Several items are necessities along with a new computer.

SURGE SUPPRESSOR - One item is a surge suppressor. While different from a common power strip, they must not be confused with one. A surge suppressor must be plugged into a properly grounded electrical outlet, and then the computer, monitor, and any other externally powered accessories plugged into the surge suppressor. Many users do not realize that there are often normal fluctuations in the electricity in the home or office; these variations can be caused by internal events, such as major appliances cycling on, or external events, such as utility company transformer problems. In addition to these power surges, many computers and their peripherals may be sensitive to electrical line noise. Most decent quality surge protectors offer both surge and noise protection. Others also offer protection for phone modem lines or cable connections; these features may be necessary as well, because power surges from any source may be damaging to a computer. Marketing hype, such as stating a high-dollar level of protection, such as “$10,000 power surge protection” is often meaningless, and useless. When purchasing a surge suppressor, be sure that it is “UL 1449” listed. The ability to protect from surges is measured in joules. Generally, the more joules of protection available from the suppressor, the more energy that can be absorbed, and the better protection that can be offered. It should also be noted that surge suppressors may wear out, and its protection may degrade over time. It is a good idea to inspect and periodically replace suppressors. Many have an LED that glows when the device is functioning, and changes color or goes out when the suppressor no longer offers protection.

ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE – With over 300 new viruses appearing in a typical week, installing antivirus software on a new computer is imperative. This warning applies to all operating systems, whether installed on a desktop computer, notebook, Pocket PC, or a PDA. There are now viruses targeting virtually any computing device from mainframes to cell phones, with personal computers being the most common target and victim. Antivirus software is readily available from literally anyplace selling computers or software, and is produced by many publishers. While there are distinct differences and capabilities between the different brands and versions of antivirus software on the market, virtually any compatible brand, if properly installed, configured, and frequently updated, will provide reasonable virus protection. The top selling retail brands are Symantec’s Norton Antivirus and McAfee’s VirusShield. Other brands, often excellent, are available at retail, online, or available for download. If any rebate deals are offered, read the terms carefully, as many have significant restrictions. For those wanting decent protection, but finding themselves “holiday poor”, there is an adequate but free antivirus program available for download. AVG, available for download from www.grisoft.com, is more then capable of protecting a new computer from virus attacks, provided it is properly configured and updated, just as its commercial competitors require. Many of the newer antivirus programs now also include an integral firewall, a program designed to protect the computer from intrusion and hackers. A firewall is used along with antivirus software, not instead of it.

INTERNET ACCESS – Once considered a luxury, net access has now become a necessity for most computer users. A new computer may be an ideal time to sign-up for new Internet service. There are two basic types of Internet service generally available, dialup, and broadband. Dialup, usually the lowest cost Internet service, uses a modem, often referred to as “56K”, V.90 or V.92 in current parlance. Typical dialup connect speeds are normally in the 30K to 40k (thirty to forty thousand little pieces of data per second) range. I strongly recommend the local internet service providers (ISPs) over the big national carriers for dialup; not just are they often less expensive, often saving up to about $20 a month over the largest national ISP, but they also typically offer superior service, faster connections, fewer annoyances, and are an all-around better deal. Since virtually all new computers come with a phone modem, dialup is a reasonable choice for the new user.

Broadband, also referred to as “high speed” Internet, comes in two common types, DSL and cable Internet service. Broadband is more expensive then regular dialup service, but many times faster. For many users however, broadband may be price competitive with dialup if the cost of a separate phone line is taken into consideration. DSL, available in limited areas from most local ISPs or from the phone company, often uses existing phone lines to provide fast Internet service. Cable internet service is available to many cable TV subscribers, and usually uses existing cable connections, rather then a phone line, to connect the computer. Both cable and DSL connections require a special type of modem for Internet service, but this type of modem is almost always different from the modem built into new computers. If broadband is selected for that new computer, a software firewall may also be necessary to protect the computer from hackers and other electronic intruders. Firewalls may be purchased from almost any computer, electronics, or office supply store, or excellent free ones (free for personal use) can be downloaded. Two of the most popular available for download are Zone Alarm, from www.zonelabs.com, or Outpost, from www.agnitum.com.

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