The Fix is in

Hard working, methodical, efficient, and reliable. These are all descriptions that can be used to extol the virtues of our essential tool, the computer. Garbage in garbage out; is a computer phrase that accounts for the first three of the afore mentioned descriptions. The results that we receive from computers are a reflection of the information that we gave them. So when we do not get the results that we expect, then we should look at the information that was entered. When it comes to the reliability of your system, you also play a part in maintaining it, regardless of your level of computer savvy.
I realize that everyone has varying levels of comfort when it comes to their personal proletariat, the computer. This is why everyone has that person that they know that’s pretty good with computers, their very own computer guy. Well, there are ways to help you that will allow you to call on that person less with your computer woes. Lets’ say for instance that you want to copy a file in DOS but are having trouble doing so. A possible way to overcome this problem is to replace the COPY command with XCOPY and use the proper syntax. This may be something that you may advise your friend or a computer tech about. For a little more technical issues I would suggest calling a computer tech professional.
Another option that some are turning to, is called web based diagnostic tools. They generally can help you with many things from viruses to configuration conflicts. Bigfix.com is a one such web-based diagnostic that can help you with some software issues. PC Pinpoint is another web based diagnostic tool that seems to offer a few more options. In addition to software diagnoses, PC Pinpoint also offers a hardware component check. You might expect for diagnostic programs to take up a substantial amount of space on your hard drive but that is not the case. As always you have the option of using other commercial software such as Norton’s System Works or even a product from Macafee. The possible drawback could be both the price and the amount of hard drive space that is required. The web based diagnostic services will generally cost about $20.
Not to be outdone by its PC counterparts, IBM is planning solutions to confront the computer woes that face networks and mainframes. The method is called autonomics, and the once unthinkable is a computer that could maneuver around possible problems, repair itself if it does breakdown, and update software all internally.
All of the options discussed more or less serve the same purposes. They serve to make your computer as reliable as they can, within reason. Also, they afford you to call your friend that’s’ good with computers, and talk about something else besides your computer. The way that you play your role in this process is by ensuring that you choose the option that you feel best serves your computer needs. As always, it never hurts to be a little more informed.