Here’s another case. Most new computers come with anti-virus software pre-installed. The computer purchaser often assumes that this software is good for a year. Many computer manufacturers, however, have found this to be an area where they could cut costs. Some are now including anti-virus software that is good for six months. I recently installed a Hewlett Packard computer that came with only two months of Norton anti-virus. That means that at the end of two months, the owner will have to purchase a new anti-virus subscription from Symantec in order to be covered for new viruses. When the time comes, the user will be prompted to purchase the anti-virus subscription. But many users ignore that prompt because they don’t understand what it means.  Knowing the what and why of the situation may save your computer from contracting a virus.

Here are a few more. Did you know that both Windows Me and Windows XP have a built-in System Restore function? If your computer starts to hiccup or act improperly, you can click on Start – Accessories – System Tools – System Restore. This will get you to the Window where you can set your computer back to a time before the erratic behavior began. System Restore returns the registry and other computer components to a previous time, but it doesn’t affect any recent documents that you created. System Restore is a lifesaver that you should know about.

Do you know that you should update your Windows software regularly? If you don’t know this, you could really be hurt. Since Windows is such a popular operating system, hackers and other evil-doers are constantly searching for, and sometimes finding, security holes that they can use to attack your computer or steal personal information. When these holes are found Microsoft issues a patch to secure the hole. They call it a Windows Update. Newer versions of Windows will automatically remind you when a new Windows update is available. You should download and install all updates as soon as you can. If Windows doesn’t prompt you automatically, go to the Windows update Web site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com (no www) to obtain the latest updates.

Do you know that if you reinstall your windows operating system, you must reinstall all the updates? Yes, although it is a lot of work, you must reinstall all the updates.

Do you know the cheapest way to buy Microsoft Word? Since Word is the most popular work processor, many people want to have a copy so they can easily trade documents with others. A full version of word will set you back $229. An upgrade version (if you own a previous version) is $109. You can, however, buy a Microsoft Works Suite 2004 for only $99. This set of programs comes with six complete programs including the full version of Microsoft Word. The Works Suite includes Word 2002 rather than the newest version of Word, but for most folks it is just as good. By the way, in the Works Suite you also get Picture It!,  Encarta Encyclopedia Standard 2004, Money 2004 Standard Edition, Streets & Trips 2004 and a database, spreadsheet program called Works 7.0. Right now Microsoft is offering a $15 rebate on Works bringing your cost down to $85.   In this case what you don’t know can cost you money.

So when it comes to the world of computers, it’s important that you learn as much as you can. Remember, what you don’t know can hurt you.