Many years ago I used to write an article for another publication. In which I coined a word called ‘technobridge’ which basically meant there will always be gaps as one technology leaves and others come in to replace it. I made a prediction at that point – in 1991 – that we would reach a point when technology would no longer be safe to use and would become throw away. I think this is a good week to bridge my own gaps and come full circle with my old ‘technobridge’ prediction; addressing some things I hear day-to-day at my store.
First off, computer equipment is manufactured in Asia and unfortunately will most likely always originate there. I read somewhere, sometime ago the last time 90% or more of a consumer PC was manufactured stateside was in the early 90’s. Aside from software, most hardware is made in some other place. I think this is a shame, but if it weren’t the case computers would still cost thousands of dollars.
Computers have come a long way and technology keeps developing to the point where consumers believe they need the latest and greatest to stay alive. The simple truth is that computer demands are based on the software being run on it. My business designs and builds a lot of computers for an engineering product called SolidWorks. SolidWorks requires very specific equipment which tends to be pricey. Most users can make do with five year old equipment. Don’t spend a lot of money for more than you need.
Getting rid of old equipment is difficult. Computers are considered hazardous waste and need to be disposed of properly. PC’s cannot be ‘dumped’ into your dumpster and need to be taken to a location that will recycle it properly. We receive many calls from people asking if they can simply place the machine on the curb with their weekly trash. It does cost few dollars to get rid of antiquated equipment; however, it will save our landfills. Many businesses like mine will take working equipment at no charge.
Unfortunately there is no way to completely guard against many of the online threats currently in existence. I spend many hours suggesting ways to minimize the threat of viruses; however, there is no surefire, 100% means of preventing them. Up-to-date virus software in conjunction with a firewall is the best approach.
Online transactions are also not foolproof. In other words, it is best to approach your online transactions with the understanding that someone else may also see what you are looking at. I talked to a customer recently who told me that her credit card had been compromised from making online purchases. The technician who repaired her computer found two threats which were designed to log information.
I think it goes without saying that even with the newest equipment a technobridge will always exist. It is nearly impossible to guarantee anything in the computer business whether it be viruses, speed, online safety or American made. This business is the proverbial cat-and-mouse game of catch up which makes it a very tough business to be in. The computer I’m sitting behind now is 400 times faster than the computer I used to write about technobridges nineteen years ago. Truth is, I could have written this article on that computer.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can e-mail him at Jeromy@LocalComputerWiz.com or call him directly at (978) 919-8059.)