Tech Rants: Cars vs Computers

Cars vs Computers

Many people buy a new computer and expect it to last at least 3 – 5 years without any problems. They even have similar expectations with their cars, although its pretty common knowledge that cars need periodic maintenance to survive. But even a perfectly good working car can have a major problem if you get into a wreck due to unsafe driving habits. But what about computers? Yes, of course, they need regular maintenance too! Computers can also break suddenly due to unsafe internet habits. Sadly, most computer users never perform any maintenance on their computers at all, and they routinely use them unsafely on the internet. Sure, they might be aware of some bullet points concerning safe computing, but the average person’s hands-on idea about the nuts and bolts of safe computing is sorely lacking.

And why is this? Because there isn’t any “organized” authoritative information available that is geared towards the average computer user. The information is definitely out there, but it is scattered and mostly presented in lists of do’s and don’ts, leaving the reader to interpret what it all means. In my opinion, there is no substitute to brief video clips that show you “exactly” what to do and don’t.

But I get started, I want to expose what I feel is the wrong attitude most people have towards the maintenance and use of their computers. Most people can relate to car problems, so I’ll draw some tough love analogies between how people treat their cars to how they treat their computers. Make no mistake about it though, computers are not set and forget gadgets, and if that is how some of you have viewed them, then you can find your biggest computer problem in the mirror.

• Do you put off repairing small problems with your car until you have a complete breakdown before you would consider bringing it to a mechanic?
• Would you abruptly cut off your engine while driving on the freeway?
• If you had a flat tire, would you first check it for damage or a nail, or would you just simply try adding more air?
• Would you keep trying to drive your car knowing it has a severe problem that will cause it to break down and make the problem worse?
• Do you periodically change your oil?
• Do you turn on your windshield wipers in the rain?
• Do you turn your headlights on at night?
• Do you wash your car when its dirty?
• Do you steer around potholes?
• Do you slow down when driving around a blind corners?
• Do you check your mirrors when changing lanes?
• Do you check for proper directions before driving somewhere you’ve never been to before? (If you’re a guy, don’t answer this.)
• Do you renew your vehicle registration every year?
• Aside from certified mechanics, do you trust your family, friends or neighbors to repair your car problems?

Then…

• Why do most people run their computers into the ground before bringing it to a computer shop for repair?
• Why do so many people perform improper shutdowns on their computer by holding in the power button or pulling the power cord?
• Why do so many people download the latest so-called “miracle product” to try and fix their slow and freezing computers before they find out what is really wrong?
• Why do so many people keep trying to use their failing computers when they know it is going to freeze again, forcing them to perform an improper shutdown, which will only make the problem worse?
• Why don’t most people perform regular software maintenance?
• Why don’t most people use active anti-spyware protection and a firewall on the internet?
• Why don’t most people .. Do you turn on your headlights at night?
• Why don’t most people clean their computer’s vents and fans when they get dirty?
• Why don’t most people steer clear of bad websites?
• Why don’t most people use a link scanner before clicking on questionable or unknown links?
• Why don’t most people renew their antivirus software every year?
• Why do many people turn to inexperienced family and friends to try and fix their computer problems before bringing it to a certified technician?

I can tell you that the answer to some of these questions has to do with money, as well as avoiding having to deal with something that may be technically over their heads. But it doesn’t even matter. If you let your computer fail because you didn’t know what to do in the first place or were putting off repairs to save some money, it will cost your more money in the end. It also takes significantly more technical expertise to repair a computer problem than it does to prevent one. In fact, just about anyone of age can learn how to properly maintain and use their computers to keep them running fast and long.