Using the home computer: The Last Mile Problem
Planning down to the last mile
The Last Mile Problem, in case you are wondering what the phrase refers to is really a problem that plagues many of us. We set out to do a job and begin with great gusto and see it through often with sufficient energy but very often towards the end taper of somewhere between almost done and completely well done! Very often it is not a case of energy but finances where we spend more on acquisition of a 'product' and focus to a lesser extent on peripherals that are required to keep it in healthy working order. Most often we face various kinds of problems with our pc then one should go for home computer repair as soon as possible to resolve the problem.
Lets' look at what happens very often when we buy a house; we focus on the location, the design and amenities it provides and put in all our resources in that pot. We often stretch to afford a better 'product' than our finances actually allow us. Once the 'product' is actually ours, the cost cutting starts; the extra railing, the double security doors, the 'will do the job' alarm system'the list is really endless.
The first mile: identify your needs
Buying a computer for the home is no different from buying a house or a car or similar 'product'. It will have multiple users, with varying degree of expertise in usage and most importantly with varying needs. We will oft be tempted to buy the best and latest in the market regardless of our budget. I would recommend that the very first thing you should do is to draw up a checklist of all possible requirements; be it hardware, software, computer training, computer support or computer security. Once that is done, put down a cost to everything. This will ensure that you see everything in perspective and make an informed decision.
The next mile: an informed purchase plan
You are now ready to make an informed and thought through purchase. It's important that you focus on the full set of requirements that accompany the installation of a computer in a home rather than a lopsided approach which can really land you in a very frustrating set of problems. Once you have thought about online computer maintenance, computer support, computer peripherals and very importantly computer security before you actually buy a system, you are aware that while your new system is designed to work seamlessly and should be error free you are ready financially and mentally for all the extra expenses and issues that will definitely come your way.
For example, there is plenty of anti-virus software that is available free of cost on the Internet and you may choose to use that for your computer security needs; zero cost. A word of caution here, as this is going to be your only means of keeping your computer secure, you may be better off using a well known brand of full service anti-virus software as it will be your only hope against virus attacks that can crash your system completely. Unlike a computer in the office, a home computer is particularly vulnerable.
The next mile: be aware of what help already exists
Today's hardware come pre-loaded with Microsoft Help and has tutorials that can walk you through various features of your new system. There is plenty of Microsoft help available at www.microsoft.com in the form of Q& A's, online chat rooms, Toll Free numbers etc. Alternatively, good quality Microsoft tech help is available with several vendors that you could potentially look to for tech support. However, before you scream for help, play around with your system, get a real feel for it and try and understand and enjoy all its features and firefight a trouble shoot to the best of your ability. Treat it like your own home; where you sometimes get under the sink to fix that leaking tap and not like a rented apartment where you either ignore it and or let it fester till the owner shows up.
The last mile: a time to smile
The last mile is really the time to enjoy your purchase. Specially, since you have already planned for it. You know potentially about the possible virus removal requirement, the need for tech support, installing good computer security, the training needs of some of the users, the added cost of hardware and software in general, the list is really endless. Having planned for the last mile you are in a good position; aware, informed and therefore secure.
About the Author:
Joseph John is a technical expert with iYogi. iYogi on 1-800-237-3901 provides computer help, computer tech service, Microsoft support, dell support, computer repair, computer tech support, virus and spyware removal, computer optimization, computer maintenance, phone tech support etc. It is the winner of Red Herring Top 100 Award and helps millions of busy customers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Singapore through their Microsoft certified technicians.