There's no reason why you can't follow these simple steps to cut down on computer repairs...

1. Reboot the computer. Before you consider an issue a real problem, always reboot first. Save whatever files you’re working on, and exit all possible programs. Then Shutdown (turn off) the computer. Wait a moment, then power the computer back on and let it boot. Try to repeat what you were doing before you shut the computer down. If the problem happens again, contact me. If you suspect the problem involves something hardware-related, such as a network card, modem, mouse, keyboard or sound card, contact me immediately.

2. Protect against viruses with a strong defense. To guard against expensive emergency computer support service calls for virus-related problems, you need a good anti-virus application. Make sure every PC, notebook and server in your office has antivirus software installed and properly functioning. Most importantly be sure each computer gets virus updates at least once every two to four weeks. Do not waste your money on Norton (Symantec) or McAfee anti-virus products. The latest versions of Norton and McAfee often crash older computers once installed. I use AVG Anti-Virus by Grisoft, I’ve used it on my own computers for years, and recommend it to all of my customers. It’s far superior to Norton and McAfee.

3. Avoid illegal software and music. Installing illegal software can lead to enormous piracy liability, virus infections and major operating system and application instability, it's in your best interest to not download or install illegal software or music. As a side note, you should always keep all software diskettes, CD-ROMs, license agreements and installation codes in one safe place. If your computer ever needs to be reformatted, I would need them to reinstall all of your software applications.

4. Invest in power protection before you need it. Are your computers ready for brownouts, blackouts, and surges? Do you have good surge protection measures in place? Do you have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) fully charged up, tested and ready to go? If you answered "Not Sure" or "No" to any of these questions, you're not alone. Your computer and phone systems may be a lot more vulnerable than you realize. Make sure every piece of sensitive electronic equipment in your office has some kind of surge protection or battery backup power. Also, regularly test your uninterruptible power supply and monitor its related software log files.

5. Learn how to use your backup/restore system before you have an emergency. If you are not currently backing up, I can help you select an affordable efficient method to backup the data you want safeguarded. Don't wait until a friend or family member inadvertently deletes a folder of important Microsoft Excel files to learn about and test your backup/restore system. By then it’s too late, you'll panic and need an expensive computer consultant service call. Set aside time to ask me questions now and take good notes. Learn how to check if your automated backup routines are running properly and if data is making it onto the tape as expected. Be sure that you can handle any required manual backup and restore procedures.

6. Try to schedule proactive maintenance, well in advance and during normal business hours. The best way to protect against emergencies is to prevent them in the first place. Don't procrastinate. Schedule with me to come in and run through basic proactive maintenance. If at all possible, have this done during my normal business hours, to keep the cost down. For most users, an annual cleanup and checkup with me is adequate. Small businesses may want to consider quarterly appointments with me. If you have teenagers or college kids using your computer, then you may even be calling me on a monthly basis, as they seem to be the most troublesome group where computers are concerned.

7. Ask lots of questions and take good notes during my visits. If you're not watching over my shoulder at least 25 percent to 50 percent of the time, you're probably not getting maximum value out of the visit. I’m always happy to share my knowledge with you. Knowledge transfer is just too important to your personal success with computers.

8. Save some money by helping yourself first. Launch your Web browser to get solutions for common problems with software applications and operating systems. For example, with popular Microsoft products like Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows, you can search Microsoft's online Knowledge Base at http://support.microsoft.com. This is roughly the same information that's used by both Microsoft support professionals and most computer consultants. Many of the major hardware vendors, such as Dell Computer (http://support.dell.com), also have similar computer support resources available for their products.

9. Always use the built-in Help features in your software applications. Don't overlook integrated Help functions available in your software. For example, in most of the Microsoft Office family of applications, you can always reach the Office Assistant from the Help pull-down menu. Many software programs have help contents in the topmost toolbar of their window. In many cases, pressing the F1 key on the keyboard also launches a Help screen.

10. Take lots of notes as you learn. Whatever computer support problems and resolutions you tackle this week will probably be relevant at some point down the road. Logging computer support problems also gives you a great paper trail for documenting your most common computer support issues and challenges. In addition, the logs are great tools for me to quickly diagnose your issues.