You can write to Dr Beep at: Dr Beep, Durbs Magazine, PO Box 10903, Marine Parade, 4056 or send him email to durbsmag@kwazulunatal.com
Dear Dr Beep
Help! My computer is giving me a lot of trouble lately. I have had to replace the video card, all the memory (RAM) and various other bits but it is still giving me hassles and gives strange error messages and goes completely bezerk at times! The computer is not old and is only a few months over its guaranteed 12 month period. Whats going wrong?
Dear Friend
What could be happening is that you computer may be damaged by unreliable electrical supplies. These are power spikes, surges and dips in the electrical supply system. Caused by the electrical company or your setup at home. Power surges, line noise, brown-outs and spikes are one of the main reasons for computer failure. Due to the delicate circuitry of the computer’s parts, these are easily damaged, even by static electricity. This can cause you machine to hang or lock-up which is a major problem especially if you were working on something and cannot save your work! The electrical supply company may not or may be at fault but check that you do not share your computer’s electrical supply with heavy equipment! For example, its not a good idea to connect your hair dryer or vacuum to the same outlet as your computer!
We recommend nay we insist - that you purchase a Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)! This is an absolute must for all computer owners - especially with today’s power outages! A UPS provides protection against surges, spikes, brown-outs, line noise and power failures. Most UPS are supplied for home users and under R500 and they will typically give you 20 or so minutes in the event of a power failure to save your work etc and shut down your machine properly. They also offer protection for your modem too! The more expensive protect many computers are synchronised to your network etc and offer more down time. Remember - when you purchase your UPS to charge it thoroughly before use! UPS are available at most computer outlets like Makro, Game, Hi-Fi Corp, Dion, Pick ‘n Pay etc. Etc.
