should they stick with Windows?  Or switch to Apple or Android or another platform?

There was once a time when all computers were big, beige boxes, all equipped with Microsoft Windows.  Today, there are more choices than ever and it can be challenging to make the right choice.  Very few computer stores employ salespeople who can provide good advice.

You should start by making a list of things you want to be able to do.  Do you want to read your E-mail and browse web sites?  Do you want  to  type business reports, articles, or other lengthy documents?  Do you need to work on complex spreadsheets?  Do you need to use specific software, such as QuickBooks or other business applications? Do you like to play sophisticated video games, or work with photography or video editing?

Deciding what you want to do with your computer is the first step. If all you want is to read E-mail and surf the web, almost any computing device can do the job.  If you require business software that only runs on Microsoft Windows, then you need a device that runs Windows. If you do complex tasks requiring a powerful computer, a desktop or tower computer will be your best choice. If you need  something you can carry everywhere you go, a smart phone or small tablet may be your best bet.

In many ways, it is like buying a new vehicle.  If you need to pull a heavy trailer or carry a heavy load, you should buy  a truck. If you have a big family to haul around, a minivan might be your best choice.  If you drive a lot of miles everyday, a small car that gets good gas mileage is the best way to go.  You have to decide what is important to you before you can make a choice.

I have compiled a spread sheet listing the various pros and cons of different computing devices and different computer operating systems (Microsoft, Apple, Android, etc.). It is too much to print in this column, but I would be happy to send it to you if you contact me and request a copy.

Feel free to call me at 847-989-8768 or email me at Rick@Hogans-Systems.com.

How did we survive before computers?

If you’re like me, you grew up in world where most people had no idea what a computer really was.  We heard about computers.  We saw them on TV.  But, we didn’t have computers in our classrooms.  We didn’t have them in our homes.  Very few of us used them at our jobs. Today’s world is completely different when it comes to computers and technology.  Computers are everywhere now:  In our offices, our homes, our cars, and even in our pockets!

OComputer Keyboardur kids have been using computers most of their lives and they are quite comfortable with them. But for us older folks, computers,  and  other high-tech devices  might seem difficult to use, or intimidating. Many of us will turn to our kids for help in understanding how to use our high-tech gadgets. Although  they  may  be  quite   comfortable  with  using computers   themselves,  younger people  often   don’t  have  the  perspective, or the patience, to explain things in terms that make sense to an older person who did not grow up in a world filled with computers and electronic gadgets.

Even though I was born in the late 1950’s, I was fortunate enough to have stumbled into the world of computers during my senior year in high school.  I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed up for the only computer class offered in my high school in 1976, but once I got started, I knew I had found my passion. I frequently get calls from clients who need someone to guide them and help them  understand  the basics.  When I come to help them, they find that I am able to explain things in ways that make sense to a person who did not grow up with a home computer, or a smart phone, or GPS.  Clients will tell me that they’ve tried to have their kids explain things to them,  but the kids  could never explain things in terms that are understandable. I know how to work around the jargon and explain things in terms you can understand.

In future editions of this column, I hope to be able to provide some useful information that will help you better understand how to use your computer effectively and efficiently. If you have any questions for me, feel free to email me at Rick@Hogans-Systems.com.