Welcome to At Home Computers

Thinking of buying a home computer, or updating?

I recommend you visit TigerDirect to check out their incredible range of computers of all types, sizes and budgets, plus all the software and peripherals you will ever need. They have great specials and more often than not free delivery, so head on over and have a look. You will find a search button in the side bar to the right of this page which will enable you to find anything to do with computers that you could ever think of (and more!). Just put in your search item, click the arrow, and voila!

In the space of a few short years, home computers have become as essential as televisions. Who’d a thunk, just 10 or 15 years ago? We all logon every day, or several times day, to view our email and check out something online: shopping, news, film reviews, whatever. The array of information is vast and the simple fact is that the internet is now the only practical way to access this information quickly.

We are very fortunate to be in the middle of this revolution in information.

I’m an older computer user myself (if you are too, you might like to have a look at Seniorama, a terrific program for elders especially to assist in internet browsing, but also with some great games and lots of other stuff); over the years I have learnt a lot about how to use computers, and a little bit about what you should and should not do with home computers. Here goes:

1.    Don’t buy the flashest, most expensive computer there is. Unless you’re a heavy user of graphics, or download heaps, or you’re a geek who loves computers, you don’t need all the bells and whistles. Think motorcars. Yes, it’d be nice to have a Mercedes, but a Nissan also has 4 wheels and an engine, and reliability. Get a second opinion before you buy, from your nerdy son if you have one. Also, see my page Home Computer Buying Guide for some more tips and information;

2.   Think carefully about what type of computer you should get: desktop, notebook (laptop) or even smaller eg iPad or an Android equivalent. My own view is that, unless you’re always on the move, a notebook is the way to go: small (but not too small) and transportable from one room to another if you require. Here’s a link to a great site to have a look around in;

3.   Unless you do have some experience, do not try to set up your computer yourself. It always looks easy but it never is. Get your nerdy son or one of his friends to do it, or an experienced and recommended computer guy. Ok, there’s a cost, but it beats the total frustration of fiddling, fiddling and re-fiddling. Stick to what you know;

4.   Get essentials like anti-virus software. I totally recommend Malwarebytes. You can go her to see this and buy it. I’ve used it for years, and it works a treat and is always updating. In fact I run it with Microsoft Security Essentials with no problems and feel very secure;

5.   I use a program called Registry Reviver – click this link to check it out – which does a good job or keeping my system running smoothly and trouble-free. I also recommend a terrific free program called CCleaner, which cleans up all the extraneous crap that somehow finds its way onto your hard drive from internet browsing. It’s great and very easy to use. Copy & paste this link to your browser – http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner – to download it for free;

6.   Don’t overload software; most of it you don’t need and will never use (unless you’re a geek). For older people, though, this product at this link is highly recommended for making internet browsing a breeze.

7.   Get an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier/fax. They’re cheap as chips and, in my case, go forever. I have an Epsom Stylus Office TX300F and have had no trouble with it for 2 years. Just be aware that although these machines are really cheap to buy, the consumables are not (it seems to be where they make their money). So check out up-front and ongoing costs;

8.   I also use a black and white laser printer for my work, because it’s a lot faster and cheaper to run than the all-in-ones. Mine’s a Brother HL-2140. It’s a great machine. This is not wireless though, so it’s a good idea to get wireless printers etc nowadays, just for the sheer convenience;

9.   DO NOT try home repairs to your computer unless you’re confident you know what you’re doing. See my page Home Computer Repair? for some guidance on this.

Remember, Seniors – check out Seniorama for a really helpful program.