Toward safe and sane holiday computing

Article Abstract:

Computer users who receive computer products as holiday gifts should remember a few important rules to smooth the installation of their new hardware and software. Installation should only be undertaken when the relevant company's help desk is known to be available. Users should be aware that newly installed products can disable other programs. Reading the all instructions with the new product can alert the customer to such problems. Web sites can also provide this information. Users should be cautious about compatibility. Often the specifications for minimum systems requirements shown on the product's box are not adequate. The system may run the new software but only at very slow speeds. When installing new hardware, users should ensure that they have the necessary parts and that their systems have the required ports. The most important feature for new software or equipment is an unconditional money-back guarantee.

Computers, Microcomputers, Product information, Reports, Technology overview, Consumer education, Home Computer Market

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Are the bugs dead? How do you know?

Article Abstract:

Consumers typically have no way of knowing whether the hardware and software they purchase has bugs or has been fixed. Software vendors generally have inconsistent policies for fixing or upgrading minor flaws, and many use silent upgrading, or slip streaming, adding the improvements without modifying the packaging. Products that look identical on the shelf may be different inside. Vendors frequently make changes to the hardware design without notifying users, and recalls occur only in extraordinary cases. A PC's BIOS is one of the the first hardware elements to need updating, and users with a flash BIOS can update it with third-party software. Microsoft's Windows 95 fixes will not be added in silently, but they will be available via its Web page and online services. A service pack will also be available on-line and in disk format.

Computers & Auxiliary Equip, Computer software industry, Software industry, Product defect/failure, Product quality, Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Quality management, Design and construction, Software quality, Microsoft Windows 95 (Operating system)

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