Title: Computers and the Family -- THE GURU.


                      Written BY: Michael T. Huggett
                       SysOp of: Dark Steel Systems


        It has often been said that an, "ounce of prevention is  
        better than a cup of cure".  When it comes to computers and
        the home front nothing could be closer to the truth.  So 
        often problems that occur could have been avoided if only
        people new what that "Ounce of prevention" was.

             Computer companies, resellars and consultants alike 
        are seemingly busting at the seems to help new and novice
        computer users overcome there seemingly disasterous hurdles.
        Doing so, of course for a modest fee (There are always those
        that are an exception to the rule.)                     
        Much assistance can be had IF someone within your family has
        a deep interest in computers.  Add to this the need to record
        problems that are encountered through the course of time, can
        certainly be part of the formula for that ounce of prevention.
        
             Some mistakes that are made, are because people do not take
        the time to write down on paper, information pertaining to
        the computer they use.  Such things as, RAM (memory configuration)
        Autoexec.bat, Config.sys file, these are a few that we mention
        which will offer valuable information to how the system runs
        and under what controls.                                      
        
             A good DOS manual is helpful.  One that will give basic
        to intermediate details to commands and command sets, to better
        educate the user.  Also it is good practice to make a backup
        copy of both Config.sys and Autoexec.bat BEFORE you add any
        new applications or make any adjustments.  True, most software
        will do this at installation, yet to have a backup on a floppy
        disk tends to add a dimension of security.
        
             Of course the ultimate would be to have a family member   
        that has an interest in computers, that shows an ability to
        understand how the system works, and has an overall feel for
        computing.  If no one in your family has this, then you can
        still (generally) get by, when following the above steps.  You
        can always inlist the aid of friend that may have some skill
        in the area of computing.                                    
        
             In the next article we will look at the type of MINDSET
        that will help you when you look at a computer.  Computers
        are purely logical machines, we are not.

        TILL NEXT MONTH......