Surge Protectors don't last forever. They're only good for 1 surge to your house. They may still function as an extension cord and supply power, but the ceramic disc that absorbs a power surge is no longer functioning. You should replace them often.
Tip #2:
Don't think all computers are multi-purpose. Some people need a computer to complete small tasks like search the internet, email family and upload pictures. Other people need a computer to run businesses, design digital graphics or play intense video games. Just like cars, you should shop and ask for what you NEED.
Tip #3:
Saving your data is only saving items that YOU created on your computer. If you type documents with Microsoft Word or comparable program; saving your data means JUST saving those documents, not Microsoft Word. That is why it is so important to put all CD's for new software in a safe place. Should your computer have to be reloaded, those CD's are needed to re-install your software.
Tip #4:
Your internet services have NOTHING to do with the performance of your computer. If you cannot get connected to your internet (bad username/password, incorrect login, no dial-tone, busy signal, or constant disconnections), you should FIRST contact your internet service provider (Yahoo, AT&T, Time Warner, AOL, etc). When your phone line is dead and you can't make or receive phone calls, you wouldn't call the manufacturer of your phone, would you? No, you'd call the provider of your service. Internet works the same way.
Tip #5:
Microsoft Office does NOT come with a Windows operating system like 2000, XP or Vista. If you purchased a brand new computer from a large distributor and it included Office, you paid for it in the cost of the computer. Therefore, if you need your computer reloaded back to the way it was, you would have to provide a Microsoft Office CD.
